Suspension repairs

scruffbag1

Hi,

I put my car in for its first MOT this morning. It is a 2011 Renault Twingo Silverstone, done 12000 miles and in very good condition - had it serviced every year since i've had it and never had to do any repairs - hence why I need some advice about cost of getting it fixed.

The mechanic at the test centre rang to say it had failed the MOT due to suspension problems.
This is what it says on the document:
Nearside front lower suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint
Offside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt.

Now, they have given me a quote of £370 to fix it. Having never had to pay for repairs before and having no idea if they are trying to rip me off, I'm not sure about what to do.

Is this a fair price or should I ring around to see if I can get it cheaper? Hoping someone can advise me as it is a lot of money and, as a female with limited knowledge of car problems, I don't want to be seen as an easy target.

Thanks in advance for any help

NeverEnough

Where was the MOT done? If it was an independent garage you use to service the car, and not an outfit like Kwikfit /Halfords etc........
Seems a bit pricey to me, but suspension arms can sometimes be a !!!!!! labour wise. I would get a few prices from reasonable independents, and also phone main dealer to get their own probably crazy high price so you can compare.

scruffbag1

Thanks. It was done at the independent garage where I normally get it serviced. I've just rang another local mechanic who has given me a quote of £220 and agreed that the first price was too much. Guess it definitely pays to ring around!

AdrianC

Have either of them specified the brand of the parts to be used? Genuine Renault will be a LOT more expensive than an eBay-special unbranded which might last a year or two at most.

scruffbag1

AdrianC wrote: »

Have either of them specified the brand of the parts to be used? Genuine Renault will be a LOT more expensive than an eBay-special unbranded which might last a year or two at most.

No neither of them specified the brand but the second one I spoke to said he would ring the manufacturer and to get back to him on Monday to confirm - I presume by manufacturer he means Renault? I guess I will check with him on Monday.

Spicy_McHaggis

scruffbag1 wrote: »

Hi,

I put my car in for its first MOT this morning. It is a 2011 Renault Twingo Silverstone, done 12000 miles and in very good condition - had it serviced every year since i've had it and never had to do any repairs - hence why I need some advice about cost of getting it fixed.

The mechanic at the test centre rang to say it had failed the MOT due to suspension problems.
This is what it says on the document:
Nearside front lower suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint
Offside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt.

Now, they have given me a quote of £370 to fix it. Having never had to pay for repairs before and having no idea if they are trying to rip me off, I'm not sure about what to do.

Is this a fair price or should I ring around to see if I can get it cheaper? Hoping someone can advise me as it is a lot of money and, as a female with limited knowledge of car problems, I don't want to be seen as an easy target.

Thanks in advance for any help

Didn't you bother last year?

Chris75

AdrianC wrote: »

Have either of them specified the brand of the parts to be used? Genuine Renault will be a LOT more expensive than an eBay-special unbranded which might last a year or two at most.

Not that the Renault one lasted much longer!

GoldenShadow

Offside suspension arm on my Seat Ibiza had excessive movement and was replaced at MOT in Jan 2013. Cost £150 including Seat part, labour and VAT (was a local, tiny Renault specialist garage who did it).

macman

Since the vehicle is out of warranty, there's no real necessity to use Renault branded parts. OEM parts should be perfectly adequate, and will be identical apart from the markings and packaging.
However, on such a low mileage vehicle, I'd first be going back to Renault UK or the supplying dealer and asking for (at the least) a contribution to the repair cost-a ball joint should not be failing at 12K. That's just one year for the average driver. If you'd done normal mileage then this would presumably be a warranty repair, unless the damage is related to driving style etc.
What's to lose?

forgotmyname

Balljoints under £25 for a good non OEM brand.

A complete QH or Delphi bottom arm complete with balljoint is under £30.

So yes £300+ is very expensive. For one i would expect £150 max.

robotrobo

scruffbag1 wrote: »

Hi,

I put my car in for its first MOT this morning. It is a 2011 Renault Twingo Silverstone, done 12000 miles and in very good condition - had it serviced every year since i've had it and never had to do any repairs - hence why I need some advice about cost of getting it fixed.

The mechanic at the test centre rang to say it had failed the MOT due to suspension problems.
This is what it says on the document:
Nearside front lower suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint
Offside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt.

Now, they have given me a quote of £370 to fix it. Having never had to pay for repairs before and having no idea if they are trying to rip me off, I'm not sure about what to do.

Is this a fair price or should I ring around to see if I can get it cheaper? Hoping someone can advise me as it is a lot of money and, as a female with limited knowledge of car problems, I don't want to be seen as an easy target.

Thanks in advance for any help

Recently replaced bottom ball joint (arm)£85 all in on my Renault mk 1scenic