Tommo Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 .............Had to get it serviced (its an Astra H CDTI) and we all know what Vauxhalls are like when left unloved!!). Never really had any probs with it (usually do 40K a year in her) and so its was time for a service. Rang around and got prices from what seems like the going rate to the absolute stupid. Anyhow booked her into a local garage (120K service for £140), which is l thought a little steep but hey-ho its local and easy for the missus to get to and from to drop off and collect. Got a call at 3pm ..."Cars ready Mr ********* but we need to bring to your attention some items, the rear tyres need replacing as they are on the limit" I replied with "Ok well i'll them sorted ASAP" and l got back" well sir we have to tell you that driving it now as it is, is almost illegal" !!!!! - l replied with the same answer and got back " if you have them done here, now we will only charge you £210" (I knew my tyres were on their way out so l had already rung my mates place for a price (£35 each Fitted and balanced). So l replied "no thanks". She then reeled off a further half dozen items from back pads to windscreen wipers - all of which l refused to have done. Incidently windscreen wipers for £35 fitted isn't up my street!! The missus collected the car, and whilst collecting got the forth degree about what l refused to let them do (at one point she rang me and asked whether the list had been run past me) But form the sounds of it they were giving her a real hard time for the tyres etc (which still have 2.5mm on them!!). Now for the bit that really gets me, we have a local Euro Car Parts store where a mate of mine works, so l rang him and asked what a service kit would cost trade for my car given age/millage etc. (£36) !! and thats not with a large discount. Now lets say that took them 2 hours to do the work (inbetween doing three or four others at the same time). Going on my discount for the kit thats £50 an hour roughly, lets say they can complete 4 at the same time £200 an hour and they are open 8 hours a day £1600 (that just one man, and there are four in this particular establishment). £6400 a day on a full day!! Has anyone noticed garage prices going down? These were the cheapest in my area, when you think about the amount they can make in a day is like we're being robbed! Pestering for extra work is one thing but the prices they were charging for that is rediculous. How can anyone justify charging what they do...its down right greed - and they are preying on us that need the work to be done! They didn't even give the car the once over with the hover/jetwash.....rant over Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kennyboy30 Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 my defender td5 is due now £365 ouch it hurts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mungler Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 (edited) I went to a Curry house today and was astonished at the price of a meal of chicken madras and rice. I then phoned ASDA for the price of a chicken breast and some uncle bens and a jar of madras sauce. I found out the curry house was making a profit on the whole deal! That's outrageous! Don't get me started on the wine list and the cost of a pint of cobra! I have spoken to the manager and he has refused for me to go there with the missus tonight and bring a packed lunch for two and a few tinnies from the offy. How unreasonable! Edited January 15, 2009 by Mungler Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommo Posted January 15, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 funny you should say that my Freelander TD4 is due one too - been quoted £195 by a mate in Maltby (Nr Worksop/Donny) - its where the missus comes from..... just got to tie it in with a monthly visit to the in-law's (now thats an ouch!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommo Posted January 15, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 Mung, You a greedy mechanic by any chance??! I dont mind paying - dont get me wrong everyones got to make money to survive - but the base costs bare no relation to the profit made. Shame on them (some should start going bust soon- that'll teach them) HAHAHAH T Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catamong Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 £140...you got off lightly, I had my VW serviced by Keith Garages in Aylesbury, they charge more than that to top up the washer bottle. Cat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kennyboy30 Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 a firm called durham 4x4 will do mine for £165 but i still have 1 yrs warrenty left and the firm i bought it off can be a bit funny about doing the warrenty work if someone has done the service but next year i will go elsewhere kenny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J@mes Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 try paying £243 for an oil and filter change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mungler Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 The missus had the driver's door wing mirror of the X5 taken off by a van. The replacement cost from a non BMW garage? £340 plus VAT. Want to know how much BMW wanted?