Dealer servicing; is it worth it?
Discussion
I take my Volvo to the dealer for servicing as it has 90% main dealer history (a couple of services were done at an independent before I bought it)
I do nearly 200 miles a week just to get to and from work so I am happy to pay a bit more for peace of mind plus you get a years free Volvo breakdown assist as well as the software updates etc.. and they have always been brilliant for me service wise (which they should be really!)
I do nearly 200 miles a week just to get to and from work so I am happy to pay a bit more for peace of mind plus you get a years free Volvo breakdown assist as well as the software updates etc.. and they have always been brilliant for me service wise (which they should be really!)
PistonTim said:
vaud said:
Legacywr said:
If I was looking to buy your Alpine I’d be looking for main dealer history.
However, I’d accept specialist servicing on a 4 year old Mini.
This ^^^However, I’d accept specialist servicing on a 4 year old Mini.
Although with our old Mazda 6 it started going to the main dealer because of the 3 year, extended to 4 year warranty because of the faulty engine under warranty... then they turned out to be cheaper or as cheap as anywhere else, plus we often got 'goodwill' as a valued customer. Helped with the trade in with a full dealer service record, even though it was 10 years old.
stevemcs said:
For some reason Mini now want near on £80 for a cabin filter and the OE plugs are stupidly expansive, like £20 each. For a full service on a Mini we would be around £350, The BMW for filter and oil, around £130.
But, for me i'd be having the Allpina serviced at BMW for the first few years, the Mini get anyone to do.
But, for me i'd be having the Allpina serviced at BMW for the first few years, the Mini get anyone to do.
My local MINI dealer wanted £299 for the first service (oil and micro filter)…which was the same as BMW wanted for my M140i’s first service despite one taking much more oil than the other.
However, assuming that the OP’s Alpine is pretty new, I imagine that any future owner would be looking for a full dealer history, at least in the first few years.
Pica-Pica said:
Our local friendly garage is actually dearer than our Skoda main dealer, but it is nearer. Having said that, we had trouble this year as he was short-staffed due to illness in his staff.
I have taken my BMW F30 to the main dealer each service. I have found them reasonable (£52 for brake fluid, as compared to somebody on here who had a £112 quote).
It does seem to vary massively; my local BMW dealer is expensive (guess they need to pay for their new showroom still). Frustrating that my quote fora brake fluid change was more than double yours!I have taken my BMW F30 to the main dealer each service. I have found them reasonable (£52 for brake fluid, as compared to somebody on here who had a £112 quote).
If I was running a high end vehicle like an Alpine I think it would be dealer service or at least specialist every time.
As it is I run a nearly new (when bought) Seat Ibiza FR 1.0. When it came to the first service, rang the local dealer, that will be £270 sir for oil, filter change and a 52 point visual check which we will video and give to you. What about cabin, air filter, I asked and was informed no that’s not on the initial 12 month service schedule.
I always keep my cars for a considerable time, my last car a Primea we had for 16 years, therefore I thought no way I am paying dealer prices, I purchased the oil, filter, air and cabin filter and done the whole thing in less than an hour, and no doubt while general washing and looking after the car I regularly do the 52 point visual checks.
Cost for all parts from local independent shop. £50
Car is now coming up to 3 years old never been to dealers all servicing and general maintaining done by me and no warranty claims.
When I come to sell it the car will be well over 10/15 years old with a comprehensive personal history with receipts.
In my opinion the full dealer service history would add nothing to the price of the car on selling at that age and I will have saved hundreds of pounds if not more by avoiding the dealers.
As it is I run a nearly new (when bought) Seat Ibiza FR 1.0. When it came to the first service, rang the local dealer, that will be £270 sir for oil, filter change and a 52 point visual check which we will video and give to you. What about cabin, air filter, I asked and was informed no that’s not on the initial 12 month service schedule.
I always keep my cars for a considerable time, my last car a Primea we had for 16 years, therefore I thought no way I am paying dealer prices, I purchased the oil, filter, air and cabin filter and done the whole thing in less than an hour, and no doubt while general washing and looking after the car I regularly do the 52 point visual checks.
Cost for all parts from local independent shop. £50
Car is now coming up to 3 years old never been to dealers all servicing and general maintaining done by me and no warranty claims.
