Rip off garage?

23rd June 2010, 18:59

Hi

Ive decided to put the saxo in for a service with warrington engine center that is just a couple of streets away:

Interim service check

* Check handbrake for operation and travel
* Check operation of exterior lights
* Check horn
* Check seatbelts
* Check ABS warning lights for correct operation
* Check heater plug indicator (Diesel)
* Check for correct clutch operation
* Top up battery if applicable and check security
* Check and top up brake and clutch fluid
* Check windscreen wipers
* Check windscreen washer operations and top up
* Check / top-up power steering reservoir where applicable
* Check Coolant / Antifreeze strength and top up
* Check condition, tension and adjust as required auxiliary drive belts (excluding timing/cam belt)
* Replace oil filter
* Drain engine oil and refill (special or synthetic oils subject to additional charge)
* Check and top up gearbox oil where applicable
* Check and top up axle oil where applicable
* Check and top up automatic transmission fluids where applicable
* Check for general oil leaks
* Check wheel bearings for play or noise
* Check steering / suspension components for wear and corrosion.
* Check steering rack gaitors
* Check shock absorbers for operation
* Remove front wheels and check discs / drums for wear, cracks, corrosion and scoring
* Check brake pads for wear or damage
* Check callipers for leaks and operation
* Remove rear wheels and check drums / discs for wear, cracks, corrosion and scoring
* Check brake shoes for wear or damage
* Inspect wheel cylinders for leaks and operation
* Visually check brake hydraulic system, pipes and hoses for leaks, chafing and corrosion
* Check security of hand brake linkages, lubricate if applicable
* Adjust handbrake if required
* Check propshaft / drive shaft and joints
* Check drive shaft gaiters for security and leaks
* Inspect exhaust system for leaks security and noise
* Check tyre condition, tread depth, record readings (including spare)
* Check and adjust tyre pressures (including spare)
* Set wheel nut torque to manufacturers settings
* Reset vehicle service light where applicable
* Carry out battery test
* Check condition of fuel lines

Full service extra's

* Visual inspection of HT leads
* Check condition of fuel lines
* measure and record brake limit, discs / pads
* Visual inspection of distributor cap (if applicable)
* Visual inspection of rotor arm if applicable
* Replace air filter element
* Check smoke emissions visually (Diesel)
* Lubricate throttle linkage if applicable
* Check radiator for leaks
* Check condition of radiator cap
* Check coolant hoses for leaks and condition
* Check expansion bottle and cap for leak
* Check electric cooling fan for operation where applicable
* Test and report brake fluid condition (water content)
* Lubricate bonnet catch
* Lubricate accessible door / hinges if required
* Grease steering / suspension and propshaft if applicable
* Check fuel cap condition
* Check tyres for indications of steering misalignment
* Check security of handbrake linkages and travel, lubricate and adjust if required
* Check windscreen condition
* Check mirror condition. Exterior
* Check mirror condition. Interior
* Check number plates
* Check for timing / cam belt replacement (report if due)
* Check for cabin / pollen filter replacement (report if due)
* Visual check of spark plugs

Major service extra's

* Replace spark plugs (subject to vehicle make and model)
* Replace diesel fuel filter
* Replace brake fluid and bleed system
* Replace petrol fuel filter
* Check wheels for correct ballance.
* Drain out cooling system and replace coolant / antifreeze
* Test starter motor for cranking operation and security
* Test alternator for charging operation and security
* check air con performance (tempreture and bad odour)

Major check is 185, They will pick up and wash and wax the car for me,

But i asked about my idling issue and see if they could fix it, they said its £34.50 an hour... just a few questions

Is that good? And does that include finding the problem or just fixing it? im a bit worried, will they estimate first? Im not made of money if it takes them like 10 hours lol

Does the check seem good for the money?

Thanks guys

23rd June 2010, 19:02

£34 an hour seems pretty decent. Majority round here are £40 per hour.
I imagine it would just be to find the fault mate

24th June 2010, 13:26

Cheers mate, will they charge even more to fix it and buy parts?

24th June 2010, 13:37

Have you tried finding and fixing yourself? get the codes read and likely or not it'll be the ICV which you can then replace, get the codes deleted and you should be good.

24th June 2010, 13:38

In reality its less than an hour to fix if the garage is honest but many aren't!!

24th June 2010, 14:10

Parts will be on top of the £35 an hour charge....and so will be vat.

24th June 2010, 15:35

Cheers i was thinking about that ICV as its next on my list i have tried new sparks, swapped coilpack and no diff, So ICV is left yes? Anyone know where the model number is? i couldnt find one... theres loads on ebay lol

After that ill give it the garage... theres a lot of oil dryed up on the bottom of the engine... (around some big black tube thing looks like the worst, and some a little wet) possible to do with that? hmm

24th June 2010, 15:39

on the major service list.
if they replace the brake fluid i will like my arsehole!
that is almost certainly a complete RIP OFF!

24th June 2010, 22:04

most garages around you sound like rippin off c**ts 40 quid an hour.my service cost 80 includin parts oil. i pay 20 an hour is just as good as any other garage aswell. get phonin round for qoutes

24th June 2010, 22:24

That service looks pretty thorough but I would check with someone else who's used them to see if they are honest or if they're likely to highlight lots of other things that are 'wrong' with the intention of selling you more parts and labour than actually need.

If it's a reputable garage then it's a good price but do your homework before you book it in and make sure they're kosher.

Their labour rates are pretty average tbh and like everything else you pay for what you get with garages.

24th June 2010, 22:51

i take it your from warrington then?

im in irlam i will have a look ar your idleing problem for free if u come one day when im off and iv got spair map sensors and icvs in my collection of parts you can have cheap aswell

drop me a pm

26th June 2010, 14:11

best idea is to find someone who will do the job out of hours, he will charge you less because he will pocket the money

28th June 2010, 12:36

Ive bought a new ICV off ebay, Ill give it a try see if it changes much, If it does ill just get a full service for 125, If not im really stuck for what to change next, looks like a might need you rob lol