This is caused more-so by the fact that UK mechanics are under-qualified and the service stations and garages are generally poorly-equipped, at least from what I noticed when I was there rather than with the car at hand. Around here, whatever car you drive, every mechanic will be relatively capable of taking it apart to bits and bolts and putting it back together in expert time. Same with Ireland, really - my sis cracked her bumper and rather than mending the crack and putting a paintcoat on it which would cost next to nothing, the mechanic replaced the whole bumper... because... derp?