When I come to sell it the car will be well over 10/15 years old with a comprehensive personal history with receipts.
In my opinion the full dealer service history would add nothing to the price of the car on selling at that age and I will have saved hundreds of pounds if not more by avoiding the dealers.
The worst car I have ever owned was a Honda Civic with full main dealer service history. The previous owner had owned the car since it was six months old and I had every single receipt for the service and MOT it had yearly at the Honda Dealer. Every single thing was done at a main dealer, even tyres and brakes.
It came with a massive folder or invoices for routine stuff, when I laid them out to take a photograph when I sold it two months later they covered my entire dining table.
Why did I sell it after two months? Because it drove like absolute crap. You think that one owner means it is a great car, but in my experience it means the owner ran it into the ground and then got rid.
The best cars I have ever owned seem to be first few services at a main dealer, next few services done at random local garages and then when I buy the car it gets five litres of oil and a filter from eBay.
Personally I don't think main dealer servicing is worth the paper it is printed on.
It came with a massive folder or invoices for routine stuff, when I laid them out to take a photograph when I sold it two months later they covered my entire dining table.
Why did I sell it after two months? Because it drove like absolute crap. You think that one owner means it is a great car, but in my experience it means the owner ran it into the ground and then got rid.
The best cars I have ever owned seem to be first few services at a main dealer, next few services done at random local garages and then when I buy the car it gets five litres of oil and a filter from eBay.
Personally I don't think main dealer servicing is worth the paper it is printed on.
Joey Deacon said:
The worst car I have ever owned was a Honda Civic with full main dealer service history. The previous owner had owned the car since it was six months old and I had every single receipt for the service and MOT it had yearly at the Honda Dealer. Every single thing was done at a main dealer, even tyres and brakes.
It came with a massive folder or invoices for routine stuff, when I laid them out to take a photograph when I sold it two months later they covered my entire dining table.
Why did I sell it after two months? Because it drove like absolute crap. You think that one owner means it is a great car, but in my experience it means the owner ran it into the ground and then got rid.
The best cars I have ever owned seem to be first few services at a main dealer, next few services done at random local garages and then when I buy the car it gets five litres of oil and a filter from eBay.
Personally I don't think main dealer servicing is worth the paper it is printed on.
Furthermore I can't think of any other industry where people are quite happy to pay more for a sub standard level of service. If I purchase a car with "full main dealer service history " I always view it with suspicion because from personal experience it means absolutely nothing. It came with a massive folder or invoices for routine stuff, when I laid them out to take a photograph when I sold it two months later they covered my entire dining table.
Why did I sell it after two months? Because it drove like absolute crap. You think that one owner means it is a great car, but in my experience it means the owner ran it into the ground and then got rid.
The best cars I have ever owned seem to be first few services at a main dealer, next few services done at random local garages and then when I buy the car it gets five litres of oil and a filter from eBay.
Personally I don't think main dealer servicing is worth the paper it is printed on.
Part of the reason I service my own cars is because I won't pay four times as much as it would cost for me to do it myself but the main reason is that I know the job has actually been done and done properly because I care about my car more than they do. Full service on the E Class with oil and all filters would be less than £150, I dread to think what Mercedes would charge.
I know the "benefits" of using them on a new car so it's not the same but on a mainstream car over 5 years old then no. I'd rather see a stack of receipts and invoices in a service history than a single stamp in a book that means the mechanic may or may not have actually done anything If he could be bothered.
Joey Deacon said:
The worst car I have ever owned was a Honda Civic with full main dealer service history. The previous owner had owned the car since it was six months old and I had every single receipt for the service and MOT it had yearly at the Honda Dealer. Every single thing was done at a main dealer, even tyres and brakes.
It came with a massive folder or invoices for routine stuff, when I laid them out to take a photograph when I sold it two months later they covered my entire dining table.
Why did I sell it after two months? Because it drove like absolute crap. You think that one owner means it is a great car, but in my experience it means the owner ran it into the ground and then got rid.
The best cars I have ever owned seem to be first few services at a main dealer, next few services done at random local garages and then when I buy the car it gets five litres of oil and a filter from eBay.
Personally I don't think main dealer servicing is worth the paper it is printed on.
