Service For My 9yr Old 25k Mile Baby

[salthepal]

I'm thinking of treating my RAV to a proper dealer service, although it had new cam belt last year and regular oil and filter changes done by non-dealer since I bought it in 2004 with 9K miles, having then just been dealer serviced prior to sale.

Do you shop around for the best price and does the price/quality of service vary much?

Thanks.

[dave.m]

Hi Sal, was it an independent garage who done cambelt etc ? If it was and you were quite happy with what you got

why not stick with them. Or get a price from Mr T and compare them.

[salthepal]

A kind friend who used to be a mechanic did the cam belt brilliantly and I go to National autocentres for oil and filter chalnges.

Sadly the friend who did the belt doesn't do servicing - he just diagnosed a problem at that time and fixed it.

[anchorman]

Kingo will kill me for saying so but I think you will pay through the nose for your service. I would ask around for a good independant. Most charge about £30 for labour against £75 + VAT and that will make a heck of a difference.

Good luck Sal

[bothwell_buyer]

Agreeing with wots been said - the difference is mainly the price; and the chance that the dealer will charge you for things you don't need; or even charge for things that don't get done or fitted. That was my experience and I've avoided dealers ever since for servicing.

Given the year, get the oils done in the axles etc and probably change the brake fluid cos it will need it....meant to change fluid every 2-3 years but few do it.

Just use a mechanic who knows what she's doing.