Friday, 17 July 2009

 
Thousands of car owners across Britain believe they have been ripped off when getting their car serviced or MOT'd in the last five years, according to new research by Motor Codes, the industry's self-regulatory body.
The survey of 1,425 car owners in May found that over a third of motorists have been dissatisfied with their garage experience and one in five car owners have been charged more than the garage's quote.
Furthermore 12 per cent of motorists think they have been overcharged by a garage, 70 per cent do not know who to speak to if an issue arises with a garage and 94 per cent of car owners want a recognised garage code with minimum standards.
According to Consumer Focus, this overpricing and inconsistent repair work is believed to cost Britain's motorists £4bn a year.
Motor Codes is urging motorists to make use of its new website service as a central point of contact for all their motoring issues.
"Motor Codes is working to build and maintain standards in the motor industry so motorists should look for the logo when booking their car in and ask if the garage subscribes to the right code. It's the safest way to guarantee good work at an honest price," said Motor Codes director, Chris Mason (pictured).
Motor Codes oversees the Motor Industry Codes of Practice for Service and Repair, New Cars and Vehicle Warranty Products.