Where to get Car exhaust system?

tantan1208

My car exhaust system needs replacing. It would be helpful if anyone can recommend a shop/garage where i can get one. I live in southampton. Is kwik-fit the cheapest?

Thanks

redseven

My exhaust had to be replaced this week, quite often Kwik fit is not the cheapest option. Your best bet is to use Yell.com search for car repair or garage services in your area, ring about 3 or 4 companies trying to get the best quote, it cost me £69 in Leeds for a Ford Fiesta, if that is any help.

Good Luck

Viz_2

Yes Kwik-Fit are ok but they will usually tell you that your tyres grip is running low and need four new ones.

They have also tried to sell me a whole new exhaust when only the middle section was required.

divadee

Thought you might get more replies on this board. so moved it over.

RussLE

Dear Tantum,

Having been in the tyre trade for over 15 years I would like to give you some advice.

Take your car to a named center (Kwik Fit, Nationals, Centrals). Get them to check the exhaust (They all offer a free no obligation check). Find out exactly what parts you need (Kwik Fit & Nationals should print you off a quote at your request). Then leave their center and tell them you'll be back later (Don't get pressured into getting it there and then!)

Go home with your quote, ring the other local dealers in your area with the knowledge that you know exactly the parts you need.

Then either go to who quotes you cheapest, OR take it to National Tyres or Kwik Fit and tell them the cheapest quote that you got (THEY SHOULD PRICEMATCH THIS QUOTE IF AUTHENTIC)
The reason to take it back to the big dealers is that the warranty covers you where ever you may be in the UK if it was to fail you.

Secondly, Only take the money for the exhaust with you. Then, if they tell you that there is other work that you need on the vehicle (Tyres, Shocks, Brakes....I could go on!) You can explain that you only have the money for the exhaust at th momoent, but "GIVE US A QUOTE AND I'LL GET BACK TO YOU!!)

hope this helps........and remember....don't be intimidated by them....YOUR THE CUSTOMER....YOUR ALWAYS RIGHT!!!

regards

Russell

Silent_Bob_3

Telling us what car it is might help you out a bit more.

Wouldnt touch Kwik Fit with a bargepole, somebody I know took their car in and watched the junior monkey spray oil on the shocks before the mechanic looking after the car came and told him his shocks were leaking and needed replacing.

Heard too many shocking stories about them, better off finding a garage that comes recommended and finding out the prices of things from that cars owners club or forum list.

rrwfotr

Yep I can tell you a horror story about kwick fit, a couple of months ago I took my fiesta in as the back box had gone on the phone I was quoted £35 suppiled and fitted. But when I went down there suddently the £35 quote was for an older model car. I was then told I needed a whole new system which would cost a whooping £180.00 as there was no box boxis made for the model i would need a whole new system/unit and my front two tyres needed changing. I told them I would get back to them I was not getting ripped off. I was then told the car was un-road worthy and they would ring the police if I took then car away. I told them to basically get lost, I then took my car to a local garage, and got the back box fitted for £27.00 and got my tyres checked and was told that I had a good 4 -5 mm left of good tread. All i got to say is i think KWICK FIT are ripp off merchants!!!!!!

bosey

yep, as above! got a quote from quick-fit(up) for a system for my vw van - £290. phoned a few local car spares places and got a bosal system for £90 & fitted it myself - no bother!

wazza

as may have been mentioned above take your car to a large garage like kwick fit. Get them to check your exhaust and see which part needs replacing. Just say you were nearby when the exhaust went so you decidied to drop in and check how much it will cost to replace it. Then say you have to go to the bank or popo back in after payday. They will probably have heard it before but it will help you to get out without getting the work done. That is what i told them when my exhaust broke.

Go home and get the yellow pages out. Ring around. Remember to state year and engine size and fuel type clearly. Some might quote for a lower model but will charge you extra when they find it was the wrong model they charged for. I have a mondeo diesel whose exhaust costs more than a petrol version. Few garages quoted me for the petrol version. I told them to double check and they were corrected. Also ask for guarantee supplied. Most offer two years.

Since you have a ford also try rapid fit which is part of ford. Their quote for my old sierra was far cheaper than others and they used genuine ford parts. It had ford stamped all over.

I hope you won't my post exhaustive to read.

happy hunting

fushiafluff

Quick fit quoted £423 for my friends picasso, a new stainless steel made to measure costs only £295 ! Thats the route she took.

chrisw

Kwik fit were the cheapest by around £60 for the exhaust for my car,however they spent around 2 hours hammering and bending it to fit so I suspect it may not have been the right one. Seems to work ok though and I'm getting rid of the car shortly.