any independant vauxhall service garage in Birmingham area?

Don't wish to pay the complete monopoly that is Lookers their ridiculously
high prices for my first service on a 2002 vectra..does any one reccomend an
independant in the midlands area?

 

Don't wish to pay the complete monopoly that is Lookers their ridiculously

Dealer menu servicing in the first 3 years is usually pretty reasonable,
you're unlikely to save much money at an independent - plus your extended
warranty for years 2 and 3 will be invalidated. To my mind, it's not worth
it.

You should however, phone around other Vauxhall dealers - prices can vary
and are often cheaper outside the big metropolitan areas.

 

Not around Brum I'm afraid - the dealerships that are not part of the
Lookers group are part of Cresser's, who can be frighteningly expensive
unless they have changed since I last used them (4 litres of oil charged @
£2 - 3 per half litre, PLUS VAT - and that was 8 years ago.

What about AA Garages?

 

The first service for a 2002 Vectra ?
Haven't you already invalidated your warranty by exceeding the 12 month
period ?

Sam.

 

I was told last year by the local lookers it was one of the ecotec engines
that needed a service every two years/20,000 miles or when the engine
management system decided it needed it doing - there was a countdown in
miles to the service - from 20000 downwards, its just ran out now and the
service light has illuminated...can anyone confirm this is right?

 

I was told last year by the local lookers it was one of the ecotec engines

It is correct
http://vauxhall.co.uk/ownership/servicing/serviceIntervals.jhtml which is
why in future buying a 'full service history' car will be far less safe than
it has been previously.

Service intervals are set far apart to keep costs down for valuable fleet
customers, but is much more a case of what they can get away with, rather
than what's best for the car. It'll doubtless be okay for the first few
years but used car buyers will end up paying the penalty.

Going to an independent will still invalidate your warranty so it may well
be a false economy.

 

yes i think your right - oh well its off to lookers on monday then :-(

Cheers for the feedback


Gaz

 

Well I wouldn't like engine oil being kept in an engine for
that long especially in a new engine. Mine was changed
after the first 1500miles and then after 11,000 on it's first
annual service.

-
Fatsod

 

Going to an independent for a service will not invalidate the warranty
providing you can prove they did the a full service using same quality
parts.

I would get him to buy Vauxhall parts & oil and clearly itemise them as such
on the invoice. Providing he stamps the book you are fine.

I would also get him to do an intermediate 10,000/1 year oil change (with
genuine parts) if you intend to keep the car for some time. There is no need
to stamp the book but keep the receipt as above.

Going independent will still have an effect on p/ex value though. Nothing
beats a main dealer stamp.

--


Alan Steele

Steeles of Worthing
www.steeles.co.uk

 

There is an argument to keep the factory oil in for 10,000 miles. I think it
has certain 'running in' additives in.

Someone will probably correct me on this now!

--


Alan Steele

Steeles of Worthing
www.steeles.co.uk

 

The car maybe 2 years old and registered two years ago - but didnt get put
on the road until 1 year ago and has only done 6000 miles so far
anyhow....there is some sort of sensor that analyses your driving habits and
the condition of the oil - this is what counts down in miles so i am told...

 

There is an argument to keep the factory oil in for 10,000 miles. I think
it

Honest John sums it up nicely:

http://htdig.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/faq.htm?id=12