Holland's Garage in CT

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Thor1

Guest
Hello all-
Several weeks ago an enthusiast recommended Mike Holland from Holland's Garage in Guilford, CT for work on classic Land Rovers, including the '99 DII that I own. I had recommended another individual but I figured why not check him out.
Well, I went to Mike, and what I discovered was nothing short of astonishing. To change all the genuine LR hoses and refill the coolant, bringing the equipment myself, I was charged for two hours of labor- all of $148.00. You read that right, Mike only charges $74.00/hr.
To install the Rovers North Pro-Line rear brake pads, Mike only charged me $62.00, not even a hours worth of labor, and in the process cleaned and repaired the caliper screws and calipers. That is a total of $210.00, folks.
The individual I was originally referred to, a described "Land Rover Expert Mechanic", was charging me for three hours of labor at $105.00 per for the hose change- a whopping $315.00. Add another hour for the brake pads and it ballooned to $420.00.
Mike is one fantastic mechanic, the best I have ever seen. I am posting this on the Forum for those in the NY/NJ/CT/MA region, as I know not only finding a qualified Land Rover mechanic is difficult, but so are these economic times we are in. His rates are reasonable by any stretch, amazing given his 20 years of experience working on them.
I also asked him about Waxoyl, and he does that as well. Mike was requesting $700.00 for the service for my DII, and the other mechanic was charging me -get ready for this one- $950.00.
I am glad to let all enthusiasts know as well, as we all need to help each other as best we can. Mike's phone number is 203-464-7722, and his website is www.hollandsgarage.com. All my best to my fellow enthusiasts.
 
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T

Thor1

Guest
The $700.00 charge was for the Waxoyl treatment which takes three days. The "other mechanic" wanted $950.00 for the same service.
When he replaces my shock & springs, the total labor cost will be $222.00. The "other mechanic" I mentioned wanted $450.00.
You will not find a more honest and professional Land Rover mechanic anywhere. Let's put it this way: I drive an hour and a half one way to have Mike work on the DII. I won't let anyone else touch it.
 
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C

csbd

Well-known member
Jul 24, 2009
83
0
Colorado Springs
Thor1, Looks like you joined at least three forums this month, posting and re-posting the same ad copy. I'm glad to see good guys getting a plug now and then but, If you're trying to do the guy a favor, enough is too much!
 
T

Thor1

Guest
Clarification to the enthusiasts.....

:patriot: Landrovered-I said that he was recommended to me for work on classic Land Rovers, including my DII. I never said a '99 DII is a classic Land Rover. However, with 115k and eleven years old with rain gutters instead of rain channels above the doors, I personally consider the DII to be the last of the "real Rovers". Not classic yet, just an honest, take no prisoners, body on frame, true 4WD vehicle. With 16" wheels no less.

:D CSBD- After getting royally shafted by supposed Land Rover mechanics to the tune of some serious cash, I am more than happy to spread the word to as many people as possible of someone who is not only great at what he does, but actually cares about the amount of money that is charged.
Present company excluded, but there are people who only use one forum or another and don't research further than that. That is why I spread the word- it's appreciation, no more or less.
If one person spends 30-50% less because of a posting, everyone walks away happy.
I have to say in all seriousness, thanks for reading my postings, or at least noticing them. I must therefore be doing something right. If I knew of someone in Colorado, I would post that as well. I just don't.
Take care, and keep on rovin.
 
Axel

Axel

1
Staff member
Apr 1, 2004
1,857
11
Quebec, Canada
www.discoweb.org
I have heard the name Mike Holland before. I might have run into him back in the day when the CT Rover Club and NYLRC was still active. I am not making any endorsements because I haven't used him - I use another mechanic local here in NJ - but I have no reason to say anything negative about Mike, either. If Thor is happy with him and want to spread the word, I have no problem with that.
 
brian4d

brian4d

Well-known member
Dec 3, 2007
6,499
67
High Point, NC
Thor,

First off there is no reason to post in multiple threads, everyone will see it don't worry.

Second, I'm happy your not getting taken at the dealer and have found what you consider a good solid trustworthy mechanic. Most here either work on their own Rovers, are established with a good mechanic or both. That said, putting it lightly you stand a better chance of getting positive replies on other boards.
 
T

Thor1

Guest
The Gospel of Ace...

In the immortal verse of that great preacher Ace Ventura, "Alrighty then!" Thanks for the posts to everyone. Remember, just like there is no such thing as "bad press", there can be no criticism considered here to be anything but constructive. Much appreciated.
'Nuff said. Now, onto repairing the ABS module and hubs....
 
T

Thor1

Guest
Stick around for the main event....

Hellloooooo Landrovered. Glad to see you could make it. Be back soon!
 
lowwill

lowwill

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2006
692
1
Hamden CT
Yeah Mike is cool. Good luck catching him though. Do good work but some times lenghty. Classic 4x4 out of Fairfeild/Bridgeport line is also fair and don't charge sales tax if you pay with cash. Oops the secret is out. I just started using Hometown Auto in North Branford on rt 80. Not a indy but they have rovers there all the time and even gave me there modded d-2 for a loner. Found my abs-ecu was bad when classic 4x4 did'nt on my p38. I think classic is GREAT on the older trucks no doubt. They also have the computer for all rovers engines as well as abs etc. Give them a shot also pretty cheap. Best mechannic on your truck should be you. I know my rovers in side out but dont have the computers to dianoise(?) to do so. Anything else is all me. Good luck and LEARN your own vehicles..
 
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WILDROVR

WILDROVR

Member
Jan 13, 2021
6
0
Connecticut
I have both my Rovers serviced at Hollands Garage. Great group of people who are enthusiasts and take the time to educate you about the trucks. They get out on off-road the trucks with customers too... look for hollandsgaragellc on Instagram. 👍
 
5

57loboy

Well-known member
Oct 17, 2007
913
4
Fairfield County, CT
lowwill said:
Yeah Mike is cool. Good luck catching him though. Do good work but some times lenghty. Classic 4x4 out of Fairfeild/Bridgeport line is also fair and don't charge sales tax if you pay with cash. Oops the secret is out. I just started using Hometown Auto in North Branford on rt 80. Not a indy but they have rovers there all the time and even gave me there modded d-2 for a loner. Found my abs-ecu was bad when classic 4x4 did'nt on my p38. I think classic is GREAT on the older trucks no doubt. They also have the computer for all rovers engines as well as abs etc. Give them a shot also pretty cheap. Best mechannic on your truck should be you. I know my rovers in side out but dont have the computers to dianoise(?) to do so. Anything else is all me. Good luck and LEARN your own vehicles..
Click to expand...

Good to know Dawson is still around. Used to have my first 95LWB serviced there when I couldn't do it. Haven't needed anyone yet for my '08 L322.
 
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