Cost Of Service

The_Honeybadger

Hi Folks

I have been getting my car serviced by an indie garage for the past few years, mechanic knew the car and what was required etc and typically charged anywhere between 90 and 120 quid depending on what was required. I have moved lately and dropped it off at an indie garage which was recommended to me by a colleague near where I now work this morning, asked for a basic service oil and filters etc. Had alot on my mind and stupidly didn't agree a price. Came back to collect it this evening and was presented with a bill for over 170 euro, 80 of which was for labour & VAT. There were no major parts required, oil, filters, plugs and some new wiper blades. They also had attached a sheet which detailed a bumper to bumper check of the car, everything from tyre thread depth to shocks and bushings were checked, which is nice but I did not ask for this as the car was recently nct'd and is in perfect nick. Does this seem expensive? The car is a 1.3 Lancer Comfort. I didn't have the full amount on me when I collected the car and need to call tomorrow with the balance. Should I raise my concern wit the owner or am I being a bit unfair to him. This garage is very conveniently located to where I work and would be very handy for future services but if I've been ripped off then I will be taking my business elsewhere. Obviously I acknowledge that I should have agreed a price but thats no excuse to take the p**s on the invoice either.

George Dalton

Sounds like you got an actual inspection service done properly and professionally rather than someone to just change oil, filters and spark plugs.

The_Honeybadger

George Dalton wrote: »

Sounds like you got an actual inspection service done properly and professionally rather than someone to just change oil, filters and spark plugs.

Fair point, was just a bit shocked at the bill when it is so much higher than normal. Car is very well maintained btw, nothing they checked needed attention. Wouldn't mind the price if I had asked for a full service and check. Anyways I think I'll pay up and agree what is to be done and at what cost next time.

Nissan doctor

So you actually got a proper service done as opposed to just changing oil/air/plugs before.

Besides, even if you mentioned the cars service history, no reputable garage is going to take your word for a cars condition or assume anything about the quality of your previous mechanics work because if something goes wrong with the car that a proper service/inspection should spot then it'll be the new garage you'll be complaining to.

The_Honeybadger

Nissan doctor wrote: »

So you actually got a proper service done as opposed to just changing oil/air/plugs before.

Besides, even if you mentioned the cars service history, no reputable garage is going to take your word for a cars condition or assume anything about the quality of your previous mechanics work because if something goes wrong with the car that a proper service/inspection should spot then it'll be the new garage you'll be complaining to.

Yes it is reassuring to know the car has been fully checked over. The garage has a good reputation and I will use them again.

Tks mick

Ford Doctor

mickeyk wrote: »

Hi Folks

I have been getting my car serviced by an indie garage for the past few years, mechanic knew the car and what was required etc and typically charged anywhere between 90 and 120 quid depending on what was required. I have moved lately and dropped it off at an indie garage which was recommended to me by a colleague near where I now work this morning, asked for a basic service oil and filters etc. Had alot on my mind and stupidly didn't agree a price. Came back to collect it this evening and was presented with a bill for over 170 euro, 80 of which was for labour & VAT. There were no major parts required, oil, filters, plugs and some new wiper blades. They also had attached a sheet which detailed a bumper to bumper check of the car, everything from tyre thread depth to shocks and bushings were checked, which is nice but I did not ask for this as the car was recently nct'd and is in perfect nick. Does this seem expensive? The car is a 1.3 Lancer Comfort. I didn't have the full amount on me when I collected the car and need to call tomorrow with the balance. Should I raise my concern wit the owner or am I being a bit unfair to him. This garage is very conveniently located to where I work and would be very handy for future services but if I've been ripped off then I will be taking my business elsewhere. Obviously I acknowledge that I should have agreed a price but thats no excuse to take the p**s on the invoice either.

Hi,I would say a full service and detailed inspection was good value at that price .Did you price the same job with a main dealer ?.