Reasonable price for a full service?

oppenheimer1

I'm new to car ownership and my motor and I'm sure it's is in need of a service. It's a 10 year old Megane petrol I've inherited and has done a 20k miles since it was last brought in. What should I expect to pay for the overhaul that I'm sure is required.

djimi

Its impossible to say without knowing what is needed. The most basic service (oil, filters, plugs) will set you back probably 150-200 (depending on where you go; an indy might be a touch cheapers, a main dealer probably more expensive). If you need things like brake pads then its going to work out more expensive.

Has the timing belt been changed?

oppenheimer1

djimi wrote: »

Its impossible to say without knowing what is needed. The most basic service (oil, filters, plugs) will set you back probably 150-200 (depending on where you go; an indy might be a touch cheapers, a main dealer probably more expensive). If you need things like brake pads then its going to work out more expensive.

Has the timing belt been changed?

The timing belt hasn't been done and is say the brakes pads will need to be replaced. That said it did just pass the NCT.
I had been quoted 220 at a main dealer for a main service but it's hard to get a quote when you don't know what needs to be done

bazz26

A service even a full service will not include things like brake pads or timing belts. These will cost extra on top of what would be considered a service.

Personally I think there is no point bringing a 10 year old car to a main dealer as at that age paying main dealer prices adds no value. Find yourself a good independent garage or mechanic , surely a family member or friend can recommend a trusted garage.

Ball park, I would guess a service from an independent garage including oil, oil filter, fuel and pollen filters, etc may cost you about €100 to €150. New brake pads on top of that maybe around €120, timing belt and water pump probably another €300 to €350. Really depends on what was done last time round and what needs doing at the current mileage interval.

mirrorwall14

Sorry to jump in but since you gave an estimate I have a 01 Honda civic saloon and I don't think the timing belt has been done, about how much at an Indy? I'm saving for it!

ironclaw

If you are any way handy, do it yourself. Honestly. Draining some oil, changing a filter and doing some spark plugs is incredible easy. YouTube and Google is your friend. And it takes about 30 mins start to finish. And to add, its extremely hard to mess it up. I'd be at a loss if you managed to do so!

alias no.9

ironclaw wrote: »

If you are any way handy, do it yourself. Honestly. Draining some oil, changing a filter and doing some spark plugs is incredible easy. YouTube and Google is your friend. And it takes about 30 mins start to finish. And to add, its extremely hard to mess it up. I'd be at a loss if you managed to do so!

I don't know. It's a Renault, we've got its mutant sister, the Scenic, and there ain't nothing easy about changing filters.
The oil filter can only be removed with one of the three pronged oil filter tools, used in conjunction with a serious extension bar to give you clearance to apply a little bit of torque. The air filter is buried deep under the windscreen bulkhead and layers of plastic and metal trim, the pollen filter similar but slightly easier access. The fuel filter in inside the drivers side wheel arch liner.

zwind

mirrorwall14 wrote: »

Sorry to jump in but since you gave an estimate I have a 01 Honda civic saloon and I don't think the timing belt has been done, about how much at an Indy? I'm saving for it!

250 - 300 or less.

I think the civic TB is 10K miles or 10 year and it is quite robust.

George Dalton

ironclaw wrote: »

If you are any way handy, do it yourself. Honestly. Draining some oil, changing a filter and doing some spark plugs is incredible easy. YouTube and Google is your friend. And it takes about 30 mins start to finish. And to add, its extremely hard to mess it up. I'd be at a loss if you managed to do so!

A full service consists of a lot more than simply swapping service parts. It also takes a lot longer than 30 minutes.

So please don't insult any good mechanics who take pride in their work by comparing a DIY filters and plugs change with an actual inspection service carried out by an experienced professional.

Jesus.

alias no.9 wrote: »

The oil filter can only be removed with one of the three pronged oil filter tools, used in conjunction with a serious extension bar to give you clearance to apply a little bit of torque.

Did somebody mention the "T" word????

ironclaw

George Dalton wrote: »

A full service consists of a lot more than simply swapping service parts. It also takes a lot longer than 30 minutes.

So please don't insult any good mechanics who take pride in their work by comparing a DIY filters and plugs change with an actual inspection service carried out by an experienced professional.

Wasn't insulting anyone George. I just like to encourage Joe Public to pick up a few tools and take a little interest in whats under the bonnet, it beneficial to us all on the road. Adds some level of pride of ownership. The level of mystery some people have to what actually goes on under the hood is astounding. I see no issue whats so ever in someone doing the simple tasks such as filters and oil, provided they feel confident enough, then handing over to a professional for a full inspection etc if they see fit.

alias no.9

Jesus. wrote: »

Did somebody mention the "T" word????

Turning Moment, yes, try getting a canister type oil filter off without applying torque and see how you get on

Jesus.

alias no.9 wrote: »

Turning Moment, yes, try getting a canister type oil filter off without applying torque and see how you get on

You said it again...

alias no.9

Jesus. wrote: »

You said it again...

Ok, my cover is blown :eek:

Jesus.