2009 Jag XKR - stop the main dealer service history?

[threadlock]

My 2009 XKR needs a service. It's got a full Jaguar main dealer history and has never needed much else, so I've got no experience of using local independents. Before I start considering which specialist I'd choose, I'd welcome opinions on whether I should keep the main dealer service history going.

The main dealer has never charged what I'd consider unjustifiable money for servicing, even when I had the supercharger belt and spark plugs replaced, so I doubt an indie will be massively cheaper. But they may be closer and I like the idea of supporting a small local business who might take more care with my car than the hard-pressed technicians at the dealer.

I have no plans to sell the car, but of course I'll sell it at some point. Would a move to independent servicing when the car is this old put any of you off?

[t400ble]

Get an indi on it at this age

[G111MDS]

I’d suggest a decent indi too, and keep all the receipts / paperwork too.

[Simpo Two]

It wouldn't put me off. The main thing is that it's serviced by someone competent.

I've used my local Jag dealer twice and they failed to impress.

You don't see many 2009 cars at Jag dealers; I'd be surprised if they're still up to speed on X150s.

[threadlock]

Thanks gents. Appreciate the responses

[8bit]

Any competent mechanic can service these, there's nothing particularly unusual about service requirements etc. I even serviced mine myself last year and will do so from now on. The only thing I would say is make sure the oil they use meets current Jaguar spec - it should be 0W-20 carrying STJLR.03.5006. Currently there's one Castrol product and one Miller's Oil product which meet this spec. I used the Miller's stuff this time round.

How much difference it makes to trade-in or resale value depends very much on the buyer. Some garages will try to knock you down if you haven't got all Jaguar stamps in the book but on the flip side, a savvy Jag enthusiast may well be prepared to go a little further for one with stamps from a well-known and respected specialist indie. Most independent traders/dealers won't care much so long as it's been serviced on schedule.

[threadlock]

Thanks N. Although I'd be comfortable wielding a spanner, I don't fancy trying to convince a future buyer that the standard of my servicing is better than my local specialist

I can't get over the nagging fear that future enthusiasts of these cars will prize those with main dealer service history more than those with specialist stamps. The most well-known local specialist (Arun in Pulborough) doesn't get great comments on PH but has a strong record of happy customers in their Google reviews, so personally I'd be happy to trust them. But would future owners? I don't know.

[Evercross]

threadlock said:

I can't get over the nagging fear that future enthusiasts of these cars will prize those with main dealer service history more than those with specialist stamps.

Main dealer service history counts for squat for anyone clued in WRT an older car. It is actively against a dealer's interests to preserve an older car as servicing only exists for them to keep warranty claims from rocking up at their door, and their main business/profit line is by selling/leasing new or still-in warranty cars. It is therefor also in their interests to overcharge on repairs to convince an owner that their car is economically unviable so they are more likely to replace it.

A quality independent garage makes their money from repairs and not sales, so it is in their interest to offer a better quality and value repair service.

I said it in another thread - it is time people broke the link in their heads between franchised dealer servicing and value-for-money, either in terms of job done or resale value. It is a myth preserved by the ignorant.

FWIW, the one used car that I bought that came with a full dealer service/maintenance history (from a reputable BMW dealership) included front brake pad replacement by said dealer. About a year into my ownership one of the brake calipers seized. On inspection the piston seal on said caliper had a screwdriver-shaped hole in it, almost certainly caused by BMW dealership mechanic using whatever came to hand to press back the piston before fitting the pads instead of using a proper wind-in tool, because he/she couldn't be arsed......

Edited by Evercross on Thursday 17th February 12:54

[Dodsy]

Main dealer will be no better than any small garage now. They wont have current knowledge so will rely on the service guides same as a normal garage would but they will charge more.

My small local garage charges low rates , use OEM parts and have done an excellent job for the last 5 years.

If i need something specialist doing like suspension level or gearbox reflash thats when i would head to an indie.

[reddiesel]

Dodsy said:

Main dealer will be no better than any small garage now. They wont have current knowledge so will rely on the service guides same as a normal garage would but they will charge more.

My small local garage charges low rates , use OEM parts and have done an excellent job for the last 5 years.

If i need something specialist doing like suspension level or gearbox reflash thats when i would head to an indie.

Never mind that Dodsy do you still have the XJR and how has it been ? There isnt enough on here about long term owners with cars like yours .

[LanceRS]

My experience of JLR dealers has lead me firmly to the opinion that they should be avoided at every occasion. They look nice, but that is it.
Conversely, my experience of specialists (not specifically Jaguar), is that generally they are far better at dealing with the issue that come with age and mileage.
At the age of your car, it will not effect the value.