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Lakitu | 10:09 Fri 16th May 2008 | Motoring
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My car is booked for a service, it's going to cost �200, is it just me or is that excessive?

Do I need to go to the dealer? Would the value of my car decrease any if I went elsewhere?

Also, what actually forms part of the service? I don't want them checking stuff and then charging me extra for oil filters/oil etc.
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Depends what car it is! i.e. range rovers etc should be done by a garage or dealer that specialise in them!

But I just paid �171 for my 2 ltr deasel touran (7 seater) to be serviced! It had break pads put on as well in this price (labour inc!)
Question Author
It's a 3 year old Hyundai - first MOT booked for the same time as the service.
Most dealerships should have a list displayed of what is included in a standard service. It usually involves oil, filters, spark plugs etc. as well as checking coolant levels, brake pads and so on. Anything found to be worn out or about to fail which is not included in the servce items will probably only be replaced with your permission. In other words they should ring you and say , " Your tyres are worn out it'll cost �60 to replace them do you want me to do that ? "
If you agree with this they will add it to the bill.

The most costly part of a service is labour and this is what you'll be paying for.
It might just be the going price where you are. Most prices are competative! I live in Wales in a small town, so my garage might be a bit cheeper anyway!

Agree with above though, they will speak to you before doing anything! ;0)
Question Author
Thank you, I guess I'm just a little put out that it's going to cost so much :(
just change the oil and filter at a kwick fit type place for a score, 3 year old Hyundia is all but worthless anyway I wouldn't spend much on it. You need an R1! The wisdom of the Geezer is strong today.
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I'm sure a 3 year old Hyundia is worth absolutly nothing, by my 3 year old HynundAI is worth something to me ;) :p
Don't you hate it when you post a spelling correction and make a mistake in the correction post :)

You said first MOT booked for the same time as the service.

If that is included in the �200 I'd say it's a pretty reasonable price.
Question Author
Just a bit of banter :)

No, the MOT is costing �56 on top of the �200 for the service.
To be honest I wouldn't touch a main agent for servicing or repairs. Too many horror stories especially with my 2 daughters being ripped off for unnecessary work. Even had one main agent telling my daughter that following an MOT failure she had to have the work done by them as it would be illegal for her to drive it away without the work being done. Resulting bill was �500 !!! Try and find a good local garage maybe from recommendations from friends or family. They will endorse the service book with what has been done.

Find out what they mean by a "Service" which parts are replaced ie oil filter,air filter,fuel filter, oils, spark plugs etc.. I've seen some main agents advertising a service for �85 and all you get is an oil and filter change and a check on all other items.

I have no idea how good this site is but it may give some idea of garages available in your area.

http://www.goodgaragescheme.co.uk/index.php


Good Luck




Question Author
Thank you very much, Paul, I appreciate the input and the link :)
Take your service schedule to the local garage, ( you should have got this when you first bought your car) and get a quote for the due service, it will be a lot cheaper than the dealers.

Depending what is due in the scheduled service which is based on time and mileage the price could be anything between �70 and �500

If the local garage is vat registered follows the schedule and uses genuine Hyundai parts on your car all guarantees on the car will remain in force and you will not loose any value when reselling your car.
Question Author
Thank you Toureman, I'll have a look at the documents I received with the car when I get home, I don't remember seeing a schedule though.

If that's the case, I will take it elsewhere for a service, I wasn't very sure if the parts guaranteed for 5 years would have to be throught the Hyundai dealer.
The price is about right for your service but i think being charged full price for an MOT is a rip off
A three year service on a hyundai would consist of
oil/filter change
top up scrreen wash levals
check brake fluid and gearbox levals
change engine coolant (depends on model/engine variant)
change pollen filters (if it has air con)
lube locks and hinges
check tyres
check front pads (and rears depending on model) if doing average mileage they will be about due for a change about �100 so may be cheaper elsewhere
check timing belt (petrol engines )
check lights
check washers wipers
you can always ask them for discount on the test as you are having the service there
also you dont have to have the coolant changed or the pollen filters and this could save you a few quid
remember the vehicle is still under warrenty so any servicing should be done by a vat registered garage
and use genuine parts, also there are a few "in service" repairs out at the moment (not safety recalls) that will be done along side the service under warrenty
so �200 for a top technician to spend 2 hour checking your car i think is good value for money, (unfortunatly you dont always get what you pay for)
yes i work for hyundai hope this helps
Question Author
Bigboots THANK YOU!

Now, just so I'm ready, you'll know that I'm covered with the 5 year guarantee, just what does that guarantee cover?, I mean, I was told I'm not covered from wear and tear, fair enough, but isn't every part of the vehicle going to be subject to an element of wear and tear??
Wear and Tear normally relates to brakes, exhaust, battery, tyres light bulbs etc, things that normally wear over time, The 5 year guarantee will cover you against more serious issues (hopefully none will happen) i.e. damage to engine, gearbox, clutch that has arisen by no fault of your own, for example I have an Audi and the cylinder head cracked (imperfection of metal) and this was replaced under guarantee, in other words and simply put the guarantee covers serious things that may go wrong that should not have done whilst being correctly serviced by you (broadly speaking) this really is a can of worms, ask any person who has tried to get something repaired under guarantee. GOOD LUCK
Most dealers charge around �75 plus VAT for labour so I would suggest asking around where you live or work or drink and finding a reliable mechanic by word of mouth. As long as you keep all receipts, it should not detract from the value when due to sell.
Question Author
Thank you very much everyone :) x

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