Main dealer vs independent servicing?

[Andy.Jeffries]

Right, Here is my dilemma..
I have a 2002 Leon cupra that currently has A full seat history.

I plan on tinkering with the engine a bit and this has got me thinking... Even as a standard car is it worth keeping the car main dealer serviced or shall I go independent now

Seems I would get better value for money by leaving the main dealer and it is an older car now but I really can't decide!?

What do other people do service wise? I have had a quote from a place in Portsmouth and they can do an mot service and brake fluid change for a little more than what seat would do the 40k service for.

Many thanks

 

[Mo Arif]

I'm in the same boat

 

[pstruck]

On an 'older car' (mine's an 03) I wouldn't bother with main dealers. Ok, so you might get a slightly better price when selling on, but that would more than be offset by the additional servicing costs. Find yourself a good local VAG specialist and stick with them. I did this with my BMW and will be doing the same with my Cupra.

 

[Andy.Jeffries]

I'm thinking of using JKM as they have their own sub forum on here, are fairly local and responded very quickly to my initial enquiry

 

[Andy.Jeffries]

On a side note its MOT time wednesday and could only get an appointment at the main dealer....fingers crossed all will be ok!!

 

[lock1981]

Independent and buy yr own parts. Go vag and still get stamp

 

[Rocky Rocastle]

Cant be arsed with main dealers, there prices, there fobbing off etc. Personally i think if you know a local reptuable, independent garage, as above , source your own parts to an extent and get them do the work. I pont read too much into full dealer history but thats me, a lot will disagree i suspect

 

[m0rk]

I'm thinking of using JKM as they have their own sub forum on here, are fairly local and responded very quickly to my initial enquiry

This is the right thing to do

Dealer SH on a car the age of a Mk1 Leon is not what you should be doing.... Our Leon has never been back to a main dealer.

 

[CJRamze]

I'll be going to a VAG Specialist.
If I see a car is sent to a VAG specialist garage, I'll always prefer that over a dealer service (On cars over 3 years)

Some mechanics at dealers are apes, Thankfully our local Seat Garage has one of the best mechanics around so I'm confident when I take it there. However hes moved on now so I'll be going Specialist from now on!

 

[Andy.Jeffries]

I guess 9 main dealer stamps is enough !!

Thanks for all the advice - as an added bonus it's a day at the seaside when my car gets serviced