Car servicing

[Old Greg]

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.

Damn it. I've just reached 2000 posts and now you've finally posted something I agree with. Must be mellowing in my old age.

[Diver]

What's a service?

You only lift the hood when something goes horribly wrong.

So wrong that turning up the stereo doesn't stop the horrible noise, or parking on a hill to bump start it the next morning doesn't work

[Cyberman]

Never trust a dealer/franchise to do a good service. I've had so many bad experiences with them.
Find a back street guy that is recommended by a friend or neighbour, and use him, or do it yourself. You will get it done much cheaper and you WILL get it done.

[Stan.goodvibes]

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

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

Car servicing should go (if you're an IT contractor):

a. Buy new car
b. when car needs service, see (a) above

[BrilloPad]

Car servicing should go (if you're an IT contractor):

a. Buy new car
b. when car needs service, see (a) above

New cars depreciate alot. Best to buy at least 3 years old.

Round our way there have been several thefts of high value motors including the house 4 doors down. Thing is they break into the house first. These people have a dog who was locked in a room (it was one of those large soppy breeds like a boxer).

[Churchill]

New cars depreciate alot. Best to buy at least 3 years old.

Round our way there have been several thefts of high value motors including the house 4 doors down. Thing is they break into the house first. These people have a dog who was locked in a room (it was one of those large soppy breeds like a boxer).

Steady!

As for the breaking into houses to steal keys, I hope your expensive motors are fitted with trackers!

[chicane]

Thanks everyone for the responses - I now consider myself fully informed on how not to get ripped off when getting the car serviced.

Don't suppose anybody knows any reputable places to get this done around the Leeds area - the nearer to the city centre the better?

[Moscow Mule]

Thanks everyone for the responses - I now consider myself fully informed on how not to get ripped off when getting the car serviced.

Don't suppose anybody knows any reputable places to get this done around the Leeds area - the nearer to the city centre the better?

Surely you just leave the car in the city centre for a couple of days, car gets nicked, you claim on insurance, no servicing required?

[LEX200]

Don't suppose anybody knows any reputable places to get this done around the Leeds area - the nearer to the city centre the better?

Might be a bit too far out, but this place is highly recommended http://www.manchesterhasit.co.uk/business/4399/

[lilelvis2000]

I only take it to the Dealer for warrenty repair..and that's all. Services can easily be done by a qualified mechanic. Look for certificates that they have training in your specific make of vehicle. I also find that a lot of these dealers don't actually do the work and may actually cause damage so as to create a repair.

But lets face it..if its just a bsic service then almost any place will do. some cowboys don't know that before you replace the plugs put anti-sieze on them. Avoid them...'course it will be too late. Your plugs will be in there forever.

I do admit that for some without a drive..servicing is a problem. Perhaps one of your neighbours or friends has the tools and ramps etc.?