My Panda's at 102,000 miles almost, and it will be 11 years old in July or so of this year (2016).
Definitely feel that at the grand age of the car (or as it reaches a 'grand age' and I want to keep it for a few more years) it's going to need a professional service and check over.
As opposed to going to a local mechanic, who I know can do a decent service much cheaper, I want to avoid this as I would appreciate a long 'check list' of visual and technical checks. The likes that I personally wouldn't be experienced enough to do myself and come to a realistic conclusion.
So things like brakes, suspension, body condition, hoses etc that could be on their way out (and I have no clue) can be spotted, noted and hopefully planned replacement before they have the chance to fail. I don't really trust any mechanics near me to seriously take their time to do this, and in any case, I couldn't rely on them telling me they have...
Fiat and/or Bosch Service Centres have a long check list, and my understanding is that because they will tick off each item and put someone's signature on the bottom, they're essentially taking responsibility on themselves saying they've inspected brakes etc.. so if they were to fail or something due to the fact they've not been inspected someone can take liability!
The big question really is... who do I take it to? Bosch or Fiat
So I know Fiat are the dealer and possibly the best option, but I'm aware that their original parts can cost a lot, and in some cases Bosch parts are slightly better in terms of design as they continually evolve their parts for older cars too. Fiat is likely to be more expensive to0, as dealers typically are. I trust Bosch quality as much as Fiat too, important to add.
And which level of service for my Panda?
Not sure what qualifies as the big major service. But I doubt it's had one in quite a few years, despite being in great shape and running smoothly in terms of the engine. The bodywork is all good too, with one misfunctioning rear door handle and some fresh (<2year old) stone chips that haven't turned brown or rusty yet. My point is , I want the car to keep running well and hopefully allow it to reach it's 15th birthday gracefully by taking the right steps now.
I dont object to spending £200, and although I can do a few of the service items, the checks and expertise of the dealer / Bosch gives me peace of mind. I'd go for a lower cost service if anyone on here thinks that's still a reasonable effort.
My nearest Bosch service centre is about 30 miles away, but I'm not afraid of going the extra miles to get good service at a fair price (if it is a fair price).
Thanks again for pointers, I'm a new car owner and Panda owner and driver in general so all this info helps a lot!
Definitely feel that at the grand age of the car (or as it reaches a 'grand age' and I want to keep it for a few more years) it's going to need a professional service and check over.
As opposed to going to a local mechanic, who I know can do a decent service much cheaper, I want to avoid this as I would appreciate a long 'check list' of visual and technical checks. The likes that I personally wouldn't be experienced enough to do myself and come to a realistic conclusion.
So things like brakes, suspension, body condition, hoses etc that could be on their way out (and I have no clue) can be spotted, noted and hopefully planned replacement before they have the chance to fail. I don't really trust any mechanics near me to seriously take their time to do this, and in any case, I couldn't rely on them telling me they have...
Fiat and/or Bosch Service Centres have a long check list, and my understanding is that because they will tick off each item and put someone's signature on the bottom, they're essentially taking responsibility on themselves saying they've inspected brakes etc.. so if they were to fail or something due to the fact they've not been inspected someone can take liability!
The big question really is... who do I take it to? Bosch or Fiat
So I know Fiat are the dealer and possibly the best option, but I'm aware that their original parts can cost a lot, and in some cases Bosch parts are slightly better in terms of design as they continually evolve their parts for older cars too. Fiat is likely to be more expensive to0, as dealers typically are. I trust Bosch quality as much as Fiat too, important to add.
And which level of service for my Panda?
Not sure what qualifies as the big major service. But I doubt it's had one in quite a few years, despite being in great shape and running smoothly in terms of the engine. The bodywork is all good too, with one misfunctioning rear door handle and some fresh (<2year old) stone chips that haven't turned brown or rusty yet. My point is , I want the car to keep running well and hopefully allow it to reach it's 15th birthday gracefully by taking the right steps now.
I dont object to spending £200, and although I can do a few of the service items, the checks and expertise of the dealer / Bosch gives me peace of mind. I'd go for a lower cost service if anyone on here thinks that's still a reasonable effort.
My nearest Bosch service centre is about 30 miles away, but I'm not afraid of going the extra miles to get good service at a fair price (if it is a fair price).
Thanks again for pointers, I'm a new car owner and Panda owner and driver in general so all this info helps a lot!