First Annual Service cost for Ducato 250 (1 Viewer)

Mack100

Free Member
Jul 27, 2013
766
2,697
Funster No
27,162
MH
Swift
Exp
.
Jesus! 3 hours to do an oil change and change the air filter. Someone is taking the piss! Also, £5.00 sundries ? Is that for topping up the windscreen wash LOL
You have been had I fear!
I've not been had, you just don't seem to read posts.
Apparently it includes:
Replace engine oil and filter
Top up windscreen washer fluid
Top up coolant levels and check strength and condition
Check front, rear, side and main lights
Check indicators and hazard lights
Check brake and reverse lights
Check fog and number plate lights
Check horn
Check tyres (tread & pressure)
Check instruments, gauges, warning lights
Test electrics (battery, alternator, starter motor)
Top up power steering fluid
Full brake inspection
Vehicle road test
Check windscreen wipers
Check windscreen washers
Check seat belts
Check front windscreen
Check clutch
Check diagnostic trouble codes
Check hand brake
Check battery
Check bonnet
Check drive shaft joints and gaiters
Check steering, suspension linkages and ball joints
Check shock absorbers
Check exhaust system and mountings
Replace spark plugs (petrol vehicles) *
Replace fuel filter (diesel vehicles)
Replace air filter
Check engine, transmission and rear axle
Check radiator and coolant hoses
Check auxiliary drive belt
Check wheel bearings
Check wheel balancing
Check wheel alignment
Check mirrors
Check doors
Check interior lights
Check fuel pipes
Check wiring

because it was a FULL SERVICE!
 
Feb 9, 2008
8,924
18,663
Corby, Northants
Funster No
1,455
MH
Coach Built
Exp
Since 2007
OK! So why didn't they change your fuel filter!
I do think you have been had because that list is way over the top ! If you look at the service shedule you will note that many many items in that list are not included and the reason for this is they do not require a check this early in the vehicles life.
I think this list is more to do with impressing customers and providing justification for the excessive charging. I would bet half or more of the visual checks are not carried out.
Still, if you feel you have had value for money then you are a satisfied customer, end of.
I see it a lot differently.

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Feb 9, 2008
8,924
18,663
Corby, Northants
Funster No
1,455
MH
Coach Built
Exp
Since 2007
Blimey, look at the bit where it says
"Fuel filter .......£75.04"
LOL, I stand corrected. Loved to have watched them complete the following and see how they actually done it !
Check wheel bearings
Check wheel balancing
Check wheel alignment
 

Mack100

Free Member
Jul 27, 2013
766
2,697
Funster No
27,162
MH
Swift
Exp
.
LOL, I stand corrected. Loved to have watched them complete the following and see how they actually done it !
Check wheel bearings
Check wheel balancing
Check wheel alignment
I haven't got a clue, but the coffee was nice:)

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Mack100

Free Member
Jul 27, 2013
766
2,697
Funster No
27,162
MH
Swift
Exp
.
OK! So why didn't they change your fuel filter!
I do think you have been had because that list is way over the top ! If you look at the service shedule you will note that many many items in that list are not included and the reason for this is they do not require a check this early in the vehicles life.
I think this list is more to do with impressing customers and providing justification for the excessive charging. I would bet half or more of the visual checks are not carried out.
Still, if you feel you have had value for money then you are a satisfied customer, end of.
I see it a lot differently.
To be fair that list wasn't theirs, I pinched from a KwikFit site or some-such:) but it did refer to a Ducato full service.
 

TheBig1

LIFE MEMBER
Nov 27, 2011
17,509
42,755
Dorset
Funster No
19,048
MH
A class
Exp
many many years! since I was a kid
the vast majority of check points on that service list are covered by the MOT test so you get charged twice
 
Dec 1, 2015
406
976
South Wales
Funster No
40,499
MH
Low profile Coachbuilt
Exp
Twenty years
First service is two years, just have your local garage do an oil and filter change.
As long as they use fiat parts, your warranty is still valid.

Regards DelMar
 

Lenny HB

LIFE MEMBER
Oct 18, 2007
52,702
147,663
On the coast in West Sussex
Funster No
658
MH
Hymer B678 DL
Exp
Since 2008 & many years tugging
First service is two years, just have your local garage do an oil and filter change.
As long as they use fiat parts, your warranty is still valid.

