Reasons why you don’t go to a main dealer for a service
Discussion
I had a BMW for a few years as a company car. I dreaded the service every time it came up:
1. The threats about not returning it with more fuel than when you picked it up - we can see the fuel level from the key sir
2. The damned waiting time just to drop your keys off and pick up the loan car keys and go. I don't want to drink coffee at the dealer, I just want to go.
They just don't get what good customer service is. It is not offering as many cups of coffee as possible Sytner at Tamworth. The record was 5 just on vehicle drop off. I got told off for being 5 minutes early once as well by a right snooty receptionist.
Skoda main dealer service, by comparison, is perfect, you walk it, give them your key, sign form for loan car and go. Same on loan car return. Almost as good from VW dealer, the only issue with them is getting to phone them.
1. The threats about not returning it with more fuel than when you picked it up - we can see the fuel level from the key sir
2. The damned waiting time just to drop your keys off and pick up the loan car keys and go. I don't want to drink coffee at the dealer, I just want to go.
They just don't get what good customer service is. It is not offering as many cups of coffee as possible Sytner at Tamworth. The record was 5 just on vehicle drop off. I got told off for being 5 minutes early once as well by a right snooty receptionist.
Skoda main dealer service, by comparison, is perfect, you walk it, give them your key, sign form for loan car and go. Same on loan car return. Almost as good from VW dealer, the only issue with them is getting to phone them.
Fresh Air Ian said:
I had a BMW for a few years as a company car. I dreaded the service every time it came up:
1. The threats about not returning it with more fuel than when you picked it up - we can see the fuel level from the key sir
2. The damned waiting time just to drop your keys off and pick up the loan car keys and go. I don't want to drink coffee at the dealer, I just want to go.
They just don't get what good customer service is. It is not offering as many cups of coffee as possible Sytner at Tamworth. The record was 5 just on vehicle drop off. I got told off for being 5 minutes early once as well by a right snooty receptionist.
Skoda main dealer service, by comparison, is perfect, you walk it, give them your key, sign form for loan car and go. Same on loan car return. Almost as good from VW dealer, the only issue with them is getting to phone them.
BMW dealers have too many people coming and going constantly (probbably because their cars aren't the most reliable)1. The threats about not returning it with more fuel than when you picked it up - we can see the fuel level from the key sir
2. The damned waiting time just to drop your keys off and pick up the loan car keys and go. I don't want to drink coffee at the dealer, I just want to go.
They just don't get what good customer service is. It is not offering as many cups of coffee as possible Sytner at Tamworth. The record was 5 just on vehicle drop off. I got told off for being 5 minutes early once as well by a right snooty receptionist.
Skoda main dealer service, by comparison, is perfect, you walk it, give them your key, sign form for loan car and go. Same on loan car return. Almost as good from VW dealer, the only issue with them is getting to phone them.
I much preferred lexus.
Fresh Air Ian said:
I had a BMW for a few years as a company car. I dreaded the service every time it came up:
1. The threats about not returning it with more fuel than when you picked it up - we can see the fuel level from the key sir
2. The damned waiting time just to drop your keys off and pick up the loan car keys and go. I don't want to drink coffee at the dealer, I just want to go.
They just don't get what good customer service is. It is not offering as many cups of coffee as possible Sytner at Tamworth. The record was 5 just on vehicle drop off. I got told off for being 5 minutes early once as well by a right snooty receptionist.
Skoda main dealer service, by comparison, is perfect, you walk it, give them your key, sign form for loan car and go. Same on loan car return. Almost as good from VW dealer, the only issue with them is getting to phone them.
Sytner you say?1. The threats about not returning it with more fuel than when you picked it up - we can see the fuel level from the key sir
2. The damned waiting time just to drop your keys off and pick up the loan car keys and go. I don't want to drink coffee at the dealer, I just want to go.
They just don't get what good customer service is. It is not offering as many cups of coffee as possible Sytner at Tamworth. The record was 5 just on vehicle drop off. I got told off for being 5 minutes early once as well by a right snooty receptionist.
Skoda main dealer service, by comparison, is perfect, you walk it, give them your key, sign form for loan car and go. Same on loan car return. Almost as good from VW dealer, the only issue with them is getting to phone them.
Oh the inside stories I could tell you........ Like staff having to work free overtime to make up for holidays, but then I heard all the remaining staff were utter c**ts anyway.
Fresh Air Ian said:
I had a BMW for a few years as a company car. I dreaded the service every time it came up:
1. The threats about not returning it with more fuel than when you picked it up - we can see the fuel level from the key sir
2. The damned waiting time just to drop your keys off and pick up the loan car keys and go. I don't want to drink coffee at the dealer, I just want to go.
They just don't get what good customer service is. It is not offering as many cups of coffee as possible Sytner at Tamworth. The record was 5 just on vehicle drop off. I got told off for being 5 minutes early once as well by a right snooty receptionist.
