Reply to: Car servicing

[Bagpuss]

After a service that I had last year, within a day or so, my headgasket blew and my brakes seized up. Coincidence ?

Maybe it was when you mentioned the Northern Rock

[Cyberman]

After a service that I had last year, within a day or so, my headgasket blew and my brakes seized up. Coincidence ?

[Bagpuss]

The only problems I've had with servicing have ALWAYS been at main dealers.

Cost a fortune to sort out after their handywork caused problems (too late too prove their negligence as well).

As a result, my latest nearly new motor (bog standard saloon) never went to the main dealer even when it was in warranty. I reckoned that any repair needed in warranty would work out cheaper if I had el cheapo service and paid for repairs myself.

I was right.

If you own a pen1s substitute however, you'd probably not do this...

Having you car serviced by an independant doesn't invalidate the warranty as long as they use the recommended parts.

[Peoplesoft bloke]

americanisms!!! bonnet

WHS (oops is that one?) x10trillion

[Sausage Surprise]

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

americanisms!!! bonnet

[Shimano105]

The only problems I've had with servicing have ALWAYS been at main dealers.

Cost a fortune to sort out after their handywork caused problems (too late too prove their negligence as well).

As a result, my latest nearly new motor (bog standard saloon) never went to the main dealer even when it was in warranty. I reckoned that any repair needed in warranty would work out cheaper if I had el cheapo service and paid for repairs myself.

I was right.

If you own a pen1s substitute however, you'd probably not do this...

[FarmerPalmer]

My Hondas always go to the dealer no matter what the age.
My last one was still going to the dealer when it was 10 years old, just before I traded it in.

The Landrover goes to a specialist, not that you need big specialisations for 1971 technology.

[NickFitz]

Dishonest John's Guide to Service Scams

There's some quite inventive ones in there

[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.?

[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/

[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?

[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?

[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!

[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).

[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