Car servicing costs

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Sean Dyche's Watch
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Car servicing costs

Post by Sean Dyche's Watch » Mon Sep 21, 2020 5:22 pm

I'm currently weighing up whether it's worth taking out a plan for the next four services for my car, 2 major services and 2 minor services. This would be for a fixed payment each month over the next four years. The benefit of this is that I wouldn't need to pay for a service all at once, and instead spread the payments.

My question is.... how much would you expect to pay for a major service, and a minor service?

Thanks 😊

Wellsy1882
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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by Wellsy1882 » Mon Sep 21, 2020 5:27 pm

Save the money monthly and pay out as and when

dsr
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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by dsr » Mon Sep 21, 2020 5:28 pm

I don't know, but I know that it depends on the car make, model, and age, which you haven't quoted.

Also it ties you down to going to the same place even if they're unsatisfactory, and it won't include cost of any general repairs that you will still need to pay all at once.
Last edited by dsr on Mon Sep 21, 2020 5:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by dsr » Mon Sep 21, 2020 5:28 pm

[duplicate post]

NewClaret
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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by NewClaret » Mon Sep 21, 2020 5:29 pm

I had a situation recently where a service & MOT at the manufacturer was £650. Got it done with original parts at my local garage for £203.

I needed a “B” service - no idea if that is major or minor but it was a big difference in price!!

karatekid
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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by karatekid » Mon Sep 21, 2020 5:37 pm

National tyres do a full service for under £180 for most models.

Sheedyclaret
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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by Sheedyclaret » Mon Sep 21, 2020 6:26 pm

i pay 140 for a full service on our car .

Granny WeatherWax
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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by Granny WeatherWax » Mon Sep 21, 2020 6:43 pm

Mine isn’t due for a service yet but service pack from the dealer is £600 a year. I’ll be taking it to a Mercedes specialist and it will be half the price.

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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by Darthlaw » Mon Sep 21, 2020 6:48 pm

Take the same figure they’re quoting you and put it in a separate bank account. Then when your service is due, raid the coffers. Better having the money sat in your bank, than theirs.

In seriousness though, I’ve heard many horror stories about car dealers recently using these service pack schemes to rinse folk. My lass had a mini copper a few years back with a service pack. On one service, they tried to convince her it needed new tires as ‘they recommend changing them at less than 3mm’. Imagine the look when my reply was, ‘they’re at 2.9mm. I recommend you wear a mask, when stealing from people!’

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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by BenWickes » Mon Sep 21, 2020 6:57 pm

Sean Dyche's Watch wrote:
Mon Sep 21, 2020 5:22 pm
I'm currently weighing up whether it's worth taking out a plan for the next four services for my car, 2 major services and 2 minor services. This would be for a fixed payment each month over the next four years. The benefit of this is that I wouldn't need to pay for a service all at once, and instead spread the payments.

My question is.... how much would you expect to pay for a major service, and a minor service?

Thanks 😊
Oh I wouldn't trust mechanic's. :lol: I serviced my own for six years. I've seen what those buggers get up to.

Bosscat
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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by Bosscat » Mon Sep 21, 2020 6:59 pm

Sean Dyche's Watch wrote:
Mon Sep 21, 2020 5:22 pm
I'm currently weighing up whether it's worth taking out a plan for the next four services for my car, 2 major services and 2 minor services. This would be for a fixed payment each month over the next four years. The benefit of this is that I wouldn't need to pay for a service all at once, and instead spread the payments.

My question is.... how much would you expect to pay for a major service, and a minor service?

Thanks 😊
Depends on your make and model.

We pay 36 months @ £18 a month for the wifes C3 Citroen ... this includes 3 services and the MOT at 3 years old... Services are around £250 so get a discount and MOT etc...

I also pay 36 months @ £35 a month for my new Jaguar E-Pace this covers 3 services at 2 year intervals ... average Jag/Land Rover servicing cost £600 so again I get a discount for taking out a service plan it also covers me against rising costs and keeps my Warranty up to date.

My previous Jaguar XF was serviced at Jaguar/Land Rover on a service contract.....

If we sell the cars any unused servicing costs are refunded ...

You may get a cheaper deal with Kwikfit etc but I use the Main Dealer for both cars and am very happy with the deals I get and the service from both.

