Re dealerships, I couldn't agree more. They're highly variable and it's definitely a case of unless you persist you could get waved away.
The iridium plugs is just one example - where my vehicle is serviced they tried to tell me they needed to be changed every 50,000 kms - the service book says every 100,000 kms. When push came to shove recently and as my car approaches 100,000 kms they quoted $45 per plug plus $250 extra in servicing to replace them. Total Cost $400 and no guarantee they'd do the job properly - every 50,000kms.
I sourced the same iridium plugs via Spark Plugs Direct for $25 each - no charge for postage and received them within three days. Changed them over myself for the total cost of $150.
That's $150 instead of the $800 people who place their trust on that dealership will fork out.