Surely if it had been dealer serviced with no expense spared than it should have been like new - how did the owner manager to run it into the ground?It came with a massive folder or invoices for routine stuff, when I laid them out to take a photograph when I sold it two months later they covered my entire dining table.
Why did I sell it after two months? Because it drove like absolute crap. You think that one owner means it is a great car, but in my experience it means the owner ran it into the ground and then got rid.
The best cars I have ever owned seem to be first few services at a main dealer, next few services done at random local garages and then when I buy the car it gets five litres of oil and a filter from eBay.
Personally I don't think main dealer servicing is worth the paper it is printed on.
Or are you saying the dealer didn't do stuff they were charging for? Honda is certainly off my list - they got rid of the excellent local dealer and replaced them with a glass palace where the service is terrible.
I have lost allot of faith in main dealer servicing. I always took my car to one main dealer for yearly annual servicing and had done for at least 5 years of it's life. Once out of extended warranty, I decided to use an independent local to me. My jaw dropped when the mechanic at the Indy showed my the air filter. The filter was actually date stamped making it the original factory unit!!
He mentioned that this was very common, so many cars never having oil, filters or liquids changed at main dealers. No one ever checks their work, so they get away with it..
G
He mentioned that this was very common, so many cars never having oil, filters or liquids changed at main dealers. No one ever checks their work, so they get away with it..
G
Do you notice how main dealers chargeva few quid for items such as topping up screenwash? When you query how they managed to do that when it was fully topped up then they have to consult the mechanic, eventually taking off the charge if you can be bothered to wait as the mechanic is out on another job.
Gio G said:
I have lost allot of faith in main dealer servicing. I always took my car to one main dealer for yearly annual servicing and had done for at least 5 years of it's life. Once out of extended warranty, I decided to use an independent local to me. My jaw dropped when the mechanic at the Indy showed my the air filter. The filter was actually date stamped making it the original factory unit!!
On VWs etc the change interval is 6yrs. Think it was on the Merc I had too.I think that the feedback from others pretty much captures it well. If you have a good relationship with the dealer AND it works for you, there shouldnt be a reason to not use them. However, do shop around and be aware of some of the costly stuff that dealers try to make money on.
I spoke to someone who runs a dealer here and talked about rates and so on. Of course this is going to vary a lot based on brand, company, location etc. But it seems that dealers do make some money on servicing, but its all over the place. Warranty work for example is fixed price and by the book (well here in the USA), so you really need a very good warranty person to manage this. You can find yourself out of pocket on the hours needed to do some jobs, and the manufacturer will not pay you for it!
Other stuff is usually at a small margin. Here in the US much of the workshop manuals are available online and can be checked. So it is theoretically possible to check what the hours are for a job and work out if you are being ripped off. Of course, no one really does that, but I have found that dealers are super transparent in this area and you have to agree everything in advance before they will even touch your car. But there are areas in which you can manage costs - cabin filter replacements are a good example. Manufacturers (BMW and Porsche for a fact) have stupidly expensive parts and charge an hour to replace them, when in fact its a 10 minute job.
Where I can, I'll do the simple jobs (cabin filter, brake pads etc) and for the stuff that requires specific tools, the dealer can manage that. And I do check the parts warranty that comes with the dealer too. Most manufacturers provide a 2 year warranty on the part being fitted (OEM) and 1 year on the fitment. Sometimes its worth it.
I spoke to someone who runs a dealer here and talked about rates and so on. Of course this is going to vary a lot based on brand, company, location etc. But it seems that dealers do make some money on servicing, but its all over the place. Warranty work for example is fixed price and by the book (well here in the USA), so you really need a very good warranty person to manage this. You can find yourself out of pocket on the hours needed to do some jobs, and the manufacturer will not pay you for it!
Other stuff is usually at a small margin. Here in the US much of the workshop manuals are available online and can be checked. So it is theoretically possible to check what the hours are for a job and work out if you are being ripped off. Of course, no one really does that, but I have found that dealers are super transparent in this area and you have to agree everything in advance before they will even touch your car. But there are areas in which you can manage costs - cabin filter replacements are a good example. Manufacturers (BMW and Porsche for a fact) have stupidly expensive parts and charge an hour to replace them, when in fact its a 10 minute job.
