Bangernomics - how much to spend on servicing? £50 kwik-fit oil change?

SomeRandomGuy

bigjl wrote: »

So you think spending £30/40 once every 5/6k miles as a waste of money?

When it could potentially mean the vehicle is usable for several more years?

Yes. Thy money is probably better saved towards any actual repairs that may need doing or towards a new car fund. Don't get me wrong I would check and top up all the fluid levels as required but I wouldn't be getting it serviced. Unless the oil is like jet black gritted treacle I can't see the point, even then....

My guess is with modern engines and oils used it is uncommon these days for a car to be scrapped because of oil related issues or even engine failure............ Other issues are more likely to go terminally wrong from an economic repair / MOT point of view...... rust, clutch, gearbox, suspension, injectors, etc.

Iceweasel

Check here for a cheap oil change with decent oil and filter:

https://www.national.co.uk/oil-change

takman

SomeRandomGuy wrote: »

Yes. Thy money is probably better saved towards any actual repairs that may need doing or towards a new car fund. Don't get me wrong I would check and top up all the fluid levels as required but I wouldn't be getting it serviced. Unless the oil is like jet black gritted treacle I can't see the point, even then....

My guess is with modern engines and oils used it is uncommon these days for a car to be scrapped because of oil related issues or even engine failure............ Other issues are more likely to go terminally wrong from an economic repair / MOT point of view...... rust, clutch, gearbox, suspension, injectors, etc.

But it will only take you an hour (maybe two) once a year to service the car and some cheap oil and a filter!. This will not only help preserve the engine but make sure it doesn't loose performance or have reduced fuel economy.
I can't see how it would ever be not worth servicing a car!

[Deleted User]

"I can't see how it would ever be not worth servicing a car! "


Either when the cost of servicing x times to keep the car going will exceed the cost of replacing the car after y years, or when you expect something else more expensive than the value of the car to go first.


Remember I got this car for £350, and in the current market it's not hard to find a car with a few years left in it for under £500.


On the other hand though, it's always a risk buying a new car, even for £500, and they'll often be an admin charge from the insurance company for changing car, and you only get the car tax back for unused full months. Also, I fear the car industry may convince the government to start the scrappage scheme again, greatly distorting the market for old bangers. So if you have a working car you're happy with, it's probably worth spending a little bit on servicing.


So on balance, I think I will stretch the oil change to 10,000 miles, until I've reason to think the car is on its last legs.

takman

[quote=[Deleted User];70637199]
So on balance, I think I will stretch the oil change to 10,000 miles, until I've reason to think the car is on its last legs.[/QUOTE]

I actually service my car according to the manufacturer's instructions which is every year or 20,000 miles. So that in reality is once a year in which I do around 17,000 miles!.

Countrywalks

[quote=[Deleted User];70634299]I do have a local independent garage round the corner, I've used them a few times and they have been pretty helpful, at least they have mechanics who have started shaving (unlike the chains), but I was warned off them by someone I know who's aunt took them to court (but I don't know any more details).

Possibly unrealistic to expect to find a garage where you only hear good reports.[/QUOTE]

It is hard to find a good garage i know but that's what these big chains take advantage of by putting them in very easy reach of everyone.
Im going to use the garage my sister uses and tell them i was recommended there and just hope they look after me.

I phoned the Horsham Kwik Fit branch up and spoke with the manager, He said 2 things to me about my oil and steering wheel alignment, He said "In a diesel car the oil turns black as soon as you start the car and the steering wheel not now straight inline with the car can be because of my tyres where worn differently that the new ones that went on".

This is different to what 99% of everyone else has told me and this even includes Worthing Kwik Fit, who are very good and i wish went there at the start or to my sisters local mechanic.

pulliptears

DH uses National as it's next door to his work, there are often codes floating about.
They have always done a good job to be fair and never try to upsell.

We've also used the little independent backstreet place near us, you provide him the oil and filter and he'll sort it for £15, but you don't get the stamp in your service book.