[matth3]

Trial and error in my case, cars need regular maintenance so plenty of opportunities to shop around. I've been to the main dealer, chain type garages and independents. A couple of the smaller indies get my custom all the time now.

Simple things like going for a replacement tyre and being given a choice of price ranges and an explanation of each option, then watching them do the change and hand torque to the correct spec.

Or an air con regas at £50 at a small garage vs £120 at the main dealer.

Most recently I had the discs changed, was able to order the parts myself and drop them off for fitting at the cost of labour only. That'd never be an option at a main dealer or chain type garage but is pretty common for smaller outfits apparently.