Hello again everyone!
Continuing from my post in regards to finding a new mechanic, another name keeps bouncing back in regards to top notch Jaguar specialists - Mike Roddy
I'm here to consult the forums in regards to what the overall consensus is? I've heard and talked to various people in regards to him and have had both positive and negative comments.

On the positive note many regard Mike as a good bloke who specialises in a very large and very jaguar specific workshop, one that does an enormous array of mechanical, electrical and everything in between for all jaguars of all kinds. A one stop shop for everything Jaguar. Consensus shows that while pricing wise he is a bit more than the average jaguar mechanic, his expertise and knowledge are invaluable. Often well regarded to people who know him as a friend.

On a negative note, some people and reviews mark that while his pricing is up there, that some of the handywork is not reflected well, with notes on some sub-standard work on reconditioned items for example, or poor workmanship on some work, can also be a bit flaky in terms of following through, for example, I met someone who requested for there XJ40 to be sent to Mike Roddy and have a starter motor fit, upon setting a date and recalling a day before the person had there appointment shifted back several days, for sheer convivence of the workshop.

General google and internet reviewers have an vast majority of positive and excellent reviews, with some few but harshly critical reviews.

In terms of what I'm looking for
- general thorough servicing for my Jaguar X300 - beyond basic items I can do myself (spark plugs, oil changes etc) - recommending work that needs to be done but not to a point of severe overkill (essentially squeezing more money from me for the sake of it).
- Good, reliable and honest workmanship - no fudging about here, items such as lack of heads up for bill shock, or surprise work done without prior consultation or knowledge (probably my biggest gripe here)
-Advice I can refer to from time to time on knowledge about my car when I'm doing work on it myself for example
- While not necessary but seen as an added bonus, sourcing or reconditioning of parts that aren't super readily to come across. (for example an ECM or reconditioned starter motors when needed).

I'm always a fan of giving people a go and forming my own view, and to gauge my own experience whether it is a good fit for me or not. But I now leave the community to add there input on there view's, consensus and thoughts on Mike Roddy as a whole and whether this would be a good choice for me.
Thanks everyone

P.S: I've added a poll for people who rather use a poll than write a response, but both would be highly appreciated to gauge feedback!

 

So many words

No direct experience. I have a couple of car club mates that found the shop to be expert and capable, which you pay for.

The guy has been operating for decades. Speaks for itself really.

 

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General google and internet reviewers have an vast majority of positive and excellent reviews, with some few but harshly critical reviews.

Auto repair is a tough business with, broadly speaking, a bad reputation. I spent 30 years in the industry. If the vast majority of reviews are positive it's quite an accomplishment.

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The guy has been operating for decades. Speaks for itself really

I agree, broadly.

The very worst shops won't last long.

The best repair shops can go on for decades.

Problem is, there's a vast middle area. Sometimes a not-very-good shop can linger on for years as well, right on the cusp of being lousy. It can take a long time for the market to weed them out. So much depends on the local competition.

Still, it's hard to hide from the internet these days. If the vast majority of reviews are positive then the shop is doing something right....besides just staying in business.

Cheers
DD