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Service at dealer or Halfords

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Hello
Looking for opinions here...
What are the pros and cons of choosing service of the car at a dealer vs at Halfords?
Thanks.
«1

Comments

  • Cons, both will be expensive.


    Find a good independent.
  • JGB1955
    JGB1955 Posts: 3,854 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I wouldn't choose either as they are likely to be very over priced. Find some recommendations for an independent garage from friends and neighbours.
    #2 Saving for Christmas 2024 - £1 a day challenge. £325 of £366
  • Mr.Generous
    Mr.Generous Posts: 3,979 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Main dealer will do a better job, Halfords will try and find a load of unnecessary work.

    Like asking someone to choose between May and Corbyn for PM, neither are desirable choices.
    Mr Generous - Landlord for more than 10 years. Generous? - Possibly but sarcastic more likely.
  • tacpot12
    tacpot12 Posts: 9,261 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Pros for the dealer: The dealer will have immediate access to the technical information and any special tools that might be needed. (Con for Halfords: they might try to use generic knowledge and tools to undertake repairs and thereby cause further problems)

    Pros for dealer & Halfords: They are both big organisations with a reputation to protect and have the resources to compensate you if they cause a problem and cannot wriggle out of liability for it.

    Over the years I have gradually changed to using dealers to perform the service on cars where the service history will be valuable, but got any problems found during the service fixed by a good independent garage. For cars where the service history isn't valuable, I tend to service them myself or get an independent to do it if I'm too busy.
    The comments I post are my personal opinion. While I try to check everything is correct before posting, I can and do make mistakes, so always try to check official information sources before relying on my posts.
  • Noree
    Noree Posts: 166 Forumite
    Fifth Anniversary Combo Breaker
    tacpot12 wrote: »
    Pros for the dealer: The dealer will have immediate access to the technical information and any special tools that might be needed. (Con for Halfords: they might try to use generic knowledge and tools to undertake repairs and thereby cause further problems)

    Have you ever heard of AutoData? That’s all you need (or similar) for servicing to get correct specifications. What you say above is complete nonsense.

    OP, if your car is in warranty, check the handbook. Most likely need genuine parts and won’t void warranty using your trusted local independent garage.

    Independent garage not even questioned? It’s not hard to find a good or better one near by.
  • waamo
    waamo Posts: 10,298 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Seventh Anniversary Name Dropper
    Hello
    Looking for opinions here...
    What are the pros and cons of choosing service of the car at a dealer vs at Halfords?
    Thanks.

    Do you prefer being punched in the face or kicked between the legs?
  • marlot
    marlot Posts: 4,967 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Hello
    Looking for opinions here...
    What are the pros and cons of choosing service of the car at a dealer vs at Halfords?
    Thanks.
    Some dealers offer reduced price servicing for older cars, which can be decent value: eg. https://www.vantagemotorgroup.co.uk/toyota/servicing-offers/essential-care/


    I'd avoid Halfords.


    Best choice is a good local garage with a decent reputation.
  • agrinnall
    agrinnall Posts: 23,344 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    It's pointless trying to answer without knowing what car it, how old it is, how many miles it's done, what service history it already has, whether an MOT is needed, etc.
  • molerat
    molerat Posts: 34,609 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Main dealer will do a better job,
    :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:
  • Mr.Generous
    Mr.Generous Posts: 3,979 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    molerat wrote: »
    :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

    Than Halfords!!
    Mr Generous - Landlord for more than 10 years. Generous? - Possibly but sarcastic more likely.
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