I was stood in the reception at our local Vauxhall dealer the other day, studying the price lists that they display. I commented to the Service manager that they were cheaper than my place on most if not all, of their prices. His response was that although the prices look very attractive, were they make their money in with the "bolt on" costs, once the car is in the workshop. Brake fluid & antifreeze changes for example.

Most of the local dealers are doing MOT's for £30 & free retest.... Scan/code read for £20 (including VAT for gods sake). Having said that I am as busy as **** so I am happy. I do get tired of explaining to customers that the service that they advertise for £80 is just an oil & filter change. I had a guy call in with a 1997 Corsa, after a dealer service (£160), for an MOT & it needed handbrake cables. It turns out that the service was just oil & filter.

You get what you pay for & good customers know this. Those that dont understand are customers you can do without!

I am sure we all get the type of customer who likes to take their Merc to the dealer, so they maintain the stamp in the service book. I say to them... "Which do you prefer, a good service or a good stamp in the book"�. How many times do we see cars come in for a service after three years & the rear drums havent been off?