Heard on news this morning re. motor garages ripping people off when it comes to MOTs, servicing etc.
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one example included a young woman taking her car to a garage and getting a quote for £900 to service the car incl parts replacement etc, her dad then took the same car back to the same garage a couple of weeks later and was quoted £400. PLEASE use a Motor Codes-approved garage, far less likely to be over-charged for work!
Answers (8)
It's horrible isn't it. They do take some people for a ride as to some, they haven't got a clue what is wrong with the car in the first place. I think the best thing to do is to compare the quotes. Get at least 3 opinions before going to get the work done, otherwise you may regret it.
I know. I was watching BBC this morning and they were talking about it. - It's something that I noticed when I previously used a private garage a few years ago, but had no proof.
It was my tyres that looked more run down than they originally were. But couldn't prove it. Now, I take a good full check of my vehicle and take note of what is present and then release it for servicing.
Cant remember what presenter mentioned it, but it was something about regulating the industry... - I think so
There was one of those programs on a few weeks ago where they visited 5 garages that out of them only one was up to standard bad or what?
Its unfortunate there is not enough done to safeguard the customer from this. I believe unscrupulous work carried out by garages should be classed as a criminal offence.
Some garages will try it on years ago I was told that my car needed a new steering rack. When I informed them that the rack could be adjusted with shims as it was a Granada they changed their minds try to take someone with you that knows a bit about cars.
I am always very wary when I have taken my car to a garage especially if you are female and don't have a male accompanying you. I have heard that the best place to get your car Mot'd/serviced is at the garages used by your local council and this is what I have done the last couple of years and I have had no problems whatsoever.
another story like this is my friend took it to one garage she got told it would cost £400 to fix the gasgit or something she took it to 1 other garage who said they'd do it for £200, im sure you can guess which one she went for! i think they came in underbudget as well!
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What if the 3 options quoted for different problems/repairs? How would you know which to trust? I think it's best to try and find someone you trust, maybe recommended by a trusted friend.