Specialist or Main dealer?

[GG33]

My Vanquish is now 6 years old and has 5 Supplying dealer stamps in the service book. It's due for a service any time now and am trying to decide whether to have is done by a well respected Aston Specialist (Trinity Engineering) They are closer to me than the main dealer, price is very similar so not an issue.

If you were buying this car, would it be a negative mark against it in your opinion? I happen to think that the specialist would probably do a better job, but it can sometimes be difficult to convince a purchaser.

Comments please...

GG33

[dkatwa]

I have a DB9 and have it serviced by both specialists and AM Works. Not an issue as long as they know what they are doing :-)

[Shnozz]

I have often seen it suggested that fag packet economics can be done to weigh up the additional cost of main dealer over specialist versus the likely loss of value if non-main dealer history car.

On a personal level I prefer to trust specialists and in some ways if a former owner had used them I also value that; in some ways to me shows more consideration to the car than just chucking it to the main dealer every 12 months. A selective specialist is usually the sign of a "car person" in my eyes.

[BiggaJ]

Its a recurring question to which I feel there is no right or wrong answer however, I think it has to go on how old your car is, whether it's still under warranty and whether the cars owner feels comfortable moving away from main dealer service.

Of the independents I have spoken to or had experience of, have mostly been ex main dealer employees that have decided to go it alone, pricing in the main tends to be more cost effective but always worth checking.

I can however, understand those that wish to remain with the franchised dealer throughout ownership no matter the age of the car.

The best way forward is by recommendation of either indie or MD.

[Jon39]

As already mentioned above, car age and Timeless warranty make a decision difference.

If outside those parameters, the the important consideration then is the experience of a specialist.
MDs work to the AML rule book (always replace don't repair).

Some specialists have a very great depth of knowledge, so I would then prefer to use them and not consider cost comparisons. The indies should have lower charges though, without glass, marble and millions of Pounds of stock to pay for.
Of course, as our cars becomes older, a prospective buyer will be increasingly less concerned about FMDSH.


PS. It has sometimes been mentioned here, that when you buy from a main dealer, an indie stamp does not lower the purchase price.
However, when you PX to a MD, an indie stamp does lower the trade in price. -

Edited by Jon39 on Wednesday 4th August 11:14

[Dobie177]

GG33 said:

My Vanquish is now 6 years old and has 5 Supplying dealer stamps in the service book. It's due for a service any time now and am trying to decide whether to have is done by a well respected Aston Specialist (Trinity Engineering) They are closer to me than the main dealer, price is very similar so not an issue.

If you were buying this car, would it be a negative mark against it in your opinion? I happen to think that the specialist would probably do a better job, but it can sometimes be difficult to convince a purchaser.

Comments please...

GG33

Like others have said, I don't think it will have a bearing on the future value or attractiveness of your car - and, as many "car people" know, independant specialists tend to have a reputation for more thorough and preventative service maintenance. And, in Aston circles, the typical names of Trinity, Bamford Rose etc., all have solid reputations. I also moved from Works to independant... purely because I felt my car would get better care. Trinity is great, but I think they tend to do more heritage stuff. BR specialise in Gaydon-era VH cars. You should also check out Vantage Engineering as per recent forum thread - they sound like they could be near to you.

[TheRainMaker]

I would be lying if I said full main dealer history wasn't a selling point when I purchased mine.

For me, the service schedule will be done by the main dealer and any other work by the local specialist (AHM).

[SL500UK]

Jon39 said:

PS. It has sometimes been mentioned here, that when you buy from a main dealer, an indie stamp does not lower the purchase price.
However, when you PX to a MD, an indie stamp does lower the trade in price. -

Edited by Jon39 on Wednesday 4th August 11:14

This is very true so if there is very little difference in price, I would give it to the main dealer. If you did need to sell it or part ex it, it will still have a FAMSH.

[KevinBird]

Maintaining a FAMSH is a no brainer. I agree the independent's will do as good or a better job but a full main dealer history car will always be worth more, very annoying

[Dewi 2]

SL500UK said:

Jon39 said:

PS. It has sometimes been mentioned here, that when you buy from a main dealer, an indie stamp does not lower the purchase price.
However, when you PX to a MD, an indie stamp does lower the trade in price. -

This is very true, so if there is very little difference in price, I would give it to the main dealer.
If you did need to sell it or part ex it, it will still have a FAMSH.

Oh the joy of having a keeper. No decisions to make, just use whoever you trust the most.
How can you bear to part with such beautiful cars?
In a few years time, it looks as though we will all be travelling (or looking for vacant chargers) in generic electric SUV eco boxes.

[Astontony]

Hi
I use the Main Dealer for the log booked services so that all the proper stamps are in there. I have a folder with all receipts. I use a local specialist for all the extra bits like if i am heading out on a long drive with a few other maniacs I will ask the specialist to give everything a once over, oil ,fluids, tyres, suspension wheel bearings shocks, brakes and a spanner run over of any nuts and bolts.
Plus if I decide to do anything outside of the log book servicing eg sagging hood lining, replacing door struts etc.all documented as well.