Not using the main dealer for services whilst in warranty

Gloomendoom

Iceweasel wrote: »

It's a fallacy that main dealers are much more expensive than local garages or these national chains.

I agree. I get my car serviced at a main dealer and it isn't any more expensive than using an independent.

With my wife's car I found that ring several main dealers and asking them to quote the service reduced prices appreciably.

oldagetraveller

As above. Main dealers are not unknown to price match or negotiate a discount either if presented with a price from a competitor, whether that be an independent or other main dealer.
The one I use does anyway.

System

Zola. wrote: »

I have never came across an independent mechanic that charges £245 for oil change and an all filters service. More like £50/60 after parts have been purchased, as its half an hours work really.

If it takes half an hour then they're doing a poor service that is nothing close to being anything like a manufacturer's service. I've just had a Motorcraft minor service at Ford which is basically an oil and filter change. The checklist of items and other tasks is a page long and it highlighted a worn track rod end.

At half an hour they're not even going to be taking the wheels off so the track rod end would never have been found until the MOT.