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommo Posted January 15, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 Cat Among, I bought an Auti TT from there as the guy l used to work with was mates with the Dealer Manager. (6 years ago now) - took it back once to get it serviced and it cost me over £500 (basic service) Then they gave me a free brolly, after picking myself up off the floor l walked out (they rang a year later for the same business - ignored the call). Then saw the Dealer manager out on a night on the **** around Aylesbury and he mentioned the service and l couldn't help by tell him what l'd had it serviced for elsewhere. He laughed and said - thought it wouldn't take long for you to learn boy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imperfection Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 Nowadays in modern dealerships-theres no such things as a mechanic.They're just fitters and charge accoringly. When something goes wrong-they fit a new part.They never bother investigating why that particular component failed.Best to find an old school mechanic who also does the little touches like greasing door hinges and topping up screenwash.Last year while my car was being MOT'd in small local garage-i watched an old chap there stripping the rear brakes of a Punto,thoroughly clean them then spend quite some time applying copper grease.You dont get service like this at maindealers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommo Posted January 15, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 I understand what you are saying Kenny - l had some work done to my Freelander by Stratstone Aylesbury - they got really funny when they saw the service book. **** Em l thought they wanted £485 last year and when they rang this time they first wanted £345, then when l said l'd been in touch with Thame Landrover, they imediately said they would price match then £295 - So they dropped £50 in the blink of an eye....Ripp-off merchants! Mung, X5? The missus's mate reversed into a tow hitch on her horse box puncturing the back bumper 2K for a new bumper fitted and painted!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommo Posted January 15, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 Imper... Thats what this guys like up in Maltby, old school....and loves a mechanical challenge (VW old school trained) and i'd trust him with anything. My TT was forever giving me **** when it came to MOT's (think they saw it roll up and found stuff wrong!) To the point where l had it serviced and checked to MOT standard by a mate who worked in a VW garage, then took it for an MOT- they replaced a trailing arm on the front and the back light bulbs ....... thats even after being pre tested!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pedro Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 What riles me is the way they go on about having it serviced at the "main dealer" to keep up your warranty. Then when you go to part ex it back to them and point out that it was serviced regularly BY THEM, they ignore it and say that it doesn't really matter £216 on Monday for a small yearly service on the Mondeo 2l TDCI , (inc an engine and fuel flush - whatever that is!). Not as bad as £61 for wormer and spot on for the lab and terrier, also on Monday - I seriously took a step back, gob wide open, and the receptionist didn't even blink (Without a consultation!) P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nial Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 > Now lets say that took them 2 hours to do the work (inbetween doing three or four others at the same time). > Going on my discount for the kit thats £50 an hour roughly, lets say they can complete 4 at the same time £200 > an hour and they are open 8 hours a day £1600 (that just one man, and there are four in this particular > establishment). £6400 a day on a full day!! Only if one guy can give four cars a full service in 2 hours? Nial. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonno243 Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 During the summer some little swine tried to have the lockable wheel cover off my Landcruiser, cracking the plastic around the locking pin but little else. Spoke to Toyota who came up with a figure of £274 + VAT! For a colour-coded piece of plastic! After politely declining their generous offer I hightailed it to Halfords for a fibreglass kit and a touch-up pen. One hour in the shed with a Dremel, £23 quids worth of fibreglass and paint and it is better than new. Robbing scum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deako Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 Our RR sports are due there first service now...@ approx £450 each! Tax bill in a couple of weeks as well, plus the VAT is due at the end of the month... