Ripped off by Halfords!!!

wgl2014

From reading the OP I can't see where there's been a rip off?

Check revealed worn tyres, a couple of weeks later a shock was found to be leaking and was replaced at roughly half the quoted price. They also seem to have replaced a couple of bulbs for free.

As for the Catalytic converter failing, things wear out. There has to be a point where parts go from being worn but OK to worn and needing replacement.

If your not happy with the service why keep going back?

Soulginge

The numptys at Halfords can't even change a bulb in my experience, I wouldn't trust them to tell me what car I own, let alone do any kind of safety work.

As far as advice goes, you may have to chalk this one up as experience and find a garage you can trust next time; a bit more difficult these days, there are plenty of scammers out there. Also, if the manager getting "all technical" is something out of your depth, take someone along with you who understands the technical stuff a bit more so the smokescreen is a bit easier to see through.