Is there any benefit to taking a car to get serviced at the same place it always has been?

dubfonik on 08/06/2020 - 13:18

I bought a used car a year and a half ago and initially took it to the place the services were done in the log book. now it's up for a major service (it hit over 200,000km) and am wondering if I should take it back there or try shop around.

it's just a 2007 Toyota Corolla, so not like a specialty car or anything. I was wondering whether to take it to Kmart Auto (my car) or try on that Autoguru website.

So should I price shop around or just take it to where it's been going for the past many years?

Automotive

Comments

  • 87percent on 08/06/2020 - 13:20

    If you’re happy where it’s getting serviced, no talk reason to change

    • dubfonik on 08/06/2020 - 13:26

      well, I'm not happy nor unhappy - I only took it once because that's where it was taken prior to me buying it. so I'm wondering if there is any benefit to that logic or if it doesn't matter. it's my first car so am unsure about the difference in pricing for services between mechanics.

      • jfbargain on 08/06/2020 - 22:31

        If you're not unhappy I'd agree with supasaiyan. In your situation the only reason I'd change is if the alternate mechanic is especially and highly recommended, especially by people you know.

        • Distance? I would drive far for a good mechanic.
        • Price? Keep in mind cheaper often isn't better. Prices for the parts and labour should be itemised on your invoice. Is it possible to ask family/friends/colleagues with a similar car what the labour charge is on their receipt?

        I would always choose small and slightly pricier over bigger, cheaper chains, as the owners/staff really own their work and work harder to in order to keep their reputation.

        The mechanic I use is a small but specialised mechanic - they specialise in European cars, but do an awesome job on our 2004 Honda and old classic mazda. Family-run, highly accredited mechanics, sparkling clean workshop, excellent communication. Parts prices are on point, labour a bit higher than your Midas and Repco (probably due in part to their investment in all the specialised equipment) but totally worth it, and the car is always way cleaner when I collect it (except the classic, they know not to interfere with my finickity cleaning regimen :)
        ..sorry for the essay

  • Baa on 08/06/2020 - 13:43
    +4

    Relationship with the mechanic I think is some times more important than them being familiar with the car, finding somebody you can trust when they say Xyz needs to be done.

    That being said I have been burned by our 'family mechanic' that our family had been using for 20 years.

    • spackbace on 08/06/2020 - 14:13

      That being said I have been burned by our 'family mechanic' that our family had been using for 20 years.

      Same here, overfilled the oil. Questioned my folks on why they'd keep going back there and there is a believed relationship.

  • Beanvee on 08/06/2020 - 13:50

    If the mechanic remembers your car it can save you money. e.g. I drive maybe once a month, so my mechanic has put off things like brake pads because in his own words the state of my car has barely changed since the previous service, whereas if it's a car has hasn't seen before he'd have replaced them since for any normal driver they'd be gone by the next service.

    • fantombloo on 08/06/2020 - 14:12
      +1

      This makes sense if it's the same mechanic working on the car, like it might be in a small shop. For larger workshops there will be many mechanics (and apprentices) and much less likelihood the same mechanic will be on your car. Apart from some notes which might be on file about your car you are essentially just another random job.

      That said larger workshops may have their own advantages, with specialised mechanics allocated to specific cars, and access to better (more expensive, more specialised) service equipment. Maybe.

  • Hithere on 08/06/2020 - 14:09

    Kmart Auto (my car)

    Only if you don't care about your car and wanted to be ripped off.

    Family member took her car there for a log book service and they tried to charge her nearly $1000.

    When I queried what they were doing to justify that amount they refused to talk to me and suddenly the bill changed to just under $200.

    • nubzy on 08/06/2020 - 15:39

      Took my car to where it had always been serviced, they used to be the dealer but had recently lost their contract, they charged over $500 for the logbook service which was nothing more than an oil change and usual checks, and they too tried to ignore the complaint and fob us off, needless to say they will never get my business again. Have found a good independent mechanic now with a great reputation and will service with them going forward.

  • kahn on 08/06/2020 - 14:28
    +6

    Your car will feel more relaxed when a familiar mechanic is applying his trade. The car will more readily allow its bonnet to be opened and the lube will flow into all the familiar places.

    • dubfonik on 08/06/2020 - 15:08
      +1

      sounds like the premise for a video on pornhub

  • [Deactivated] on 08/06/2020 - 16:23
    -8

    200,000km

    should be looking for a wrecker

    • hmac on 08/06/2020 - 16:31
      +3

      if you don't look after it, sure. It is damn toyota man

      • [Deactivated] on 08/06/2020 - 17:12
        -2

        toyota timebomb*, days are numbered

    • dubfonik on 08/06/2020 - 16:49

      the car has been looked after better than most children

      • fantombloo on 08/06/2020 - 17:05

        How much mileage are you expecting from your children before you send them to the wreckers?

  • brad1-8tsi on 09/06/2020 - 09:22

    If something stuffs up due to a fault of the mechanic it's easier to prove who did it but if they make that big a mistake do you really want to go there?

    PS: K-Mart hasn't had a stake in MyCar for ages. It's owned by Continental

  • HeWhoKnows on 09/06/2020 - 11:47
    -1

    The only good thing is that they should have a FULL history of the car so should know when various parts where replaced and so when they are due to be replcaed again and thats actually a big adavantage.
    Not sure how you "shop around"
    I guess you must give them a copy of the 200k service ticket which outlies the work to be done and ask for a quote.
    But for a 200K car certainly they will find things wrong with it outside the 200K service so will always cost bmore anyway.

    *****Best to ask for the RATE which they charge*****

    Thats about all you can compare between mechanics and the rates can vary wildy

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