Any thing I can do to cut car service expenses?

daxu

Hi,

I am thinking of having my car (second hand from a friend) serviced. Is there any tip or tricks I can do to spend my money wisely on car service? I know shop around though.

Thanks

ArsenalFC

When was it last serviced? If it need a full service then find a local mechanic who can do it for a reasonable price. If it doesn't need a full service then you can get the oil & filter change at https://www.national.co.uk for £15-£25 depending on grade of oil. Spark plugs and air filter can be change yourself if you're ok with cars or get a friend to help. All these bits will cost about £50-£60.

steveo3002

buy a haynes manual and diy? parts can be had for cheap

or find a local that can do it for a good drink

daxu

Thanks for reply.

The car has never been serviced yet.
My friend bought it three years ago as a new car (ford ka) and she drives quite carefully.

I bought it like 7 months ago and hit the curb several times (I was a learner driver and passed my test with it finally), so the wheels need some work.

I can do some diy but am thinking to have it serviced by some "professionals".

mutley74

One thing I have noticed when I get my car serviced even though I paya fixed fee e.g £125 inc VAT. On the invoice which is usually itemised to show the parts changed within the service, they show windscreen washer and a price of around £1.50 +VAT to just top it up.

Was wondering if I fill that up myself before the service and tell them on the day, will a garage deduct the “listed fee” for the solution from their standard service fee??
Anyone tried this??

olly300

daxu wrote: »

Thanks for reply.

The car has never been serviced yet.

Get a full service.

Ask friends', family and colleagues to recommend a garage to use.

However carefully your friend drives certain parts wear i.e. brake pads, and become unsafe.

You should get a hayes manual like suggested and do some checks yourself regularly at the service intervals they recommend. Your car will last longer then and you will save some money. Parkers (
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/Review.aspx?model=247&page=3 ) indicates the car should be serviced at every 10K

olly300

atpug wrote: »

One thing I have noticed when I get my car serviced even though I paya fixed fee e.g £125 inc VAT. On the invoice which is usually itemised to show the parts changed within the service, they show windscreen washer and a price of around £1.50 +VAT to just top it up.

Was wondering if I fill that up myself before the service and tell them on the day, will a garage deduct the “listed fee” for the solution from their standard service fee??
Anyone tried this??

The checking is standard which is why you pay the standard service charge however if a part doesn't need doing or replacing then you shouldn't be charged. Otherwise find another garage.

For example on my last service my brake fluid and windscreen washer fluid where both checked but not replaced/ topped up as they didn't need to be. However my oil was checked and had to be changed so I paid for the oil. (I knew my oil needed changing and my windscreen washer fluid was topped up as I check them regularly. )

daxu

My wife is using this car to learn driving as well. I guess that it would make sense to postpone the "professional" service to until she gets her driving license (hopefully within 6 months). Isn't it?
I will buy the manual and do some diy bits myself.

Stephen_Leak

I do as much as you can myself (spark plugs & leads, air filters, etc.) that don't require any tools that aren't in my basic tool kit.

I always use National Tyres for the oil & filter change. It is a "loss leader" to get you in so they can have a look at your tyres. Mine are always OK, because I actually make a note of the tread depth readings they've taken!

I also don't delay or cut corners when it comes to things like tyres, steering or brakes - you don't get second chances with them.

The little family-run local garage I've found is very good, but they do like to do a proper job, and once charged me £1 (+ VAT) for additive when they topped up my windscreen washer bottle. OK, it is a service item and actually illegal if empty or not working, but I've filled it up myself beforehand ever since!

My cambelt and pulleys are due for replacement this year, and I shall have them done at the 90,000 mile service. However, I have found that I can get the Ford kit of parts online for a lot less than the garage charged me when it was last done in 2002. So, I will get the kit of parts, they can fit it.