servicing - main dealer or independant?

[carlb]

I've just bought my first TVR, 4.2 Cerb which is due for a 12,000 mile service soon.

What are your thoughts on main dealer or independant servicing.

Whats the difference apart from price and will it affect the resale value.

Any comment appreciated.

cheers

cb

[mrmaggit]

Hi, Carl.

UK based isn't really a great help for people to try to point you in the right direction for getting your car serviced.

If the car is still under warranty, then you're stuffed with TVR approved dealers, who vary from brilliant to merely adequate, alledgedly.

Once past this time frame, there are many independants, who again, vary from brilliant to adequate.

As a Griff Owner, I'd be more impressed with a set of stamps in the book from highly regarded people than a stream of official dealer stamps. Check these columns for the independants that qualify. Unfortunately, my trusted indy has just gone track-specific, so I'm in the same (if you like) boat as you, ie, having to start from scratch.

As I'm in Nottingham, that gives me the spread of the Midlands, and South Yorkshire. At the moment, TVR Power have it by a short head. But I've still to book Wols' next 12k service, so watch this space!

[parrot of doom]

Independant tbh. Where are you?

[carlb]

cheers guys,

the cerbie is on an 03 plate so no TVR warrantee. im in burton on trent which means I have access to a number of dealers or independents.

the intial quotes vary from £1,300 for a service and tappets, to £680.

i dont mind going to either but if there is not going to be much difference in qulaity and the resale value isn't affected i'll go to an independent.

[Toady1]

personally ill be doing mine myself!

[Pete Cash]

I used to use franchised dealers for service & was never happy, have used independent for some years now & not only get a better price but the quality of service & the results are far superior. For re-sale I would prefer a car serviced by a reputable independent to dealer !!

[RUSSELLM]

I think the only downside to the indies is the fact that they have to rely on the dealers to get parts, and that means another cog in the very slow parts chain. IMO of course.

Power in Coventry are good to deal with.