Dino question - service intervals for low mileage cars

[Bluebottle911]

My Dino was serviced when I bought it last April and I have done just over 800 miles since then so I guess I shall have done around 1,000 miles by the end of 12 months. This is likely to be my average annual mileage in the future.

The service book gives intervals in mileages, not time, but I should have thought time should also be a consideration with a car that does such a low mileage.

With all of my other cars that are not DDs and so do relatively low mileages, I have a service every second year irrespective of mileage and just have them checked over for any issues when they go for MoT test in each intervening year (except my 550, which gets serviced every year).

Any thoughts, please, on a sensible service regime for a 246 averaging 1,000 miles a year?

[rubystone]

Have it serviced every year with a decent indie preferably who knows these cars. They'll know what to do. Where are you based?

[Bluebottle911]

rubystone said:

Have it serviced every year with a decent indie preferably who knows these cars. They'll know what to do. Where are you based?

Thanks for that.

I am based in Exeter. I have used Carrs for several years to service my 550 and it was from them that I bought the Dino which they have serviced in the past. They also have a lot of experience of Dinos and at least one fastidious multiple-Dino owner sends his cars to them from up-country. So I don't have a problem with continuing to use them to service it. As it happens, however, we now also have an independent (Ftech) in Exeter, who seems to have a good reputation, too: again, people who ought to know, send some fairly special cars to them even though they have a choice of independents and main dealers much nearer.

As it happens, however, my Dino is currently garaged at our other home near Cirencester, so I may get it serviced up there from time to time.

[rubystone]

Bluebottle911 said:

Thanks for that.

I am based in Exeter. I have used Carrs for several years to service my 550 and it was from them that I bought the Dino which they have serviced in the past. They also have a lot of experience of Dinos and at least one fastidious multiple-Dino owner sends his cars to them from up-country. So I don't have a problem with continuing to use them to service it. As it happens, however, we now also have an independent (Ftech) in Exeter, who seems to have a good reputation, too: again, people who ought to know, send some fairly special cars to them even though they have a choice of independents and main dealers much nearer.

As it happens, however, my Dino is currently garaged at our other home near Cirencester, so I may get it serviced up there from time to time.

Carrs service my modern Ferraris but I entrust the 308 to Foskers. But I know Bertie on here has all his Ferraris including his 308 serviced at Carrs. I'd stick with them if I were you. If they're (and they usually are) close in price to an Indie AND have a good reputation for their work on older cars, you're getting an official stamp in the book too.

[Bluebottle911]

rubystone said:

Carrs service my modern Ferraris but I entrust the 308 to Foskers. But I know Bertie on here has all his Ferraris including his 308 serviced at Carrs. I'd stick with them if I were you. If they're (and they usually are) close in price to an Indie AND have a good reputation for their work on older cars, you're getting an official stamp in the book too.

Yes, I am very happy with Carrs. Service is excellent, nothing is too much trouble, prices are reasonable and their knowledge / experience of Dinos is extensive. The fact that they are in walking distance of my home is a bonus. I would not change unless they gave me a good reason to do so.

[MrADC]

An annual check up is best when mileage is that low. If your supplying dealer is a Dino specialist then they'll stay on top of the issues that tend to rear their head on low mileage cars - distributor gremlins and valve clearances in particular. Dino engined cars, in my experience, bear up to long periods of inactivity better than most...

[dudlow]

Again a thumbs up for Carrs, I got my modern F car back this week, and they do work on my Dino.
I think an annual service is important as it helps to identify any issues in their infancy, which generally reduces overall costs. It also helps reliability which in turn gives you the physiological push to use the car on more frequent occasions and for longer journeys.
Its a win win.