Main Dealers vs Independent.
Discussion
It's a long running debate that goes around and around and there is no right answer. However, I have learned the hard way and I'm now done with main dealers. Every time I've had a car in there I've subsequently had to hand it to a specialist to rectify the main dealer's work. Einstein's definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing and expect a different outcome. After several runs at the brick wall, I've stopped.
For me, it comes down to this: It doesn't matter what sign or flag is outside the building as long as those inside are capable, competent and caring and you can trust them with your PnJ. Nobody minds paying for that.
Personal experience suggests to me this is more likely to be an independent than a main dealer and whereas that's a shame, it is reality.
If people genuinely believe main dealer stamps in the book are more valuable, which I did, then it's a fallacy. They're more expensive, yes, but a positive sign of quality care and maintenance; I think not. I've used two independents now and in both cases their expertise, transparency and integrity expose the weaknesses in main dealers very clearly.
It is hard to be completely transparent about things on here without breaching the name and shame guidelines so I can't detail my experiences.
However, it should be possible to provide support to other users by listing places where you've had positive experiences. I notice the Porsche forums have stickies for such things. Perhaps they could be added in the other forums, too. And I'm sure this doesn't just relate to Ferrari, either.
ETA. I've created a Wiki.
For me, it comes down to this: It doesn't matter what sign or flag is outside the building as long as those inside are capable, competent and caring and you can trust them with your PnJ. Nobody minds paying for that.
Personal experience suggests to me this is more likely to be an independent than a main dealer and whereas that's a shame, it is reality.
If people genuinely believe main dealer stamps in the book are more valuable, which I did, then it's a fallacy. They're more expensive, yes, but a positive sign of quality care and maintenance; I think not. I've used two independents now and in both cases their expertise, transparency and integrity expose the weaknesses in main dealers very clearly.
It is hard to be completely transparent about things on here without breaching the name and shame guidelines so I can't detail my experiences.
However, it should be possible to provide support to other users by listing places where you've had positive experiences. I notice the Porsche forums have stickies for such things. Perhaps they could be added in the other forums, too. And I'm sure this doesn't just relate to Ferrari, either.
ETA. I've created a Wiki.
Edited by ferrisbueller on Wednesday 18th May 13:29
I've used pretty much every Ferrari main dealer in the UK over the years and consistently they have all been s
t!
The problem is always that they are overloaded with work and don't have enough qualified guys. The older more experienced guys (HR Owen have one of the very best) have been moved into more senior positions and they cannot get involved on the ground level. The 16-17 year olds that are coming up can in no way compare and are trained for speed and quick turnaround not quality.
The only guy I would use now is Ed Blasi. Otherwise I would (and have done) drive to Germany or Belgium to get my car serviced.
t!The problem is always that they are overloaded with work and don't have enough qualified guys. The older more experienced guys (HR Owen have one of the very best) have been moved into more senior positions and they cannot get involved on the ground level. The 16-17 year olds that are coming up can in no way compare and are trained for speed and quick turnaround not quality.
The only guy I would use now is Ed Blasi. Otherwise I would (and have done) drive to Germany or Belgium to get my car serviced.
As sad as it might seem to say it but it would never enter my head to use an indie on a modern Ferrari that currently has a FFSH. I couldn't stomach the hit, or even the potential of a hit, on the resale value. Arguably it becomes less relevant as time goes on and cars drop out of extended warranty, etc.
That being said there's no reason to assume automatically that a main dealer will be any more competent than an indie, but equally it's not a given that an indie is beyond reproach either.
That being said there's no reason to assume automatically that a main dealer will be any more competent than an indie, but equally it's not a given that an indie is beyond reproach either.
cgt2 said:
I've used pretty much every Ferrari main dealer in the UK over the years and consistently they have all been st!
The problem is always that they are overloaded with work and don't have enough qualified guys. The older more experienced guys (HR Owen have one of the very best) have been moved into more senior positions and they cannot get involved on the ground level. The 16-17 year olds that are coming up can in no way compare and are trained for speed and quick turnaround not quality.
The only guy I would use now is Ed Blasi. Otherwise I would (and have done) drive to Germany or Belgium to get my car serviced.
Agree.t!The problem is always that they are overloaded with work and don't have enough qualified guys. The older more experienced guys (HR Owen have one of the very best) have been moved into more senior positions and they cannot get involved on the ground level. The 16-17 year olds that are coming up can in no way compare and are trained for speed and quick turnaround not quality.
The only guy I would use now is Ed Blasi. Otherwise I would (and have done) drive to Germany or Belgium to get my car serviced.
Ed is who I go to now.
Durzel said:
As sad as it might seem to say it but it would never enter my head to use an indie on a modern Ferrari that currently has a FFSH. I couldn't stomach the hit, or even the potential of a hit, on the resale value. Arguably it becomes less relevant as time goes on and cars drop out of extended warranty, etc.
That being said there's no reason to assume automatically that a main dealer will be any more competent than an indie, but equally it's not a given that an indie is beyond reproach either.