Rileybobs
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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by Rileybobs » Mon Sep 21, 2020 7:02 pm

Darthlaw wrote:
Mon Sep 21, 2020 6:48 pm
Take the same figure they’re quoting you and put it in a separate bank account. Then when your service is due, raid the coffers. Better having the money sat in your bank, than theirs.

In seriousness though, I’ve heard many horror stories about car dealers recently using these service pack schemes to rinse folk. My lass had a mini copper a few years back with a service pack. On one service, they tried to convince her it needed new tires as ‘they recommend changing them at less than 3mm’. Imagine the look when my reply was, ‘they’re at 2.9mm. I recommend you wear a mask, when stealing from people!’
Am I missing something? If they are at 2.9mm then wouldn’t they need changing?

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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by GodIsADeeJay81 » Mon Sep 21, 2020 7:03 pm

You're better off getting quotes for both types of services from independent garages and main dealer.

Many new cars don't go small to major, they jig it around so some filters are mileage based or 36 months for example.
Most independent garages should be able to tell you what is due when, I know we can at ours.

Main dealers also like to change brake fluid regularly whereas independants only do it when required.

Also I remember seeing one car was meant to have all sorts of nuts and bolts replaced if it was at a main dealer, which is an added cost, but indys won't rush to do that stuff and it isn't needed.

Also quality of parts is important.

We use OE filters from companies like Mann, Mahle, Solgefi because they're all suppliers to car manufacturers and will pass all warranty requirements.

Same with our engine oil, we use Comma that's approved by all car manufacturers and will be suitable for warranty purposes, whereas the Euro Car Parts oil doesn't have the same quality or number of approvals.
Last edited by GodIsADeeJay81 on Mon Sep 21, 2020 7:05 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by Bosscat » Mon Sep 21, 2020 7:04 pm

Rileybobs wrote:
Mon Sep 21, 2020 7:02 pm
Am I missing something? If they are at 2.9mm then wouldn’t they need changing?
UK tyre law: what is the legal tyre tread depth...


UK law stipulates that a car should have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm in a continuous band around the central three-quarters of the tyre.

I wouldn't run a tyre on under 2.5mm and risk punctures and or worse.....
Last edited by Bosscat on Mon Sep 21, 2020 7:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Rileybobs
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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by Rileybobs » Mon Sep 21, 2020 7:05 pm

Bosscat wrote:
Mon Sep 21, 2020 7:04 pm
UK tyre law: what is the legal tyre tread depth...


UK law stipulates that a car should have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm in a continuous band around the central three-quarters of the tyre.
I know but being recommended to change your tyres before they reach the minimum tread depth sounds like good advice.

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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by Bosscat » Mon Sep 21, 2020 7:06 pm

Rileybobs wrote:
Mon Sep 21, 2020 7:05 pm
I know but being recommended to change your tyres before they reach the minimum tread depth sounds like good advice.
me neither Riley see my addition above 👍
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tarkys_ears
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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by tarkys_ears » Mon Sep 21, 2020 7:13 pm

Expect to pay twice as much whilst your car is in warranty. I know it shouldn't void the warranty but do you have the resources to puruse a claim?

Funnily enough main dealer servicing goes down DOWN DOWN DOWN when you're after 3 years.

But rough guess £200 ish interim, £500 major.

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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by GodIsADeeJay81 » Mon Sep 21, 2020 7:20 pm

3mm could last someone 12 months dependant on mileage.
I've seen brand new tyres get punctured within a week.
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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by Jakubclaret » Mon Sep 21, 2020 9:20 pm

Rileybobs wrote:
Mon Sep 21, 2020 7:05 pm
I know but being recommended to change your tyres before they reach the minimum tread depth sounds like good advice.
It might be good advice but whether that's affordable or practical is something else entirely.

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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by Bosscat » Mon Sep 21, 2020 9:22 pm

Jakubclaret wrote:
Mon Sep 21, 2020 9:20 pm
It might be good advice but whether that's affordable or practical is something else entirely.
I don't think anyone disputes that Jakub 🙂
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Rileybobs
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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by Rileybobs » Mon Sep 21, 2020 9:35 pm

Jakubclaret wrote:
Mon Sep 21, 2020 9:20 pm
It might be good advice but whether that's affordable or practical is something else entirely.
Yes, my point being that a mechanic whose company policy is to recommend tyres are changed when the tread is less than 3mm isn’t robbing you when he recommends you change your tyres with a 2.9mm tread.

