Is this expensive for a service?

Minerva69

Hi everyone. I only passed my driving test last year and I bought a 2005 Renault Modus 1.6 auto, it is almost out of warranty and is due for its first MOT soon. I've booked it in for next week to have its annual service and MOT with the company I bought it from, and they have told me it will be £320 for the service :eek: This includes parts, VAT and labour but it still seemed a bit steep to me. The lady on the phone said it's a "big service" and the car will be there for 5 hours. Is this the going rate for a full service or are they ripping me off?

I know an independent garage would probably be cheaper, but the Modus has a weird engine that is inaccessble (I can't even check my brake fluid level because it's hidden and can only be checked at a garage). I thought I should take it to a Renault dealer as they are used to working on these cars, and if I continue to take it there for servicing all the work they do has a lifetime guarantee. Am I doing the right thing or should I try and find an independent garage? I know nothing about cars and I'm a woman, so I'm expecting to get ripped off! :rolleyes:

mr_accountant

Minerva69 wrote: »

The lady on the phone said it's a "big service" and the car will be there for 5 hours. Is this the going rate for a full service or are they ripping me off?

The car may there four 5 hours but i doubt they will spend anywhere near that time on the car itself.

I would ring back and ask them what they mean by "big service". Most services these days are a little more than a oil/filter change and kicking the tyres, the 'youth' then takes the car for a spin and the receptionist prints out the overpriced bill.

a big service may include spark plugs and a few filters. I think you need to find out exactly what is included then ring round a few places for a better price.

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

What do you mean, hidden? Is there a piece of plastic covering the engine - if so, remove it, only takes 2 minutes with the right tool and socket.

Personally I'd just find a local French car specialist and take it there. Well actually I'd service it myself, but you know what I mean

LandyAndy

Quite a few cars run on three year servicing cycles where the first and second services are relatively cheap ( £100-£120) because not much is changed but lots of things are just inspected. Then the third year service is much more comprehensive and many consumables are changed.

£320 for a major service from a franchised dealer doesn't sound unusual.

Conor_3

Agree with LandyAndy. My Mondeo has basically two services which are nothing more than oil and filters and the third is a major one.

You could try here for a price for a major service. There's been good and bad reports about them but TBH, you get good and bad reports about anywhere. At least you know what's included.
http://www.nationwideautocentres.co.uk/

System

agree with previous post. our car is having its "big" service on friday at national autocentres and its costing £129

spookylukey

Just a word of warning for anyone using Nationwide Auto's for a service...

I have in the past been charged for changing oil filters etc which wasn't done, when asked about it they claimed it was an oversight. My last service with them was 3 years ago - they told me it needed a new exhaust and 4 new tyres, I paid for the tyres as I was told they were illegal (very much doubt that now as they were fairly new but I was young and foolish!). Didn't have the exhaust done as I couldn't afford both, the car has since passed two MOT's with the same exhaust and it is still going strong.

I'm sure they are not all like this but best to check what has actually been done and even get a 2nd opinion if they suggest any expensive work needs doing.