Car service

showmethecash

Hi all
I am looking to get my car a second hand Audi A3 2016 serviced. I have been quoted £200 from Kwik Fit, £250 from Halfords and £350 from Audi. With my previous car, an old Golf I used to go with Halfords who i thought were ok but since my Audi cost a bit more and is my family car I am bit more cautious. Do you have any experience to share on these companies?  
Thanks

red_eye

Audi A3 is a golf which an Ibiza I think anyway vw, Audi, seat, skids, Lamborghini and Bentley are all part of Volkswagen. A.G so should be the same price if the engines are the same.
i would normally say don’t go to the big chains but I had an interview at halfords was asked what I can and cannot do was told anything I cannot do they will train me but it’s all down to how motivated the mechanic are nmw is not much of a motivator.

molerat

Any indy VW group specialists in your area ?

fred246

I never understand why more people don't use mobile mechanics. If you found one you could trust you'd be laughing. You'd know it had been done by the same person who you trusted. Taking it into a main dealer you have no idea who is messing with your car.

Mickey666

Similarly, find a local independent garage.  I've used village garages for most of my car servicing - their reputation within the local community depends on them doing a good job.  Never had a problem and far less expensive than main dealers and 'chains'.  You probably won't get a waiting room with plush carpets and free coffee, papers and TV but who wants to pay for all that anyway?!

As for KwikFit - good luck with them.  I've heard too many horror stories to even give them a try.

EssexExile

I'd go to a local independent garage, ask around for recommendations. There are good ones out there.

tower

Had my A3 15 plate serviced recently at an Audi Indy specialist in Herts/Essex for a Major service it cost £250

452

fred246 said:

I never understand why more people don't use mobile mechanics. If you found one you could trust you'd be laughing. You'd know it had been done by the same person who you trusted. Taking it into a main dealer you have no idea who is messing with your car.

You've got no idea who's messing with your car first time you use a mobile mechanic you've never met so don't trust. 

I bet you'd never get one to return to yours, I imaging you'd be standing over them like some sort of Harry Enfield character. 

AdrianC

fred246 said:

I never understand why more people don't use mobile mechanics. If you found one you could trust you'd be laughing. You'd know it had been done by the same person who you trusted. Taking it into a main dealer you have no idea who is messing with your car.

There's a hell of a lot of jobs that you wouldn't want a mobile mechanic to be doing grovelling in the gravel on the side of the road. You'd far rather have done on a lift in a workshop.

So use a small local indie garage... Best of both worlds!

(But with a main dealer, you do have a very good idea - it's a manufacturer-trained mechanic, using top-notch tools, diagnostics and OEM parts. You're paying through the nose for the pleasure, though, and they can't think outside the box.)

fred246

AdrianC said:

fred246 said:

I never understand why more people don't use mobile mechanics. If you found one you could trust you'd be laughing. You'd know it had been done by the same person who you trusted. Taking it into a main dealer you have no idea who is messing with your car.

There's a hell of a lot of jobs that you wouldn't want a mobile mechanic to be doing grovelling in the gravel on the side of the road. You'd far rather have done on a lift in a workshop.

So use a small local indie garage... Best of both worlds!

(But with a main dealer, you do have a very good idea - it's a manufacturer-trained mechanic, using top-notch tools, diagnostics and OEM parts. You're paying through the nose for the pleasure, though, and they can't think outside the box.)

It's a major service. Oil & filter, few filters, maybe spark plugs and a few checks. No need to be near gravel. No top-notch tools required. Can buy any parts you want. A service is a job a mobile mechanic could easily do. They should have lower overheads than anyone. There are some great reviews for mobile mechanics or get a recommendation. I am not sure mechanics do much thinking in the box either. Parts about £50. Labour £100 and that's being very generous.

Kattekwaad

fred246 said:

It's a major service. Oil & filter, few filters, maybe spark plugs and a few checks. No need to be near gravel. 

Just how do you change the oil and filter without getting cosy with the gravel? (assuming no hoist or pit)