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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by gawthorpe_view » Mon Sep 21, 2020 9:38 pm

Granny WeatherWax wrote:
Mon Sep 21, 2020 6:43 pm
Mine isn’t due for a service yet but service pack from the dealer is £600 a year. I’ll be taking it to a Mercedes specialist and it will be half the price.
I use Read Garage, independent Mercedes-Benz specialists.

Ex Mercedes technicians.

Between the Stork pub and the petrol station.

Excellent service and cheaper than the dealers.
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GodIsADeeJay81
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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by GodIsADeeJay81 » Mon Sep 21, 2020 9:38 pm

Rileybobs wrote:
Mon Sep 21, 2020 9:35 pm
Yes, my point being that a mechanic whose company policy is to recommend tyres are changed when the tread is less than 3mm isn’t robbing you when he recommends you change your tyres with a 2.9mm tread.
They're recommending changing tyres just for the sake of it.
People should take more responsibility for the road worthiness of their cars instead of treating it with disdain and then complaining when they think a garage is ripping them off.

Odds are most of them don't have the same complaints of being ripped off when they buy the latest tech...
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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by Jakubclaret » Mon Sep 21, 2020 9:51 pm

Rileybobs wrote:
Mon Sep 21, 2020 9:35 pm
Yes, my point being that a mechanic whose company policy is to recommend tyres are changed when the tread is less than 3mm isn’t robbing you when he recommends you change your tyres with a 2.9mm tread.
Some make massive markups on the parts recently I was quoted over £300 exc VAT for a new alternator it's a hrs labour £40, so I sourced the alternator off eBay brand fire for £80 inc PP so £120, cars generally are money pits but necessary evils but you get ripped off at the drop of a hat if you don't know what you are doing, fortunately I do, I always source the parts even from the breakers if I have to, it's crazy how some think it's reasonable to charge like over a 300% markup on a part.

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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by Herts Clarets » Mon Sep 21, 2020 9:56 pm

Jakubclaret wrote:
Mon Sep 21, 2020 9:51 pm
Some make massive markups on the parts recently I was quoted over £300 exc VAT for a new alternator it's a hrs labour £40, so I sourced the alternator off eBay brand fire for £80 inc PP so £120, cars generally are money pits but necessary evils but you get ripped off at the drop of a hat if you don't know what you are doing, fortunately I do, I always source the parts even from the breakers if I have to, it's crazy how some think it's reasonable to charge like over a 300% markup on a part.
The local garage I use will not fit parts if sourced by a customer as they will not warranty something that they can't verify as a genuine part.

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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by Rileybobs » Mon Sep 21, 2020 9:57 pm

GodIsADeeJay81 wrote:
Mon Sep 21, 2020 9:38 pm
They're recommending changing tyres just for the sake of it.
People should take more responsibility for the road worthiness of their cars instead of treating it with disdain and then complaining when they think a garage is ripping them off.

Odds are most of them don't have the same complaints of being ripped off when they buy the latest tech...
Maybe - but some people don’t take responsibility for checking their tyres so at their annual service I think it’s reasonable for them to be informed that their tyres may not last until the next service. It’s up to the customer to decide whether to leave it 6 months or not.

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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by Jakubclaret » Mon Sep 21, 2020 10:00 pm

Herts Clarets wrote:
Mon Sep 21, 2020 9:56 pm
The local garage I use will not fit parts if sourced by a customer as they will not warranty something that they can't verify as a genuine part.
I use garages that do, it's not a problem I pay for the labour only, if it's a faulty part (new) usually you get manufacturers warranty so it's replaced, there can verify authenticity by serial codes but it's less profitable to let the customer's source the parts due to markups I've mentioned.

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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by dushanbe » Mon Sep 21, 2020 10:01 pm

I’ve got a related question that the car experts might know the answer to. My car now has a ‘digital’ service record, I have no traditional service book. How do you go on with that, if you take it to an independent garage and not a dealer?

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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by Rileybobs » Mon Sep 21, 2020 10:02 pm

dushanbe wrote:
Mon Sep 21, 2020 10:01 pm
I’ve got a related question that the car experts might know the answer to. My car now has a ‘digital’ service record, I have no traditional service book. How do you go on with that, if you take it to an independent garage and not a dealer?
Make sure you take it to one who can update your digital record.

