On 09/03/2019 12:42, sm_jamieson wrote:
Well there a

1. Chain garages like Formula 1, ATS, Halfords, Quickfit, etc. These do standard jobs (brakes, MOT, service, etc.) They employee semi-skilled mechanics.

2. Dealers, who will obviously do everything for particular range of cars, but are expensive for most jobs (although servicing seems reasonable value).

3. Backstreet garages who will do almost anything, but would you trust them ? I would, if I was friends with someone there.

4. DIY. Well, my back is not so good.

So where do I get my radiator fan changed for a reasonable price if I am not currently up to it ?

I got fed up with Ford main dealer servicing being incompetent about 20
years ago, and switched to back street garage 100 yards up the road, and
they've been excellent. I still say I want genuine manufacturer's parts
but I could ask for cheap compatibles - the point is it's up to me. When
I needed a new exhaust, they warned me the manufacturer's spare was
complete crap (and not the same as original fit) - that's the benefit
you get by knowing the mechanic. It's been the same staff doing the
servicing for 20 years.

Apparently, a key problem with the main dealers at the time was they
couldn't get good service staff to stay. No idea if that's still the
case today.

--
Andrew