Garages and girls

[magpiemorgan]

I need to take my car in for a regular service next month - Everytime I have been to a garage I have found myself just saying yes to everything they suggest. If they offered me a flux capacitor replacement I would probably take it.

Does any one have any tips for not being ripped off????

[mr_accountant]

If you don’t know much about cars, then take someone along, preferably a male who knows the difference between a spark plug and an oil filter! Left him do the talking to make the garage sure you are not to be messed around. But ring for prices first, see below.

Also ask friend and family if they recommend a good garage. Best to avoid main dealers- full stop.

Also many people forget the term 'full service' is little more then oil and filter change, sparks plugs for petrol cars, ail filter, fuel filter, pollen filter if you car has one. Also they should check all suspension and brake components. And finally they check fluid levels like coolant and brake fluid, but you do that already... don’t you;)

Therefore phone the garage and ask what they change in the service and ask them to give you back your old parts. Any sign of them becoming rude then probably best to move to the next garage quote. Not all garages change all the parts, for e.g. a rip-off place will try to claim a full service is an oil and filter only change, and still try to charge full price. So ensure they are specific.


I would have thought for all this work a garage should do it for around £150 for a mid sized saloon. DIY would cost less than £50 for good quality parts.:money:

[lil_me]

My friend gets her Dad to book cars in for her and collect them because of this. With me they get a little shock when a 'girl' knows about cars :) had a few places try to push their luck.

[hollydays]

This new website www.foxyladydrivers.com may be useful when its fully up and running.

[steveo3002]

yeah get a man to book it and take it in with you, its alos a good idea to ask to ask them to show you why xxx needs replacing , a genuine garage wont have a problem pointing out the wear and showing you why it needs doing

[tomstickland]

Flux capacitors are very important you know!_____________________________________________ ______________________
Drinking Staropramen
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[bingobango]

Flux capacitors are very important you know!_____________________________________________ ______________________
Drinking Staropramen
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/images/statusicon/user_online.gif

only if you're doing 88mph though....

[CCStar]

I was bought up amongst cars, as my parents owned a garage when I was young. Heartbeat is a real nostalgia fest for me:D

My dad refurbished an old Morris Minor, and I watched, so I know the theory and my way around a car.

I still feel garages rip you off, unless you have the attitude of a mechanic. My husband gets the same feeling, so it isn't just a girl thing.

These days things are more computerised and they lock you into having to go back to them for simple repairs that could be done yourself.