Essentially Local May-June 2019
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Motoring<br />
Looking After your Car<br />
You don’t always need to use<br />
main dealers for car servicing,<br />
using your local, independent<br />
garage offers convenience,<br />
cost savings and a potentially<br />
mechanic to trust.<br />
Manufacturer’s Warranty - To<br />
maintain the manufacturer’s<br />
warranty, cars do not have to be<br />
serviced at a franchised main<br />
dealer. The requirement is that<br />
it should be serviced according<br />
to the manufacturer’s service<br />
schedule, using manufacturer<br />
approved parts or ones of<br />
the same quality, rather than<br />
manufacturer supplied.<br />
Before - Always ask for a written<br />
quote outlining the likely cost<br />
for the correct service level<br />
or repair and make sure parts<br />
(of the correct quality), labour<br />
and VAT are included. Find out<br />
why there are differences in<br />
the hourly rates and estimated<br />
timescales to complete repairs.<br />
Independent garages are usually<br />
cheaper, main dealers may have<br />
special deals.<br />
The work - Ask the mechanic<br />
to show you the completed<br />
work carried out, take a friend<br />
for added confidence. If they<br />
refuse or you have concerns,<br />
ask another garage to check the<br />
work.<br />
On collection - Ask for a receipt<br />
which details the completed<br />
work, the parts supplied and<br />
get the service book stamped.<br />
Concerns raised at a later date<br />
may refer to this. Request a list of<br />
issues for the future.<br />
Reviews<br />
Going Electric Or Not<br />
Although more expensive from new, battery technology, charging<br />
times and choice of greener electric vehicles have all improved.<br />
Second-hand electric vehicles are cheaper because they tend to<br />
depreciate more quickly.<br />
Running costs are less and<br />
maintenance is easier with<br />
no oil, filters or cooling<br />
system to worry about.<br />
Batteries can last up to<br />
10 years before a costly<br />
replacement, but consider<br />
leasing.<br />
Refuel is necessary after<br />
50-60 miles, though newer<br />
vehicles claim up to 300<br />
miles.<br />
Car of the<br />
Edition<br />
2015 65 Lexus CT 1.8 200H<br />
Advance 5d Auto 134 BHP<br />
This is a stylish electric hybrid<br />
hatchback which offers a smooth and<br />
quiet drive in EV mode and when the<br />
petrol kicks in. Hybrids are cheaper to<br />
own and run and with the combined<br />
average fuel economy is 68.9 mpg<br />
you can see why. It’s cleaner with an<br />
emission of 94g/km. The built in sat<br />
nav, Smart entry and Smart start, hill<br />
hold control, heated seats make it a<br />
perfect choice for families or business<br />
people. It also offers some additional<br />
safety features including a front<br />
whiplash protection system and great<br />
airbag distribution. With one private<br />
owner from new and with both keys<br />
why wouldn’t you?<br />
For more details speak to:<br />
Saxon Bridge Automotive Ltd,<br />
Auckland Park, Mount Farm,<br />
Milton Keynes MK1 1BU<br />
01908 311886<br />
58<br />
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