Car servicing direct debit deal via Vauxhall dealership - any good?

chocisum

Hi All,

I've just bought a 3 year old Astra from a Vauxhall dealer (via a Finance company) with 38k on the clock.

As part of the follow up calls Vauxhall do, they've contacted me about a 'deal' they have for car servicing whereby I can spread the cost and pay by monthly direct debit instead of the hundreds of pounds needed at each time I have a service.

Basically, they're saying if I pay £22 per month for 28 months, I will get 2 x major services plus 1 x annual service. I'd also get 3 x seasonal healthchecks (whatever they are), puncture repair, 10% off any repairs required following the service check, and the cost of an MOT to £30.

I've just started a new job, hence the need for a new car, so I'll also need to keep on top of yearly servicing because of the mileage I'll be doing (15-20k p/y).

Is this a good deal?

Dieselman

Do you like wasting money?

Find a local garage and ask them to service it using genuine parts the cost should be much less.

MOT can be found for £30.00 at most places and how often do you get punctures..

Seems like another sales pressure from vx.:mad:

RichardD1970

Seems expensive, I have a service plan that costs £10 a month with the same sort of benefits. I get 10% of anything bought from or done by the garage.

chocisum

Richard, can you tell me who you're with for the service plan please?

I know the total package with Vauxhall is expensive but I'm tempted as I'd be able to spread the cost of 3 services over 2 years and not have to fork out a wedge of cash when the actual service is due. If there are alternatives out there that offer a service with genuine parts this'd be ideal.

I know you can also argue that I'd be better off saving up £20 p/m in an account somewhere rather than pay a direct debit, but I know what I'm like and I'd just end up spending the savings!!

RichardD1970

I bought my car from Motor Nation. The service plan is by Motor Assured, part of Vertu Motors Plc.

Have to say I have been really impressed with their service.

forgotmyname

You get 3 seasonal healthchecks. Like the free ones they offer anyway?

If you want to spread the cost, Put £20 in the bank and earn a few pennies interest also.

Check the smallprint. Someone posted about one of these deals a few days ago. Its an oil change and little else and the 2nd service you pay for the parts on top anyway.

bigjl

I have been offered a similiar type of deal by Jaguar.

70k miles of servicing, to include the cambelt change at 112k which is £1k on its own.

22 payments of £110. Which is what it would cost for the services anyway and it is simply a budgeting tool.

I believe it is transferable so should assist at sale time.

Though my vehicle has just over a year of unlimited mile manufacturers warranty so the situation is slightly different as i would be less likely to do such a deal with a 3yr old car that has a dealer warranty.

marlot

These deals can go very wrong if the dealer goes bust or loses their franchise. I know if doesn't happen very often.

In almost all cases you'd do better to put the money into a savings account.

daveyjp

Savings account and negotiate hard come servicing time. Fixed price service costs are a myth.

arcon5

So basically for £616 you get 3 services and a few inspections.

An old Astra could be services yourself for about £50 or a local garage about £120....

OddballJamie

Fellow Astra owner here.

First off join the Masterfit club, it's free and you get a £25 voucher and 25% off servicing and repairs and MOTs for £27.40.
https://www.vauxhalldriverscentre.co.uk/serviceclub/info

Minor services are about £130 (my three year one was £129)

Major services are about £170-£180 (maybe less now you qualify for the 25% off)

You can also haggle with the dealers to get the price down further. I was offered a service plan when I bought my car new and didn't bother, worked out a saving of a couple of hundred for me.