dealer servicing v local garage

Raksha

Would you expect there to be any difference between the annual/mileage service from a small local garage and one from a main dealer. Specifically manufactures recomendations, such as cam belt, fuel filters etc.

OddballJamie

Hot chocolate and a comfy chair.

Prothet_of_Doom

£140 an hour vs £40 a hour labour

There are certain cars, where fitting pattern parts will cause issues, and where some issues will have even the main dealer scratching his head, and ringing the manufacturer for additional support, but in the main, a good independent will be no worse than an average dealership.

*Honda accord Diesel - ONLY fit the Honda Fuel Filter.

Hintza

I would expect to have to let the small garage know exactly what I wanted done be that by just saying do it by the book.

For example MIL Tiguan was in for its first service (MAIN DEALER) and they couldn't change the rear wiper because it wasn't in stock, she was relieved and to be honest I wouldn't expect a small garage to change it unless it needed it or I asked.

neilmcl

One thing you probably won't get from an indy are any of the advisory or recall notices that the main dealer will get. Personally I tend to get my cars serviced at the main dealer until the initial warranty has expired at least. A full dealer service history does still carry weight when selling a (newish) car, particularly privately.

Gloomendoom

I have found that with a bit of haggling, main dealers can come up with some very competitive pricing. I usually supply my own oil and that can knock as much as £120 off the bill.

Raksha

Thanks to all those who answered. My reason for asking is that a second hand vehicle we've purchased recently has had some 'issues'... The s/h car dealer has said we 'shouldn't expect a back street garage to service to the same standards as a main dealer'... apparently we're not alone in expecting that they would be.

How about an overdue cam belt? If there's no sign of that having been changed in the previous service, should that then be changed?

Weird_Nev

neilmcl wrote: »

One thing you probably won't get from an indy are any of the advisory or recall notices that the main dealer will get. Personally I tend to get my cars serviced at the main dealer until the initial warranty has expired at least. A full dealer service history does still carry weight when selling a (newish) car, particularly privately.

Major recalls are done through DVLA records and you will be advised. If you get wind of a recall, you can just call a dealer and book the car in. I did this with my Impreza, and had the work performed free and without quibble.

Cost is the only difference, IMO. Though there are good and bad dealer service centres and good and bad independents. The important thing is to find a GOOD garage, be it main dealer or independent.

If you have no evidence of a cambelt change, you should get it changed as a precaution.

westwood68

A good back street garage will do a good job. A bad one won't. You can't really lump them all together.

& yes in reality the cambelt should be changed if there is not record but try to get the history from previous owners if possible before forking out.

It might be difficult to get their details but you might strike lucky

colino

Doesn't really matter, big or small, apart from hourly rates, you have to earn a good reputation, so follow the good ones from personal recommendations. If its relatively new, stick with recommended specialist. They will get to hear of worthwhile software updates etc.

nickcc

Join a forum for your make of car and ask members for their advice, almost certain to be members in your area who have experienced most of the local independents. We used a Mercedes independent a few years ago who charged £50 per hour whilst the MB dealer was charging £110 per hour. I would rather use an independent for your specific make of car rather than a general garage as the independent will usually be an ex dealer employee who has started on his own and not only have brand experience and training but also the correct specialised equipment.