Overpriced car servicing concerns four in five motorists | survey

Four out of five car owners are concerned about car servicing overcharging, according to a new survey.

Over 80 per cent of car owners are wary of paying for unnecessary work when getting their car serviced, a survey conducted by research firm Canstar Blue has found.

Among the 1000 motorists surveyed, 60 per cent said they had paid for repairs or maintenance items they were not expecting.

While some people were convinced they were bring ripped off, most simply part with their money begrudgingly

The survey also found that having a regular mechanic is still common, with nearly 70 per cent of respondents reporting they have their car serviced at the same place every time. Only 40 per cent of respondents say they shop around to find the cheapest price.

Head of Canstar Blue, Megan Doyle, said that while some people were convinced they were bring ripped off, most simply part with their money begrudgingly.

"We found 52 per cent of motorists delay servicing for as long as they can and 38 per cent often skip services if their vehicle appears in good health," she said.

"That fear of unexpected costs will no doubt be one of the reasons why."

However, the survey only looked at people who reported having their car serviced at an independent mechanic and not those who had their car serviced at a dealership.

The role of capped price servicing schemes, which are becoming increasingly common and have also come into the focus of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), was also not considered.

As ever, the advice to car owners is to get a second opinion if they're unsure.

"If you’re confronted by a bill you were not expecting and have doubts about it, get a second opinion. Find a mechanic that someone you trust, trusts," Doyle said.