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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by dushanbe » Mon Sep 21, 2020 10:04 pm

Rileybobs wrote:
Mon Sep 21, 2020 10:02 pm
Make sure you take it to one who can update your digital record.
Right, so that’s a thing then.

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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by Herts Clarets » Mon Sep 21, 2020 10:05 pm

To be fair they are a well respected local garage. I had them replace headlamp bulbs as the access is through the wheel arch. Because the parts arrived 10 minutes late and I was waiting they only charged me for the bulbs. Many people in the village use them and I don't know anyone who has had a bad experience.

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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by Rileybobs » Mon Sep 21, 2020 10:09 pm

dushanbe wrote:
Mon Sep 21, 2020 10:04 pm
Right, so that’s a thing then.
I take mine to an independent garage who are approved by the manufacturer, they can update the service book online. They’re not the cheapest garage but half the price of the manufacturer, and as they’re approved it doesn’t affect the warranty. And just as important in my case it complies with the terms of my PCP agreement, which many ‘approved’ garages don’t.

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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by GodIsADeeJay81 » Tue Sep 22, 2020 7:55 am

dushanbe wrote:
Mon Sep 21, 2020 10:01 pm
I’ve got a related question that the car experts might know the answer to. My car now has a ‘digital’ service record, I have no traditional service book. How do you go on with that, if you take it to an independent garage and not a dealer?
We just reset the service system on the vehicle.
Main dealers can pull that information to prove it's been serviced on time in the event of any warranty issues.

You can keep hold of any invoices as proof of servicing but if you'd prefer the older style service books they're still available to get from main dealers.

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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by GodIsADeeJay81 » Tue Sep 22, 2020 8:29 am

Rileybobs wrote:
Mon Sep 21, 2020 9:57 pm
Maybe - but some people don’t take responsibility for checking their tyres so at their annual service I think it’s reasonable for them to be informed that their tyres may not last until the next service. It’s up to the customer to decide whether to leave it 6 months or not.
It's poor customer service to just say its 2.9mm, change them now.
It's about knowing your customer, asking how many miles they're doing at the moment during Covid etc.

I have a customer who's currently outside of the UK, but her car is with friends here (they're also customers)

On the mot the other week x2 tyres were mentioned as perishing but they were advisories, so not an immediate concern.
She asked about replacing them and we've told her not to bother until she's back in the UK and will know how much driving she's doing.
We could fit new tyres, but if the car is then going to be sat for 6 months due to Covid it would be a waste of time/money.

Like I said, people don't take enough responsibility for their cars.
Most people don't bother checking their oil level until a warning light tells them it's low and then they won't have a clue which oil to use.
I regularly get people trying to buy 10w40 engine oil but that hasn't been recommended for engines since the 90's.

They don't refill their washer bottle until it runs out, but an empty washer bottle can be punishable by a fine and technically invalidate your insurance in the event of an accident.

They definitely don't bother checking their lights all work.

There's a reason why cars have more tech added over time to make sure they're roadworthy...
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Darthlaw
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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by Darthlaw » Tue Sep 22, 2020 11:09 am

Considering Michelin themselves suggest taking tyres to 1.6mm (which I personally wouldn't do) over replacing them at 3mm, I'm more akin to believe them rather than a dealer looking to make a fast buck.

https://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/S ... at-3mm.htm

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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by SammyBoy » Tue Sep 22, 2020 11:23 am

I put £100 a month away specifically for my car, and if something does go wrong or I need a service it's basically covered. Should nothing go wrong with the car during the year it usually pays for my insurance when it's due.

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Re: Car servicing costs

Post by Alanstevensonsgloves » Tue Sep 22, 2020 11:54 am

I had a fault fixed on my car yesterday - replacement of a £10 wire
Cost me £200 in total with labour, diagnostic and tax!!!
It was an extremely annoying fault though, which having researched it could have been caused by a multitude of car sins so I am just grateful it is fixed....although I did dream last night a couple of dashboard fault lights reappeared!

Only one fault left to fix - rattling timing chain which leads to oil loss too. Apparently a common fault on Nissan petrol engines (ie Renault shoite :evil: ) In the US, Nissan recalled the cars and replaced the chain. Here we are told 'tough'. My car is 2014 so no warranty, been quoted £1400 plus VAT to fix from a decent local garage. That sound about right?

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