Is this quote reasonable?

NeonCookies

I was quoted €690 from a main dealer for a brake fluid replacement, replacement of 2 front shocks, and a full service (this is €250 including oil change and oil/air/pollen filters, sparks, diagnostics, all the usual checks) for a 131 Skoda Octavia petrol 1.2L. I also mentioned that I've noticed the car shuddering sometimes when I accelerate in a high gear and she said they'll check that for me. Does this quote sound about right?

I was obviously hoping it'd be less, but more than willing to pay it if it's the going rate. I don't know anyone in my area for a good independent mechanic recommendation and I'm relatively new to having responsibility for my own car.

kirving

It's all in the labour with a main dealer.

Not unfair, but you can go cheaper with a 7 year old car, if you know a trustworthy independant.

Toyotafanboi

It's about right for the establishment you are in.

Dr_Colossus

NeonCookies wrote: »

I don't know anyone in my area for a good independent mechanic recommendation and I'm relatively new to having responsibility for my own car.

What is your area and someone might be able to recommend a good independent.

corks finest

NeonCookies wrote: »

I was quoted €690 from a main dealer for a brake fluid replacement, replacement of 2 front shocks, and a full service (this is €250 including oil change and oil/air/pollen filters, sparks, diagnostics, all the usual checks) for a 131 Skoda Octavia petrol 1.2L. I also mentioned that I've noticed the car shuddering sometimes when I accelerate in a high gear and she said they'll check that for me. Does this quote sound about right?

I was obviously hoping it'd be less, but more than willing to pay it if it's the going rate. I don't know anyone in my area for a good independent mechanic recommendation and I'm relatively new to having responsibility for my own car.

Rio off you're paying for the nice lounge area,coffe machine and air con,go to an independent, save e200 at least ( by my reckoning),unless i can't add

Toyotafanboi

corks finest wrote: »

Rio off you're paying for the nice lounge area,coffe machine and air con,go to an independent, save e200 at least ( by my reckoning),unless i can't add

It's not a rip off to pay more for nicer things. We do it with everything from holidays to groceries. Some people appreciate the clean and comfortable environment of a main dealer and dont mind paying a certain premium for it.

Honestly, I'd say a minimum saving of €200 is unrealistic unless going for a real bottom of the range workshop and parts, it'd be more like the absolute max saving IMO. I doubt youd find a reputable independent workshop, giving you a VAT receipt to do a full service, brake fluid change, 2 front shocks and some initial diagnostic work in an Octavia for €490.

colm_mcm

It’s not outrageous. If you went trying to save big money on the shocks you won’t be anywhere near OE quality.

That said, I’d get a quote from an independent garage using Skoda parts.

Casati

I’m presuming seeing as you have a petrol you aren’t doing massive miles so it’s v surprising to me that you need new shocks, are you 100% sure that the shocks are worn?

Toyotafanboi

Casati wrote: »

I’m presuming seeing as you have a petrol you aren’t doing massive miles so it’s v surprising to me that you need new shocks, are you 100% sure that the shocks are worn?

Ah stop, its surprising based on what? The car having a petrol engine?

OP has been told by a workshop that the shocks are worn, are we supposed to second guess that based on the above alone.

OP could love at the bottom of a boreen and be late for mass then realise they've left the immersion on 5 days a week. I'm all for questioning things but jaysis that's some stretch.

Casati

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

Ah stop, its surprising based on what? The car having a petrol engine?

OP has been told by a workshop that the shocks are worn, are we supposed to second guess that based on the above alone.

OP could love at the bottom of a boreen and be late for mass then realise they've left the immersion on 5 days a week. I'm all for questioning things but jaysis that's some stretch.

I would always try to be certain that work a given garage suggested to be done was absolutely required - I guess I should be more trusting of garages

The OP is obviously similar as they are questioning if the garage pricing is fair or not.

Voodoomelon

To me that sounds like damn good value from a main dealer. For the sake of saving €150 (if even) for a potentially worse service, non original parts and frig all warranty, dealer makes sense in this case.

NeonCookies

Thanks all for your replies. It's helpful to get an idea of these things from those in the know!

Toyotafanboi wrote:

OP could love at the bottom of a boreen and be late for mass then realise they've left the immersion on 5 days a week. I'm all for questioning things but jaysis that's some stretch.

This made me laugh! I've had the car for almost 2 years. I was doing incredibly high mileage for a commute last year (thankfully not anymore and never again!) and had a couple of extra interim services during this time. They recommended the shocks and brake fluid be done soon at the last one.

Dr_Colossus wrote:

What is your area and someone might be able to recommend a good independent.

Seems that while the quote is higher than an independent would be (which makes sense) it's not a ridiculous price either which is great. I'm based in Louth if anyone has recommendations though as it's always good to have info!