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronster Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 ... Anyhow booked her into a local garage (120K service for £140), BEARING IN MIND IT WOULD COST YOU £36 FOR THE PARTS AT TRADE PRICE TO THEN HAVE TO SPEND HALF A DAY ON YOUR BACK UNDER THE VEHICLE IN THIS LOVELY WEATHER WE HAVE AT THE MOMENT £36 PARTS MINUS THE DREADED VAT LEAVES ABOUT £90...SAY THE SKILLED MECHANIC DOES YOUR SERVICE IN 2 HOURS EQUATES TO ....YOU GUEST IT £45 PER HOUR....THATS ABOUT THE GOING RATE FOR A SKILLED TRADESMAN IF NOT MORE FOR A PLUMBER OR ELECTRICIAN SO I DON'T REALLY THINK YOUR PAYING TO MUCH....MAIN DEALERS ARE CHARGING £100+ PER HOUR....OH AND YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY....DON'T BUY THE CAR IF YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO RUN IT :o Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulf Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 I use a local independent garage. First class service to the point were the guy has done breakdown repairs out of hours knowing im self employed in order to keep my down time to a minimum. I pay a high but not exorbitant labour price but most importantly I trust them implicitly, a different experience to that of main dealers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krazykayaker Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 (edited) why not try and "do it yourself" apart from an oil and filter change a service is just an inspection not doing any renewal or replacement change the oil and filter, air filter, fuel filter, pollen filter etc. top up the fluids, whip the wheels off to check the wear on the pads/discs/drums etc. have a look at the condition of the exhaust, brake pipes etc and your done will probably cost you 2 hours of your time and £40 or £50 "DIY" at least you know its really been done!! Edited January 15, 2009 by krazykayaker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr lee Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 ... Anyhow booked her into a local garage (120K service for £140), BEARING IN MIND IT WOULD COST YOU £36 FOR THE PARTS AT TRADE PRICE TO THEN HAVE TO SPEND HALF A DAY ON YOUR BACK UNDER THE VEHICLE IN THIS LOVELY WEATHER WE HAVE AT THE MOMENT £36 PARTS MINUS THE DREADED VAT LEAVES ABOUT £90...SAY THE SKILLED MECHANIC DOES YOUR SERVICE IN 2 HOURS EQUATES TO ....YOU GUEST IT £45 PER HOUR....THATS ABOUT THE GOING RATE FOR A SKILLED TRADESMAN IF NOT MORE FOR A PLUMBER OR ELECTRICIAN SO I DON'T REALLY THINK YOUR PAYING TO MUCH....MAIN DEALERS ARE CHARGING £100+ PER HOUR....OH AND YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY....DON'T BUY THE CAR IF YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO RUN IT :o From that £90 take out a certain amount for electric, water, gas etc, rates for a business, wages to staff, all the gear they have bought to do the job and wear and tear on it....that £90 hasn't gone that far.... I got a pleasant suprise when I booked my vito in at a merc main dealers for some work doing on it. £55 an hour. Bloody good for a merc dealer that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kingo Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 why not try and "do it yourself" apart from an oil and filter change a service is just an inspection not doing any renewal or replacement change the oil and filter, air filter, fuel filter, pollen filter etc. top up the fluids, whip the wheels off to check the wear on the pads/discs/drums etc. have a look at the condition of the exhaust, brake pipes etc and your done will probably cost you 2 hours of your time and �40 or �50 "DIY" at least you know its really been done!! I agree with the above only problem is when you come to sell it, I used to do this with a few cars but then found them hard to pass on or if I did at reduced asking price but for older cars I couldnt agree more, they only do the above and nowt else and charge you around the £120 mark for a basic family car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deker Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 a DIY oil and filter change is easy enough but if the car needs a service then it's best left to a mechanic. Most DIYers don't know how to check suspension, brake flexi's and what is acceptable as brake wear (all of which designed to keep you safe and alive), what you're paying for is the mechanics knowledge not what he actually does, you have to remember that if the dealer wasn't servicing your car they could be working on a job that would make them much more money (engine/gearbox rebuild, clutch etc) so because of this your paying a rate that is similar to a more technical job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul223 Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 Now lets say that took them 2 hours to do the work (inbetween doing three or four others at the same time). Going on my discount for the kit thats £50 an hour roughly, lets say they can complete 4 at the same time £200 an hour and they are open 8 hours a day £1600 (that just one man, and there are four in this particular establishment). £6400 a day on a full day!! Tom If you really believe this then I think your on drugs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supersonic Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 My XK8 is due it's 96k service Anyone want to buy a kidney??? :o Nige Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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