Service query

OpenToSuggestions · 13 Dec 2019 at 16:33

Hi all,
I have a 2016 Astra GTC that needs it's 4th service.

According to Vauxhall it needs a major one.This includes oil & filter, fuel filter, pollen filter, key fob battery, brake fluid for the lovely sum of £295.

I don't see the need in a bang-on-annual service when the mileage was 21k per year and has reduced to 11k through more use of my mk1 MX5 (which I service myself) and the occasional cycle. The car is obviously of the standard 3 year warranty.

Am I totally missing the point by doing the service myself? I bet it will be significantly under £100. The car doesn't really have enough value to keep up with main dealer servicing.

I cannot see any drawbacks other than losing the 10 year perforation warranty which is probably full of caveats anyway. Smaller car garages are barely any better price wise.

acemastr · 13 Dec 2019 at 16:55

Brake fluid will suck to do, personally for that amount I'd have someone else do it all.

Armageus · 13 Dec 2019 at 16:56

OpenToSuggestions said:
According to Vauxhall it needs a major one.This includes oil & filter, fuel filter, pollen filter, key fob battery, brake fluid for the lovely sum of £295.

As well as many other safety checks, and likely routine software updates that will be detailed in the Vauxhall service schedule.

OpenToSuggestions said:
I don't see the need in a bang-on-annual service when the mileage was 21k per year and has reduced to 11k through more use of my mk1 MX5 (which I service myself)

Why would reduced mileage make a difference?

OpenToSuggestions said:
Am I totally missing the point by doing the service myself? I bet it will be significantly under £100. The car doesn't really have enough value to keep up with main dealer servicing.

I doubt it will be "significantly" under £100 by the time you have bought the required amount of oil, brake fluid, as well as all the parts.

Whilst I can agree with the car not having enough value to keep up with main dealer servicing, depends how much you value your time. Personally at this time of year I'd rather let someone else do it that be crawling around outside under a car in this weather.

ci_newman · 13 Dec 2019 at 17:50

I certainly wouldn't take it to Vauxhall to service, but a reputable Indy would be fine

Meaker · 14 Dec 2019 at 22:39

Your type of driving matters a lot, if it's fewer but similar length journies then that will reduce wear and oil degradation, if you now do shorter trips with the engine cold your oil degradation could be worse.

Mileage OR time

telewebby · 15 Dec 2019 at 14:59

didnt think £295 sounds too bad for all that work. If you had said £400+ then i would say do it yourself if you can although brake fluid changes without ramps can be a pain

Alex

Phemo · 15 Dec 2019 at 20:32

Yeah £295 actually sounds pretty decent for main dealer pricing.

You’d probably be looking at around £100 in parts or a little more. They may well do software updates and several visual checks on the car for that price as well though. Brake fluid is a pain to do aand the weather and temperature isn’t ideal for messing around if you don’t have to. Perhaps get some quotes from an indy but £295 is pretty reasonable.