dandove

Thanks, Nigel. I live in a block of flats, so it was fine leaving the solar panel on the dashboard in the car park by the flats. I grew up in the 70s and remember driving around in an MG that belonged to some people we knew. Nice cars. I take your point about cars being lumps of metal, although one can become attached to them if they provide good service for long periods of time. Your philosophy is very sound, as far as I'm concerned. Cheers, Daniel

Thanks for that and your good wishes. I bought a large AA solar charger (as my car is in a car park) and it has worked well. My car was not driven for a year and it started first time! I have some concerns about the suspension, as, like a lot of people, I have run into bad potholes and the roads that lead to some stretches of the Coast Path are often very poor. Yes, there have been some annoying noises from time to time but nothing continual. I don't know if something was stuck in the ventilation. The engine noise can be loud, but a passenger said that she liked it! I don't particularly notice it but I might have got used to it. All the best, Daniel

Thanks for that Nigel. You are right about the brakes. The tyres have been replaced as well, because of deterioration while the car was not being driven. And the battery. I get what you're saying about evaluating whether one really needs a car. In my case, one of my main interests is hiking and I'm involved in a long-term project to walk the South West Coast Path. Without a car, I would not be able to do this because public transport is not extensive enough. And so, while the mileage was very low in the past, now I would say it's reasonable.

Hi thanks for your replies. The mileage is 5,600. The car was a demonstrator at a dealer for a while before I bought it. I have been using a mobile mechanic the past few years, because, when I was ill, it was the only option when I needed an MOT. I feel that this mechanic is probably overcharging me for what he's actually doing, but, he has done the basics in terms of changing the oil/filter and the air filter. The brake fluid was changed when ATS replaced the brakes the year before last. There is no mention in the mechanic's invoice of the pollen filter and the spark plugs. I take the point that dealers sometimes charge crazy money and the service is not flexible enough. Can anybody suggest the best means of finding a reliable local mechanic? And how much should one be paying for a service for a car like this? I have attached what the local dealer is charging for various services. Book A Service Online _ ŠKODA UK.pdf

I have attached details of a service plan being offered by my local Skoda dealer. My Skoda is a 2016 Fabia with low mileage of 5600, on account of a long period of illness and the fact I'm not driving it a great deal. Does anybody have an opinion on whether the service plan is worth it or not? ŠKODA Online Servicing & Maintenance Plans _ ŠKODA UK.pdf