Main dealer servicing...or not??
Discussion
Had my beloved TVR since June now. The time has come for my first TVR service experience. The car is a '98 4ltr Chim and was last serviced exactly a year ago at 15k miles. I'm now a year on at 17'800 miles. What do you think? Main dealer or independant? My closest independant would be Dave Batty, anyone know a ball park figure for David's 6000 mile services?
Most peole I know think that a good independent is at least as good as a dealer - and significantly cheaper. If your car is out of warranty it's up to you - how rich do you feel? If you're planning to sell the car to a TVR enthusiast I don't think a service history from a recognised indy is a problem; however if you prefer to sell to the trade or timid people, it will be used against you, either as a reason not to buy or to offer a lower price.
(When my old Griff was for sale a woman came to see it, but left and I never got any feedback. I persisted and eventually her excuse was: 'There's a gap between the seat an the transmission tunnel which implies poor build quality...' (?!) Needless to say, she worked in HR.
(When my old Griff was for sale a woman came to see it, but left and I never got any feedback. I persisted and eventually her excuse was: 'There's a gap between the seat an the transmission tunnel which implies poor build quality...' (?!) Needless to say, she worked in HR.
) Just had my 6,000 mile service done at Peninsula main dealer, inclusive cost was £345, not a horror story but as I ran a service garage at the time a bit of a choker but history is king. I wouldn't but a TVR without the correct history. Go to an independant at least and expect to pay about £275
Corin Denton said:
Just had my 6,000 mile service done at Peninsula main dealer, inclusive cost was £345, not a horror story but as I ran a service garage at the time a bit of a choker but history is king. I wouldn't but a TVR without the correct history. Go to an independant at least and expect to pay about £275
Are you saying that £345 is a bit of a choker? !!!
My bill was £1168
Nick P said:
Just had my 6,000 mile service done at Peninsula main dealer, inclusive cost was £345, not a horror story but as I ran a service garage at the time a bit of a choker but history is king. I wouldn't but a TVR without the correct history. Go to an independant at least and expect to pay about £275
Are you saying that £345 is a bit of a choker? !!!
My bill was £1168
It the first car I have ever had to pay for serviceing I've always done it myself so even if it was £10 I'd still begrudge it!
David Batty charges £199 for a 6k and £425 for a 12k. That includes parts and labour and a Waxoyl. Got my 30K done there 2 weeks ago. Top stuff. See my thread here:
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=8&h=&t=62158
As for dealer Vs respected Independant, a top indie (like DB) will often know more and do more for you than the dealer. I would view a car that has been serviced this way as just as good as a dealer.
But then I'm biased as it's the route I've taken.
Rob
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=8&h=&t=62158
As for dealer Vs respected Independant, a top indie (like DB) will often know more and do more for you than the dealer. I would view a car that has been serviced this way as just as good as a dealer.
But then I'm biased as it's the route I've taken.
Rob
[/quote]
It the first car I have ever had to pay for serviceing I've always done it myself so even if it was £10 I'd still begrudge it![/quote]
I'm with you there....I've had my car serviced by two independents now, and have not been 100% satisfied with either. I am also used to doing my own service so when paying up to 500 pounds for a service expect the dog's B job but find that a lot of the stuff is just checked rather than replaced, such as plug leads, axle fluid, power steering fluid !
Also found that things weren't picked up like a leaking clutch cyclinder!
Plus it now runs like a dog, didn't before the service, they've looked at it once but couldn't find the problem and said "it's nothing we've done"...must be a coincedence then?!
Think I may go back to doing it myself next year.
Matt
>> Edited by taylormj4 on Monday 27th October 12:49
It the first car I have ever had to pay for serviceing I've always done it myself so even if it was £10 I'd still begrudge it!
[/quote] I'm with you there....I've had my car serviced by two independents now, and have not been 100% satisfied with either. I am also used to doing my own service so when paying up to 500 pounds for a service expect the dog's B job but find that a lot of the stuff is just checked rather than replaced, such as plug leads, axle fluid, power steering fluid !
Also found that things weren't picked up like a leaking clutch cyclinder!
Plus it now runs like a dog, didn't before the service, they've looked at it once but couldn't find the problem and said "it's nothing we've done"...must be a coincedence then?!
Think I may go back to doing it myself next year.
Matt
>> Edited by taylormj4 on Monday 27th October 12:49
I used an Independant - Horizon Motorsport. Their customer service was absolutely spot on and their prices are reasonable too. It was very refreshing to find someone who genuinely cared about the customer and the car and wasn't out to rip you off. Totally genuine guy. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone.
Please pardon my ignorance, but what is deemed as an independent? is it any other garage or do they have to qualify in any way.
Got my Chim from Oselli Sports Cars, they sell and service all classics including Aston martin/MG/lotus/porche they've even got a ferrari on sale.
When I asked them where I should get my trev serviced they said 'bring it to us'. Would these be seen as an independent?
Hammy
Got my Chim from Oselli Sports Cars, they sell and service all classics including Aston martin/MG/lotus/porche they've even got a ferrari on sale.
When I asked them where I should get my trev serviced they said 'bring it to us'. Would these be seen as an independent?
Hammy
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