Ford Focus 1.6 - Service & MOT at main dealer or elsewhere?

philgee

Hi,

I have a Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec due for it's annual service and MOT in a couple of weeks.

It's just over 6 years old, with 48k on the clock and full main dealer service history.

My local main dealer wants £243 for both service & MOT. The service is not a major one as this was done a couple of years ago.

I have just seen an advert from my local Suzuki dealer offering a basic service & MOT for £99 for any make of car.

Probably a bit of a no brainer, but is it worth continuing with Ford for servicing? It's no longer under warranty, except for bodywork which is 12 years which I think has to be checked when the service is done.

Thanks

nomoneytoday

How much is the stamp worth to you?

[Deleted User]

Do only main dealers stamp books?

ScottishSapper

As long as the garage servicing the vehicle does it to the service standard then it does not affect any warranty.

You can still have the service book stamped

ps - I wish I had a bodywork warranty, my 2001 zetec is shot underneath both front doors

Have a read of this::::: http://www.justgoodcars.com/car-news-worldwide/auto-news-1638.html

Mr_Taxtastic

Ford currently offer main dealer 'older car' service for £99 with free breakdown cover for a year.

See:http://www.ford.co.uk/OwnerServices/VehicleServiceandRepair/ServicePromotions/ValueService

Maybe your local dealer is not participating so it may pay to ask other dealers.

Anihilator

These services are unlikely to qualify as proper service for service history sake as they are unlikely to use genuine parts of do all the checks necessary. just the basic ones.

At that age I dont think it will do much harm as long as you keep the paperwork and ensure any abnormal items like belts etc are done.

philgee

Thanks for all the replies. Didn't know about the Ford value service - my local dealer is participating, but didn't mention it when I called (funny that!).

I may give a local independent a call first, and see what they can do a service & MOT for.

jeannieblue

philgee wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies. Didn't know about the Ford value service - my local dealer is participating, but didn't mention it when I called (funny that!).

I may give a local independent a call first, and see what they can do a service & MOT for.

And then the dealer calls you about other things that need doing.....

Go to the independent - if you know and trust them.

molerat

6 yr should be a major service, 12.5k / 1yr service, 37.5k / 3 yr major service, probably why you have been quoted that price. Look here for service schedule http://www.etis.ford.com/fordservice/serviceScheduleForm.do

jeannieblue

molerat wrote: »

6 yr should be a major service, 12.5k / 1yr service, 37.5k / 3 yr major service, probably why you have been quoted that price. Look here for service schedule http://www.etis.ford.com/fordservice/serviceScheduleForm.do

Should be a major service... but how about using common sense and not sticking rigidly to the schedule and only do what needs to be done and replace what needs to be replaced?

This is where dealers fall down, they have their prices and that is that. You may have low mileage, your air filter may be like new, but hey, its on the schedule, we must replace it.... etc etc...

philgee

It had a major service 2 years ago. According to the service guide a major is every 3 years, which after a bit of umming and arring, the chap I spoke to at the dealer agreed it only needed a minor service.

I've not had a car old enough for me to think about using an independent for a long time - the garage I used to use is not longer in business, at least not where they used to be located, but I will go and enquire in person next week as I have a few days off work.

Thanks