independent servicing / resale

[yellowperil]

I've got a 98 Chim500 due for its 30k service. Logically, a service from a top quality independent like Tower View Racing (~£450) will be every bit as good as the real thing from my local dealership (probably a lot more than £450 - I haven't dared ask yet).

The decision, in principle, is simple. Do the savings on servicing exceed the discount on resale for not having a TVRFSH.

In practice, what is your experience of reselling without a true TVRFSH? How old does the car need to be for 'breakeven'? If you're reselling to a dealer, will they discount their offer, or even refuse to buy?

[ATG]

Personally I'd rather hear that a car had been serviced by a respected independent coz in my experience they actually do a better job. Nonetheless I'd try and use non-TVR FSH as a bargining point, but wouldn't expect to get away with it.

[simpo one]

To those 'in the know' a good independent stamp is as good as a dealer stamp. We all know that the best independents are actually better than some main dealers. That's assuming you sell privately to an enthusiast. If you go to a TVR main dealer with a rogue stamp they're sure to punish you for it. But they'd give you several K less than a private buyer anyway, so IMHO I wouldn't bother.

[Mark.S]

A book full of TVR dealer stamps was never a concern when I went looking for either of the Chimaeras I've owned.

I've always used an independent to service (David Batty) and I'm sure the majority of buyers would be happy to see his stamp over a dealers.

[simonhogan]

My tuppence worth, if you're interested, is that I'm currently on the lookout for a '97 or '98 Chimp, and basically I'd rather see that the book had been stamped by someone like David Batty or Tower View. The reason for this is that to me it shows that the owner actually cared for his or her car and was prepared to go to those in the know to get their car serviced. TVRs aren't just some boggo piece of Jap Crap, they need to be looked after by those in the know, and with all due respect to the TVR dealers out there, from what I've read about it seems that some of the independents still have the edge.

[beano500]

Only too happy to see a known specialist has cared for a car; can be every bit as good as, or even better than any alternative. Top quality work, a sensible approach to solving any problems and "extras" done out of love for the cars are just some of the pluses.

And...

I still think that the previous owner of my car who had £35-worth of Ford brake pads charged at £100 plus should seek specialist help

[jellison]

You'd be nuts to ever consider selling a 98 car to a dealer - for something new in the TVR line presumably - there would give you effextively SOD ALL!

Sell it yourself - so it might take a month or so but you will get what it is worth (pitch a grand or 1.5 below a dealer - same car!) and negotiate with the dealer for a cash buy. Bonker to do it any other way! (IMHO).

AND have it on the forecourt five mins later a 3 - 4k more with some pointles insuarnec warranty on it. In my experience a well serviced TVR doesn't go wrong.

Ask a sensible price in a private sale and you should get it - emphasis on sensible - TVR or Specialist should not matter, tey use the same service sheet or should, condition and extras just as important.

[Podie]

simpo one said:

To those 'in the know' a good independent stamp is as good as a dealer stamp.

Agreed. In fact, personally speaking, I'd rate some of the specialists higher than some of the dealers...

[yellowperil]

Thanks for your responses. For comparison, my local dealer is quoting £747 for the 30k service.

[mojorider]

I had the same dilema a while back. I got so sick of the dealer and their poor service/high prices that I changed to an independant.

My choice had little to do with re-sale and more to do with the job getting done properly in the first place.

Also, with 44k on the clock I doubt lack of a dealer stamp will make any diff. I use a well known independant and I think that acutaly increases re-sale.

[Steve_T]

30k service = 6k service. My last 6k service cost me £220. Your choice, but not a difficult one I think.

Steve.

[jamer]

Mark.S said:

A book full of TVR dealer stamps was never a concern when I went looking for either of the Chimaeras I've owned. I've always used an independent to service (David Batty) and I'm sure the majority of buyers would be happy to see his stamp over a dealers.

A good service history is important, however garages do change and standards rise and fall at may outlets, when I buy I TVR I firstly look at the car, paperwork is meaningless if the car hasn't been looked after.


I have just seen a Cerbera 4500 this afternoon which is 5 years old - only ever had two services with 5800 genuine one owner miles on it...and wow it was one of the best I have seen!!

however if we buy it I will get a full monty 24K service done on it to be sure/safe etc...:-) (belt and braces etc)

Always good to know who's working on it, if a big concern then is it the new lad who does the other makes? ...or the experienced fitter with 20 years experince.

best to work on a good referral off somebody who has already used them prior to you don't accept a bad job

Hope that helps..

Get the roofs off and get out driving tonight!!

[Mark.S]

jamer said:

I have just seen a Cerbera 4500 this afternoon which is 5 years old - only ever had two services with 5800 genuine one owner miles on it...and wow it was one of the best I have seen!!

That doesn't sound too good. Shouldn't it of had an annual service each year at least (ie. 5 services)?

[simpo one]

There's always an exception to every rule. If it checks out 100% I don't see why you shouldn't get it, if it meets all your other criteria. You could even use the thin history as a bargaining point. Maybe get a professional inspection just to be sure?