Where I can, I'll do the simple jobs (cabin filter, brake pads etc) and for the stuff that requires specific tools, the dealer can manage that. And I do check the parts warranty that comes with the dealer too. Most manufacturers provide a 2 year warranty on the part being fitted (OEM) and 1 year on the fitment. Sometimes its worth it.
Condado said:
As it is I run a nearly new (when bought) Seat Ibiza FR 1.0. When it came to the first service, rang the local dealer, that will be £270 sir for oil, filter change and a 52 point visual check which we will video and give to you. What about cabin, air filter, I asked and was informed no that’s not on the initial 12 month service schedule.
I always keep my cars for a considerable time, my last car a Primea we had for 16 years, therefore I thought no way I am paying dealer prices, I purchased the oil, filter, air and cabin filter and done the whole thing in less than an hour, and no doubt while general washing and looking after the car I regularly do the 52 point visual checks.
Cost for all parts from local independent shop. £50
Car is now coming up to 3 years old never been to dealers all servicing and general maintaining done by me and no warranty claims.
When I come to sell it the car will be well over 10/15 years old with a comprehensive personal history with receipts.
In my opinion the full dealer service history would add nothing to the price of the car on selling at that age and I will have saved hundreds of pounds if not more by avoiding the dealers.
Exactly this. You will save many thousands of pounds on diy servicing over long term ownership. My Landrover would be £400+ for a main dealer service. I can by all genuine filters, air, fuel, cabin and oil and millers oil for £150. My only concern is if you have a car still in manufacturers warranty that it has to have been serviced by a vat registered garage using oem parts. I rarely own a car so new but will have it dealer serviced to maintain that warranty up to 3 years. After that it's me getting my hands dirty.I always keep my cars for a considerable time, my last car a Primea we had for 16 years, therefore I thought no way I am paying dealer prices, I purchased the oil, filter, air and cabin filter and done the whole thing in less than an hour, and no doubt while general washing and looking after the car I regularly do the 52 point visual checks.
Cost for all parts from local independent shop. £50
Car is now coming up to 3 years old never been to dealers all servicing and general maintaining done by me and no warranty claims.
When I come to sell it the car will be well over 10/15 years old with a comprehensive personal history with receipts.
In my opinion the full dealer service history would add nothing to the price of the car on selling at that age and I will have saved hundreds of pounds if not more by avoiding the dealers.
I am one of those fools that buys a 2-3 year old car from a dealer with cash ( and trade in) then use's main dealers for all my servicing.
Although I don't really think I am a fool.
EG
My car is getting picked up serviced with mot check and couple other niggles sorted then returned to my place of work tomorrow and I have already been told the cost will be £300
With that service my car and hybrid system will get a years warranty ( Its a 2016 lexus 200h with 74k)
Although I don't really think I am a fool.
EG
My car is getting picked up serviced with mot check and couple other niggles sorted then returned to my place of work tomorrow and I have already been told the cost will be £300
With that service my car and hybrid system will get a years warranty ( Its a 2016 lexus 200h with 74k)
off_again said:
But it seems that dealers do make some money on servicing, but its all over the place.
Re: US dealers - Where I've seen servicing prices they seems quite a bit cheaper there than in the UK.Dealer here will do a minor service in 20 mins and charge getting on for £200 at a Ford / VW etc dealer or £300 at a Merc dealer.
Maybe take an hour for a major service for £4-600.
Technicians and service advisors get targetted and bonused on finding and selling additonal work. Things like pads and discs are very quick and highly profitable. Service managers, often called After Sales Directors, are very well paid.
Some dealers make all their money on service - selling cars and parts nets them little.
I took my Volvo to the main dealer for the first service in my ownership as it was still under the approved used warranty. The amount I was charged was the sort of amount you'd expect to pay to fix a banking crisis and not a mid-range estate car, so from then on it's gone to the same indy as all my other (much older, less valuable) cars did. I doubt very much any increase in resale value by dint of a main dealer history is going to make up for the yearly extortion I'd have to put up with to get it. Tbh the indy is my preference anyway as if it goes to them I know it's going to be worked on by one of two people, both of who have many, many years of experience and are genuinely good mechanics/engineers.
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