Get car serviced at main dealer or local garage?

fred246

Anyone worried about the appalling state of UK garages can be re-assured that the motor industry has set up its own ombudsman to regulate itself. This involves the garages joining this voluntary scheme so most haven't. Just check out their reviews:

https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.themotorombudsman.org

Maybe it's time for the government to step in and actually do some proper regulation.

motorguy

fred246 wrote: »

Anyone worried about the appalling state of UK garages can be re-assured that the motor industry has set up its own ombudsman to regulate itself. This involves the garages joining this voluntary scheme so most haven't. Just check out their reviews:

https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.themotorombudsman.org

Maybe it's time for the government to step in and actually do some proper regulation.

The only person with an issue with it seems to be you - based on experiences and prejudices from decades ago.

All you've done here is post a link to reviews of an organisation most likely under resourced and with no teeth anyway.

Getting a review of your local main dealer is easy these days. Plenty of reviews on google, facebook, facebook groups etc.

I just looked the one we use up on Google 4.5/5 with 125 reviews. Facebook is 5/5 with 55 reviews. I think they're excellent for an independent franchised dealer (not a big franchised chain)

I would have thought that approach would yield more accurate results rather than some broad brush "all franchised dealers do a terrible job" drum that you constantly beat.

fred990

I'm inclined to disagree slightly with fred246 here but without the usual 'I know it all and you're completely wrong'. In my opinion (and it's only an opinion) unlike the self appointed experts here who think they know it all, there are some good garages but you have to find them.
I THINK if you know nothing about cars mechanically you will get screwed when you go in. I cannot speak highly enough of my local main VW dealer and Bosch approved local garage when I've needed them on the odd occasion (special factory tools).
They're not all bad but probably are if you have zero knowledge about mechanical stuff?

motorguy

fred990 wrote: »

I'm inclined to disagree slightly with fred246 here but without the usual 'I know it all and you're completely wrong'. In my opinion (and it's only an opinion) unlike the self appointed experts here who think they know it all, there are some good garages but you have to find them.
I THINK if you know nothing about cars mechanically you will get screwed when you go in. I cannot speak highly enough of my local main VW dealer and Bosch approved local garage when I've needed them on the odd occasion (special factory tools).
They're not all bad but probably are if you have zero knowledge about mechanical stuff?

And they can tell that just by looking at people can they?

Or does your local VW dealer make you do a little test when you book your car in for a service?

I'd be fairly certain the actual mechanic working on your car at the main dealer hasnt even seen you let alone know your level of knowledge enough to know whether or not he has to bother doing the work.

fred990

LOL that didn't take long did it!
I tried to talk positively of the garage trade and mechanics and you trashed it, sad.

motorguy

fred990 wrote: »

LOL that didn't take long did it!
I tried to talk positively of the garage trade and mechanics and you trashed it, sad.

You couldnt help yourself but get a wee dig in could you - "without the usual 'I know it all and you're completely wrong'. In my opinion (and it's only an opinion) unlike the self appointed experts here who think they know it all"

And frankly, why should i be nice to you?

And my question still stands - how do they know whether you have any knowledge or not?

fred990

OMG you've just added bits in to 'win' your 'argument'!!
LOL you win, have a cookie!

motorguy

fred990 wrote: »

OMG you've just added bits in to 'win' your 'argument'!!
LOL you win, have a cookie!

Well you didnt take long to return to form did you - your forte being derailing threads.

How did that pan out for you last time? :rotfl:

fred990

motorguy wrote: »

You couldnt help yourself but get a wee dig in could you - "without the usual 'I know it all and you're completely wrong'. In my opinion (and it's only an opinion) unlike the self appointed experts here who think they know it all"

And frankly, why should i be nice to you?

And my question still stands - how do they know whether you have any knowledge or not?

Where on earth did I mention you?
A wee dig? Buddy you are majorly paranoid. You don't need to be nice to me as you say/ask? I couldn't give a flying f..k. Trust me on this, this was a view on garages only.
You need to get back in your box.

motorguy

fred990 wrote: »

Where on earth did I mention you?
A wee dig? Buddy you are majorly paranoid. You don't need to be nice to me as you say/ask? I couldn't give a flying f..k. Trust me on this, this was a view on garages only.
You need to get back in your box.

Drop the "who, me?" act, you knew what you were doing.

Its not like you dont have form

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5880789

As i said though, good to see you returning to form so quickly.