Independent (B.Rose) or Dealer (Grange) for Service?

[rossyl]

Hi,

I am wondering about whether i should take my car to a Dealer for the stamp in the book or go to an independent - Bampton Rose.

BR have got such a great reputation, attention to detail and provide great advice on this forum. However, it is a 200 miles 4hr round trip and I wonder on resale the value of a Dealer stamp?

Grange Brentwood seem to be held in good regard and be well priced, also they are a 30min drive away.

Thoughts?

[davek_964]

As long as it's a good indy, I don't think it makes much difference to value - although I don't think I'd drive quite that far to get to BR.

My car had full AM history when I bought it, but has been indy for the last year.

[JACK6284]

Steve at Grange is a good guy. They will negotiate, to a point. Don't dawdle in the showroom though as the coffee can be very expensive.

[B4rnst4ble]

I would and do , Yorkshire to BR and back again - pleasant lunch in the village and then back ,

[dbs2000]

BR are about a 200 mile round trip for me, which is a pain, however the car being in Wales its to be expected.

I can only go on my experience and say I've had good servicing. There is a station relatively nearby and you may be able to have a collection / drop off

[Bincenzo]

We need to be careful here as the Indy haters will soon be along, but whilst BR is only about 40 minutes from my place, I simply wouldn't have my Aston serviced anywhere else. I have experienced main dealer servicing, and frankly there's nothing wrong with it but the attention to detail, real knowledge of your particular car and the honesty that I find at BR means I simply don't have to worry when it goes in or comes out, because I know the job has been done correctly. Entirely your choice of course, and it clearly depends on how far you're willing to travel.

[krisdelta]

A good Indy or a good dealer will probably vary only in price (not guaranteed to be cheaper at an Indy). Is there anything nearer than BR? Places like DAE, McGurks and Trinity all have good reputations, as do some of the main dealers. Considering how few cars there actually are, there is an agreeably large choice.

[avinalarf]

I think a lot depends on your knowledge of car mechanics etc. and mine are sadly lacking.
There is always a doubt lurking in the back of your mind that to a MD you're just another punter.
I have used Grange and Chiltern and I've found both ok and the pricing is similar,however if a company such as BR was more local to me I'd give them a try based on the references on this forum by owners I respect.
Then again some owners have vented extreme dissaproval.

Edited by avinalarf on Friday 1st July 18:45

[Mr Cod]

Split the difference? I have had great service with Chiltern. You get "the stamp" but with an indy vibe.

[rossyl]

I really like BR and the set up, information and style of their business. More so than other Indies.

I would probably just go to a Dealer other than them. But, I will look in to Chiltern.

[RobDown]

If you're at Burghley this weekend I think Chiltern (and BR too?) are attending. Might be worth having a chat to them

If you use Chiltern, who are good, they give a 10% discount for AMOC membership (if you're a member)

[avinalarf]

RobDown said:

If you're at Burghley this weekend I think Chiltern (and BR too?) are attending. Might be worth having a chat to them

If you use Chiltern, who are good, they give a 10% discount for AMOC membership (if you're a member)

I get 20% as a member of Care in the Community.
I used to be an AMOC member but they banned me,didn't even give me a reason......just don't understand why .

[AMDBSNick]

rossyl said:

I wonder on resale the value of a Dealer stamp?

Nothing. I have just sold two cars both with BR stamps and it made not a jot of difference to the value. In fact in one case it was one of the reasons the purchaser wanted the car. He knew how well looked after it was

[tonyhall38]

Blah ..blah...blah....

[outofstepuk]

tonyhall38 said:

Blah ..blah...blah....

What a surprise...

[Sump]

Full dealer history is pretty nice though.

[bogie]

Sump said:

Full dealer history is pretty nice though.

Is full Works Service better?

[bentley01]

One more vote of confidence in the quality of care from BR. My drive was all the way from Lancaster but it was well worth the effort. Easy to deal with and very thorough.

[F1 NDW]

bogie said:

Sump said:

Full dealer history is pretty nice though.

Is full Works Service better?

I've used BR and Works.
Far better service all round from BR I have to say. Works was too impersonal and seemed to think that a job I ended up doing myself was too tough for the timescale they had. They had the car a week and I got the impression they looked at it on the last day!

[stevemiller]

My son recently had is car at BR for some work which was not up to our expectations given the status given by many. That said the the response when challenged was superb, measured understanding and executed beond expectation. People, companies can make mistakes its how they respond that demonstrates service. 9/10 from me and my son the car will be delivered for its next service at BR.