Has anyone used either the AA or Hometune for servicing?
There are no prices on the AA site, but hometune quote £ 99.95 for the premier service
www.kwik-fit.com/hometune/chklst_prem.htm
Has anyone used any of these outfits? Can they be recommended? and if u used the aa how much did u pay?
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Hi Pete,
I've only used the AA for recovery, but I have used Kwik-Fit / Hometune for a repair. They charged me about £90 to replace a front wheel-bearing on my 1989 Rover Metro, and that was at my workplace.
Job done was OK, the bearing nice and tight, but the ball joint (which was tight before the repair) needed to be tightened due to excessive play, which Mr Hometune didn't mention, or do anything about.
They turned up on time, but I don't think I'll use them again!
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Can't really comment on the AA - been a member for years and only ever used them twice !! (touch wood). So far as the other lot are concerned I've only ever used their drive in service for exhausts/tyres etc. No real complaints about what was done but did find they kept insisting other work needed to be done that my mechanic said wasn't required (new shocks & brakes). Makes you wonder doesn't it (suffice it to say I chose to take the advice of my mechanic with no resulting problems.
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My only experiences with the AA have been poor. Firstly there were the breakdowns where I waited for over 3 hours by the road, but the best case was when using their pre-buy checking service.
Last year, I decided to use the service to check out a car I was looking at, as it was too far away to get my usual mechanic to do. On booking, (I had seen the car myself already), I mentioned that there was a pull to the left when driving, and could it be examined? 'No problem' I was told.
After parting with my £140 (ish) I received the report (which, incidentally, can only be sent by post or left in the car - the wonders of modern technology) and eagerly turned to the steering section.
The verdict: "Pulls to left when driving. Investigate" Obviously I was chuffed to bits with this...
So, as much out of principle as anything else, I wouldn't use them again...
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I have an 8 year old Audi A6 tdi, in excellent condition with only 83k miles. I have been in the habit of having it main dealer serviced for scheduled items with other things such as brakes done by a local specialist, I liked the idea of a full dealer service history. On collecting it from the main dealer last time I noticed one tyre looked soft. I checked the pressure and it was low, and all the others were a little up or down as well. I phoned the main dealer who told me that it was not a scheduled service item (amazingly it isnt, I checked) but they would be happy to do it for free were I to ask. So oil, filter and fuel filter change for "only" somewhat over £100. So much for main dealer safety and specialist checks. I went to a local Halfords/now AA at the last 10k service and was pleased with the service I received at two thirds the price. As ever, I think so much depends on local standards and staff capability and I am not sufficiently naive, or perhaps too cynical, to think that universal high standards apply. As for Kwik Fit - well dont ask!
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yea the Halfords "Service Centre" drive in garages were sold to the AA, which in turn is owned by Centrica (Britsh Gas in the UK)
Halfords service centres have traditionally been ok
However the AA roadside recovery is sometimes good, sometimes bad
And their senior spokespeople are far too pro-camera for my liking
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As I posted elsewhere - Kwik Fit are doing mobil 1 oil + filter for £34. Can't be bad. Mind you, that's all I'd use them for.
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Slightly off thread but I agree with MGspannerman re main dealer sevicing.
Just over a year ago I bought a '99 Jeep Wrangler from main dealer, Jeep approved used car, FMDSH. Kept up main ddealer services while warranty ran, then took it to local MoT station for first MoT 3 weeks ago.
"Sorry Sir, it's failed - your nearside headlight is a left-hand-drive version"
Irate phone call to main dealer resulted in new light and free MoT, but at some inconvenience.
My point being, it's been through new car PDI, Approved Used PDI, and all main dealer services without this being spotted. And every time I collect the car from a service, the first thing they say, in justification for the astronomical cost, is "We checked all your lights". Which obviously means they switched 'em on and walked around the car - certainly doesn't include any form of alignment check.
It's now out of warranty, so will go to mate's plce down the road next time.
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I paid £133.99 for a full service using engine flush and Mobil 1, followed by a coolant change. Less 10% members discount this was £120-ish. The service is good - they do what you ask, but do plenty of checks too. I thought I'd need brake fluid but they checked it first and the boil point was better than DOT 5!
The list of checks and things they've noticed is reassuring and they will let you know of any parts which may need replcing at the mileage.
One thing is they don't always have less-needed parts e.g. I had to pay £18 for a fuel filter from Peugeot which was fitted for £5 locally. Other than this I'd recommend them.
As for Kwik Fit (Home Tune) I used these for a cambelt change because the local garages seemed to be quite busy and I was starting to panic when I realised it was overdue. Took 30 minutes. Cost £90! Probably same story in any garage though.
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