Do you use main dealers

[thexav]

Do any of you use the main dealer and if so when? Do you think they give good value or are they overpriced and taking advantage of their unique position?

With some cars there are just so many things that only a main dealer can do. Some computer problems, changing the alarm remotes or adding extra key fobs with immobiliser models. They even charge a fortune for bodywork but surely a body repair specialist would do a better job?

I also hear about main dealers sometimes making silly mistakes like over filling the oil or scratching the car or worse!

 

[HDi fun]

with key fobs and transponder keys the dealers mostly have a monopoly.

I'd far rather use an independent model specific specialist for general servicing.

Beware of the the one size fits all types.


Much as my P406 has been destroyed thanks to a careless driver I'll be using the same independent specialist to maintain the car I replace it with.

I'm nearly settled on a E39 5 series BMW but might just buy a Skoda Superb V6.

Neither need dealers - I'm coming home to petrol power - the engines are far simpler.

Inline 6 cylinder BMW 530i is a sensible option - elegance is in the simplicity.

I'm also going to buy a two pedal auto - best way to drive.

 

[prevtec]

i never use main dealers

i mean for what?? to pay double the cost as a normal garage and recieve a stamp on the book for it

main dealer stamps are out the window now, whats important is the nct cert
and bodywork

what you dont know is that main dealers send the car to a panel beater anyway
they just make money as they are an extra middle man

plus its mostely apprentice working on your car

i only use honda main dealer for 1 thing, rubber booths for my car,
and only because motor factors over here dont stock them

 

[HDi fun]

Main dealer Peugeot parts are surprisingly good value. Except for brake pads and discs where I go for ATE ones. ATE makes the OEM ones anyway so it's the same stuff.

Of course, this no longer matters as my car no longer exists.

THere's no guarantee that the dealer's technicians are model specific specialists anyway.

I'm also wary of the old fashioned diesel specialists. There's one round here who seems to think that all diesels are best with Castrol GTX in the sump. His diesel knowledge seems to be stuck in about 1988

"Don't want none of that there nasty ar'ifishle oil stuff ma'ey boy". Strangely I never let him near my car.'

 

[Prince]

I use Honda when I need a replacement part and I want a brand new one instead of a second and one. For example when I needed a new wing I got it from Honda. It may have cost more, but I knew it was brand new.

 

[prevtec]

I use Honda when I need a replacement part and I want a brand new one instead of a second and one. For example when I needed a new wing I got it from Honda. It may have cost more, but I knew it was brand new.

thats understandable mate, wings are cheap for civics anyway
did they ask you for a chassis no.??

over here they do, all details about the specific car comes up,
i think its better because the part you get is for the exact car

bet you the panel gaps are minimum

its just services and stuff i wouldnt bother with, and id source secondhand parts from a scrappy, its cheaper for my type of car

 

[Prince]

thats understandable mate, wings are cheap for civics anyway
did they ask you for a chassis no.??

over here they do, all details about the specific car comes up,
i think its better because the part you get is for the exact car

bet you the panel gaps are minimum

its just services and stuff i wouldnt bother with, and id source secondhand parts from a scrappy, its cheaper for my type of car

The panel is perfect mate. They took as much detail as they could just to make sure it was the right part.

I was a bit skeptical about the main dealership as a previous parts supplier I have spoken to didn't even know what an Integra was! However, I spoke to a different (possibly new) guy for the wing and he knew exactly what he was talking about, which is always reassuring!

 

[lutonmatt]

never have used a dealer never will well one thing owning a yannk in the uk there is no dealer

plus there is nothing they can do i cant
i have all the computer stuff at work company up the road does all teh alarms keys ect
and next door is a very good paint shop

only will say one thing sometimes i send customers to peugeots for a code read out as not all the time does are pc read them right

 

[obi_waynne]

I try to Avoid dealers. Our local Audi dealer seems totally uninterested in helping anyone with a car over 6 years old. 70 miles further on there is another Audi dealer that would bend over backward to help out.

I use the dealer for things like key fobs and touch up paint but I can get genuine Audi parts through my local trusted garage anyway so there is no need to involve the dealer.

 

[pgarner]

Other than use the service dept for spare parts ive only been in once to enquire about cruise control. got told that it could only be fitted to diesels yet managed to give them the part numbers for the wires for the petrol models was told i was wrong.

phoned them up when the water pump went - replacement pump, timing belt, tensioners, coolant etc £500. Specialist less than 2 miles away just over £300 all genuine parts