Service Plans - Yes or No
Discussion
Would just like to ask everyones opinons on this .
The seems to be a massive issue with service costs around at the moment, the is alot of haggling.
Money is tight we all know that .
So service plans , spread the cost etc,etc .
This has got to be the way forward , even for Aston owners.
The seems to be a massive issue with service costs around at the moment, the is alot of haggling.
Money is tight we all know that .
So service plans , spread the cost etc,etc .
This has got to be the way forward , even for Aston owners.
Edited by blackice1 on Friday 2nd March 11:22
blackice1 said:
Would just like to ask everyones opinons on this .
The seems to be a massive issue with service costs around .
Money is tight we all know that .
So service plans , spread the cost etc,etc .
This has got to be the way forward , even for Aston owners.
The seems to be a massive issue with service costs around .
Money is tight we all know that .
So service plans , spread the cost etc,etc .
This has got to be the way forward , even for Aston owners.
Sorry don’t agree.......negotiating service cost with the possibility of supplying your own lubricants offers much better value.....also many will sell the car before the prepaid service is due and waste the prepayments
I reckon there are a few types of Aston Owners and to name a few there will be a) those where money is no object b) those who can comfortably afford to buy and run an Aston but also understand the value of money and are not prepared to pay over the odds and c) those who over-stretch themselves and live to learn the lessons of maintaining an expensive car.
Out of these 3 categories, not sure a budget plan will of any interest unless there is a significant financial incentive.
Ford offered a 3 year service plan 18 months ago, in effect you get 3 services for the price of 2 plus an MOT - if paid up front. I bought a few of these plans for our business vehicles and would buy an Aston plan, if the price was right.
Out of these 3 categories, not sure a budget plan will of any interest unless there is a significant financial incentive.
Ford offered a 3 year service plan 18 months ago, in effect you get 3 services for the price of 2 plus an MOT - if paid up front. I bought a few of these plans for our business vehicles and would buy an Aston plan, if the price was right.
michael gould said:
Sorry don’t agree.......negotiating service cost with the possibility of supplying your own lubricants offers much better value.....also many will sell the car before the prepaid service is due and waste the prepayments
Also the car can be sold with the plan and transfered making it more of an intresting purchase than others maybe.
ChrisDB7 said:
Even speaking as an owner who isn't as flush as he could be at the moment, I still think that if you need to finance your services you probably shouldn't be running the car.
What happens if you have an expensive repair bill?
I agree with this comment.....also...if people need to budget for servicing and repair costs then why can’t they put aside a set amount each month.....do you really need an Aston dealership to do that for you ?? And I would far rather have the ability to negotiate service costs and supply my own oil if necessary.What happens if you have an expensive repair bill?
tonyhall38 said:
good idea if you ask me.....then again the haggling is all part of the fun...but spreading the cost over a year...why not?...some mugs purchase extened warrenties etc.....
sorry don’t agree......extended warranties could save you a huge amount....if you blew an engine up is hardly the same as budgeting for a £700 service ......warranties give owners piece of mind over potential huge bills
michael gould said:
sorry don’t agree......extended warranties could save you a huge amount....if you blew an engine up is hardly the same as budgeting for a £700 service ......warranties give owners piece of mind over potential huge bills
I would say that in the independent world there is no need - most all of the independent's prices i have seen, seem to me to be an honest and fair price reflection of the two main elements that make up the service (they being the 140 point check and whatever consumables the particular service schedule in question prescribes).
I would say that the 'massive issue' talked about regarding service costs here is not within independent world and represents a wake up call within the franchised dealership network undercutting each other in a desperate attempt to win work from those who choose, for whatever reason, not to stray into the world of independent.
I would say that the 'massive issue' talked about regarding service costs here is not within independent world and represents a wake up call within the franchised dealership network undercutting each other in a desperate attempt to win work from those who choose, for whatever reason, not to stray into the world of independent.
I think service plans per se are an excellent idea but I´ve never bought one as I think they are overpriced.
If say I was offered a plan for my next 3 services at a one-off payment of 1.5k (sorry, cant remember how to get a pound sign) to include all parts, labour and oils then I would jump at it. I also think Mr Gould would jump at it too.
In the real world though, the charge would be double this.
Easy pickings for the Independents
If say I was offered a plan for my next 3 services at a one-off payment of 1.5k (sorry, cant remember how to get a pound sign) to include all parts, labour and oils then I would jump at it. I also think Mr Gould would jump at it too.
In the real world though, the charge would be double this.
Easy pickings for the Independents
I might have gone for it when I bought a new car, but not when buying out of warranty older car
also depends on mileage - this kind of thing appeals for the daily driver doing 15K miles a year etc, especially if you can get consumables thrown in
but for a 3-6K miles a year car thats having a yearly service, which is mostly a check over and fluid change...well Im happy to just use an independant, its usually pretty transparent...the parts cost £££ and its a 5.5. hour service. Up North that could be £50 an hour, down South in the smoke, it could be £80-100 an hour...or up to £150 ph at a dealer
so theres not really any big cost savings to make, its mostly about how far you are willing to drive and what "extras" do you want on the service; courtesy car, free coffee, nice totty on reception or just a garage unit on industrial estate
also depends on mileage - this kind of thing appeals for the daily driver doing 15K miles a year etc, especially if you can get consumables thrown in
but for a 3-6K miles a year car thats having a yearly service, which is mostly a check over and fluid change...well Im happy to just use an independant, its usually pretty transparent...the parts cost £££ and its a 5.5. hour service. Up North that could be £50 an hour, down South in the smoke, it could be £80-100 an hour...or up to £150 ph at a dealer
so theres not really any big cost savings to make, its mostly about how far you are willing to drive and what "extras" do you want on the service; courtesy car, free coffee, nice totty on reception or just a garage unit on industrial estate
but I will still extend when it runs out for peace of mind.
Jockman said:
I think service plans per se are an excellent idea but I´ve never bought one as I think they are overpriced.
If say I was offered a plan for my next 3 services at a one-off payment of 1.5k (sorry, cant remember how to get a pound sign) to include all parts, labour and oils then I would jump at it. I also think Mr Gould would jump at it too.
In the real world though, the charge would be double this.
Easy pickings for the Independents
I'd agree with that If say I was offered a plan for my next 3 services at a one-off payment of 1.5k (sorry, cant remember how to get a pound sign) to include all parts, labour and oils then I would jump at it. I also think Mr Gould would jump at it too.
In the real world though, the charge would be double this.
Easy pickings for the Independents
It reflects Bamford's Mike's point as well
all warrenties are stacked in favour of the insurance company....making small claims etc ...all well and good....but 99% of them have an upper limit of pay out...so if your engine did blow up...not enough money in warrenty to pay for it...you are better off putting the 1500 or so in an high intrest account and leaving it there....
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