Car Servicing

[Paul2023]

I’ve recently taken over my sister in laws car, she brought a new one and gave me her one.

It’s a Vauxhall Astra ( 2012 reg ) which she had for three years. The last service was three years ago, just before sister in law brought it privately.

Although she’s spent quite a bit of money getting it through its MOT’s ,the car has always been reliable to her. But she didn’t service it as such , she got a friend to change the oil , do jobs on it that needed doing.

So I’ve decided to service it but just don’t know where to go. I’ve looked online at local garage reviews. And asked a few friends who all say different things.

With DW’s car, we take that to our local Vauxhall dealer. They are walking distance to our house and right next to her work place. It’s just convenient. But hers is a newer car.

Vauxhall have quoted £280 for a main service with a wash included.

I’ve asked a few independent garages their service prices and they are all saying between £250-£280 .So not much cheaper than Vauxhall

Is an independent gage likely to give a better service ? Apparently, main dealers are under more time pressure because it’s a big business, so they do the bare minimum as required by the service schedule. And have more cars to get through so spend less time on them.

I have also heard lots of main dealers don’t actually want to repair anything, they just want to replace with new parts.

What does everyone else do? Stick with a main dealer , or take a punt on an independent? I suppose with a main dealer you have more come backs if anything goes wrong with their works.

Also the main dealer lets you take out a payment plan over 6 months to pay off your bill. Obviously most independents won’t offer that .

I use our local independent garage, but there has always been a big difference in price between them and main dealers.

I don't think you can lump "all independents" or "all main dealers" together as a binary choice though. I would definitely ask people you know for recommendations of local independent garages.

I took mine to the dealer while it was under warranty. Then swapped to ATS when it wasn't.

Local independent, mine was £175 plus vat

I would go to a registered dealer first as amongst other things can do software updates or check for a recall. After that a local guy is fine.

As others have said with a Vauxhall Astra you will be fine taking it to virtually any garage - there are enough of them around that all garages will have had experience of the Vauxhall systems etc .You probaby want a master service to ensure that everything is looked at and set up properly. The garage should also advise on things like the timing belt that needs replacing after 10 years (if your car has one and it hasnt been done)

Its worth asking for recommendations on local facebook pages etc - there are usually one or two local garages that people will recommend having been using them for years. I have found the website bookmygarage.com usueful for finding local garages to compare costs.

If you get no joy there try one of the chains - somehwere like Formula One Autocentre, ATS Euromaster etc will be able to do it and shouldnt cost more than about £200 and will be bookable online.

Many thanks , just tried that website and the good garage guide for an independent garage which I found.

Totally get where you’re coming from — it’s a bit of a toss-up, especially when the price difference isn’t huge. With a 2012 Astra, you probably don’t need to stick with the main dealer unless it’s purely for convenience or peace of mind.

Independent garages can often give more personal attention, and some will go beyond the standard service checklist if they spot something — especially if they know you’re planning to keep the car long-term. That said, you’re right about the dealer offering more structured support if something goes wrong, plus the payment plan option is a nice bonus.

One thing I’d suggest — whichever you choose, make sure they’re MOT-friendly too. I’ve seen cases here in Plymouth where cars pass basic servicing checks but fail MOT due to things like worn bushes or emissions issues that weren’t flagged earlier.

So maybe ask the garage (dealer or independent) how thorough their checks are and whether they’ll advise on any future MOT risks while servicing. That way you get ahead of any hidden issues.

Hope that helps you decide — both options have their pros, just depends what matters more to you: time, trust, or flexibility.

I think the OP has probably had the car serviced by now 😀

😄 Haha yes, I’m sure the car’s been serviced by now!
And if not, no worries — I’d be happy to recommend a few good garages:

Trade Price tyres – Good for MOTs and hybrid servicing, with locations nationwide. visit: www.tradepricetyres.co.uk/mot-test

Kwik Fit – They handle PHEVs too and often have fast appointments.
visit: www.kwik-fit.com

OBD Tech Plymouth – Known for hybrid-friendly servicing and decent pricing.
visit: www.obdtechplymouth.co.uk

RB Tyres - For the new car tyres and tyre fitting
visit: www.rbtyres.co.uk/car-tyres

Independent Land Rover specialists – Sometimes better than main dealers for honest diagnostics and turnaround.

Let me know where you’re based and I can suggest something more local too! 😊