Car Service

[camille79]

I recently bought an old(l-reg) fiesta - is it worth getting a car of this age serviced? Also, as a new car owner, what exactly does servicing involve?

[Disco Fever]

If you check the water and oil about once a fortnight and if you are a low mileage user, upto 10,000 miles a year, then take the car to say Kwik Fit they change the oil and filter for under �20 and they get rid of the old oil for you, its not worth getting under your car or getting dirty for the money they charge.

[honkytonkman]

Not worth taking to a Ford dealer no.. but I'd always recommend an annual service at your local independent garage, for any car of any age or perhaps a friendly mechanic who would do 'on the side'. It could save a lot of money. Unless of course you are a mechanic and can do it yourself . For example, replacing the brake shoes/pad before they start grinding metal on metal will mean you won't have to replace expensive damaged the discs/drums. Regular oil changes are a must, with a new oil filter. Plus with the timing set properly with new plugs, distributor cap, etc you'll have a smoother running car that's more reliable and economical. It'll be worth getting the brake fluid changed too as over time it absorbs water and you'll lose efficiency, not nice at the bottom of a steep hill. Also you need to check the coolant in the radiator/expansion tank. Without enough anti-freeze to stop the water in the engine freezing, if there's a cold snap you could wake up to find a cracked engine block.,. nice and pricey. I think both Disco Fever and ansteyg are irresponsible to suggest just chancing it to save money. If you can't afford a basic service, then don't get a car. Sounds means but it's true :) My colleague has a Fiesta of this age that he's running on a 'fix as it breaks' policy and it's costing him a fortune. A decent mechanic will spot potentially expensive/dangerous faults before they occur. Happy Motoring :)

[camille79]

Thanks for all your answers!  Seem to cover the spectrum of opinion but useful all the same.  I'd quite like it to make it through one more MOT so might see how much it would be to get serviced.  I've got a really good local garage who seem to be pretty good value so this would probably be the best place to start.  Many thanks....