Service - Better at dealer or indy?
 

Noticed that on Volvo website they include software upgrades and up front pricing. I have a 2011 model and wondering if I am better off with that or a specialist independent. I live on the Wirral and see that there is a volvo indy near Birkenhead.

My 2010 model has been serviced at an Indy for the last two years, no problems. More than happy with the service supplied by Duke St Garage, Shaw, Oldham.

The software update is a bit of a con, as it only applies to a select few modules on the car.

More than a few ... hardly a con as there is no charge ! This would cost well over £200 if all done individualy . And this goes right back to 1999 so if you have an older car and never seen a dealer for years you will get some useful updates ..

engine
gearbox
instrument panel
climate unit
main computer CEM
Brakes
SRS safety systems

So basicly everything except the sensus entertainment system which is beyond the scope of routine updates due to the huge file sizes and time required to do it .

Its a con in the respect it does not cover every module on the car, which is certainly what they lead you to believe. Im not saying its bad value by the way.....

From personal experience I can tell you that it does not cover certain items in the BCM - mine needed new BCM software to update the parameters on the steering angle sensor. Not included in 2.0

Ive also needed new software for the HALDEX unit as part of the DEM module, again not included in 2.0

Just dont expect the car to come out with every last piece of new software thats available for it, because my experience proves it isnt the case.



ps. I certainly disagree that there's 'no charge'. Sure, they itemise it as €0 on your bill - but its neatly covered in the €450 'small service' where all they do is change your oil and walk around the car looking at things for 60mins.

........

Yes they should change the wording to make it clear of course .

£450 for a basic 18000 mile service sounds steep, how much of that is the oil by the way? and parts ? and labour ?

€450, not £

Cant remember how they broke the costs down exactly and the bill is buried away upstairs. But theres no way oil+filter is going to cost Volvo any more than €100 (and thats all they physically change on the small service).

The rest is labour/2.0/nice showroom/free coffee charge. Of course when new(ish) what you are really paying for is that Volvo stamp in the book. Doesnt make any sense when the car is 5+ years old though in my opinion.

Especially when a decent indy is likely to have more knowledge than the dealer anyway.

the retail of 0w/50 is around £13 a litre so with filter is going to be just over £100 alone with tax .

I strongly disagree with the above in red , You are a bit out of date with the knowledge and technology required these days :-) Some independants do pay to go on volvo courses however, and have the correct equipment so seek those out .. NOBODY has more knowledge than the dealer they are in direct contact with volvo and their problems on a daily basis ..

I used an Indy when back in UK . I bought three from him & had them serviced by him.
I'd decided on a Volvo, went to the main dealer. Told them my max budget & was told, 'anything that price goe's off to trade. All ours go to the indy down the road, go and see him youll not go far wrong'. This was in Hants.
The one I chose was from Bells Volvo. The indy travelled the uk far & wide to find good mainly 1 owner FVSH cars.
Servicing well, I stuck with him. Fixed price service & the car would be in all day getting a real 'old fashioned' service.
The owner, in my case was an ex-RN engineer.
Many Indys are Volvo 'bred' mecs who decide to go alone, good luck to them too.
As Clan says, many keep up to date by going on Volvo courses.
Mine did eventually but before that, I once had an issue on my old Tors & he sent me to the maindealer as he couldnt find the fault with his equipment.
Find the right Indy & youll get good service and good value:thumbs_up: