In my search for a good, old-fashioned independent (= someone who knows what they are talking about but are also willing to talk to you) I thought I'd give Jon a try. So last Saturday I drove the 120 miles to his garage (such a chore

) and left my car with him for 24K service, disks, brakes, brake fluid, MOT and general check-up.
While I cannot really make any informed comment on the quality of the work - I am not a mechanic - I can say that I was impressed by the attitude: he talks to you, explains things without being patronizing, he is very accommodating & helpful, and he actually charged 1/2 hour less than the estimate!
OK - his waiting room did not have a leather sofa and a 46' plasma on the wall, but you know what? who gives a %^&$£ - he came across as someone who knows what he is talking about, he's friendly and accommodating and I will certainly be going back.