Inflated Prices (Nationwide Autocenters)

Member Name: scankaroo

Product:	Nationwide Autocenters
Date:	14/06/09 (199 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good diagnosis

Disadvantages: Very expensive

I'm very sceptical of Nationwide Autocentres, regarding their prices. I left my car in for what they call their 'major service' in their Preston branch on Fri 12/06/09.

I got a call advising that I needed the following fixing:

* 2 new front tyres
* Complete new wishbone on Near-Side Front of car
* 2 new brake discs and pads for the rear of car
* Tracking of wheels

I only got my brakes done last year so I left my car in with Kwik Fit on Sat 13/06/09 for their free brakes check for a 2nd opinion though low n behold, they confirmed everything Nationwide said about the brakes. They also went on to say that they felt something was causing the front tyres to wear on their inside. This is the classic signs of suspension and wishbones, so overall, the Nationwide Autocentre diagnosis was spot on.

It was their price that blew me away. They said that to get them 4 things done, the price including VAT was £567! With a new baby due in 2 weeks thats the last thing I wanted or needed to hear.

Anyway, I shopped around Preston for alternatives. £140 of the £567 quoted by Nationwide was for 2 new tyres, though a rubbish brand. I found a garage in Preston that did 2nd hand tyres but only those still in very good condition. I got 2 Dunlops with 500 miles use on each, including the fitting and balancing of wheels for £60.

I then used breakeryard.com and spares247.com to search for a Wishbone & Brake pads plus discs for the rear of my car. Today I ordered them for £149 including delivery and VAT. I've been advised that fitting brakes discs/pads and a Wishbone will take about 90 minutes for a qualified mechanic. I'll be billed around £70 labour time from a Preston mechanic to fit these.

By doing my own research I've reduced that £567 crazy bill down to around £295.

Whatever price nationwide quote you, don't take it, unless you are really desperate for the car and don't want the inconvenience of shopping around a little bit.

Overall, I think their prices are very inflated so beware. Don't let these money off vouchers for services and MOTs fool you. They make their money back somehow.

Summary: It pays to shop around. Don't be taken for their high prices.