Service prices

lambo28

UPDATED:
I had the car serviced at the dealers for £260 including MOT, Brake fluid change and coolant change. (supposedly my car doesn't have a cabin filter).But anyway, I have a few questions...again.

How do you know whether the brake fluid and coolant change was done properly? Apart from looking out for obvious leaks around the reservoir, what else?

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It's service time...again!

Car is a Renault Clio 1.2 8v 2006 and has done 20,000 miles (48 month service + MOT) Renault reckon it is time for oil, oil filter, air filter, cabin filter (the man was unsure whether my car has one), brake fluid change and coolant change. Surprised that spark plugs don't need changing!

They want £280 for the service and £53.10 for the MOT. Total would be in the region of £340

So I have a few points:
1) Does that sound about right given age and mileage?
2) Seems rather expensive, or is it just me?
3) Does my car require any 'special' coolant?
4) When does the cambelt/accessories/pulleys/tensioners/water pump need changing? - some say 3 years, some say 4, some even says 5. (I understand this is a very difficult question but a little help would be niceeee).

I think that's it (hope you are still reading), thanks in advance!

mark5

On my Mini, they recommend the brake fluid gets done every 2 years and the coolant gets done every 4 years. Each manufacturer varies slightly on these time scales, have you had them done before?

If not then they are due!

Personally I dont think it sounds that bad for a main dealer quote and if you plan on keeping the car it would be worth doing although you could maybe save some money going to an independant garage.

I will give you some rough prices of what I recently paid on my 05 Mini Cooper at the main dealer

Oil and Oil filter service £80ish
Brake Fluid Change £60
Engine Coolant £50

I bought an air filter from the dealer and changed it myself although it wasnt due for another 15k, I will do the same with the spark plugs when the time is right.

daveyjp

You can get MOTs cheaper.

Air filter - have a look at it and see how dirty it is as your mileage is low. If you don't have aircon you may not have a cabin filter - this can be checked too once you find out how to get to it.

Your service booklet will tell you about cambelt changes etc.

Spark plugs are good for 60,000+ miles.

PasturesNew

There was a study done by a newspaper a few years back. They phoned round loads of main dealers round the country and found that there was a massive difference in costs... so much so that it'd be worthwhile driving 200 miles and booking into a hotel for a weekend break with the saving you can make. So you could try phoning some dealers in a good holiday spot and booking your car in there and having a break on the savings.

catflea

TBH for a main dealer quote that doesn't sound to horrific to me.....

I do all my own works though....

BenL

I'd look for your nearest participating dealer

http://www.renault.co.uk/ownerservices/servicing/servicing-offers.aspx

£130 inc MOT

The brake fluid stuff is usually £20 ontop

Coolent, doubtful. My Astra for instance came out of the factory with 10 year long life coolant or something.

Actually the link shows £29 for engine coolant change

Has to be over 48 months since 1st registration. You will be out of warranty anyway so now harm in waiting.

elektra-2007

I just had the same service done as you, with MOT at Vauxhall dealership was £280, including me choosing a specific oil they had to get in.
Not all dealerships are the same is there any other Renult dealerships in your area or slightly out, give them a call and get a price.
Most will lend you a curtesy car if booked so distance shouldnt be too bad.

lambo28

Thanks. I got other quotes around the area and they were even more expensive - £ 340 (48 month service) + £40 (MOT) + £120 (brake and coolant change)..

So i called up an indie and they are charging £90 (labour) +£? (Parts) + VAT +£27 (MOT). How do you think that sounds?

mark5

I like main dealers for servicing but my money saving head goes out the window where cars are concerned.
One point I will make I never get my MOT done at the main dealer or any garage that does repairs.

vaio

Bare 20k C2 service was £200 at Citroen dealer yesterday , no MOT and no cam belt.

After 4 years I’d be seriously thinking about cam belt and if this is included then it doesn’t seem too bad.

cappy

Interesting thread ...

I've just booked my 2007 Civic diesel in for a main dealer 50K service and first MOT and was suprised at what you can save when getting main dealers to fight it out. Starts out a £401.61 + £53 MOT .... now down to £241 all in which also includes them picking up and returning the car to me, I had one Honda garage who are over 20 miles away offering the do the same ... just goes to show what a difference a few phone calls can make and I did not hesitate to tell them they were up against someone else!