For many years now, I'm 73, worked as a mechanic for the first half of my working life and kept all my tools and a passion for cars. I've done pretty much all my own "stuff" from services to clutches to almost anything and it's been good fun. Just of late though I'm having to admit that some "stuff" is becoming enough of a challenge to these old bones that it's no longer fun to do. I've known the lads at AVW Autocentre here in Edinburgh since they opened (one of the owners is married to a mate's daughter) and they have helped me out a couple of times in the past and I'm very impressed with their work. I've heard good reports from others about them too. Early next year my
Ibiza (with the wee 95 hp 3 cyl turbo petrol engine) will be needing it's cam belt done It's not worth buying the timing tool kit just to do the one car and endure the inevitable arthritic and sciatic pain involved it's also an engine which I have little experience of (although I do the services on it) so that's where it'll be going and I'm very confident they will do a cracking job for me. If it's a VAG vehicle I'd be taking it there. Worth trying them for other makes too. I've seen the occasional "other make" in there but it's predominantly VAG orientated.
I also piddle about with small Fiats and various other cars (there are 6 in the "family fleet") and a couple of years ago I stumbled upon Harrison Motors in Jane Street trading estate Leith who, although a general workshop, specialize in Fiats. They are very much a wee family garage with Kenny Harrison the boss and his son running it and a small team helping out. They recently fitted a new clutch master cylinder to my boy's 2012 Punto. Which for anyone who hasn't done one, is a real swine of a job. They made a very reasonable charge at the end of it all and the mechanic showed me his wounds!
So, between these two and my own abilities, I think that'll do me.
PS Seastormer I've also heard more than one recommendation for your Fife Seat people. In fact I believe my
Ibiza, which I bought through a 3rd party, originated there.