How can I avoid be ripped off with service charges?
Answers:
Buy a fixed-price service contract.
These are available from smart in the UK (see http://www.smart.com/-snm-0164329964-115. ) but I don't know how much it costs.
For some cars these are very good value - especially the "tlc" packages available with new MINIs in the UK.
Alternatively lease your car, rather than buying it, and you can have the service costs included in the lease.
Note that it is illegal under EU legislation for the manufacturer to insist that you use their franchise dealers for servicing - however if you have an additional "dealer" insurance-backed warranty (which the second and third years of many new-car warranties are) then using a non-franchised dealer for servicing may invalidate this warranty.
Choice is narrow with niche products.it's just one of the downsides to being an early adopter of new technologies. Unless a product becomes mainstream, your service fees will remain even more outrageous than the already outrageous fees charged for service on mainstream vehicles.
That is a problem and an ever growing problem. One of the best ways is a word-of-mouth and from someone who is savy. It is a very serious problem
You mean doing it yourself, or having multiple servicers to chose from? Perhaps you should have chosen something like a '65 Chevy Nova or something people can work on. You chose to go with something so complex, that nobody else can work on it. There's your choice.
'nuff said?
When enough people switch from gas guzzlers to hybrids, there will be enough need for other mechanics to fill the niche. Currently, they can keep busy repairing normal cars so they don't need to learn how to repair hybrids - there is no financial incentive.
Anytime you have a relatively new technology, you have the problem of requiring a specialist to maintain it. As the technology becomes more common, you will find more ability to find service outside of dealerships; unfortunately, this may take a few more years. If you personally know any mechanics, you might suggest that they take some classes on fixing and maintaining these vehicles; this would be a step in the direction you desire.
The Smart Car Mercedes Benz and Swatch makes is comming to these shores soon. The placement of the motor and special tools necessary to diagnosis and repair. The BMW mini cooper is also cramped and hard to work on so until a Smart mechanic quits and starts a shop, your stuck with the servicing dealer. Try another dealer next closest to you.
the 2 best choices you have ,is do the work yourself or find a shadetree mech.(,they seem to know more then the so called mechs.in the garages.)
The answers post by the user, for information only, UKQnA.com does not guarantee the right.