45% of motorists unhappy with prices
The motor industry's 'self-regulator' Motor Codes has carried out a survey to find out what Brits make of the service they get from their local garages. Not much, it seems.
The survey questioned 1,194 motorists from around the country, and found that 45% of them (which they've projected to indicate 14.1 million nationally) feel they have been ripped off by garages. Again using projected figures, Motor Codes reckons motorists feel they were ripped off by £2.4 billion in 2009.
The most complaints were about exaggerated bills, with over a quarter of UK motorists questioned feeling they've lost out by between £51 - £150, while just over 5% felt they'd lost out to the tune of £300 or more.
Satisfaction levels also varied according to age, with 'only' a third of the over-55s feeling they'd been rooked, while a third of all drivers from the east of England were dissatisfied - making it the least satisfied region in the UK.
Motor Codes, who run a self-regulatory code of practice for UK workshops backed by the Department for Transport, are launching a competition this year to find the best garages and workshops around the UK. Presumably they think it's going to help.