Just got a quote for some work doing to my car which I thought was quite reasonable.

Full service (Oil, oil filter, cabin filter, spark plugs and brake fluid) + wheel alignment adjustment (because my car needs it badly).

All included (VAT and parts etc...) for £197.98.

That doesn't sound too bad to me. What do you think?

Thinking back to my last major service on the little Fiesta I had, it amount to somewhere in the region of £120. Wheel alignment is probably around £30 and then £30 for any adjustment.

My experience of getting several cars serviced over a number of years is the price is either 'an absolute fortune' (if something is actually wrong) or 'about £100-ish'. Given you're always going to pay labour on the actual service and other sundry costs plus you'll always have a year's wear and tear, you pretty much end with a minimum price around £100 regardless.

Jon

Not too bad. Mine cost around that for a service last time, and I was expecting it to cost more just because of what it is.

Sounds pretty good to me, to be honest.

Sounds good to me too.

It's a fine balancing act, not to get ripped off and then not to go with some cowboy no price who fecks up your car.

That's where I have been going before (i.e. cowboy place).

I didn't realise it was actual cowboy stuff I just thought it was cheap but then I found out they just didn't care about the work or the car.

After the crash last month I had my car repaired (by the insurance) at Just Car Clinic in Leeds and it came back perfect (the repaired parts).

That's where "my garage" is now. Price wise it's very reasonable.

£350 for new rear brakes (discs and pads) and two rear Michelin Energy Saver tyres (inc fitting and VAT)
£45 for the new anti roll bar link (inc fitting and VAT)
and now £198 for full service and wheel alignment (£155ish for the service and the rest for the alignment).

I actually take mine to the dealer for servicing. Unlike many dealers, our local Toyota dealer doesn't charge rip off prices.And unlike other local garages I've used in the past, the car is perfect every time.

I was expecting this post to be longer.

Tired. Work.

Same reason we go to the VW dealer now after getting a deal that includes MOTs, major services and discounts on other things. With the old crappy Ka of the GFs we used to take it to a local guy until one day I discovered that the spark plugs had welded themselves into the engine - something which he apparently was cleaning...

I take mine to a local specialist (well I say local it's now nearly 30 miles away)

The place has been there for 20+ years now, and 2 of my parents cars have been taken there, the work is top notch and last time I had issues (couldnt get rid of a CEL) every time I had it in and checked I didnt pay the diagnostic fee and only paid for the parts and up to 30 mins labour

Last service was around £190 IIRC a couple of months ago but it needs to go back in for the timing belt and water pump (I would do it myself but it involves taking the front off the car to get to the belt) so will just take it in for the peace of mind.... gives me an excuse to go home anyway lol

I drive a bog-standard Ford, and usually have.

I've usually used main dealers. They're often cheaper than "your friendly local garage" and you know they have the right tools to do the job properly and efficiently. You also get a full electronic vehicle history which can be accessed at any Ford dealer. I've been to maybe half a dozen different ones over the years, and they've all been fine.

Mind you, I had nightmares with my local authorised Fiat garage many years ago. They really didn't care one bit. That's why I'll never buy a Ferrari.