Log Book Service: Dealership or Local Mechanic

cktftw on 12/08/2015 - 14:27

I've a 3.5 year Mazda 3 Auto, coming up to 40000km service. Obviously warranty is over.
This is a major service, costs approx $450 at dealership (which includes standard service + break oil and cabin air filter change).

Now that warranty is over is it still worth going back to the dealership for log book services?

Scoopon has a local guy doing a standard service for $69 and I expect them to prob charge another $120 for the break oil and filter (price according to genuine Mazda parts)

Pros and cons of each?

Automotive

Comments

  • the-mal on 12/08/2015 - 14:34

    Now that warranty is over is it still worth going back to the dealership for log book services?

    Nope. If you can get a cheaper, equivalent, reputable log book service elsewhere what's the benefit of going to the dealer?

    • cktftw on 12/08/2015 - 14:38

      Reputable is my concern here I guess.
      Have heard some horror stories about very dishonest quotes for parts or break pads etc needs changing - which I obviously dont know if its genuinely needed

      • the-mal on 12/08/2015 - 14:42
        +1

        The same goes for all mechanics, dealership or otherwise. I've had some terrible service from dealerships, equally I've had some brilliant service from non-dealership mechanics.

        I'd research the mechanic, look for reviews online. My mechanic always shows me the disposable parts he replaces and points out the wear etc with the throw-away part. Mechanics are like hair dressers / dentists etc…once you find a good one, you stick with them.

        I wouldn't take a punt on a dodgy/excessively cheap mechanic with a new car. If you find one with good honest looking reviews or good word of mouth reviews and they're cheaper than the dealership I'd go with them. But I wouldn't go for something that seems "too good to be true" cheap.

  • chuneeperformance on 12/08/2015 - 14:43

    Some dealers will do express at 10% off and gets cheaper if supply own stuff

  • Brucet on 12/08/2015 - 16:34

    After 3years warranty . You do not need to services from you Dealer ( save $ ).
    Change engine oil, oil filter and cabin air filter change.( buy parts and simple to do it yourself.more cheaper .).

  • PVA on 12/08/2015 - 18:00

    you never had to go to the dealer for any services - any mechanic can do full logbook services.

    I found for Honda that the dealer was cheaper the ultratune and kmart.

    ask for the price for the xxxkm service from whoever you go to.

  • Scorpiogirl on 12/08/2015 - 18:23

    I would not choose one of these deals to service my car. I see them as offering cheap deals because they need the work. Don't know if i am right for feeling this way..cautious.

  • a2swin on 12/08/2015 - 20:06

    Does Kmart do better service compare to other mechanic? I will need to replace the timing belt on my honda but Kmart and Goodyear seems to be quite expensive than other small local workshop. the difference is appox $150. I know timing belt is not cheap to replace as it's a lot of work but $600 seems abit much.

    • the-mal on 13/08/2015 - 08:37
      +1

      Does Kmart do better service compare to other mechanic?

      No. KMart Tyre and Auto are terrible. Read the reviews: http://www.productreview.com.au/p/kmart-tyre-auto-service-1.…

      They rely on mum and dad type customers who don't have a clue what they're talking about and tell them that all this expensive stuff needs to be done to the car when it doesn't. There are quite a few stories of them not actually doing some of the services they bill you for as well.

      Stay as far away from them as possible.

      • Scorpiogirl on 13/08/2015 - 20:09
        +1

        Totally agree. Exactly right. Use an Nrma motorserve if you don't have a regular mechanic perhaps, if available.

      • a2swin on 13/08/2015 - 22:25

        thanks for the advice. I will go see the local mechanic instead. that explained exactly my last 3 visits at Kmart, they listed like 10 parts which needed to be replaced and it cost around 1000. the reason I came to Kmart because they are always at the bottom of the shopping centre, just book in and do the shopping, few hours later the car is done. but now i recall it I wont go back again

        • Scorpiogirl on 18/08/2015 - 11:31

          That's what they count on though. Convenience and the average person. NRMA motoreserves sometimes are near shopping centres, like Westfields too. Go to any. Why i used them once. Retail therapy while the car is serviced. :) I have to get mine done at an agreed place with the car i have now though for warranty. This case Subaru. Don't tell me- i don't want to know! Better do a decent job, all i got to say.

  • Foxtail on 18/08/2015 - 11:01

    My Mercedes was $750 at dealership and $450 at stamped log book mechanic, they have 7 bays and lots of imported cars there.

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