Skoda main dealer service, by comparison, is perfect, you walk it, give them your key, sign form for loan car and go. Same on loan car return. Almost as good from VW dealer, the only issue with them is getting to phone them.
My local BMW dealer will collect/deliver, probably including your place of work. There's be a longer wait but not too bad.1. The threats about not returning it with more fuel than when you picked it up - we can see the fuel level from the key sir
2. The damned waiting time just to drop your keys off and pick up the loan car keys and go. I don't want to drink coffee at the dealer, I just want to go.
They just don't get what good customer service is. It is not offering as many cups of coffee as possible Sytner at Tamworth. The record was 5 just on vehicle drop off. I got told off for being 5 minutes early once as well by a right snooty receptionist.
Skoda main dealer service, by comparison, is perfect, you walk it, give them your key, sign form for loan car and go. Same on loan car return. Almost as good from VW dealer, the only issue with them is getting to phone them.
Adam B said:
catso said:
Also the same main dealer took 3 months to repair a faulty camchain tensioner on my previous car, their solution to the fault appeared to be to keep throwing parts at it until they got lucky - fortunately it was warranty work and I had a courtesy car for the whole time...
Presumably the dealer bills the manufacturer for warranty work so there is a dis-incentive for them to fix problems quickly and cheaply?Parts removed under warranty are labelled and returned to the parts dept for safe keeping.
The manufacture will request, for whatever reason they decide, to recall some of them for inspection.
If they test the part and find nothing wrong with it, they can (and do) strike out the claim and the dealer doesn`t get paid. I saw that happen first hand many times.
Firing the parts cannon at a warranty problem tends to only happen if the manufacturer is instructing the dealer what to try if the issue is proving difficult to sort out.
Manufacturers also carry out periodic Warranty Audits where a sample batch of a dealers claims will be tested against the procedures laid down.
Failures of procedures, such as missing signatures, time stamps, nonsensical diagnosis etc can lead to financial clawbacks of previously authorised claims.
Adam B said:
catso said:
Also the same main dealer took 3 months to repair a faulty camchain tensioner on my previous car, their solution to the fault appeared to be to keep throwing parts at it until they got lucky - fortunately it was warranty work and I had a courtesy car for the whole time...
Presumably the dealer bills the manufacturer for warranty work so there is a dis-incentive for them to fix problems quickly and cheaply?Otherwise, loading the parts cannon is a sure fire way to lose money on warranty work-warranty claims are audited and dealerships will have to show a diagnostic process has been followed. If a repeat repair for the same issue is claimed within X timeframe set by the manufacturer, they’ll usually debit one or both claims.
Warranty really isn’t the free for all it appears. Managed well, it can be a good money maker, but you have to be accurate with your diagnosis and paperwork.
lyonspride said:
Sytner you say?
Oh the inside stories I could tell you........ Like staff having to work free overtime to make up for holidays, but then I heard all the remaining staff were utter c**ts anyway.
The man himself turned me over several times. Woke up one Sunday morning, picked up the paper and there was a car I wanted for my collection - one of the last 50 E-types made. Phoned up, said I'd have it and would be there Tuesday to pay. On arrival people tried to avoid me, then finally I was told the man had decided to keep the car himself. A week later I had a call offering me the car again - but £10,000 dearer. I could go on, but it would serve for nothing. An absolutely typical car saleman, all face and no substance.Oh the inside stories I could tell you........ Like staff having to work free overtime to make up for holidays, but then I heard all the remaining staff were utter c**ts anyway.
All the main dealers for my marque went bust fifteen years ago. Even so, I trek 2hrs each way to visit an indy specialist, he knows the car inside and out, has a passion for what he's doing, doesn't rush anything, is very hospitable, charges a very reasonable rate and is in general a good, down-to-earth bloke.
gizlaroc said:
jamoor said:
BMW dealers have too many people coming and going constantly (probbably because their cars aren't the most reliable)
I much preferred lexus.
Must have felt special being the Lexus customer. I much preferred lexus.
I have 2 brilliant ex-Sytner BMW Indys within 10 miles.
And thankfully they don't call me and text me for feedback like the main agents did - FRO, I don't want to be paying for that nonsense!
I'll use Mercedes main dealerships if they'll price match or get close to what I'd pay at an indie - which they always have.
No way on this planet would I use them (even when the car is a year old for it's first service as I've just done) if I had to pay their normal price.
Example - first service on my E220d estate from Mercedes was an eye watering £368 - this is for an oil and filter change and the bloke running round under the car with a camera telling me how much tread and brake pads I have left). THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTY EIGHT QUID!
Indie round the corner from the office (who could do all the digital service update etc) wanted £235. Merc dropped theirs to £250 - I could handle that so went there.
I think these bonkers prices are as a result of these "all in" service plans and a lot of cars these days being "lifestyle statements".
No way on this planet would I use them (even when the car is a year old for it's first service as I've just done) if I had to pay their normal price.
