Servicing at stealers yes or no?

Should I get a service at Dealers ?

  • No

    Votes: 16 72.7%

  • Yes I have plenty of monies

    Votes: 6 27.3%
  • Total voters
    22
  • Poll closed .
C

cenci

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Got a 2011 audi a3 2.0tdi that's coming up for its fourth service (full audi history so far)

i plan lane to keep for next 5-6 years and was wondering if it's really worth paying stealer prices for routine servicing ?

what do you guys on forum do? And if not then can any recommend a decent Indy between reading Windsor and slough ascot area?
 
Indy, stealer mechanics are on bonus related timed jobs and rushing produces some awful mistakes.
 
I'd be inclined to take it to them for servicing and warranty work but once out of warranty take it to a specialist for everything else. The difference in price between dealers and independents has narrowed in recent years as I imagine they've felt the pinch from losing a lot of business to independents. They shouldn't be able to screw an oil change up! Try and price match them / knock them down if you can.
 
Rick @ Unicorn Motor Dev. said:
The issue is the quality of work carried out at a good specialist is head and shoulders above that at the dealer.
Click to expand...

Whilst I have no complaints about my local dealer,I have to agree that the quality of my specialist(AMD) is way beyond that,especially with niggly things that are difficult to diagnose.

I would always prefer a good specialist to a dealer where possible.
 
nluk100 said:
I'd be inclined to take it to them for servicing and warranty work but once out of warranty take it to a specialist for everything else. The difference in price between dealers and independents has narrowed in recent years as I imagine they've felt the pinch from losing a lot of business to independents. They shouldn't be able to screw an oil change up! Try and price match them / knock them down if you can.
Click to expand...

No need to take to main dealers to keep warranty void. As long as the specialists uses genuine Audi parts and produces a VAT receipt with part numbers used, then you can still claim warranty work from the dealers.
 
Rick @ Unicorn Motor Dev. said:
The issue is the quality of work carried out at a good specialist is head and shoulders above that at the dealer.
Click to expand...

And this is the reason why I have personally just had my car serviced with an independent VAG specialist, having had FASH up till that point. Some of the things Audi do are shocking to say the least, while charging an arm and a leg. Also, this "genuine audi parts" is another thing I have issues with. You can buy the exact same parts that Audi use, for half the price! I have to admire the Audi business model.
 
Jus to add to my earlier post. Find yourself a good Indy and stick with them, build rapport and you'll soon have a really good relationship with them based on trust. Then you're in a good place to take advice etc from them
 
Rick @ Unicorn Motor Dev. said:
The issue is the quality of work carried out at a good specialist is head and shoulders above that at the dealer.
Click to expand...

I suppose the issue here is finding a good specialist. I have no doubt that there are companies out there like yourselves and AMD who attract those owners who are modifying their vehicles. Does routine servicing account for a large proportion of your business over the likes of remapping and modifying? I only ask out of interest as obviously the Audi dealer isn't interested in the latter.

Hopefully someone will come up with a recommendation of a specialist near to the OP. I think this is part of the problem of finding specialists for routine servicing in that they tend to be a fair distance away from you compared to the dealer who may be on your doorstep.
 
Tanks for the replies.
Think I am up for taking to Indy but that's if I can find a decent one. Rg42 postcode plus 15 miles.
But then again if the difference is only £20 or so maybe it's better for the log book to go audi
 
Alex at Aks tuning looks after my car. I use him as he was recommended on the mk5 forum and have stayed with him with the s3.

For me it's more trust and quality of workmanship why I use him.

Find main dealers hit and miss. Normally depends if there a enthusiasts or not.

Also if your keeping the car for that long shouldn't have thought it would effect the value if it's all serviced at correct intervals.
 
At 35K Mi dealer told me the DSG fluid/filter needed changing - $1200! My local shop did the same for $200 .... though I didn't get a loaner Q5 out of the deal ....
 
Is this fixed price servicing across all the range of models or just certain cars as I was quoted in excess of £800 to changes filters plugs etc?
 
Delboi said:
Is this fixed price servicing across all the range of models or just certain cars as I was quoted in excess of £800 to changes filters plugs etc?
Click to expand...
Different companies are the dealers,local to me are Listers so the prices will vary,they did used to do a price match.
 
Delboi said:
Is this fixed price servicing across all the range of models or just certain cars as I was quoted in excess of £800 to changes filters plugs etc?
Click to expand...

Its across all ranges but, limited to engine size 2.0 litres and below and your car has to be over 3 years old.
 
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