Why get a car serviced at the dealer's garage?

Theo_Cupier

Given the block exemption legislation, I guess this question applies equally to cars in or out of warranty.

Following on from a couple of threads about servicing, I was wondering whether there is now ANY reason for a car to be serviced at a "main dealer" rather than a reputable, independent garage?

Assuming that the independent garage will be cheaper than the main dealer, is there anything to be gained by sticking with the more expensive option - do they offer any added value for their extra money? Let's assume that I keep records of my services, for future resale/warranty purposes.

Inactive

None, as long as the correct components are used to manufacturers specification, and it is serviced to manufacturers specification.

The independant garage will stamp your service book accordingly.

LandyAndy

If you buy a new Mazda you don't get a 'service book' to be stamped. The dealer prints you a 'service record' at each visit which shows all the work so far done to the car within the dealer network. So getting it serviced elsewhere would mean retaining the individual invoices as proof (good practice anyway).

Rightly or wrongly some buyers, possibly many, are influenced by the vehicle having been serviced at a main dealer when it comes to deciding whether to buy and/or how much to pay. Perhaps worth considering if the car is new or nearly new and you are only planning to keep the vehicle a relatively short time.

Jorgan_2

I would only consider using a main dealer if the car was new & under warranty. My neighbour had a hell of a fight with his dealer to replace a gearbox which had failed under warranty. He had gone to an independent garage & the main dealer & manufacturer kicked up & didn't want to replace the gearbox. He won in the end, but it was a struggle. His son bought a new car last year, had it serviced by the dealer, when a major engine fault occured the dealer went all out to help and insisted the car was replaced with a new one.

moonrakerz

Theo_Cupier wrote: »

Assuming that the independent garage will be cheaper than the main dealer, is there anything to be gained by sticking with the more expensive option - do they offer any added value for their extra money? Let's assume that I keep records of my services, for future resale/warranty purposes.

1. If you use a main dealer for a new (ish) car and you get problems that are borderline for warranty claims you are more likely to get some "goodwill" from him if you are a regular than if you come in off the street and ask for special treatment when you have always had your car serviced by "Fred" down the road.
2. There is a growing problem with counterfeit spare parts, you are more likely to get genuine parts at a main dealer.
3. You will get notified of any recall action by the manufacturer by a main dealer.

You probably will save money on the servicing at an independent, it's a moot point whether the savings offset anything else. The main thing to watch, whoever does it, is that is done properly.

It's your call - and money !

brazilianwax

While my baby's under warranty she'll get dealer servicing - it has to be Ralliart certified anyway as it's a specialist car. I don't want to give Mitsubishi any reason not to carry out any warranty work.

I don't use the nearest dealers (used them the first time - they took the car out for a test and went to McDs in it. I know, cos I was walking past the stinking place to go and pick the car up and saw them at the drive thru :mad: )

The dealers I do use are fantastic, and they really look after me.

Once the warranty is up she's going to an independent evo specialist (for some tweaks as well as servicing) for at least every other 4,500 mile service.

Lynsey

My hubby is getting a brand new Fiesta next month and has been offered a 2 year service deal at £250 or a 3 year service deal for £350 through the dealer Arnold Clarke. He is debating as the 3 year deal doesn't seem OTT too much.

He's unsure and need guidance, please advise and I will pass on the comments.

Lynsey

daveyjp

£125 a service seems reasonable, but at least three questions to ask.

Are you keeping the car for three years? Can the benefit be transferred to a new owner? What if the car is written off in an accident - do you get a refund or can it be transferred if you replace it with a similar car?

As for dealership or not servicing one major issue now is software updates. Main dealers get these as a matter of course and the correct bits of kit to transfer data. Independents have to buy this software and one set for every type of car becomes very expensive.
On an older car I'd always use an independent, but whilst in warranty main dealer.

Lynsey

Many thanks, he will probably do around 22,000 a year so a 3 year deal for £350 will only last for around 18 months or so. The car will probably, not 100% sure be replaced after 2 years, or given to son!!!!!!!!!

Thanks again for your quick reply, so "heads or tails"???????????


Lynsey

Lynsey

daveyjp wrote: »

What if the car is written off in an accident - do you get a refund or can it be transferred if you replace it with a similar car?

Sorry, never included that bit. Not thought of and will be well worth asking.
Many thanks for that, well worth considering.

Lynsey

deltic_2

Reasons to use a franchised dealer and not an independent:

The level of technician training on your make/model is much greater and they are more capable of diagnosing any issues much quicker (and cheaper). Training standards are much higher and provided by manufacturers.

They are often no more expensive than an independent once you get the bill.

They will use original parts and not spurious and possibly very cheap parts bought from a motor factor which could be sourced from anywhere and may not be original spec.

They will more likely use the right specification of oil and not a generic oil spec.

They will offer you courtesy services if you want them e.g. loan cars.

You will get more 'goodwill' if things go wrong just out of warranty.

The car may be more attractive to a buyer when you come to sell it.

Remember that people only ever tell you about bad experiences with dealers and never good ones. For every bad instance of repair/service there are probably another 100 who are satisfied with what they receive.