Why did a Volkswagen dealer try to charge to fix a fault on my Gold which was solved with WD40?

The passenger side door of my Volkswagen Golf Match TDI failed to unlock, and I contacted a VW main agent who informed me that there would be an initial charge for the diagnostic check costing £60, followed...

Why is oil so expensive from a dealer for my Volkswagen Scirocco?

Within a standard lube service for my wife’s Scirocco, using 4.3 litres of Castrol Edge, the cost was £90.30 (last year £57.54). For my car’s oil change, I have been quoted £91.42 (last year £40.49) for...

Why are independent garages able to work on modern cars when they lack the specialist experience?

Your correspondent in ‘Drain on Resources’ appears to be too simplistic in his views on independent garages and his preference to franchised dealerships. I have had some very bad experiences using dealerships...

Should I start my own car business?

I'm about to be made redundant and I am looking to start buying and selling cars as a small business. I have little knowledge or experience of the industry, and have no idea about legalities or where to...

Is £400 a reasonable price to repair the sills on my 1996 Ford Escort?

I run a 1996 Ford Escort Ghia 1.8i Cabriolet. It's done 73,000 miles and is in excellent condition. Recently, I took it to a local garage for its MoT. I was told my car needed new sills to pass and I was...

Why can't my Skoda dealer fix my Fabia's faulty rear wiper motor?

My neighbour, a widow, took delivery of a new petrol-engined Fabia Estate six months ago. Since delivery, the rear wiper motor would not stop working regardless of switch position. The main dealer said...

Thanks for your advice!

I had the wheels swopped around and it's done the trick. I'm sure the problem could have been solved 14 months ago had I been able to talk with the fitter instead of service receptionists. Many thanks,...

I suggest that people should use dedicated independent specialist garages for repairs and mechanical work.

JB of Alton, the independent garage owner, is quite wrong in his comments. I can prove my point easily and confirm that what you wrote is right. We have local independent garages who serve the local community...

Will I invalidate my warranty by having my Renault serviced at an independent garage?

My local Renault dealership closed in Weston Super Mare so the nearest dealer is in Bristol. Will I invalidate the 5-year warranty I have with Renault if the car is serviced at a small local garage in...

Can I recommend the Volkswagen Service Package from my local dealer?

I feel TH has been unfortunate over his service deal. I have had a Volkswagen Service Package since 2008 with Sinclair Garages of Bridgend. My current car, a Volkswagen Scirocco, bought in Dec 2010, has...