Car bits & bobs for servicing, where to buy online?

I have a Vauxhall, and it started life being serviced at the local Vauxhall Dealer. At least that was the case until I found out that most independant garages can do the same level of service for about £100 cheaper. The last service I had at a Vauxhall cost £347.00, the same service at a local garage cost just under £200.

Ask around for a good garage locally or try the motoring forums like 'Honest John' for a mobile mechanic or a recommended garage. Of course you may be able to cut the costs even more by using a small sole trader type garage or a mobile mechanic - both of which may be small enough not to be VAT registered - saving you yet another 17.5% off the bill!.

You will get people screaming 'Dealer Servicing is best' but I strongly disagree since I find that people who work for themselves are often more likely to give you better value for money and are less likely to botch the Job since their livelihood depends on their business......as does their reputation.

Often, when i've been ripped off by garages in the past it's either been by a large franchise type concern or a trainee / employee cutting corners or making a rush job!. Personally I've never found the main dealers to offer you anything special or extra which a private garage couldn't, other than a large bill and less in your bank account :eek: .

IMO half of the employees at dealerships don't look old enough to be vastly experienced in either mechanics or dealing with customers for that matter. Sure they may be text book qualified (recently ) but there is a big difference between booking a mechanic who is qualified and finding one who is both experienced and qualified

So my advice, ask around and try and find a mechanic who works for themselves, has 15+ years experience and has a good reputation. You'll find better value servicing and probably a better level of service than a lot of the dealers!.