costs of running a car

Mercdriver · 4 July 2020 at 10:55PM

Grumpy_chap said:

No, they charge you for a service. That includes what you reasonably need and a good garage will manage it through "swings and roundabouts" so that you get what you need and don't get a surprise when the bill comes out.

Exactly which is why although the battery charge appeared on the invoice but the actual service charge was unchanged. Fred(s) has(ve) a thing about garages.

fred246 · 5 July 2020 at 9:28AM

So why don't they just say "service" and the price? Why do they have to make up all sorts of tasks that they are charging you for but they haven't done?

Grumpy_chap · 5 July 2020 at 12:44PM

I think there are differences in tax treatment for certain elements of the service, so each part has to be identified separately. Also, some warranty packages cover parts or labour, but not both, and very rarely do warranty packages cover wear-and-tear or consumable items. Similar with lease / PCP / service plans as to what is or is not covered, so the garage just lists everything and then others can work who pays for what.