dealer servicing v's using an independant

[marty_34]

due to have 50k service in next 1000 miles

what can a dealer offer that an indepandant cant, apart from a dealer stamp and potentially wrecking may car from what i have read on here.

have found a vw specialist who can do the service for £97 incl vat opposed to 129 from seat dealer under the fixed price scheme.

 

[TarekElsakka]

If you've heard great things about the VW specialist and he guarantees that everything will be fine, then you can go for him. If your car is still under warranty, then definitely go to the dealer. If it were me I'd go to the dealer because if anything goes wrong, you can go back and they'll fix it no questions asked whereas the specialist may stall a little. Or at least that's my experience with dealers vs. specialists when it comes to car maintenance and servicing.

 

[Marshall]

If you know the indie does a good job with genuine parts then go to the indie.
Lets face it the dealer will charge you top dollar and an apprentice will do the service anyway.
I always used to think support the dealers but when you need something they don't support you.
Mine will need another service before the warranty is up and it won't be going to the dealer.
If you car is serviced by a vat registered garage and serviced within manufacture guidelines with genuine or oem equivalent parts it doesn't affect your warranty anyway.


Sent from my iPhone

 

[robdf2]

The independant will give you a better service.
For starters you are not just handing over your car to some receptionist who pays no attention to what you tell them what so ever.

Normally independants are a lot freindlier and are genuine enthusiasts who converse with you.

Just look at the horror stories you read about dealers , damaging cars , using the wrong oil ect.

if you use a good indy they are worth their weight in gold , no brainer really.

 

[Deleted member 74601]

I'm of the school that if you can service it yourself then do it. Especially if you're worried about other people touching your car. The only way you know what's happened to it, is if you do it.

The only time full service history really matters is during a private sale, and if you have all of the receipts for doing your own work then there isn't going to be an issue. If you're really worried about a stamp, it's not hard to find a local garage and pay him a couple of quid for the stamp.

If you can't do it yourself, go independant if you've heard good things about them.

 

[Jarre]

I guess the money lost in not having dealer SH will be less than the extra money spent on paying for dealer services over independents. When my car is out of warranty it'll be going to genuine independents!

 

[Adman77]

I've been to a dealer for a service once in my 4 years of driving.

Let's just say it was a lesson learned

 

[AndrewJB]

due to have 50k service in next 1000 miles

what can a dealer offer that an indepandant cant, apart from a dealer stamp and potentially wrecking may car from what i have read on here.

have found a vw specialist who can do the service for £97 incl vat opposed to 129 from seat dealer under the fixed price scheme.

Whos the independent?

 

[Jarre]

Could be volkswerk or Ron turnbull. I've heard good things about Ron turnbull on Middlesbrough like!

 

[phil_monk31]

Im not a fan of dealers after too many bad experiances. They couldnt even wash the car without putting a massive scratch down the bonnet

 

[Donnyboy]

The VW/SEAT garage near me is now SEAT/SKODA. There's new staff on the service desk and the guy I spoke to sounds decent and helpful.

Booked in on the 15th for 5th year service, brake fluid change and wheel alignment check. He gave me a good price on the wheel alignment.

I asked him what equipment they used for alignment and he phoned me back in 5mins to say it was snapon.......so see how it goes.

 

[marty_34]

Could be volkswerk or Ron turnbull. I've heard good things about Ron turnbull on Middlesbrough like!

correct Jarre its Volkswerk i was considering using

 

[marty_34]

Im not a fan of dealers after too many bad experiances. They couldnt even wash the car without putting a massive scratch down the bonnet

ive leaned to ask for my car not to be washed by dealers

 

[VAGUE]

Impressive, so you people in the UK have shitte dealer's service too? Man, I thought that only happened on this side of the world... but it seems it's worldwide!

 

[TarekElsakka]

Wow, VAGUE, didn't realize you live in Mexico City. I've always wanted to visit there. How is it? Does it have beautiful places like I see on TV?

I didn't know SEAT was sold in Mexico.

 

[matt l]

well only possible benefit for dealer is (as my mum has found out) if something goes wrong out of warrenty and it has been constantly serviced there then seat uk will pay towards certain repairs.

but as said indies are much cheaper and better to deal with imo and i dont feel like they will over look things just to rush and finish a job.

 

[andyccr]

All the main dealers seem to be matching verified independents prices. I brought my car at only 7 months old from my local dealer (less than 4 miles away). They know the car well, they remapped it and have done the first three services. They'll also be doing the 40k service as its still in warranty. The 50k and 60k services which I believe are just glorified oil changes they will do the same prices as local vw specialists. So I mig as well take it to the Seat dealer. Free courtesy car, decent tassimo coffee and the service guy is also a biker so we tend to have a chat !!

So not all main dealers are complete a@@eholes !

 

[robdf2]

well only possible benefit for dealer is (as my mum has found out) if something goes wrong out of warrenty and it has been constantly serviced there then seat uk will pay towards certain repairs.

but as said indies are much cheaper and better to deal with imo and i dont feel like they will over look things just to rush and finish a job.

Unfortunately mate the dealers prices are so over inflated to start with it looks like they are doing you a favour but actually it will still be cheaper to use a good Indy.

My local dealer charges £125 + vat an hour for labour , most indies are £60-£80 depending on location.

 

[Gandi67]

Hi, got my first Leon 6 weeks ago (speed blue Fr tdi), loving it, but the bluetooth didn't work. Took it to Stoneacres in Peterboghorror to sort it, just needed a new mic, they did the injectors under recall while it was in & changed a tyre. Wife picked the car up & i had a look when i got home, oil marks on the paintwork, wheel filthy from fitting the tyre & sent a report sheet from someone elses car. Not big issues i suppose but still not a good way to be introduced to seat dealers, will be using Jabbasport for servicing from now

 

[VAGUE]

Wow, VAGUE, didn't realize you live in Mexico City. I've always wanted to visit there. How is it? Does it have beautiful places like I see on TV?

I didn't know SEAT was sold in Mexico.

Hi mate! Well, what can I say? This country has for sure some beautiful places to visit, especially if you're into nature and ancient culture places. So yes, you should visit someday, I'm sure you won't regret it

As for SEAT selling in Mexico, they've been around for a little over 10 years, so you can see we're already familiar with the car make. Here's SEAT Mexico's web page:

http://www.seat-mexico.com.mx

Unfortunately we don't have most of the nicest stuff that's offered in Europe but I guess we're not that bad compared with other places

Cheers!