Service or not?

janninew

goldspanners wrote: »

you could if your feeling adventurous get an oil and filter service at a fast fit type place,but these are generally not recommended.
with only 4000 miles from the last service the oil probably doesnt need changing.
ask the MOT station if they would do a quick check over the other parts of the car not covered by the MOT. oil and coolant for example.

some garages will offer free winter health check shortly,but most just use these as a way to try and sell you something you more than likely dont really need.

I have seen my local Kwik Fit advertising a winter health check! I was a bit dubious about going there as I haven't heard many good things about them!

Premier_2

janninew wrote: »

...I called my local Ford dealer and they charge 198.00 for a service! :eek: ..

:eek: Indeed!

Even a major service should only be about £180.
This is where it gets complicated, because Ford recommend a service every year or 12500 miles, and every 3rd one is supposed to be a major service.

But with only 60,000 miles, and only 4000 in the last year, a standard service might be ok. (major services are at 37500 & 75000 miles) That should cost about £130.

Ford garages often offer cheaper services for cars 4 or more years old for about £99, but it won't be to manufacturers specification.
So you may as well take it to an independent and save even more. But don't pay for a service that doesn't include oil & filter change - afterall there isn't much else they do but have a look around.

You could probably even get just an oil & filter change for about £10-£30 - well worth it in the long run.

janninew

Premier wrote: »

:eek: Indeed!

Even a major service should only be about £180.
This is where it gets complicated, because Ford recommend a service every year or 12500 miles, and every 3rd one is supposed to be a major service.

But with only 60,000 miles, and only 4000 in the last year, a standard service might be ok. (major services are at 37500 & 75000 miles) That should cost about £130.

Ford garages often offer cheaper services for cars 4 or more years old for about £99, but it won't be to manufacturers specification.
So you may as well take it to an independent and save even more. But don't pay for a service that doesn't include oil & filter change - afterall there isn't much else they do but have a look around.

You could probably even get just an oil & filter change for about £10-£30 - well worth it in the long run.

Thanks for all that! I did think that 198.00 was alot for a service!

I have been looking online and there is a local independent garage that would service it for 68.00. I would also need to pay 12.00 for oil, 4.00 for an oil filter and 7.00 for an air filter. There is also something about a cabin filter? Not sure what that is? I know this garage has a good reputation so I think I will give them a go!

jeannieblue

janninew wrote: »

I have seen my local Kwik Fit advertising a winter health check! I was a bit dubious about going there as I haven't heard many good things about them!

Just don't go there........ :eek:

You've not done alot of miles, I recommend going to your nice family garage for a small service - basically oil & filter, check thru, wheels off to examine brakes properly and most importantly, check your spark plugs, if they don't need changing, then a nice dose of WD40 or similar down the plug holes! Trust me, the plugs need to come out yearly on KA's and alot of Fiestas. They tend to corrode in and then you end up with all mother of complications.

Your mileage is low, but it really is a good idea to get a small service/as necessary to keep the car in good condition. Its for your own good ..

Cost of a small service? About £100 may be a tad less depending on where you are in the country - South tends to be dearer...

davemorton

Have you asked this local, family run MOT center how much they would charge for a service, worth a punt!

Lithian

If when you come to sell it the car has a somewhat ropey service history then you'd probably not get quite as much cash for it, £100-150 spent now should help out further down the line

Just_Incredible

I replace my oil and filter every 6 months or 6000 miles

and every year or 12,000 miles I change the oil, oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, pollen filter and check coolant, tyres, brakes and brake fluid as well as clean the throttle body and add redex to my tank

it cost me around £45 for parts and takes me an afternoon to do it

so much cheaper than getting a garage to do it

anewman

hartcjhart wrote: »

get the mot station to check oil level and your coolant/anti freeze,if you buy a small pot of anti freeze and a gallon of the correct oil just pop it in the boot,when you go for the mot smile sweetly :Dand ask for them to check/top up,

This is all part of the driving test nowadays and all in the owners manual!

Unless these get in the way there's no reason a woman shouldn't be able to do these things

LandyAndy

Lithian wrote: »

If when you come to sell it the car has a somewhat ropey service history then you'd probably not get quite as much cash for it, £100-150 spent now should help out further down the line

I don't think people buying an 8 / 9 year old car set too much store by stamped dealer service histories.

kd1975

janninew wrote: »

Hi

Hope somebody can give me some advice as I don't know much about cars!

My car is due for its MOT next week and I am unsure if I should have it serviced at the same time? Its a 2003 Ford KA. Its done just over 60,000 miles and was last serviced last November. Money is a little tight at the moment, is it worth having it serviced or not?

Thanks for any advice offered!

Janninew

It is likely you can get a service and mot for about £110, or go for a part service