I always try to look after things, that they are maintained and the right fluids are used. We've gotten 20yrs out of our cars since the manufacture date.
In my earlier years and what I know with others, servicing wasn't such a high regard. We never did sign up for a annual servicing appointment. We had a long relationships with a few local (independent) mechanics 10 or more years. One relocated, one passed away, one we are using now is prob near retirement. Not one mechanic mentioned about a reminder of the timing belt or any fluid flushes. We had the mechanic regularly change our engine oil for us though. We did the other usual as required like brake pads, bulbs, CV joints, drive belts, spark plugs.
Even the air filter wasn't change, one was a Ford Telstar (1992 model?) replaced in 2008, at the time the alternator was failing and we were told it is getting too expensive to repair and we should get a replacement car which we did. There could had been other issues the mechanic knew about. Maybe it is the view that the average motorist pick up a relatively cheap 8-10yr old car, then use it for another 10yrs , instead of the servicing and repair cost by that time it's better to juts replace it? Again now, they have a Toyota Camry 1998 and still going but again the only stuff that is done is the WOF, oil changes / filters, sparks as required and drive belts, a radiator fix and a fuel pump - yep no fluid flushes at all. What are your views and is this a view some mechanics express?
:)