Fabia Estate 1.2 (105) SE

Hi. I have owned a Vauxhall Astra Estate 1.7 for almost 8 years and done 120,000 trouble free miles in it apart from the wear and tear items. This car has served me very well and in some ways I'm reluctant to part with it. It has always averaged 55 - 58 mpg come 'rain or shine'.

However, I've decided to part company with it and opted for a Fabia 1.2 (105) SE Estate. This was ordered in December and should be with me within the next 10 days according to the dealer. I was taken by the performance and frugality of the petrol engine (53 mpg). I know will not get the quoted combined mpg figures - most people seem to get near to 50 mpg, but that's a pay off given relative running costs eg petrol v diesel cost p/l.

As I'm not a regular purchaser of new vehicles I'm wondering whether any of you bother with servicing at the Skoda garage from which you may have bought your new car from? We all have very good local garages which can do servicing at cheaper prices. I know garages when servicing would/should only use manufacturers parts but then there is always the issue of invalidating the 3 year warranty if there is any mechanical issues. The fabia 1.2 seems to have a shorter servicing interval - every 10,000. Any thoughts?

Priseguy