Being led up the garden path with servicing?

[F&B]

So, I asked for a quote from my local Renault main dealer for the second service on my 172 Cup (i.e. 24K, or 'A' in the guide section of the forum).

The quote was approx £240.

I then asked for the same service minus air filter (I've fitted an ITG), and I'll supply the oil (Silkolene), the figure was then £140 - this surprised me as they must be charging the earth for oil. But, I have a couple of questions -

1) The 240 figure seems high, from the searches I have done the prices seem to really vary, with some suggesting the service should be about £150 before dropping the air filter and oil - who has had a service in the Gloucestershire area recently and how much did you pay?

2) How much value does a Renault dealer stamp really add? The car has had it's first service at a main dealer but I'm tempted to go with a small family run garage I know because they respect the cars they work on, and I know they actually want to do a good job, rather than just getting the car done within the dealer published time for completing the work. When I come to sell (which is going to be years rather than months), do you think (as people who may be considering a RenaultSport) it will count against the car not to see Renault dealer or Renault specialist stamps in there?

Any advice will be much appreciated.

 

[philmots]

To me mate i'd be more than happy with an independant stamp, probably even more so... Just supply the parts yourself from reno and keep the bill

 

[TukTuk]

at a renault dealer the prices may be steep . but the mechanics know wat exactly to look for while servicing i.e snapped rear coil springs, knockin strut tops during a service. i know it is a steep price to pay but if u av a immaculate car the renault stamp always looks beta for wen u r sellin.

 

[Adamhodg]

^ Where abouts you from mate?
My Renault dealer is shite i know more about my car than they ever will, they wouldnt be able to tell if there was only 3 wheels on the car theyre that crap

 

[Matt@Stealthsport]

Renault stamps mean fook all when selling a car.

Go to Rentech, Angelworks Technologies or Yozzasport for servicing at least the really know what there doing.

 

[bigmonmulgrew]

take it to one of the renault specialists mentioned on this site. They will charge little to no more than another independent garage but they have more experience with the car. Could be time for an upgrade while your there too. You could just do it yourself. Buy parts and keep reciept. People are more bothered that its been serviced than who buy if you can show you know what your doing (i.e. tell them whats involved)
by the way what is in the "A" service
is it the oil and filter, air filter and spark plugs

 

[F&B]

The following is what's covered in the 24k service (not my own work, I've copied this from the members guide section) -

--
An “A” service consists of

Change oil (for a 5/40 oil this is important to check some dealers use 10/40 as per normal Clio’s)
Change oil filter
Change air filter
Change passenger compartment filter (if appropriate)
Check bodywork for rust etc (this is part of the Renault anticorrosion check)
Check brakes for wear, failing seals, fluid level (the reservoir on the 172/182 is at the back of the engine on the driver’s side on the bulkhead. You need to remove the engine cover if fitted to see if often as it is in an annoying place)
Check power steering fluid level/pipes
Check exhaust
Check condition of the rubber gaiters on the steering rack
Check the coolant level (big tank attached to the back of the engine bay on the passenger’s side of the car. Top up etc as appropriate so the level is between the minimum and maximum. Make sure you do this when the engines coolant is cold as the system is highly pressurised (1.2 bar and hot) so it can hurt you if you try removing the cap when it’s hot. Also fluid level changed when it’s hot.
Front and rear windscreen wiper check. Condition etc.
Tyres check for uneven wear and pressures (spare should be also check).
Check front and rear shock absorbers are correctly fixed no leaks etc.
Check bulbs work (brakes/indicators etc)
Check battery charge state.
Check all windows/mirrors for cracks etc.
Computer check of any errors logged in the ECU etc.
---

Thanks for the advice. Are there any specialists local(ish) to Gloucester; Angelworks, Rentech, Yozza, GDI all seem quite a distance just for a regular service?

Thanks

 

[cat171]

I'd go with a specialist tbh, sorry i've no idea as to ones located near to you.

 

[Saundo]

Renault Leicester wanted £394 for first service of my 182, local non-main dealer Renault garage charged £140 all in! I know its a different car but just shows you how much you can save, plus still get the Renault stamp in your log book.

 

[Neil G]

Renault charge about £60 for oil which does seem steep when you can get the real deal (Silkolene pro S) for less.

 

[black kro]

forget main dealer - as long as VAT registered independent and use genuine parts keep warranty

£100 with supplied oil and filter

 

[Rob669]

I'd look in Yellow Pages first and try and find an independent Renault specialist. I know of one in Bristol, based in Bedminster and they were pretty good about five years ago. In Devon many of us use Carlton Garage in Exmouth and it would only cost you £20 in fuel to get there.

Cheers, Rob669