Dealer service worth it vs independant garage?

[SeanyK]

Hey folks;

So I am thinking about taking my 06 Ibiza Cupra for it's 10k service...

The chap I bought it from, had it serviced at 5k from the SEAT dealer he bought the car from.

However, I was thinking;

A new specialist VAG servicing company is opening next week literally 2 mins walk from my workplace, considering I walk to work it is a huge advantage to book it in for a service there, as the SEAT dealer i'd use, is about 15 mins drive away, and it's finding the time in the morning to go before work, and to collect it after work!

From previous experience, SEAT garages charge way more than anywhere else, and don't do as much, im estimating on a 10k service i'll end up paying about £150+ for an oil change.

Also, from a resale point of view, surely FSH is just as good as FSSH?

Is it worth it?

 

[Poverty]

Its a seat, not a ferrari or porsche. FSSH will not make your car worth anymore or anyless than if it "only" has FSH.

Save your money for mods

 

[RichieRich]

im going independant on my 07 plate mate its already done 10k lol seat wanted £250 were i can get it for abouts £150! the extra £100 will prob go to tinted windows

 

[dozza.13]

Dont waste your money going to a dealer, take it somewhere cheaper!

 

[bizzaboy]

Will admit I take mine to Seat for the Services, but this might change!
Approaching the 60K service and Seat have quoted around £600!!! (cambelt change).

A hardcore buyer (of any car) would be more influenced by a full manufacturer service history.
However if you say your car was properly serviced prompt, at each interval (even if some aren't Seat) - most would still be happy with that.

 

[dozza.13]

What on earth is a hardcore buyer???

Although we all know that a dealer history is prefered by some car buyers, the majority who know that cars which are looked after by a non franchised specialist/tuner may well be the better cared for car! I have worked at several different car dealerships in the past and know that the treatment many customers cars get isnt always the best, and sometimes things which are supposed to be changed aren't!!!!

 

[MK8]

My car just had a 40k, and i took it to an independant. like someone said, its ONLY a seat. Your going to save loads after a few services by going independant, even if you take away the cost of a lower resale value, if any!

 

[m0rk]

What on earth is a hardcore buyer???

one with blinkers, who likes poor service & doesn't understand block exemption I guess.

 

[dmjw01]

What on earth is a hardcore buyer???

Anyone who goes down to B&Q and buys a load of rubble?

 

[bizzaboy]

What on earth is a hardcore buyer???

Although we all know that a dealer history is prefered by some car buyers, the majority who know that cars which are looked after by a non franchised specialist/tuner may well be the better cared for car! I have worked at several different car dealerships in the past and know that the treatment many customers cars get isnt always the best, and sometimes things which are supposed to be changed aren't!!!!

You have to admit, when 'average Jo' looks through a car's service history, if it's all been done/stamped by a dealer, it looks appealing (over another car that isnt).

If it isnt an important factor, why do the majority of car ad's make a point of putting in the description that the car HAS a full dealer service history?

Those that follow the car scene (enthusiasts/collectors etc) would understand if the cars service history has been carried out by a specialist/tuner instead, and would not be fazed by this. As they understand in alot of cases those mechanics probably know the car better than the grease monkey graduate working at the dealership!

Hope that came across correctly!

 

[dozza.13]

Anyone who goes down to B&Q and buys a load of rubble?

 

[dozza.13]

You have to admit, when 'average Jo' looks through a car's service history, if it's all been done/stamped by a dealer, it looks appealing (over another car that isnt).

If it isnt an important factor, why do the majority of car ad's make a point of putting in the description that the car HAS a full dealer service history?

Those that follow the car scene (enthusiasts/collectors etc) would understand if the cars service history has been carried out by a specialist/tuner instead, and would not be fazed by this. As they understand in alot of cases those mechanics probably know the car better than the grease monkey graduate working at the dealership!

Hope that came across correctly!

Yeah I see what you are saying mate!

 

[bizzaboy]

Yeah I see what you are saying mate!

Cheers mate.
...infact the enthusiast (like us) would probably be more excited by a car that has had all it's services/work carried out BY a specialist/tuner...

First question when viewing - so what's it had done under the bonnet,

 

[muddyboots]

From my experience of work done by dealers - their inability to track down faults, not doing work that was booked in for meaning repeat visits, their ham-fisted techs breaking bits on my car - I'd go to an independent specialist any time.

Just make sure you do whatever you need to do, and get the right paperwork/receipts, to maintain warranty (I think this means using genuine parts and getting a receipt from a vat-registered garage?).

 

[dozza.13]

Yeah it does mate, as long as you can prove genuine parts are fitted and the work was done by a vat registered garage it wont affect a cars warranty!