Servicing/warranty dilemma

[ed335d]

Just thought I'd see if there were any rational thoughts out there, as I'm struggling with my own.

I've got a 2005 V8V with full dealer service history. I purchased the car last May and it was last serviced towards the end of last February.

I took the decision to carry on with the extended warranty when it expired at the end of June, although while going through the process, learned that it dropped down a level of cover due to the age of the car.

While my local dealer is very nice, the level of service and communication when I have dealt with them has been far from satisfactory - I don't get the feeling that I'm their target demographic.

The quandary is whether I continue with the dealer service in this instance to take advantage of the 4 months worth of (lesser) cover, or whether I'd forfeit this and go Indy where, arguably, It's possible I'll get a better and more thorough service (also cheaper!). Also, any views on whether it's a better option to bank what I'd spend on the warranty (£1500ish) for potential maintenance bills.

I guess the main question, going forward, is whether there's any real value with main dealer servicing & warranty going forward with a car of this age.

Also interested in views on quality/thoroughness and pricing for main dealer vs indy.

Thanks

Ed

[bogie]

Bank the money and use a good indy. They will follow the AM schedule and use OE parts. Where you go may depend on where you live and how far you wish to travel. There is a list in the FAQ.

[ed335d]

bogie said:

Bank the money and use a good indy. They will follow the AM schedule and use OE parts. Where you go may depend on where you live and how far you wish to travel. There is a list in the FAQ.

Thanks - likely to be Trinity

[divetheworld]

4.3 V8's are nothing to be afraid of. Solid, reliable and nothing that would foreseeably give you big bills.

[ed335d]

divetheworld said:

4.3 V8's are nothing to be afraid of. Solid, reliable and nothing that would foreseeably give you big bills.

Mine's an early build, which I've heard are very reliable, for some reason. Not sure if there's anything to substantiate that!

[bogie]

Loads of info posted on here over the last 10 years if you search. In 10 years and 86k miles in a 2006 4.3 I spent about £2500 in non consumable repairs. I didn't bother with the warranty from year 4 onwards.

thermostats, pulley belt, coolant sensors, O2 sensors, window regulator, ABS sensor

You may find a couple of horror stories that keep doing the rounds on various forums, usually just bad luck, lots of things going wrong in a short period of time and poor dealer service = sold car, and disgruntled owner.

Offset by the other 12,000 plus happy owners I guess

[Neil1300r]

ed335d said:

The quandary is whether I continue with the dealer service in this instance to take advantage of the 4 months worth of (lesser) cover, or whether I'd forfeit this and go Indy where, arguably, It's possible I'll get a better and more thorough service (also cheaper!).

You can get it serviced at an Indy and still keep the warranty. Any issues shown up in the service you can take it to a main agent to get them to rectify under warranty.

Doubt Trinity will be cheaper than the nearest Aston dealer. although they will care more.

[old phart]

bogie said:

You may find a couple of horror stories that keep doing the rounds on various forums, usually just bad luck, lots of things going wrong in a short period of time and poor dealer service = sold car, and disgruntled owner.

Offset by the other 12,000 plus happy owners I guess

Agree. With regular maintenance I wouldn't hesitate to head on a long drive at any time.

Yes, parts do cost a bit more but you know that going in. And if you perform the basics, with the aide of excellent how to's posted here, you save tons on labor. Just beware the Carbon Fiber virus - Can get expensive quick

[ed335d]

Thanks for the responses chaps, likely to go Indy.

[ian448]

On the subject of warranties , one thing I have found is that problems I have had with my car , a DB9 possibly would not have been rectified if it wasn't covered by a warranty. Recently noted that the drivers side of the heated windscreen wasn't clearing when icy , mentioned it to the dealer who after inspection found the heating element had gone.Fully covered by warranty and a new screen fitted, without the warranty I would have ignored the fault and persevered with the ice scrapper ! so for me they are worth the money and peace of mind.