Study: Drivers feel overcharged for car services
Almost half of Aussie motorists feel ripped off when it comes to vehicle maintenance, according to a new studyThe News
Nearly half of Australian drivers feel taken advantage of or ‘preyed on’ by mechanical workshops, according to a new study, with almost a quarter claiming they were overcharged.
The Key Details
- Close to half of drivers say they’ve been overcharged or misquoted
- Many motorists report vague invoices or excessive labour time charges
- Some feel taken advantage of or ‘preyed on’ by mechanics
The Finer Details
The findings come from a recent Money.com.au study, which surveyed more than 1000 Aussie motorists on their car servicing experiences and found that 46 per cent suspected they were overcharged or misquoted during their last car service.
The most common complaints from the surveyed motorists included: labour time that seemed inflated or excessive (35%), a vague or incorrectly itemised invoice (31%), and receiving a bill higher than the original quote (24%).
Optional extras not requested were added to the bill (23%), while others felt taken advantage of by the mechanic (14%) or charged for work not completed, like filters listed as replaced but not actually changed (13%).
Getting charged for unnecessary parts or services, like brake pads replaced too soon (10%) was another common complaint, along with being charged an excessive card surcharge at the point of sale (10%).
Although eight per cent of those surveyed said they’d never owned a car or had one serviced, the study found younger drivers feel more hard done by than older motorists.
Millennials (58%) and Gen Z (48%) were most likely to report being overcharged, compared to Gen X (46%) and Baby Boomers (33%), according to Money.com.au.
Money.com.au finance expert Sean Callery said car servicing is often seen as a necessary expense, but if the quote or final bill doesn’t reflect the actual work done, drivers have every right to “question it or ask for a remedy.”
“Younger drivers are most likely to feel ripped off at the workshop because they may not fully understand what’s involved in a car service or how to interpret an itemised invoice,” he said.
“Lack of experience can also make them more vulnerable to upselling, unnecessary extras or charged for work they might not need.”
The Road Ahead
Consumers have the right to question unauthorised work, but they can also feel more confident by bringing a knowledgeable friend or comparing quotes from other workshops.
If you're unsure, it's always worth asking more questions.
Related: The questions you're too nervous to ask your mechanic but should
Related: Why should I check my car if it is not due for service?
Related: How do I service my car?
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