Servicing... O'my GOD not again!

[MikeO]

O'dear.... does not appear to be my week!

After getting my duff alternator fixed, I thought I would give Harper & Hebson in Carlisle a phone and book my car in for a service and MOT. And guess what... they are no longer a SEAT dealer!!!!

If you live in Scotland, it's starting to get VERY difficult to get your car serviced by a dealer. As I live in Dumfries in the borders, carlisle was not exactly "round the corner" but at least it was only a 100 mile round trip. Now my closest would appear to be Bickets in Kilmarnock, an even longer journey! Anyone ever heard, or used them before?

Question... what are peoples thoughts about using "independents"? As I have a decent Ford dealers only 2 miles down the road from me. Be a bloody site easier to drop it in down the road. What is it they "can't" do? I'm assuming they wont be able to plug into the electronic diagnostic port etc. And what about re-setting the service indicator on a Mk4 Ibiza when it comes on?

Any comment appreciated as usual.

PS. There are times when I wish I had bought a Ford! At least you can get that serviced pretty much anywhere.

 

[Leigh15]

You can reset the service indicator yourself - the instructions are in the manual.

I'm guessing if you're having an MOT that you're out of the warranty period? If so, then using an independent garage is no real problem - just make sure they use the correct oil rated to VW 505.01 (i think) spec

 

[norrie]

Why not use Earlston Seat?
They get a good name.

 

[dmjw01]

If you live in Scotland, it's starting to get VERY difficult to get your car serviced by a dealer.

So don't then!

A decent independent garage should be able to do everything that a SEAT dealer can do, including reading the diagnostics. (Heck - for that matter, I can read the diagnostics myself with VAG-COM).

Personally I would avoid franchised dealers altogether, and find a completely independent garage. They're more likely to care about whether you come back for repeat business.

Since you mention the MOT, it follows that your car isn't under warranty any more, so that isn't an issue for you. But even if it were still in warranty, you should still be alright getting serviced at an independent so long as they use all the right parts and follow the proper procedures (which any decent independent will do). Keep all the paperwork proving what work has been done, and with which parts.

I carefully read the SEAT booklet describing the terms and conditions of the warranty, and couldn't find anywhere that says you must use a SEAT dealer for your servicing. It does say it must be serviced according to SEAT's maintenance procedures and using approved parts, but it doesn't say that the work must be done by a SEAT dealer. That's my interpretation, at least...

 

[Nathanio]

As long as independent garage does the following your warranty is fine (euro regs)

• VAT Registered
• Use genuine parts
• Maintain the seat service schedule

I prefer independents than main dealers

 

[dmjw01]

I prefer independents than main dealers

Me too! Dealers rely on people's fears about warranties, so they've got a fairly guaranteed stream of customers. Independent garages only get people coming back if the customers are happy with the work and the price.

I'm lucky - I've got a good friendly independent garage right next to where I work.

 

[WW_VRS]

I don't know how many good specialists you have where you live, I'm way too far down South being near Oxford

But in my experience you can go to any VAG dealer if you prefer to stick with the dealer network, as they have the same tools & access to the ETKA information required to get the correct parts in. Alternatively a good local independant would probably use VAGCOM or the VAG equivalent tool. Just use the appropriate OEM parts to service and/or fix the vehicle and your warranty is good, if out of warranty you could go for aftermarket parts but that again is your choice

 

[MikeO]

You can reset the service indicator yourself - the instructions are in the manual.

I'm guessing if you're having an MOT that you're out of the warranty period? If so, then using an independent garage is no real problem - just make sure they use the correct oil rated to VW 505.01 (i think) spec

Thanks for that, I'll check the hand book.

 

[MikeO]

Why not use Earlston Seat?
They get a good name.

Thanks... I did not realise there was one on the East coast. Though I suspect Kilmarnock would be an easier run for me.

As most people seem to think using an independent is OK, then I'll have a word with the local Ford garage 2 miles down the road (our other car gets serviced there already) and see what he says / quotes.

PS. Looks like my local garage uses / sells Miller's oil. So shall at least be able to get the right oil used.