Absolutely. The perceived value of the stamp is hard to ignore. On the new cars which come with service packs then you wouldn't go elsewhere. However, for older examples then, per above, the experience of how to work on them appears to be outside the dealer network.That being said there's no reason to assume automatically that a main dealer will be any more competent than an indie, but equally it's not a given that an indie is beyond reproach either.
And no-one is perfect. I can cite examples of s
tty independents, too.davek_964 said:
Riverside Performance (Aldo Ritti) have a well deserved excellent reputation, and my 360 has been there a couple of times. This year I got lazy, and used Neal Lucas in Camberley - who also has a very good reputation, and is 5 mins walk from my house!
Both very good, though Neal can be a bit hard to get hold of sometimes.Sadly I have had good and bad experiences of both. Last time I used an indie (with a great reputation) a wheel came loose on the way home after a service - luckily I pulled over before disaster struck. The oil filter was also not tightened correctly!
More recently, i have been using my main dealer and the service has been excellent and they have price matched the indy price.
Very much depends on your car, its age and its service history. Most important for me is building a relationship with whoever is looking after your car - I have had the same chap service my car at my main dealer and have built up some trust in his work/advice and he knows my car (and my expectations!!)
More recently, i have been using my main dealer and the service has been excellent and they have price matched the indy price.
Very much depends on your car, its age and its service history. Most important for me is building a relationship with whoever is looking after your car - I have had the same chap service my car at my main dealer and have built up some trust in his work/advice and he knows my car (and my expectations!!)
I have never used a main daily for the Maserati - there aren't many of them !
I never leave thinking I have had a good deal, I now do most of the work myself.
I was always charged £30 for new wipers every time it went in, yet the car never sees rain and being charged £40 for an MOT and then when totalled up having VAT added on always seemed a bit much.
One well known well respected independent charged somebody £645 to change a starter motor. Maserati do not make starter motors, £75 from motor factors £8 for new O-rings and I had the old one out and on the bench in 45 mins. I would like to think you use an independent because they know the tricks / have knowledge of the cars, walking straight into Maserati and buying a starter motor is not that clever.
I understand that I do not have staff, overheads and a coffee machine.. but I have never come across a poor "independent".....
I never leave thinking I have had a good deal, I now do most of the work myself.
I was always charged £30 for new wipers every time it went in, yet the car never sees rain and being charged £40 for an MOT and then when totalled up having VAT added on always seemed a bit much.
One well known well respected independent charged somebody £645 to change a starter motor. Maserati do not make starter motors, £75 from motor factors £8 for new O-rings and I had the old one out and on the bench in 45 mins. I would like to think you use an independent because they know the tricks / have knowledge of the cars, walking straight into Maserati and buying a starter motor is not that clever.
I understand that I do not have staff, overheads and a coffee machine.. but I have never come across a poor "independent".....
Wouldn't take mine to anyone else but Autofficiana http://www.autofficina.co.uk/contact.htm
Great bunch and really know their stuff 👍👍
Great bunch and really know their stuff 👍👍
I have had two beers now and am on a roll.
Indie fixed price servicing on a big lambo.
Oil and filter, air filter and alt/ air con belt and then visual checks, and "topping up of other fluid levels"
That is almost £1000 for an oil change.
If you add in plugs and changing all fluids ( gearbox and diff seem extra) and then a more thorough visual inspection £2000 !!!
I spent £400 on all the parts inc fuel filters and diff / box oils and a couple of hours in the garage.
I don't doubt they do a very good job but .......
Indie fixed price servicing on a big lambo.
Oil and filter, air filter and alt/ air con belt and then visual checks, and "topping up of other fluid levels"
That is almost £1000 for an oil change.
If you add in plugs and changing all fluids ( gearbox and diff seem extra) and then a more thorough visual inspection £2000 !!!
I spent £400 on all the parts inc fuel filters and diff / box oils and a couple of hours in the garage.
I don't doubt they do a very good job but .......
cgt2 said:
I've used pretty much every Ferrari main dealer in the UK over the years and consistently they have all been st!
The problem is always that they are overloaded with work and don't have enough qualified guys. The older more experienced guys (HR Owen have one of the very best) have been moved into more senior positions and they cannot get involved on the ground level. The 16-17 year olds that are coming up can in no way compare and are trained for speed and quick turnaround not quality.
The only guy I would use now is Ed Blasi. Otherwise I would (and have done) drive to Germany or Belgium to get my car serviced.
Where is Ed working now? he's greatt!The problem is always that they are overloaded with work and don't have enough qualified guys. The older more experienced guys (HR Owen have one of the very best) have been moved into more senior positions and they cannot get involved on the ground level. The 16-17 year olds that are coming up can in no way compare and are trained for speed and quick turnaround not quality.
The only guy I would use now is Ed Blasi. Otherwise I would (and have done) drive to Germany or Belgium to get my car serviced.
Mike Brown said:
Lancaster Colchester for my 360, imho they are spot on, never had a problem and they very much try to match indies.Mike
I gave them a chance recently but their comms were shameful. If they couldn't communicate well, what did that say about their workshop quality? So I gave Carr's of Exeter my business...absolutely perfect. Mark Ware is a top guy. And they were cheaper than an independent near me.
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