Confused on servicing - cost and what needs to be done
Discussion
Just got my friendly local dealer to quote for a service. They want £761 for an oil change.
I'm confused as to what needs doing as last time it was also just an oil change too. So that is in 12,000 miles over 2 years - no rear diff fluid change and no auto trans fluid change? I've already done the air filters myself - these def need doing every 12000- 15000 miles. Guess they are doing the unnecessary brake fluid change too - same stuff lasts 3 years in other 170 mph+ cars.
The MD's say they have gone more 'mileage based' now as I told them I don't want the spark plugs done year 7 as she's only done 40k - I'll maybe have them done next year and whip out the manifold cats same time too in case they ever crumble - ohh and it adds 40bhp with some 200 cell cats downstream for MOT
Guess what I'm really asking is should I just forget the stamps now she is designated a keeper and oil service her myself for £76 not £761... Thats £600 towards the de-cat
I'm confused as to what needs doing as last time it was also just an oil change too. So that is in 12,000 miles over 2 years - no rear diff fluid change and no auto trans fluid change? I've already done the air filters myself - these def need doing every 12000- 15000 miles. Guess they are doing the unnecessary brake fluid change too - same stuff lasts 3 years in other 170 mph+ cars.
The MD's say they have gone more 'mileage based' now as I told them I don't want the spark plugs done year 7 as she's only done 40k - I'll maybe have them done next year and whip out the manifold cats same time too in case they ever crumble - ohh and it adds 40bhp with some 200 cell cats downstream for MOT
Guess what I'm really asking is should I just forget the stamps now she is designated a keeper and oil service her myself for £76 not £761... Thats £600 towards the de-cat
Thanks for the input guys. They are really great guys in Bristol and have looked after me well without similar penny-pinching so I'll just have a straight chat with them - they know I'm tight already LOL But yes I think it's now just about practical maintenance as is required, not routine stamps in the book. Until it starts appreciating maybe
And John I do get the 'chippings in the back of the head' thing but I have access to a ramp at The Ramp Room
Its brilliant and they help you if you need smaller hands for that last airbox bolt, advice, or a bit of heat to get a bolt off! Love getting my hands dirty again after going soft!
Its the only way to do these bugger$$ too:
But yes I think it's now just about practical maintenance as is required, not routine stamps in the book. Until it starts appreciating maybe And John I do get the 'chippings in the back of the head' thing but I have access to a ramp at The Ramp Room
Its brilliant and they help you if you need smaller hands for that last airbox bolt, advice, or a bit of heat to get a bolt off! Love getting my hands dirty again after going soft!
Its the only way to do these bugger$$ too:
Good chat guys - but please remember my post was about continuing the stamps in the book on an aging car that has very low book value now (they offered me £40k for it PX...
) rather than about saying we are all being fleeced (those words didn't pass my keyboard). I am very aware of the high overheads and low volume of shiny dealers but I am also aware of my own overheads, and so need to strike a sensible logical long term balance (especially now having a new porker to feed 
).
I think a lot of this is about how the MD's communicate what they actually do. There is no nitty gritty detail like Mike is pointing out here to geeky types like me. That detail ADDS value and justifies cost... I know Mike cleaned behind my wheels and always checks logs for a misfire and that there is no taboo H&S implication in going under the ramp with him for a poke about. Love all that.
Add to the fact that I don't lose a days in work taking it further afield compared to the local dealer and my decision is made. Plus how many of us have sold keepers
) rather than about saying we are all being fleeced (those words didn't pass my keyboard). I am very aware of the high overheads and low volume of shiny dealers but I am also aware of my own overheads, and so need to strike a sensible logical long term balance (especially now having a new porker to feed ). I think a lot of this is about how the MD's communicate what they actually do. There is no nitty gritty detail like Mike is pointing out here to geeky types like me. That detail ADDS value and justifies cost... I know Mike cleaned behind my wheels and always checks logs for a misfire and that there is no taboo H&S implication in going under the ramp with him for a poke about. Love all that.
Add to the fact that I don't lose a days in work taking it further afield compared to the local dealer and my decision is made. Plus how many of us have sold keepers
Cold said:
If they offered 40k book value with a FSH, how much would they offer with evidence of an unqualified enthusiast being the sole person working on it? Would they even make an offer or would it have become unsellable for them?
Fair point mate but MD's of all premium marques aren't really interested in retailing older, milier cars. Many of us are also happy to peruse a bundle of receipts for an enthusiast owned car proving oil and filters and clutches etc - especially applicable for an early Vantage as all of these are completely outside the MD network by now. So I think of course the MD/Specialist stamp has definite value but it gets increasingly less relevant if you are only getting peanuts back for it at point of sale (or indeed are keeping it - for ever)! Cold said:
If they offered 40k book value with a FSH, how much would they offer with evidence of an unqualified enthusiast being the sole person working on it? Would they even make an offer or would it have become unsellable for them?
This is a good point, and I'm unsure what the answer is. If you had spent say £5k extra over the years for the franchised dealer stamps, rather than have it done far cheaper or DIY, what more is an older milier car worth? £500 more? Or is it just more sellable? But then if someone is buying an older milier car due to budget and gets a well maintained 'pile of receipts' car in great obvious nick have you not just saved a packet? I bought a 530d at 96,000 miles years ago and self serviced it myself, Costco discount Mobil 1 oil style... Saved a few grand over the 6 years and the (private) buyer loved the pile of receipts and snaps. Got 2.5k for it at 210,000 miles. Well chuffed!
We just need to be upfront that a lot of the dealer's servicing cost is covering their overheads and has nothing to do with servicing the car or the mechanic's actual time on it. I accept that as I like these guys and booked it in (drop off on way to Heathrow and pickup a week later with 4 shiny new painted wheels too - v convenient). BUT I may be back next year going round in circles with the fellow afflicted
PS - the 'whats needed' confusion led me to ask them to do the rear 'auto' diff oil as it hasn't been done for 3 years and its def due at 40k. Still some confusion on the annual brake fluid policy too...
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