Regards DelMar
Unless it is a UK conversion it is 45000km (28000m) no time limit.
 

PeteH

Free Member
Nov 22, 2007
6,853
9,029
East Riding of Yorkshire
Funster No
900
MH
Rapido, 999M.
Exp
18+yrs plus 25+Towing
I usually do all my own service work. (except for SWMBO`s Lease car) I look at it this way. I have the time (retired), I get to know the vehicle better, I can only blame ME if it`s wrong, I have most of the kit, 3tonne jacks 5tonne axle stands, (needed for the old R-V!), And a hard-standing in front of the garage, Lighting, compressor, Air tools and more hand tools than I really need. Local factors know me and I get a "good" (Trade "ish") discount, on parts. Just need a warmer day!. I looked to change the oil to full synthetic? but I reckon that it might be better to do an Oil change annually, regardless of mileage. (Fiat X250. 2007) No warranty to consider. So the saving could be reasonable? I usually try and get under the vehicle when on the Ramp for MOT, to have a nosey, have to see how the new Guy feels about it, but he seems reasonable. My OLD guy is retired, we knew each other for years as fellow rally officers so it was a no contest.

Pete

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Ricardoe

Free Member
Apr 11, 2016
131
64
West midlands
Funster No
42,418
MH
Hymer544
Exp
Just started
I have just had my van serviced with an MOT for £354 at my local VW commercial dealership, turns out they are also a Fiat service agent, that explains why there were other motorhomes in being serviced. A general service is £150 and a full bells a whistles service is £350, I also saw a sign on the wall stating they do a cam-belt change on Fiats from £254 inc. vat which sounds good to me.
Blimey..a new cam belt for 254..where was that?

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May 8, 2016
1,685
78,518
silver coast, portugal
Funster No
42,972
MH
C Class: Low profile
Exp
Boatie for 20 years
Why would anyone spend all that money on a new vehicle, and then try to save £50 on a service?

Sorry, just doesn't make a lot of sense to me, perhaps I'm missing something
 
Last edited:
Aug 18, 2014
23,539
131,320
Lorca,Murcia,Spain
Funster No
32,898
MH
Transit PVC
Exp
16 years since restarting
A friend of mine who admits he goes well over the top changes oil 6-monthly. (I suppose he goes well under the van, not over the top!)

It doesn't do any harm and yet keeps him happy. Ex-army, of course.
I worked with a bloke who purchased a new van & changed the oil every month .:LOL: It used to come out like it went in, even after 2 years.
 
Feb 16, 2013
19,510
51,189
uttoxeter
Funster No
24,713
MH
ambulance conversion
Exp
50 years
I've not been had, you just don't seem to read posts.
Apparently it includes:
Replace engine oil and filter
Top up windscreen washer fluid
Top up coolant levels and check strength and condition
Check front, rear, side and main lights
Check indicators and hazard lights
Check brake and reverse lights
Check fog and number plate lights
Check horn
Check tyres (tread & pressure)
Check instruments, gauges, warning lights
Test electrics (battery, alternator, starter motor)
Top up power steering fluid
Full brake inspection
Vehicle road test
Check windscreen wipers
Check windscreen washers
Check seat belts
Check front windscreen
Check clutch
Check diagnostic trouble codes
Check hand brake
Check battery
Check bonnet
Check drive shaft joints and gaiters
Check steering, suspension linkages and ball joints
Check shock absorbers
Check exhaust system and mountings
Replace spark plugs (petrol vehicles) *
Replace fuel filter (diesel vehicles)
Replace air filter
Check engine, transmission and rear axle
Check radiator and coolant hoses
Check auxiliary drive belt
Check wheel bearings
Check wheel balancing
Check wheel alignment
Check mirrors
Check doors
Check interior lights
Check fuel pipes
Check wiring

because it was a FULL SERVICE!
I know this is an old thread, so probably gone the by now, but to my way of thinking most of this list youdo or should do yourself every time you get in.

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The Nomad

Free Member
Aug 24, 2016
1,052
1,064
Wandering in Europe
Funster No
44,781
MH
Overcab
Exp
Many years
Why would anyone spend all that money on a new vehicle, and then try to save £50 on a service?

Sorry, just doesn't make a lot of sense to me, perhaps I'm missing something


If you do it yourself, (and you're reasonably handy then it's a doddle) then you'll know it's been done right.
 
