Servicing.

[ChrisYar99]

The time is fast approaching for what would be my first cars first service. I'm new to this and I was wondering what people's take on garages were. I'm aware that 98% of garages are ripping us off, or so this article said here. I'm contemplating whether it's justifiable taking my 11 (nearly 12) year old Yaris to the Dealer to get it serviced, as the prices are phenomenal. Then again, the local guys aren't exactly cheap either. Or would I be better off attempting it all myself? As a mate just informed me he serviced his own vehicle for £40 himself, which would have cost £150 elsewhere. What are your takes on this?

[alfiejts]

You'll never get a straight answer to this question and there will be many views from people who've had issues with any of the options.

The bottom line is that main dealer hourly rates are higher than local garages because they need to cover their greater overheads. Its a fact.

That's not to say that they are "ripping people off", simply that their rates are higher.

On a car under warranty, then its key that the manufacturer can't quibble about any warranty claims. Whilst they can't insist you have the car serviced at a main dealer, its probably worth the investment whilst the car is under warranty for peace of mind - because if you don't then its up to you to prove that you've had it serviced in accordance with their schedule.

When it comes to local garages or DIY, then I suspect that the vast majority don't ridgidly follow the service schedule but simply replace the appropriate fluids and filters.

If you look at the Toyota schedule there are many specific checks that should be done and I suspect that a lot of breakdowns in older cars are due to people not getting all the various parts of the car inspected as they should be regularly and simply left to deteriorate until they break.

I don't think there's a right or wrong answer.

My A3 is now 6 years old, but my local dealer offers discounted prices for private cars over 3 years old and their prices match the local specialists. I'm paying £199 for a "longlife" service every 18 months, at an Audi dealer and that includes a free MOT - you can't say that's a rip off.

I don't think £99 for a simple Toyota service is too bad these days either - you'd pay £40 for the parts to do it yourself and they do have to cover their labour costs and make a profit...

I paid £200 for a Toyota 2-year service recently but that included changing the brake fluid and the batteries in the key fob - again things the local shop probably wouldn't do without charging extra...

I suspect though that if you are mechanically minded, then on an older car, you may as well do the service yourself - but my word of advice would be to check the service schedule and make sure you carry out all the checks and other things the schedule requires (like brake fluid changes every 2 years), properly checking brake pad and shoe lining thickness, checking driveshaft rubber gaiters, etc., rather than simply changing the oil & filter and thinking you've done the job.....

[Peter Sale]

Having had a very bad experience with a non-dealer chain I started to go back to the dealer. Then had an older car and used an independent who was OK but I didn't think they were any cheaper than the dealer. I don't ever feel I have been ripped off by Toyota dealers but Vauxhall with a compaany car was another story - even though I checked the lights it needed bulbs at every single service !.

The two other beliefs I have about using a dealer are that a) they know the cars better and know what can cause problems and B) if anything does need replacing they have usually done it so often they do it in half the time the independent might take so end up costing no more.

Just me view but with a 99 reg I might also be tempted to take the chance - as long as it was warm, I am getting too old for lying on the driveay in this weather !

Peter

[Cyker]

I take mine to the dealer for routine servicing because it's convenient and they are competitive with other big franchise garages. Independent garages and travelling mechanics would be cheaper but they don't usually give you a list of what they've done unless you ask and then often it gets a bit vague...

I would be less likely to go to the dealer for other works tho' (They wanted over £700 to do my clutch, which is almost double what most independent garages quoted me! That said I just had 4 new tyres put on by them; They were £20 more than the cheapest I could get it done for, but as they are right near my place of work the £20 was worth the convenience :)).

[acetip]

Having had a very bad experience with a non-dealer chain I started to go back to the dealer. Then had an older car and used an independent who was OK but I didn't think they were any cheaper than the dealer. I don't ever feel I have been ripped off by Toyota dealers but Vauxhall with a compaany car was another story - even though I checked the lights it needed bulbs at every single service !.

The two other beliefs I have about using a dealer are that a) they know the cars better and know what can cause problems and B) if anything does need replacing they have usually done it so often they do it in half the time the independent might take so end up costing no more.

Just me view but with a 99 reg I might also be tempted to take the chance - as long as it was warm, I am getting too old for lying on the driveay in this weather !

Peter

know what you mean by getting too old,just changed aa front wheel bearing on the wifes car,each time i got up from kneeling down to do the job,i felt my age.wife said i should have let the garage do it.but thought i would save a few bob.anyway jobs done now and the old bones have recovered.but that hub nut was bl**dy tight.im not as strong as i use to be.

[Sico2]

Try to obtain a quote from a dealership, and let them tell you what is to repair. Do the same from 2-3 other garages and compare. If you plan to keep the car well maintained for another 5 years or so, I would suggest Toyota. If you plan to sell it shortly and only want to have to pass the MOT, save the money.

Tell us what is faulty and needs to be repaired.

[Madasafish]

I used to get competitive quotes: three Toyota dealers within 20 miles... Servcie cost between £120 and £200 iirc.

I now diy as I am reasonably experienced and not too incompetent BUT I have tools, a pit and a workshop manual.

You are only as good as your local dealer/independent.

For a 10 year car, there are always going to be issues...A dealer will do things by the book, a good independent may do as good a job for much less: eg use non Toyota exhaust parts which are MUCH cheaper.

You need personal and factual recommendations for independents ... some are competent and good, some are competent and expensive and some have spurs you can hear 100 metres away...

[john webley]

I have a 55 plate yaris,

the service is oil,oil filter and a check over,brake pads,fluid etc.

if you have a Haynes manual and make notes in the back,as to dates and mileages it will help,

my personal "thing" is ALWAYS change the auto-box oil,maybe only ever 25K miles,but I believe it helps it last.

I also have "C" plate,'85 Corolla,12v 1.3 auto,has just over 130K,I have done 99% of the servicing,including

about 4 Timing belts,

all you need is commen sense ,maybe a little help the first time.

thanks

John

[gloucester]

I expect you've got things sorted out now. Just a word of advice. If you are unlucky enough to be involved in an accident an insurance company may well ask when the car was last serviced and by whom. A current MOT is not always enough for them. Unless you are a qualified technician they could make things difficult for you in the event of a third party claim. Or a claim from yourself. Recomendation is usually best for finding a decent repairer of anything! Even if it means paying a bit more.

[Madasafish]

Just a word of advice. If you are unlucky enough to be involved in an accident an insurance company may well ask when the car was last serviced and by whom. A current MOT is not always enough for them. Unless you are a qualified technician they could make things difficult for you in the event of a third party claim. Or a claim from yourself

Been there. Had insurance asking (wife's car). I did all work. Not an issue at all. I had invoices for oil/filters etc to prove it had been maintained. No quibbles at all and they paid out very promptly.