Car servicing

[Platypus]

My six-year old car worth about 2 grand is going to cost in the region of £400 for a servicing and MOT today. This is from a "franchised dealership". Having a service that costs 20% of the value of the car is not something I'm entirely comfortable with.

Assuming I keep the old banger until next year, is it worth seeking out an independent garage to take it to next year to save money - or are they likely to hash up the MOT/service even more than the franchised dealership?

If so, how would I go about finding a reputable garage?

I was in exactly the same position - I've now found a local garage who does a great job and charges 60% less. Word of mouth is your friend.

[DimPrawn]

Car servicing should go (as your car gets older):

Franchised main dealer
Independent specialist
El cheapo garage
Service it yourself / Don't even bother

[swamp]

Car servicing should go (as your car gets older):

Franchised main dealer
Independent specialist
El cheapo garage
Service it yourself / Don't even bother

For premium cars one could argue to go straight for Independent specialist, unless it's warranty work.

2nd hand car buyers do like to see Audi/BMW/Mercedes stamps in the logbook, but in reality these stamps only guarantee the car has had an annual oil change and windscreen washer topped up.

Unless you see the invoices AND receipts you don't know whether the owner has simply ignored the recommendations (or lies) of the Main Dealer and has had the bare minimum service to get their precious stamp. I know I did with my last Audi

[Peoplesoft bloke]

Car servicing should go (as your car gets older):

Franchised main dealer
Independent specialist
El cheapo garage
Service it yourself / Don't even bother

Don't bother is crap advice. You need to check safety items like brakes - the MOT only tells you they work that day

[BrilloPad]

My six-year old car worth about 2 grand is going to cost in the region of £400 for a servicing and MOT today. This is from a "franchised dealership". Having a service that costs 20% of the value of the car is not something I'm entirely comfortable with.

Assuming I keep the old banger until next year, is it worth seeking out an independent garage to take it to next year to save money - or are they likely to hash up the MOT/service even more than the franchised dealership?

If so, how would I go about finding a reputable garage?

I am in same boat as you. I found a mobile service/mot place that will charge £175. They drive car to the MOT place and back...

LOcal eugeot garage was about £400 - then they f**k it up. 2 years ago I needed new engine 6 weeks after their head repair. Now that leaks oil...

[Bagpuss]

My car is approaching its 3rd birthday. I was just wondering, do you get notified by the DVLA that it needs a MOT or anything or is it down to me to check?

It's down to you to get one

[TykeMerc]

My car recently passed 3 years so required MoT, Ford sent me a reminder, I can't recall seeing one from the DVLA.

When it comes to servicing on an older car it seems silly to pay for premium dealer service prices, find a good local garage and you will pay a massive amount less.

[Old Greg]

I was chatting to my dad about this. He was a lorry mechanic in the army so knows a bit about engines (although not these new-fangled ones). He's still got his Nissan Bluebird that he bought new in 1987. done 200,000 miles and still goes. He's never had it serviced, but gets the oil changed now and again.

[Bagpuss]

Well that is in effect a service of sorts. Other than that spark plugs, oil filter.
Major service is going to look at brakes,fluid, gearbox fluid, cam belt etc.
Basic service should really be no more than £125 even if you need semi synthetic oil.

[NickFitz]

If so, how would I go about finding a reputable garage?

Ask friends and relations. I use a small backstreet place that was recommended by several cousins who live near here, and also by several friends. They do an excellent job at a really good price.

Actually, it's two places next door to each other - the father runs the MOT Centre, and his son runs the service and repair operation. Nice way of passing the business down the generations and getting some tax-efficient income shifting into the mix