OP
OP
maison
Oct 7, 2013
5,867
36,736
South Wales
Funster No
28,463
MH
Swift Escape Compact
Exp
Since 1988
I would agree but......

If you want to keep warranty intact the service has to be carried out by a VAT registered garage using approved parts.
 

The Nomad

Free Member
Aug 24, 2016
1,052
1,064
Wandering in Europe
Funster No
44,781
MH
Overcab
Exp
Many years
I would agree but......

If you want to keep warranty intact the service has to be carried out by a VAT registered garage using approved parts.




I believe that is not the case.

It simply has to be carried out by a "competent person" (if you really can't change the engine oil on a van, there probably isn't anything you'd be competent to do); and parts used must (from memory) be original equipment "equivalent" specification.

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OP
OP
maison
Oct 7, 2013
5,867
36,736
South Wales
Funster No
28,463
MH
Swift Escape Compact
Exp
Since 1988
I believe that is not the case.

It simply has to be carried out by a "competent person" (if you really can't change the engine oil on a van, there probably isn't anything you'd be competent to do); and parts used must (from memory) be original equipment "equivalent" specification.
I am not sure that you are correct in your comment but someone here will know the definitive answer.

Twenty years ago I was "competent" to rebuild a gearbox, strip and refit an engine etc without thinking twice so I am quite competent to change filters and oil etc.

With more modern vehicles, and advancing years, I have cut back on what I am prepared to do however, the cost of a service by a VAT registered garage, as opposed to main dealer, is a cost I am prepared to bear in order to ensure my service book is stamped in the event of a major breakdown.

Each of us can make their own choice and live with the consequences...

DIY and take your chance
VAT reg garage and be sure.

I am not a risk taker anymore.
 

Lenny HB

LIFE MEMBER
Oct 18, 2007
52,702
147,663
On the coast in West Sussex
Funster No
658
MH
Hymer B678 DL
Exp
Since 2008 & many years tugging
Fiat with a 2 year warranty & first service due at 28k only reason to take mine to a main dealer is for warranty repairs.
 
May 23, 2008
2,480
3,481
Near Durham City
Funster No
2,787
MH
Carthago
Exp
Since 1984
Base vehicle servicing is a game of roulette . Never been to a main dealer for servicing in 30 years . I spend most of my working life sub contracting to main dealerships. Behind the scenes is an eye opening experience . A new neighbour moved in two years ago and he is a forman for an international car brand . His stories about what happens there make me shudder and still convinces me to use my local family business .
Everyone has a choice so good luck but remember to mark every item to be replaced and retain the faulty parts they have supposedly replaced .

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Ricardoe

Free Member
Apr 11, 2016
131
64
West midlands
Funster No
42,418
MH
Hymer544
Exp
Just started
Base vehicle servicing is a game of roulette . Never been to a main dealer for servicing in 30 years .
thats bang on..and if you have a bloke you can trust to do a good job,not bung some"extra" stuff on at mot time and cut the cost of taking the vehicle to a main dealer(nissan cam belt £650..Westley garage £280)...then you're doing alright...unfortunately he cant do my Hymer,but he recommended a place and they've turned out alright too:)
 
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pappajohn

LIFE MEMBER
Aug 26, 2007
43,207
48,825
Dark side of the moon
Funster No
172
Exp
Since 2005
Mine was about 3 hours I think but that included a brake oil change, the MOT was done off site at £59 (included in the £354) so it would be interesting to know what extra you get for a full service being it is £200 more!
You wuz robbed.
The official max cost for a class 4 mot is £54.85.
NOBODY can charge more than the VOSA maximum.

3. MOT costs

There’s a maximum amount MOT test stations can charge. This depends on the type of vehicle.

The maximum fee for a car is £54.85 and £29.65 for a standard motorcycle.

You don’t pay VAT on the fee.
 
Jun 17, 2012
2,919
9,817
North Essex
Funster No
21,517
MH
Autotrail Delaware
Exp
>12 but <13
You wuz robbed.
The official max cost for a class 4 mot is £54.85.
NOBODY can charge more than the VOSA maximum.

As the MOT was done "off-site" perhaps the garage charged a fee of £4.15 to take to an MOT station?
And if they did, Mr. HMRC says they must charge VAT on providing that service !!

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