Gallardo Servicing - indy or main dealer - lots of questions
Discussion
Ok, it's clear from reading through the posts in the various threads there's a split between those who think indies are better and those who value a proper stamp in their book. I've used a main dealer in the past and they have been good and have looked after me. I have a 56 spyder coming up to 15k so it needs a 'major' service at (did you know the indies charge nearly half for ferraris what they charge for lambos, surely not that big-a difference....anyway, I digress..). So, the indies are a lot cheaper and can satisfy people, but do they have access to and do they carry our factory recommended changes as part of the service. eg, E-gear software updates or other advisories from the factory (I'm not sure if mines special but sometimes there's an almighty kick from 3rd to 2nd when you're slowing down in traffic like it forgets to connect, and sometimes I can't engage 1st, it just has a think and goes straight to 2nd [no I don't have the low traction button pressed down]). I've heard they needed to drill an extra hole in somewhere in the cars to let water out as part of my first factory service. I'd hate to use an indy if they miss the factory directives so just wondered if this is the kind of thing you pay the main dealers for. Also, if the engine in the Gallardo is similar to the R8 v10 with similar stresses and output, how come that doens't need servicing until 18k miles and we need to service our twice in the same period. Am I just being oversensitive, because I feel like it's starting to hurt when I sit down?
mduroe said:
Ok, it's clear from reading through the posts in the various threads there's a split between those who think indies are better and those who value a proper stamp in their book. I've used a main dealer in the past and they have been good and have looked after me. I have a 56 spyder coming up to 15k so it needs a 'major' service at (did you know the indies charge nearly half for ferraris what they charge for lambos, surely not that big-a difference....anyway, I digress..). So, the indies are a lot cheaper and can satisfy people, but do they have access to and do they carry our factory recommended changes as part of the service. eg, E-gear software updates or other advisories from the factory (I'm not sure if mines special but sometimes there's an almighty kick from 3rd to 2nd when you're slowing down in traffic like it forgets to connect, and sometimes I can't engage 1st, it just has a think and goes straight to 2nd [no I don't have the low traction button pressed down]). I've heard they needed to drill an extra hole in somewhere in the cars to let water out as part of my first factory service. I'd hate to use an indy if they miss the factory directives so just wondered if this is the kind of thing you pay the main dealers for. Also, if the engine in the Gallardo is similar to the R8 v10 with similar stresses and output, how come that doens't need servicing until 18k miles and we need to service our twice in the same period. Am I just being oversensitive, because I feel like it's starting to hurt when I sit down?
It's a bloody minefield. Most Indy's I have approached in the past have not really been that competitive, so recent work I had done was done by the main dealer, so I could get the appropriate stamps. The Audi v Lambo parts issue interests me. A friend recently repaired his Gallardo himself using Audi parts at a fraction of the price. The parts (Coil pack) were identical. It would be good to build up over time a list of Audi/Lambo compatible parts. I recently payed a dealer £140 for a Lambo O2 sensor, I have since found the exact same sensor for £20 !!!Peter101 said:
mduroe said:
Ok, it's clear from reading through the posts in the various threads there's a split between those who think indies are better and those who value a proper stamp in their book. I've used a main dealer in the past and they have been good and have looked after me. I have a 56 spyder coming up to 15k so it needs a 'major' service at (did you know the indies charge nearly half for ferraris what they charge for lambos, surely not that big-a difference....anyway, I digress..). So, the indies are a lot cheaper and can satisfy people, but do they have access to and do they carry our factory recommended changes as part of the service. eg, E-gear software updates or other advisories from the factory (I'm not sure if mines special but sometimes there's an almighty kick from 3rd to 2nd when you're slowing down in traffic like it forgets to connect, and sometimes I can't engage 1st, it just has a think and goes straight to 2nd [no I don't have the low traction button pressed down]). I've heard they needed to drill an extra hole in somewhere in the cars to let water out as part of my first factory service. I'd hate to use an indy if they miss the factory directives so just wondered if this is the kind of thing you pay the main dealers for. Also, if the engine in the Gallardo is similar to the R8 v10 with similar stresses and output, how come that doens't need servicing until 18k miles and we need to service our twice in the same period. Am I just being oversensitive, because I feel like it's starting to hurt when I sit down?
