Defender servicing

[spartridge]

So my Defender is just approaching its 3rd year and therefore out of warranty making it more straightforward to look more widely for servicing i.e. dealer vs. independent.

I'm inclined to go independent from now on as yes it is likely to be cheaper but more importantly I'm assuming if they are a specialist they'll know more that the average dealer guy who will be more used to plugging computers into the other models in the range anyway. Also, I don't think having a dealer service history is relevant for future resale if specialist independent is used?

Let me know thoughts please. (plus any recommendations in the Herts region)

[Bellini]

I don't think it matters where you get it serviced and there is no real distinction between a specialist or a dealer, but it's more the quality of work that matters and the attention and care they devote to your Land Rover.

There are some shockingly bad specialists as well as dealers. Conversely, there are also some excellent dealers and some outstanding specialists.

I know only of a local specialist to me in Reading that I would recommend and cannot offer any help with regards your own area. My apologies.

Waffle aside, there are many jobs you can easily do yourself should you wish. Keep a record and the receipts as part of the history.

[blueST]

There are well regarded Defender specialists who don't have a clue about the Ford Puma engine. They cut their teeth and built their reputations on the older models. I've spoken to three who didn't know how/ don't have the kit to reset the fuel pump after replacing the suction valve (a common fault). I assume yours is a 2.2, would you trust them to select the right spec oil to protect your DPF?

Choose carefully and make sure they know something about the later engines, the rest of the Defender is mostly Stone Age, so any competent mechanic can maintain that.