Main dealers vs local independent specialist garages...

[arad85]

We have a local garage who specialise in VAG maintenance (they have VW and Audi in their trading name), seem to have all the right equipment, use genuine parts etc... and who seem to have a pretty good reputation (there's always lots of cars there!!). I think they are quite a bit cheaper for labour than the local Audi dealership.

What are peoples views on using independents during the warranty period?

 

[s33nyboy12]

Right this is controversial but with my BMW I wouldn't hesitate to use Indy as my local dealer's are ******** stupid *****
however with my Audi I would stick to dealer no matter what as re sale value or appeal would be hindered due to the nature of most Audi buyers / owners , cough cough 'pretentious' .

To be honest in my experience the Indy's often do a more thorough job , and the BMW one I use are ex main dealer staff that just got annoyed with the lack of consideration given to customers cars at the dealer so set up on their own. There is normally at least 3 week wait to get in.

Sean

 

[the_cueball]

Indy all the time, for something I can't do myself..... never ever use the main dealer....

I do my servicing as well... never had any issues selling a car....

I'm not impressed with a car history at a main dealer, makes me think the person doesn't care about their car and likes to get conned.

 

[arad85]

makes me think the person doesn't care about their car and likes to get conned.

LOL...

Keep the comments coming. I've no agenda here, would just like to get inputs from all here.

 

[h5djr]

LOL...

Keep the comments coming. I've no agenda here, would just like to get inputs from all here.

Two of the Audi Master Technicians from my local dealers have just left to set up their own business in St Ives in Cambridgeshire.

 

[s33nyboy12]

I'm not impressed with a car history at a main dealer, makes me think the person doesn't care about their car and likes to get conned.

Yeh I partially agree with you here , the law was changed so it couldn't void your warranty if you went elsewhere for servicing during manufacturer warranty period also if I offered you an object for a £5 sale price and then tesco offered you it for £50 , yet it was exactly the same which would you hand over your hard earned cash for?

The main thing to keep an eye or ear out for if you only go to an Indy during the first couple years of a cars production is " re-calls" .
These are free and under warranty but essential part of a service history.

Sean

 

[s33nyboy12]

Two of the Audi Master Technicians from my local dealers have just left to set up their own business in St Ives in Cambridgeshire.

thats what happened with my local BMW Indy I use they got sick of ridiculous deadlines and lack of time available to spend on each vehicle so started up on their own.

 

[PilotAudi]

Right this is controversial but with my BMW I wouldn't hesitate to use Indy as my local dealer's are ******** stupid *****
however with my Audi I would stick to dealer no matter what as re sale value or appeal would be hindered due to the nature of most Audi buyers / owners , cough cough 'pretentious' .

To be honest in my experience the Indy's often do a more thorough job , and the BMW one I use are ex main dealer staff that just got annoyed with the lack of consideration given to customers cars at the dealer so set up on their own. There is normally at least 3 week wait to get in.

Sean

Only 3 weeks. Our local Audi dealer is busy busy