Drivers compromise on quality mechanics to save a few bob – even though it might cost more in the long-run
Despite being one of our most valuable assets, UK drivers have shown they would rather save on price than take their car to a reputable garage
WHEN it comes time to taking the car in for service, UK motorists care far more about finding the best price than they do about visiting a reputable mechanic, new research has found.
Despite the fact that it may lead to a need for additional repairs further down the track, Britain's drivers have shown they are willing to take a chance on their vehicle's performance if it means lowering their total service bill.
Conducted by online car servicing provider, Servicing Stop, the survey found that when it came to making a decision on a mechanic, 64 per cent of drivers considered price comparison the most important factor - a shift in consumer behaviour which once saw reputation and brand take precedence over cost.
Findings also showed that most drivers were happy to regularly use a different mechanic to push servicing costs down, with just 26 per cent choosing to visit a garage they had been to before.
CEO and founder of Servicing Stop, Oly Richmond, said that it was surprising Brits were more concerned with the cost of a service rather than the well-being of their vehicle, considering the massive disruption car troubles can cause to everyday life.
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“A car is the second most expensive item a person will own, and in this day and age, possibly the first," Richmond said.
"Being left without a car is possibly the most inconvenient thing to happen to a person whatever they use it for, but it seems people are more worried about the hidden or extra costs."
Price was also paramount for motorists when asked what they most feared about a car service.
Almost 90 per cent of drivers were worried they would have hidden costs and unnecessary work added to their bill, while only six percent were concerned with further damage being done to their vehicle, re-emphasising the idea that most Brits want to get in and out of the garage having paid as little as possible.
“Owning a car is not cheap, in fact it is far from it - by the time you have factored in fuel costs, insurance and road tax, repairs and services can seem like an unnecessary expense so when you receive your mechanic's bill of double or even triple the price of the original quote it makes a person lack all trust in the servicing industry and make people question the affordability of owning a car," Richmond said.
Surprisingly, the study also showed that just three per cent of drivers were worried their car would not be returned on time, while only two per cent were concerned about using a garage that would protect their vehicle's warranty.