Still not defending any prices but if you came in for the 12 month oil & filter and the checks where not done it could leave the dealership open if something failed 2 months down the line and it caused an accident.

I don't buy this argument.   If a customer of any business commissions work, the contractor is only responsible for the work commissioned.  So if I request that you change the oil and filter and you invoice me for that work, I fail to see how you could be liable should my wheels fall off 100 miles later...

This is a way of extracting additional profit.  Nothing wrong with it as such, the customer is getting the extra checks and peace of mind, but I think it's often made less than clear that it's not actually required for the stamp in the book to ensure Abarth's recommended schedule and keep the warranty.

That's the way of the world.
If your car has been in a Franchised dealers workshops they have a duty of care to ensure that vehicle is as roadworthy as humanly possible when it leaves.
If your wheel came off a week later and someone died in the resulting accident then the dealer would have to produce a workshop sheet to show what works and checks were carried out.
No workshop sheet in a court of law = Dealer getting sued.

Well it must be a matter of opinion, as for the last 5 years or so (since I cottoned on) all my cars have been serviced at franchised dealers who are happy to quote for the work required and no more.   Basically I got sick of paying main dealer labour rates to have my washer bottle filled up (amongst other things). 

I also struggle to see how legally franchised dealers would be in a different position to other garages.  When I take a car to Kwik Fit for an exhaust, they charge for the exhaust and labour to fit, they don't insist on a host of additional checks to ensure the car is roadworthy.  (Actually poor example, as there's every change of my wheels falling off in this example  but you get the point)   I don't see how a dealer would be in a different position if asked to change oil and filter.

As ever, the punter can pay their money and make their choice...

I'm not going to get into an argument about this but after 20 years in the retail motor industry I think my knowledge is quite sound.

I don't doubt it, and appreciate you debating this sort of thing on a forum.  Always good to hear from someone actually in the trade.    

I don't really disagree with you in any case - cars should be regularly and thoroughly checked by people who know what they're doing.   As long as the customer is clear on what they're purchasing, I'm fine with that - I'm just not convinced every dealer is straight up... 

In my case when I dug into the items and checks I was being charged for under the guise of a standard service I took my future business to a different franchised dealer who charged half the amount for the same service.   They also did a much better job, and still managed to point out stuff that needed fixing - which always actually did, unlike the first lot who tried to sell me new brake pads two months after fitting the last set - they shut up pretty quick when I pointed that out    (I should make it clear I'm not talking about Abarth dealers here)

my car is 1yr old next week and just over 10k on the clock, so the mini service is exactly what I should be having.

I would also point out, this is an abarth, not a ford, there is a reason as why only abarth do the warranty work and not any old fiat garage and for that I know I am going to have to pay, still i don't think its too bad.

ofcourse if you had a mini and had to pay BMW for a service you might get a shock 

Servicing can be done anywhere though Dan, if it's VAT registered then your warranty will be fine. And it's a Fiat! 

I just think it's all one big rip off. How is it every dealer charges a different price? That's what I want to know,as I have the agp ss I accept you have to have the oil change at 6000 miles,but why over charge us customers! I keep getting fobbed off by Abarth dealers! If I'm honest I don't think Abarth treats it's customers well at all! I still havnt had my Abarth registration from Abarth uk..? Sorry for the rant, but it's the way I feel about Abarth at the mo

I have always been loyal to the brand when it comes to servicing etc, I prefer a grease monkey who knows the car better that one that thinks he knows the car.

yes servicing can be done anywhere, but if something needed to be fixed under warranty then you would need an abarth garage, which for me would be hassle in having to book the car in twice.

as Sandys said, I also did my research and knew what I was getting into when I bought the car, I had asked about servicing etc and was fully aware.

I would also think as more Abarth garages/service centres pop up the price will start to get more competitive, but also you have to bear in mind, rising raw materials and labour over 3 years has gone up.

Would anyone use the local Fiat dealership instead of an Abarth Dealer? Any cheaper?

Garreth

Personally no, as my local Fiat dealer didn't know what an Abarth was last time I went in to order parts!

As for price, I doubt it... Last time I had a 6000 mile oil change done I paid £95.95.  £65 of that was parts and VAT

Fiat dealership wouldn't even touch my car.

When I asked they said they had been told by Fiat they were not allowed to do any work on the car, I would have used them as they know the t-jet engine etc.

Fiat in Inverness did the same. I dont get why any garage would refuse business, I wanted an oil change, I offered sourcing the oil, they refused saying they werent allowed because its an Abarth. I said I think I can decide who is allowed to work on my car, and I'm fine with you doing it, as opposed to an Abarth dealer 200 miles away that charge £15 more an hour in labour.