Astra 1st MOT = Massive Failure

kiwigirl

We bought a new VX from local dealer many years ago and had it's first service done there, the shock of bill made us decide not to take it back to have a service there again!

Some dealers give you a hefty bill then you decide to change your car with them again (not all), if you do go to a dealership they also charge you more than the local garages, MOT and servicing, if you don't know much about cars please take someone who does know and then they can fight your case with you. My car was due to have it's cam belt changed a couple of years ago as part of normal wear and tare so was going to have it done same time as MOT / service, the dealer wanted £500 for cam belt and me driving it 2 hours away, the local garage wanted £200 for cam belt, full service and MOT, my car didn't have dealership SH on it when I got it and I intend to keep it for many years, so the dealership stamp isn't critical for me.

Alanshave - tyres depends on make model and how the car's been driven, my old boss used to have to change all his Avensis tyres every 20,000 which were a bit excessive in my opinion. My car's original back tyres were changed last year and had done in excess of 70000 by then and had a bit more wear out of them but decided to change as I was travelling a bit at time and didn't want to search for a new tyre whilst away from the area.

My front brakes needed to be replaced last year and the garage did them for £120 for me, parts and labour and added something to the fuel (diesel) at the same time. It was noticed at MOT stage and the garage owner showed my dad and me what they were like whilst it was on the ramp - I had thought they were getting a bit spongy and had told dad before MOT but didn't tell the tester. Not bad for a 6 year old car I suppose.