Main Dealer? Or Independent?

hothothot_3

Just interested what peoples views are about taking their car to get either serviced or repaired at the main dealer garage or using a local independent. Whats your experience cost wise (im thinking main dealer is always going to be more expensive) but surely you are getting best quality attention as they only specialise in your make of car.

Little poll for you also. :money:

Shimrod

Main dealer, as it's also the most convenient garage, they drop off and collect and the prices are bearable - this is for a BMW. Previous cars I would use main dealer or Halfords/AA depending on what I was having done. Always had good service at Halfords/AA so was a bit miffed when they closed the garages.

missile

Pay your money and take your chance. Some independents give very good service at good prices some are !!!!!! and expensive. Main dealers service / prices are monitored / regulated by the manufacturer.

Premium brands will offer free courtesy car or pick up and return and some valet your car.

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

Learn how to do it yourself. As I did.

hothothot_3

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers! wrote: »

Learn how to do it yourself. As I did.

so how long and what does it take to be a good DIY mechanic?

Radsteral

sending mini to bmw yesterday--- no hot air comming in.

bmw- the blower unit is faulty
me- is this bmw or the a street market trader? blower blows your head but only with cold air.


20 minutes later
bmw- sorry blower works, the thermostat is to blame .. itss not opening 260 quid to change and all fine.
me- ok please do



today
bmw- thermostat done but no hot air.. we think may be a switch or something else.
me- is this bmw or a street market trader? you told me yesterday that its not bringing air because thermostat is not working.. and i even got a text from you confirming that... whats next? engine overhaul?

bmw- sorry sir but we couldnt oversee this.

me- well i either want hot air for 260 quid or, cold air at no price.. please get that fcccuking thermostat out and give me the old one back as i dont think it wa faulty anyway.

problem fixed at no extra charge...a switch


so much for main dealers.. though i m not keen on independent ones either... any mechanic can rip you of, unless they are mechanic with principle..

clockworks_2

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers! wrote: »

Learn how to do it yourself. As I did.

But when it comes to the selling the car you will have no service history which will make shifting it very difficult.

bristol_pilot

Main dealer. I have had experience of independent garages doing unnecessary work, or not doing 100% of a service I've paid for.

hothothot_3

bristol_pilot wrote: »

Main dealer. I have had experience of independent garages doing unnecessary work, or not doing 100% of a service I've paid for.

would a main dealer be just as likely not to do the same?

mark5

BMW charge about £80 for the Mini for a minor service (Oil change) using fully synthetic oil (Castrol), I doubt an independant would do it much cheaper using like for like oil.
I like the stamps in the book but only when the SH is backed up by receipts from the said garage, giving details of the work carried out.

hothothot_3

do service stamps really justify the increased cost? after all, you might not get more money for a car based on service stamps but you will definatly save money to do an oil change yourself? just interested, im undecided who to choose.