Vehicle mechanical service.

[Glass man]

Difficult at the moment I know but if you are planning on going into Europe do find out the servicing cost.
I had my service done in The Netherlands, Fiat Professional, over £130 saving.
I also had work done on my old Fiat in Spain 5 years ago. The first garage spent over TWO hours trying to get their computer to talk to my van, unsuccessfully. They did NOT charge for this as they " hadn't been able to help me! " I was amazed by this and of course left them a tip.
In Lisbon at the Fiat Professional garage the labour rate was €40 an hour.
So do consider getting work done when you go abroad.

 

[Biggarmac]

In this village there are two garages both of whom can do servicing on vans up to at least 8m. One also does bodywork repairs. Both with good reputations.

 

[izwozral]

There are services and then there are services, some places change oils and filters etc and others do a proper service which includes, brakes and flued change, door hinges oiled, steering rack oiled or greased, all suspension parts lubed with molyslip, ie bushes etc, coolant checked toped up or replaced, seat runners dry lubed, need i go on, but many garages charge you but skimp.
From my days in the trade i would not let 99% of them within 100 miles of anything I drive.

I'm bringing my MH to you next time Trev!
For your reward I'll do you a River Dance in my mankini!

Is it a deal?

 

[Nabsim]

In this village there are two garages both of whom can do servicing on vans up to at least 8m. One also does bodywork repairs. Both with good reputations.

I always used a local garage who could fit my van in and on the ramps and had excellent service from them. May even travel back down to them when I need next mot and service work. I know just coming out of Chesterfield there is a place that’s does HGV, PSV and all sorts that Charlie used on his vans if needed.
My van is on 07 though and I have no worry about invalidating warranties or such so I am free to go wherever anyway. The more I hear of motorhome dealers though I would be very reticent to take anything to them for repairs or servicing. I think if youfind a good one in any class then stick with them

 

[Fisherman]

I always used a local garage who could fit my van in and on the ramps and had excellent service from them. May even travel back down to them when I need next mot and service work. I know just coming out of Chesterfield there is a place that’s does HGV, PSV and all sorts that Charlie used on his vans if needed.
My van is on 07 though and I have no worry about invalidating warranties or such so I am free to go wherever anyway. The more I hear of motorhome dealers though I would be very reticent to take anything to them for repairs or servicing. I think if youfind a good one in any class then stick with them

The problem is trust, and the fact that most of us are ignorant about most of this.
On my OP I quoted two figures £540 from a Fiat dealership, and £198 from an independent garage who specialise in motorhomes and are an approved workshop. Now even if under warranty you could go to them for a hab service, because they are approved, you don't have to go to the dealer. But if you get a problem it's the dealer that you will be relying on, and therein lies the problem. Also why should I trust a dealer who is quite frankly ripping me off in the first place. This is a small service, the oil change being the most important part. The place I am going to reckon it will take an hour and a half. So say the oil costs £80 and the filter £10, how can they justify £540 or a profit off around £450 for 90 minutes work. They must be employing professional football players there.