I think times are hard with the garages, less money about so they could be looking harder for items that may be on the borderline.
My daughter's car (Fiesta M reg) failed big time yesterday, suspension brakes etc also needs a new clutch (but was going to do that only if it passed), the garage kept trimming the price and even discounting the parts as well to secure the business and included to do the clutch, beat the local guy. A Ford main dealer as well..
Will be back on the road later fingers crossed. When you spend over £400 on an old car you do question why....but I waxoyled the car from new 14 years ago, so cheap motoring really.... First major bill.... other than tyres exhaust and batteries.
We did sit down and discuss whether we should scrap her.... but if you buy a car 5 years old, you can spend more on it than that in the first year..
Least I know where it's been..
So haggle with the garage on labour and parts.