Main Dealer or Independent what say you

[z15nteiw]

Hello everyone.

First time here. I would like to know your thoughts on the above, not so much as to what you would value the most if you were looking to buy a vehicle, (i think we all know the answer to that one) but more as to the service you would value the most for the vehicle you already own.

Looking forward to the replies

[V8 FOU]

Welcome.

The main advantage of a good indie, is that you deal with the guy working on your car. Main dealers, even the best, still have the "'round the back" syndrome. Worth talking to both to see how they come accross to you.

[WightGT]

The newer the car, the more you need main dealer servicing.

What are you contemplating buying? Buy badly, and you'll feel it in your pocket pretty quickly. So the process is (a) buy well and (b) don't skimp on the maintenance and (c) drive it regularly. Also join the Bentley Drivers Club or RREC.

Good Luck,
David.

[Byteme]

It's worth bearing in mind that most main dealers have different labour rates dependent upon the age of the car.

[z15nteiw]

WightGT said:

The newer the car, the more you need main dealer servicing.

What are you contemplating buying? Buy badly, and you'll feel it in your pocket pretty quickly. So the process is (a) buy well and (b) don't skimp on the maintenance and (c) drive it regularly. Also join the Bentley Drivers Club or RREC.

Good Luck,
David.

Dave

Thanks for the reply

Have recently purchased an Arnage t on an 05 plate car has 35,000 miles and full bentley history with bill's the last one totalling £7,000 the car is very well spec'ed midnight blue magnolia interior dark bur wood bentley inlays to all door capping's tables vanity mirrors tv/DVD to rear head rests. I am not so much concerned with how much it will cost or though I am not saying that money is of no object either. I intend to keep the car for a considerable length of time and will be using it every weekend weather permitting. So the question is should I / would you have the next service which will be an a+c at a Bentley dealer get the report of what needs to be addressed then have this work if any carried out at an independent ????

Lee

[V8 FOU]

I would go to a good, well known independent for everything. Save some money, and at the right place, shouldn't affect resale value - not that that is too important if you are keeping it long term.

[WightGT]

Arnage T to 2006 were prone to head gasket and tappet problems. Has yours been sorted or are you still waiting for the problem to become apparent?

This is an expensive problem to fix and I'd rather pay the main dealer labour premium and get the job done with the Bentley guarantee.

What does your service record say about this?
David.

[cardigankid]

I've tried both and on balance I would go with the main dealer, but always with caution.

I dealt with a well known indie who left my car with a number of serious issues after a very expensive service.