They're all blaggers and bluffers in my experience and none of them can be trusted to just do what actually needs doing but there's nothing we can do about it unless we take our vehicles to independent specialists first for an inspection/appraisal before we let spanner monkeys loose with their tools. I remember a sting operation on Kwikfit and Halfords a few years back when they sent in several cars for basic services after an independent specialist had already inspected them and passed them as having no issues but every garage charged for work that didn't need doing and replaced parts that didn't need replacing. Garages make most of their profit from the labour charge so the game is to keep your vehicle for as long as possible and keep the mechanics busy doing jobs/repairs.
Trusting a Garage..
- Thread starter Littlenose
- Start date
Soldato
Professional Register
tide.theimi.org.uk
Look here. You can search for mechanics by selecting area or business. This will show mechanics that are highly qualified, work to a high standard, have experience, and actually care about the industry and their career.
It doesn't show everything - it's mainly designed to show mechanics who are master techs, trained in EV and ADAS calibrations. But, if the mechanic is willing to train to those levels, they'll be good at what they do.
Stay away from fast fit centres. The mechanics get low pay so the level of skill that is employed is low. They also earn money on up-selling parts, so will always find issues.
Dealers aren't great either. The service side of the dealership are also on bonuses, so they'll do the job as quickly as possible. Speed takes priority over quality in most cases.
The motor trade as an industry isn't great. There is no licensing of any kind. Absolutely anyone could buy a socket set, open a garage, and fit brakes to a car.
When looking for a garage, don't find the cheapest! Always look at reviews and go on recommendations. If you do compare quotes between garages, split the labour from the parts. Garage A might be cheaper than B, but that might be because they're using crap parts from an unknown manufacture, where the other has quoted genuine or OE parts.
that's a great link, and an honest point of view - thank you for sharing.
Need to know whats attached to the flexi, always found that BMW parts are competivly priced m8ight be worth giving them a ring.
Soldato
The BMW flexies are part of the cat or DPF depending on model/year.
I believe BMW sell the flexy part on it's own now, so it can be cut out and replaced.
I’ve used the same one for some time, I used to get some hefty bills on my Ford jumbo transit which was always going wrong. The garage did round down the bill by £70-£100 on a couple of occasions, generous or being over charged in the first place, who knows.
I‘ve kept with them as when I’ve had problems and they fix it it’s been a good fix that works, they really know their stuff. I’ve used garages before that I’ve had to return to days later as the problem ‘hasn’t been cured. I remain loyal due to quality of workmanship and they get to understand the history of the vehicle
I‘ve kept with them as when I’ve had problems and they fix it it’s been a good fix that works, they really know their stuff. I’ve used garages before that I’ve had to return to days later as the problem ‘hasn’t been cured. I remain loyal due to quality of workmanship and they get to understand the history of the vehicle
Soldato
Go on recommendations from friends and neighbours.
I use a local independent who’s a Yank muscle car and sports car specialist on top of carrying out regular servicing on all makes. Always a little odd to see my Duster parked next to Mustangs and Lambos when I go to collect it.
I use a local independent who’s a Yank muscle car and sports car specialist on top of carrying out regular servicing on all makes. Always a little odd to see my Duster parked next to Mustangs and Lambos when I go to collect it.