Service and MOT needed - recommendations?

[Dayjo]

sitefive.
If, I was 20 years younger... If, like you, I ran a 13yr old car... I would do my own servicing. As I did, during my first 40yrs on the road......

These days, I prefer newer cars, and to have someone do the job for me.

Just on this debate I think, in UK terms and assuming you don't want to do the work yourself, the 5 year deal that Dayjo got was pretty good value for money. It's competitive with what most independents would charge.

My only reservation would be if this discounted price was not recouped by the dealer in the purchase price of the car but it's very difficult to work that out.

Thanks Peteo! I was beginning to feel outnumbered..... 

I didn't buy the car, from my local dealer. Their best price, was some £3,000 above, the online deal with BUYACAR.

[jazzway]

...but a Honda service plan would cover more than an independent including replacement transmission and brake fluid, plus you'd get software updates which is becoming more important with each new generation. 
...

Our Jazz is serviced by an independent. The same independent as our previous car which we drove almost 16 years with zero problems. It is our brother-in-law who owns the independent garage and he's very trustworthy and helpful. But how does that work with software updates? Not i guess...? Are software updates needed and available for a 5+ year old, and how do i find out about them?

[peteo48]

Good post TG. It's why I've usually gone main dealer but if I had a much older car I might well go independent.

[guest5168]

Ok just keep telling yourself that you got a deal, just looked at the pic and it's pretty much what I expected.. A glorified oil change!
I'm not saying to do it yourself, but at least find someone who won't scam you like you have been...

[guest5079]

The Jazz is now booked in for it's free service and free MOT. All came with vouchers when the car was purchased BUT what was interesting was what was included in the confirmation E mail. Did I want a level 1 service which is Oil and Filter change plus service check @ £165 OR Level 2 same as level 1 but changing Air and Cabin filters and adjusting handbrake @£279. So two filters plus handbrake adjustment for £114 not a bad little earner?
I do get a free MOT so  it means in theory the service is £120, which I suppose at today's prices is acceptable.  I have no choice as it is a voucher but I bought OE Air and Cabin filters at less than £20 and it only took 15 mins or so to change them both.
This is from a dealer that has just won the area dealer of the year!!
So when you have a choice it depends on who you trust.  I have just checked the handbrake/rear calipers prior to MOT  and found on one side the little gaiter on the guide pin was split and on the other side one of the guide pin bolts had been rounded off. The last people to touch the car was the dealer when they replaced the rear discs and pads. No good complaining because they will merely say it was me.

[MikeG1944]

I found this interesting article from last year; considering they always charge you the minimum one hour even if the job only takes half that time, I agree that they are on a nice little earner.

In the past I have found that most main dealers charge at least twice the hourly rate than small independents (their excuse is that someone has to pay for the showrooms and lavish exterior). When I bought my Jazz last month I was shown what the previous owner had paid for a service at a Honda main dealer 30 miles away, £450!

I've always used small independents; you just have to find a good reliable trustworthy one. My mate owns such a place just half a mile from me and has been looking after the family's cars for nearly 40 years.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-news/92314/motorists-face-postcode-lottery-over-car-labour-rates

Mike.

[eagle123]

In regards to updates you can check on Honda websites if a recall work is needed the other thing is if your car is serviced by the dealer and if it goes wrong you probably get goodwill from Honda

Sent from my XT1032 using Tapatalk

[guest5079]

In October, I shall be faced with a question of what to do. For some 50 years I have always looked after my own vehicles. On the odd occasion due to health I have used my local garage. I have also used them for MOT. There you can talk to them and watch them if you have a mind to but having lived here for over 20yrs I would swear by their honesty and friendliness. I am now at the stage whereby crawling under cars is a no no.
When I bought the Honda, it came with a package. 2 yrs free servicing, 2 years warranty and free MOT all the time they service the car. It also included breakdown under Honda care. Clearly a package worth having? Or is it. Obviously the cost is included in the purchase price. I can't say I am overwhelmed by the Dealers attitude. I should not have had to chase them about things that should have been done before the sale. Having found the 2 problems when checking the rear brakes on Friday (although not dangerous) I am seriously thinking of asking my local garage to look after the car. I appreciate that I will have to pay for MOT and breakdown insurance BUT at least if I go independent I will have some degree of not feeling put upon. The car is being serviced on Monday, there is an intermittent whine in 2nd gear, I have asked them to check the oil level in the gear box. I wonder if they will suggest I pay for this, I hope not, because should they try it I am not known for my tolerance of such behaviour.

[MikeG1944]

auntyneddy; you are in a similar situation that I will be in a years time. When I bought mine a month ago it was serviced and has a years warranty and Honda accident recovery, but when that runs out I shall be using my local independent as I will not want to pay double or more for a service at the Honda main dealer where I got it from. I have nothing against them, they are a good company, just the higher labour costs.

The independents will do the same work (as long as you have a good reliable one like me) for a lot less. They can get all the same parts at the same price should they be needed.

Remember the 'Honda accident recovery' only covers accidents, not breakdowns, so you still need breakdown cover (we use Green Flag as that's the only cheaper one that brings back your vehicle and you home, and not like some cheaper ones that just take it to the nearest garage, be wary of some terms and conditions, read them carefully; I did a lot of research with that one). Even with a £50 MOT to pay for it should still be a lot cheaper to use an independent than a main dealer.

Having said all that, if you have a new or nearly new purchase some people may feel happier going to the main dealer if they can afford it.

Mike.

[guest4871]

+1