All-makes specialist garage covering every major UK manufacturer with full diagnostic capability.
Make-by-make faults, recalls and costs
Every manufacturer has its own habits. Certain engines eat timing chains, certain platforms suffer DPF problems on short journeys, certain models are known for suspension bushes or electrical gremlins. Knowing the pattern for the make you own — or the one you are about to buy — saves both money and argument.
These pages pull together the known faults, recall information, common MOT failures and realistic repair costs for each manufacturer, based on what actually comes through a working UK workshop.
Recalls are free and often ignored
A safety recall is repaired free of charge by a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age or how many owners it has had. Plenty of cars are driving around with outstanding recalls because the letter went to a previous keeper's address.
Check the registration against the recall records. It costs nothing and it is one of the few genuinely free fixes in motoring.
Using this before you buy
Read the make page for the known weak points, then check the specific car's MOT history for evidence of them. If a model is known for rear suspension corrosion and the history shows three years of corrosion advisories, you know exactly what you are buying.
For anything expensive, add the £19.99 full vehicle check for finance, write-off and stolen markers before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Are safety recalls free?
Yes — a manufacturer safety recall is carried out free of charge by a franchised dealer, whatever the age or ownership history of the car.
How do I check for an outstanding recall?
Check the registration against the manufacturer recall records; many cars carry outstanding recalls because letters went to a previous keeper.
Why do some makes cost more to repair?
Parts pricing, access time and specialist tooling. Two cars with the same fault can differ by hundreds in labour alone.