I just had my NB auto serviced at the local (ex) main dealer - still sales and service though. Service, cambelt change, gearbox service, diff oil and an MOT (£55) came to £510 including the vat! I thought that was bloody good.
They did scuff the front bumper though, but, they put their hands up straight away and had it back in three days later to repair and respray the bumper. Superb job and got rid of a few stone chips for me at the same time!
So Central Garages in Torquay are the kiddies as far as I’m concerned.
£500 for all fluids inc diff and engine flush, new plugs, filters, belts and water pump on my NA. They also put in a new rad and ARB links I supplied. I could have done a lot of it myself but thought as the car was new to me and had been neglected for a few years I would get a specialist to do it and give it a good look over at the same time.
The fixed pre purchased 5 ND service charge is £212 completed a couple of weeks past on ours. I applaud those owners that DIY as unfortunately you just never know what a garage / independent has done (in the main).
Going off subject I took out the EGR valve on our Saab last week to clean off the carbon. I am sure like many I have not taken a spanner to the car in about 10 years. It took 20 minutes off and on. I wish now that I had replaced EGR as to buy they are less than £40 (instead of £8.00 for new gaskets). My point that on Saab sites many people have payed between £250 - £400 for this job which even at £250 is excessive.
Sadly it is unavoidable that we are still being ripped off and this IMHO is no better illustrated than what some threaders have payed. The Saab was serviced a month ago for £250 (independant - highly regarded on FB) and I am sure he stated that the EGR valve would be cleaned as part of the service (obviously not)!
Off to Ireland next week for 10 days in the ND and in July 5 days in Germany in the Saab! Happy holidays to all!