Just had the 1.4 26V 53 serviced at independent... sight cheaper than franchise. Only minor irritant is that I cannot clear the spanner and INSP warning despite following the handbook instructions. Double checked by more tech savvy SiL too! Has any one else had that problem and how was it solved?

In my car, to reset it you:

a) Press and hold the button below the speedo with the ignition off

Turn the ignition on

c) Release the button, and then turn the button clockwise.

The display then reads ---- and the service interval has been reset.

Strangely I've read three, four or even five different ways of resetting the display but that's the only one that works on my car (1.9SDI with engine code ASY)

Hope that helps!

keeping the reset button pressed for 10 seconds might help

I take it the reason my Fab's shouting and waving a spanner at me at just over 9300 miles is that it's expecting a service at 15,000 kms, and not at 10,000 miles ?

can this be changed to ding in miles, and not in kilometers ?

(note to self - phone garage to arrange service)

I think it dings about 1,000 miles before it's actually due. I could be wrong though but mine did the last time.

Correct 15,000 km = 9,320.57 miles, so your car does good sums.

I've just called a couple of garages for the 10k service

one wants ~£80 for a "4-point check including oil+filter change"

the other wants ~£150 for "Oil & filter change, full visual check-over plus brake, steering and suspension check"

hmmh - which to go for ????

It depends how many miles you do a year. If you do 20k miles, get the 80 quid one done, if you do less than 20k, get the £150 done. It's to do with annual inspection services....

Chris

well, I've opted for the cheaper one. Providing they do all the things that are laid out in the manual for that service, I'll be happy.

Way to go £80 the other is exactly as it says "VISUAL" £70 For some apprentice to "look"

Your local fire station usually has a night shift "kerbside motors"

They are either brigade mechanics or ex mechanics that have joined the brigade

They pass their days off servicing cars that they used to service before they joined

So will do a full service for cash in hand

They make £50 quid on their day off, you save £100 quid They will collect the car at 20:00 and return it with keys through your letter box at 05:00

(Not that they have worked through the night on your car whilst, on call off course)

Who is bothered so long as everyone is happy

They have £50 cash you have saved £100 had a good personal job done not rushed and mrs jones pays the full whack to the dealer job is a good un

National

I know what your saying there, but where will that leave your warranty and SH if it's not done by a VAT registered fitter/garage and stamped accordingly?

Also I believe that the warranty is dependant genuine parts being used for the service albeit only an oil filter cartridge and sump plug for the 10k, these do cost a bit more than the the usual Motor factors fare.