Example - first service on my E220d estate from Mercedes was an eye watering £368 - this is for an oil and filter change and the bloke running round under the car with a camera telling me how much tread and brake pads I have left). THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTY EIGHT QUID!
Indie round the corner from the office (who could do all the digital service update etc) wanted £235. Merc dropped theirs to £250 - I could handle that so went there.
I think these bonkers prices are as a result of these "all in" service plans and a lot of cars these days being "lifestyle statements".
Dog Star said:
I'll use Mercedes main dealerships if they'll price match or get close to what I'd pay at an indie - which they always have.
No way on this planet would I use them (even when the car is a year old for it's first service as I've just done) if I had to pay their normal price.
Example - first service on my E220d estate from Mercedes was an eye watering £368 - this is for an oil and filter change and the bloke running round under the car with a camera telling me how much tread and brake pads I have left). THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTY EIGHT QUID!
Indie round the corner from the office (who could do all the digital service update etc) wanted £235. Merc dropped theirs to £250 - I could handle that so went there.
I think these bonkers prices are as a result of these "all in" service plans and a lot of cars these days being "lifestyle statements".
£250 to change an oil and filter, or £235 from the indy is also quite scanadlous.No way on this planet would I use them (even when the car is a year old for it's first service as I've just done) if I had to pay their normal price.
Example - first service on my E220d estate from Mercedes was an eye watering £368 - this is for an oil and filter change and the bloke running round under the car with a camera telling me how much tread and brake pads I have left). THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTY EIGHT QUID!
Indie round the corner from the office (who could do all the digital service update etc) wanted £235. Merc dropped theirs to £250 - I could handle that so went there.
I think these bonkers prices are as a result of these "all in" service plans and a lot of cars these days being "lifestyle statements".
We will get the people coming here saying its the cost of doing business but that still does't make it a good deal.
My Skoda Citigo was serviced by Skoda , as an 'ex MK employee car' before I collected it at one year old. The silly price Skoda wanted for the service the following year put me off. I noted the handbrake was getting higher and brake pedal a little longer. Got my local mechanic to have a look on the service and said that the handbrake lever was wound up , instead of the drums being adjusted . Now, I can't prove anything , but buying a car from Skoda , which was one of theirs and serviced by them , may mean its quicker to wind up the handbrake cable than adjust the drums on the pre handover service they did. The car only had 6k miles on it when I bought it. Its never been back to them since.
As for my Volvo, it is currently on a 3 year service package and I have one service left to go. I will decide on where it goes after that next year. Must admit that they used to charge fixed servicing costs on my old XC60 of £250 . That included 7 or 8 litres of oil (D5), oil filter, air filter, updates , inspection and a years european recovery. Doesnt sound a bad deal . If they do the same with this car, may keep that going.
As for my Volvo, it is currently on a 3 year service package and I have one service left to go. I will decide on where it goes after that next year. Must admit that they used to charge fixed servicing costs on my old XC60 of £250 . That included 7 or 8 litres of oil (D5), oil filter, air filter, updates , inspection and a years european recovery. Doesnt sound a bad deal . If they do the same with this car, may keep that going.
Dog Star said:
jamoor said:
£250 to change an oil and filter, or £235 from the indy is also quite scanadlous.
We will get the people coming here saying its the cost of doing business but that still does't make it a good deal.
Absolutely, however you wants your warranty, you pays your money.We will get the people coming here saying its the cost of doing business but that still does't make it a good deal.
That is unless you're on a lease type "deal" and do not own the car, in which case the lease agreement can make the demand that it must be serviced by a main dealer.
lyonspride said:
You can get your car serviced anywhere as long as they're VAT registered and use genuine parts.
That is unless you're on a lease type "deal" and do not own the car, in which case the lease agreement can make the demand that it must be serviced by a main dealer.
That only applies to the original new car warranty. Extended warranties can and do have any restrictions they want. I don't go elsewhere during warranty time to avoid any attempt to blame something that was or was not done during service. That is unless you're on a lease type "deal" and do not own the car, in which case the lease agreement can make the demand that it must be serviced by a main dealer.
lyonspride said:
That is unless you're on a lease type "deal" and do not own the car, in which case the lease agreement can make the demand that it must be serviced by a main dealer.
My main car is leased, but I can take it to "any VAT registered garage". That's funded by ALD. I've had one from Mercedes Finance before and they insisted on a main dealer service - that went back at 24 months with the service light on (perfectly permissible) as it was coming up to it's second service which would have been just shy of £600 Dog Star said:
lyonspride said:
That is unless you're on a lease type "deal" and do not own the car, in which case the lease agreement can make the demand that it must be serviced by a main dealer.
My main car is leased, but I can take it to "any VAT registered garage". That's funded by ALD. I've had one from Mercedes Finance before and they insisted on a main dealer service - that went back at 24 months with the service light on (perfectly permissible) as it was coming up to it's second service which would have been just shy of £600 Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff