Fiat servicing LOL

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loudlashadjuster

Original Poster:

5,204 posts

186 months

Monday 20th February 2012
quotequote all
Took my Panda to the local franchised dealer for its 24k service today, was quoted the menu price of...£367!

The expression 'stealer' popped into my head.

I asked to see what the service included and was shown a list of 7 or 8 bullet points; just oil, filters, the usual - no pumps, belts etc.

I pointed out that:

a) I could surely buy the Fiat-branded parts myself for a lot less than £100, and
b) This (very) basic service was over 7% of the new purchase price of the car!

He then went on to explain that their labour rate was something like £97.50 per hour. I opined that they were not, as far as I could see, an Official Porsche Centre and I was not looking to have my GT3 serviced - this is a Panda, FFS!

I also noticed that the menu pricing for the 500 and Panda was wildly different, with the 500 being generally much cheaper, for what is ostensibly the same car.

Genuinely shocked by what Fiat UK think they can get away with charging. Is this typical?






Siko

2,002 posts

244 months

Monday 20th February 2012
quotequote all
B*gger. Mine has 23k on the clock now, I thought that would be a cheap one next month.....doh!

Nursing a hemi

2,173 posts

148 months

Monday 20th February 2012
quotequote all
loudlashadjuster said:
Is this typical?
Yes. I got right royally shafted by my local Fiat dealer last year. It's nearly 5 years old now so will be going independent this year.

loudlashadjuster

Original Poster:

5,204 posts

186 months

Tuesday 21st February 2012
quotequote all
Dealer has been back in touch to offer me a fixed price service plan; 2 years servicing inc. 2 MOTs (which can be deferred outside the 2 year period) for a slightly more reasonable £349.

I pointed out the lunacy of this price compared to the single service cost and he waffled some old bolleaux about "that's the manufacturer price, we are a dealer so this our price" (no, I've no idea either) but I may just go for this as we plan to keep the car.

Makes the three year plan I got off VW look a bargain at £250 though.

gtidriver

3,362 posts

189 months

Tuesday 21st February 2012
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I was quoted £360 for my third 36k service today. That was at another dealer I'll be phoning my supplying dealer tomorrow. I've had 3 services done on my wife's Aclass at a merc main dealer and they are always around £250-£270.

Gallen

2,162 posts

257 months

Wednesday 22nd February 2012
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That's ridiculous...

They're spending <£100 on parts (as you say... Prob more like £50 ...If that, trade).... So how many hours at their labour rate do they dedicate solely to your Panda?

Car up on ramp, drain oil, check over, replace oil and air filter, possibly pollen filter, fill up with oil... Anything else?)

LOL!

G.

CatJ

9,586 posts

245 months

Wednesday 22nd February 2012
quotequote all
What engine have you got?

If it's a 1.2 it needs the tappets adjusted and usually costs more to service.

loudlashadjuster

Original Poster:

5,204 posts

186 months

Wednesday 22nd February 2012
quotequote all
CatJ said:
What engine have you got?

If it's a 1.2 it needs the tappets adjusted and usually costs more to service.
Nope, a lowly 1.1 commuting special, not even any air conditioning.

I was shown the job sheet, absolutely nothing on it except oil & filters/washers etc.

CatJ

9,586 posts

245 months

Wednesday 22nd February 2012
quotequote all
loudlashadjuster said:
Nope, a lowly 1.1 commuting special, not even any air conditioning.

I was shown the job sheet, absolutely nothing on it except oil & filters/washers etc.
Well in that case, yes that's very expensive.

davepoth

29,395 posts

201 months

Wednesday 22nd February 2012
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Last time I got my car serviced I paid less than that. And that included a cambelt change.