It's a bloody minefield. Most Indy's I have approached in the past have not really been that competitive, so recent work I had done was done by the main dealer, so I could get the appropriate stamps. The Audi v Lambo parts issue interests me. A friend recently repaired his Gallardo himself using Audi parts at a fraction of the price. The parts (Coil pack) were identical. It would be good to build up over time a list of Audi/Lambo compatible parts. I recently payed a dealer £140 for a Lambo O2 sensor, I have since found the exact same sensor for £20 !!!ted 191 said:
Peter101 said:
ted 191 said:
I found Lambo Manchester cheaper than the Indie`s for my 15k service.
I am dreading my next service, I am being quoted over £4000 !!!! 
I have been put off main dealers for lots of different reasons, the latest being quoted 2 hour labour to change an O2 sensor!
Having had a Porsche for many years, I have learned the value of independents - their general commitment and care are superior. Having said that, I would only use independents that are very well known. In my mind for a Lambo for example this would include Verdi and Grimaldi in the south as they are widely known and have excellent reputations. IMHO of course.
mduroe said:
Thanks for the feedback. Am curious therefore if Audi dealers will service Lambos.
My A6 was in for service today so I thought I'd ask them the question out of curiosity. The response was that they service all makes of cars so it shouldn't be a problem as long as their ramps would take it. As their ramps take R8's she didn't think it would be an issue.Best thing to do is ask the indies direct.
Dont forget that the reason most indies have such a good reputation is that they have probably all been trained by the dealers and then paid £15 per hour when the dealer charges the client £80. So many say sod that and set up on their own..... so its quite possible that dealers actually dont have that many "experienced" people working on the cars...... just the guy that signs them off.
I use MP Supercars in East Lothian because they are bloody good and very honest and their customer service puts arrogant dealers to shame.
These guys need business to survive so they tend to be really good at keeping the customer informed and wanting to strike up a relationship with the client in the hope they will come back.
Good Luck
GW
Dont forget that the reason most indies have such a good reputation is that they have probably all been trained by the dealers and then paid £15 per hour when the dealer charges the client £80. So many say sod that and set up on their own..... so its quite possible that dealers actually dont have that many "experienced" people working on the cars...... just the guy that signs them off.
I use MP Supercars in East Lothian because they are bloody good and very honest and their customer service puts arrogant dealers to shame.
These guys need business to survive so they tend to be really good at keeping the customer informed and wanting to strike up a relationship with the client in the hope they will come back.
Good Luck
GW
UVB said:
mduroe said:
Thanks for the feedback. Am curious therefore if Audi dealers will service Lambos.
My A6 was in for service today so I thought I'd ask them the question out of curiosity. The response was that they service all makes of cars so it shouldn't be a problem as long as their ramps would take it. As their ramps take R8's she didn't think it would be an issue.hi guys, a cracking offer http://www.supercarhub.com/Free-Collection-Deliver...
+ another bunch of dealers on the site with prices - hope that helps
+ another bunch of dealers on the site with prices - hope that helps
Global Warrior said:
Best thing to do is ask the indies direct.
I use MP Supercars in East Lothian because they are bloody good and very honest and their customer service puts arrogant dealers to shame.
These guys need business to survive so they tend to be really good at keeping the customer informed and wanting to strike up a relationship with the client in the hope they will come back.
+1 for MP supercars. Wouldn't go anywhere elseI use MP Supercars in East Lothian because they are bloody good and very honest and their customer service puts arrogant dealers to shame.
These guys need business to survive so they tend to be really good at keeping the customer informed and wanting to strike up a relationship with the client in the hope they will come back.
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