Fixed Pice Servicing - is it a con?

[RuthieB]

I recently booked a Honda 12+ and Air Con service for one of our Cars and was horrified to be quoted £399 and £138 respectively.
This seems totally at odds when checking Honda Recommended Service and repair price list published 1 July 2026 which only apparently applies to “participating dealers”.
While the car is a CR-V 2020 I feel we are being somewhat misled by Hondas advertising yet again?

https://www.honda.co.uk/cars/owners/maintaining-your-honda/repairs/fixed-price-repairs.html


Check to see if your dealer is actually participating!

[Lord Voltermore]

I wouldnt call it a con . You  cant really  expect a dealership in London, paying London wages to its staff , and London rent on their premises,  to charge the same as a much cheaper part of the  country. The alternative would be cheaper locations will be  overcharging at London rates.   

It pays to shop around as some dealerships have limited servicing capacity and a shortage of Honda trained technicians  while others reduce price to attract more custom for servicing and hopefully you  buy a new car. 
Also some dealerships  have a management policy of  a hard sell for  expensive extras  that are either not necessary or you could get done much more cheaply elsewhere ,or  even  an easy DIY job.

You may find that buying a service plan at a fixed price for a certain period ,(which can be carried out at any Honda dealership )works out cheaper overall than paying for  services separately.(but not always - best to check servicing costs with some local Honda dealerships and do the maths ) The price is also inflation proof.   The downside is if you sell the car  before you get your full quota of services  there is no refund.  And they may still try and sell their money spinner extras  that are not included in the plan.   

[5thcivic]

I just paid £749 for an extra 3 years servicing after my 5 year "freebie" (really included in the haggling discount originally when buying). If you look at the individual prices it is not too bad, particularly interest free at small monthly payments.

[Nicksey]

My 5 year plan was just under £700, 4th service coming up in August. When booking the 4th, they asked if I would like an 'extra' which was a full air con service/re-gas, this was quoted at £90. I said no thanks.
I think the service plans are far more economical than individual payments, especially if the warranty is included (which I think was common with the 5 year plan).

[jasonevans]

If car is out of warranty then it maybe cheaper to use an independent garage.

[GeoffW]

Nicksey, if that £90 for an AC service includes VAT it's a very good price. It's cheaper than I've seen at independent garages.

[RuthieB]

It appears that the North Wales Dealer who quoted me £49 and £13 above the £350 and £125 for a12+ CRV service and Air con is now a participant in the scheme and has reduced my quotes accordingly “as a gesture of goodwill” ….so why did they over quote in the first place?

https://www.northwaleshonda.co.uk/mot-parts-service/honda-fixed-price-repairs



Is it no surprise they are sometimes referred to as “Honda Stealers”?

Attached is a screenshot of the webpage and the current July 1st 2026 price guide….(you need to be logged in to view)

[chicksee]

My 5 year plan was just under £700, 4th service coming up in August. When booking the 4th, they asked if I would like an 'extra' which was a full air con service/re-gas, this was quoted at £90. I said no thanks.
I think the service plans are far more economical than individual payments, especially if the warranty is included (which I think was common with the 5 year plan).

£90 for air con servicere-gas is very cheap, I shopped around and most were the same price £130.

[Kremmen]

£90 (ish) is what they tried to prise from me for just an AC clean (air bomb) after telling me my car was a germ box

[edam]

My dealers no longer do collections and they dont give a free wash and vac as they have done in the past. So its what you get  for the fixed price

[5thcivic]

Yes, I used to get free collection and delivery, and a free wash and vac. The free wash stopped during Covid, no problem with that decision, with a couple of vouchers to use afterwards, then stayed stopped, now it's an extra for £16. The collection service then became £10, then £15, now £20. Everything just gets better!

[Kremmen]

Is it just me that would never use free collection and delivery

I've read stories about car jockeys

[Nicksey]

My dealer is only 2 miles away, and only half a mile from the town centre. I can drop the car in, venture into town for a bit and pick it up later.
As to the wash and vac, yes they do it as part of the service/customer relations... but I always ask for them not to. Have had annoying water marks after having my cars washed at the dealers, so much prefer to do it myself.

[Downsizer]

The annual service is the only time my car gets washed! The dealer is about 2 miles away and will arrange a courtesy car, but I walk or use the bus. I could wait there in an area with free drinks and magazines, but it’s a bit tedious, so I book it in for the day so they can choose when to service it. They ring me when it goes to be washed. A first class service.

[Jazzik]

I assume you're expecting reactions to this...? 

The annual service is the only time my car gets washed!