Dealer Service Charges

[Old Timer]

I would like to know why dealers charge so much more than a registered motor mechanic? There are even differences in prices of dealers. For instance, Oxley Motors in Port Macquarie charged me $67.50 for oil (Castrol Long Life III VW) and the AHG Dealer in Perth charged $114.00 for the same oil. When I questioned this, the customer service guy said that the other dealer must have used a different oil. I was wishing I had the copy of my service from Oxley with me to show him. I realise dealers have higher outlays than the usual motor mechanic but it seems over the top the prices they charge. My sister has a Honda Jazz and her dealer quoted $354 for a 20,000 service and a motor mechanic quoted her $129. Why?? You would think the dealer would be charging a fair price to get you back, not only for service, but for the possibility of another vehicle purchase.

[jnrdavo]

It's just because they can (like a dog licking....)

A lot of people (most?) think that they MUST take their cars back to the dealers when they are serviced to ensure that they can claim warranty etc... So, the dealers charge accordingly.

Some are taking note however... In these tough times, many manufacturers are offering fixed service costs for the warranty period... Nice when you are buying your daughter/son a car and want to cap the expenses...

[Old Timer]

It's just because they can (like a dog licking....)

A lot of people (most?) think that they MUST take their cars back to the dealers when they are serviced to ensure that they can claim warranty etc... So, the dealers charge accordingly.

Some are taking note however... In these tough times, many manufacturers are offering fixed service costs for the warranty period... Nice when you are buying your daughter/son a car and want to cap the expenses...

And some, I have heard only actually have that price for the first 12 months... then you go back to the high cost and so they make up for it in the end....