At what point do you start going to independent mechanics instead of main dealers?

John_Mc

Hi,

I have a 2010 BMW 320D (E90). It's due a servicing and the CBS is telling me this includes oil, brake fluid and front brake pads.

I'm wondering if it makes sense to start going to a good independent BMW specialist instead of the main dealer to save money.

Would this damage the chances of getting a good and fair price when selling it on?

Thanks

shietpilot

It's 6 years old so I think I would start using a good independent garage. They can still stamp your service history book so I don't see how it will effect resale value.

Valdas at Motor Confidence is supposedly a very very good BMW specialist

John_Mc

shietpilot wrote: »

It's 6 years old so I think I would start using a good independent garage. They can still stamp your service history book so I don't see how it will effect resale value.

Valdas at Motor Confidence is supposedly a very very good BMW specialist

Thanks, that's exactly who I have in mind!

Lord Nikon

Well, location is a big one for me. Nearest Indy is a 3 minute walk, nearest dealer(Skoda) is 35 minute drive. For servicing I can get it sorted within a few days from an Indy, dealer could be a few weeks(depending). If there is specific parts I need, I buy OEM from dealer though, consumables I go to my Indy.

Toyotafanboi

General rule of thumb seems to be when the manufacturers warranty expires.

Atlantic Dawn

Most Irish people don't give a flying feck about service history, if it has an NCT they will buy it no problem.

John_Mc

Thanks guys, will go ahead with the indy instead and save myself a lot of cash!

Slasher

"At what point do you start going to independent mechanics instead of main dealers? "

Answer: never!!

(Just my opinion, many people will disagree with me, but that's fine. I feel more comfortable with main dealers, though not all are the same, some are sh1te).

Dord

After the warranty expires.

gavman1

Another few years nobody will be able to get insured on it so really if your not thinking of selling in the near term then it will start to plunge in value regardless of service history.i would save the money with a reputable independent tbh.

Seth Brundle

Slasher wrote: »

(Just my opinion, many people will disagree with me, but that's fine. I feel more comfortable with main dealers, though not all are the same, some are sh1te).

Why? What extra are you getting for your money?

Toyotafanboi

kbannon wrote: »

Why? What extra are you getting for your money?

You know you will be getting genuine parts and correctly spec'd filters and fluids.

A years warranty (that you can rely on) on any work carried out.

Franchise trained technicians, who should be able to fault find and diagnose unusual issues more efficiently that an independent.

Brand specific software which is crucial to assist diagnosis on modern cars which have a lot of on board electronics and software.

Large premises will offer a sense of security. Nice clean reception and waiting area, "free" refreshments, allocated booking slots, periodic contact during the work, the option of a courtesy car and knowing your car will be washed and hoovered on return.

Would be the main ones.

Now most garages will also look favourably on one of "their own" cars at trade in time, vs one that has disappeared off the radar for years on end without a shred of maintainance recorded.

If you need a short notice booking or a favour of some sort (radio code, a few bulbs fitted, puncture repair etc) your main dealer will no doubt look after you if you are a good customer.

You carry a better sway with the manufacturer if you need it. Say you are 3 months out of a 5 year warranty, no main dealer history, the manufacturer will run you. If you have 5 main dealer services they are much more likely to hear you out and offer a contribution.

Now i'm not saying there aren't good independents out there or anything like that but there is a certain amout to be said for main dealer servicing and repairs.

I'd say it might be more of a popular thing in countries where it is socially acceptable to own a well maintained, older car.

166man

As has been seen on this forum many times however TFB, main dealers are only "robbing" the general public! I'm agreeing with what you're saying btw.

People always seem to struggle with the idea that a dealership is a franchise that runs serious overheads and also, crucially, has to make a profit at the end of the day.

zwind

I use main dealer for air filter and oil service.

Brake fluid cost 88 which is a value one.

I use indie for repairs and other jobs

GustavoFring

I think it's not as clear cut as main dealers bad, independents good and vice versa. A lot of it is about trust and the rest value. Some main dealers I wouldn't darken their door for service work again, others would be my first choice. The same with some Indies.

If you're getting value and trust the quality of the workmanship take it. With a car under warranty or within a reasonable shot of goodwill out of warranty I'd stick to a good dealer. Might not be expensive as you'd expect either. My last service was €14 more in a main dealer than herselfs car was at an Indy for example. There's always deals.

DubDani

It probably always depends in the level of confidence one has in the Indie. I use a independent VAG specialist, and would even use him over a Skoda/VAG garage if the car was brand new. And that's not solely because of cost, but also because he knows so much more about the car then the Service department at the main dealer does.

He is a trained VAG technician, has all the necessary manufacturer level equipment and has been able to sort out complicated Issues within hours, and that's after 2 main Dealers were unable to even locate the fault while having the car for several days. (had to go the the main dealer first, as I was claiming under warranty).