I suggested this as a alternative to the constant moans of service costs.
However a few points....the dealer will make around £12 on a 'special discount service'....look at it this way the garage would rather make £12 than have techs idle so make use of it!
I think you'll find that the £12 is after the tech is paid, but of that £60 ish pounds labour charge, some of it goes towards the upkeep of the shiny showroom and the 'standards' imposed by the manufacturer after the end of Block exemption.
You 'normally' get oil/filter/air filter & often spark plugs....it would also be naive of me to say that the garage isn't looking for further work but this has its advantages aswell...it alerts you to potenial future faults (be honest who here amoung us regulary checks brake or tyre wear,let alone suspension, oil leaks etc if you dont want the work done just say no...its that simple & you can take it elsewhere to get the work done or do it yourself. If you did decide to get the work (or some of it done) then negotiate after all the car is already on the premesis (probably still in workshop!) and the more things you get done the more you can 'haggle'.Get them to do the difficult stuff leaving you with the easy bit like bulbs,wiper blades etc
Not everyone has the skill/knowledge/ability or equipment to carry out work themselves therefore I believe these types of services (which when you look at the checklist is very comprehensive) are of great benefit to a large percentage of the population.
Here is the bronze service checklist. Four lines of which are to do with changing the engine oil, and no mention of spark plugs. Not even remove and check. Most people with half a brain would be able to do most of that list. It doesn't even involve removing the wheels.
Check for any body defects
Check operation of lights
Check washers and wipers
Check engine oil
Drain and refill with engine oil
Fit new sump plug washer (where fitted)
Fit new engine oil filter
Check brake pipes and lines
Check exhaust system
Inspect tyres and set pressures
Report on tyre tread depth
Visually check cooling system for leaks
Check anti-freeze content
Check drive belts (excludes cam belt)
Check all fluid levels
Check battery condition
Visually check front brake pads and discs
If your smart you can get a service like this + MOT for £99-£109...how much is a normal MOT thesedays £55? ..now add in your oil change (saves jacking it up at home,making mess of driveway & taking old oil to dump) air filter and you must be looking around £80 so far now add a report/inspection on the 'health' of your car & a service stamp...sorry but to me thats value for money.
Still don't see it myself. I can also almost guarantee that it will be the apprentice doing the 'service'not a technician at all.
Cheers
D
