Halfords Service?
 

My 2016 XC60 (39k miles) is coming up for its next service.

My dealer has quoted £420.

I see Halfords do a:

Full Service
77 point, 12-month annual inspection
Engine Oil Change
Oil Filter Change
Air Filter Change

For £215.

Anyone had any experiences using non dealer service stations please?

Thank you.

you get what you pay for , Halfords wont have a clue , they wont update the software or use the correct pollen filter and certainly won't use the correct oil . They are highly likely to over fill the oil which will bring the Oil level high message up next day , I assume its the 36000 mile service ... try a couple more dealers for quotes . I've seen it all go wrong many times before ...

£205 difference..... You'll lose that in depreciation when comparing a car with full dealer service history versus one with a Halfords stamp. :)
The free Volvo Assistance breakdown cover with a main dealer service is also worth something so I'd say that using Halfords would be a false economy.

People like to see those Volvo stamps so even doing oil and filters DIY for about £100 is debatable on such a new car given the depreciation argument.

You'd be daft to take it to Halfords. You live halfway between two excellent Volvo dealers, Poole and Havant. I'd get it done properly for all the previously mentioned points.
I know a goood mechanic who was sacked by Halfords for trying to do a good job on cars. "He too long to be profitable".

Wouldn't touch Halfrauds with a bargepole for servicing. If the car is out of warranty i would consider using an indy Volvo specialist - can often/usually be better than main dealers.

I intend to keep my car for as long as possible. The cost of the main dealer servicing is expensive and it may be tempting to take the cheaper option, especially if times are hard and money is tight.
Personally, I believe it gives peace of mind on such a technically advanced car where even the correct type and amount of oil is critical to stick with a main dealer. I chose to take advantage of a service plan, fix the price and spread the cost. I recently changed the service plan and dealership, in doing so I saved money and have the plan running for longer. I've even had the cam belt change factored into it. God forbid something happens to the car outside of the plan, it just may give me some good will from the dealership/Volvo to be able to show it has always been looked after by their trained tech's.

Thanks for all your replies people. Based on the feedback I'll take it to the dealer.
Many thanks

With everyone knocking Halfords, I'd also like to add you're paying £420 at the dealer, for the apprentices to work on your car...

As already said, I'd take the car to a specialist. You'd have to check with Volvo's, but I know with some other manufactures sending your car to a specialist doesn't affect your warranty.

It is out of warranty now so may shop around a bit...

I would check what the dealer is doing - a basic service is around £250. What are they doing extra and is that required?

Also you have quite a low mileage car, less than 10k p/a, Volvo do an "essentials" service for low mileage cars which is just and oil & filter change and check over of all the safety items etc. it's cheaper and you still keep Volvo assist/service history/warranty etc.

But to echo what everyone else has said - that £205 difference isn't bad when you consider you get a year's recovery, your car will be washed and valeted to a very high standard and you will get much better diagnostics and software that Halfords cannot offer.

As a general point I would never entrust service work to the likes of Halfords, Kwik Fit etc. they are mostly semi skilled fitters following documented processes, they often have little to no experience to lean into when things don't go to plan or more detailed maintenance is required - i.e. if you get them to do your brakes and the caliper pistons or sliders are siezed or stiff they will likely put it back together anyway. When it goes wrong it goes badly wrong and it's never their fault.............

Volvo goodwill contributions can extend for years if you've maintained dealer service history.
A friend of mine's son recently had £7000 worth of new engine on his V40 outside of the warranty period because he had main dealer service history.

Mines out of warranty but still off to the dealers in a couple of weeks.

Reasons for keeping it with the dealer

Software updates
Full European Breakdown cover
Dealer Stamp in the Book
Knowledge that the correct fluids are used
Volvo Parts used
Loan Car
Cleaned inside & out
Normally get a bit of a discount on the published price

Yes I maybe save a few quid with an indie but the cars not that old (5), full dealership history (In my case the same dealer since new) helps with the residuals come trade in time as well.

I would add to the mix I don't use the local dealer though.

On my fifth Volvo. OK not many by some members history, but I've always used a main dealer for the servicing. That service history book with main dealer stamps has always got me a good trade in price against my new car.

I still get my 1998 V70 serviced at the main dealer and go for the essential service for the reasons outlined by Tannaton and Andy Judge They highlight any other work that may need doing or things to keep an eye on and then we work out how best to proceed. Many things I'll then do myself where practical.

For me this approach works well. It's usually one of the older more experienced staff who do the work. I think they use my car to demonstrate to the newer chaps how things used to be done!

Apart from the service, I get the benefit of having the car looked over by a knowledgeable technician and first class advice on how to deal with any issues myself where appropriate.

However I doubt that a full main dealer service history will make a great deal of difference to the vehicle's resale value after 22 years.

If you have a good independent specialist in your area it may make sense to explore that alternative.

I've no experience of Halfords servicing so can't comment usefully but I doubt they'd be my first choice.

Martin

1998 V70 Tdi Auto 226,000 miles
2008 V70 2.4D auto 116,000 miles

If you’ve ever witnessed Halfords attempt to change a bulb there’s no way you’d even consider letting them loose on a service haha.

Being in Southampton, you could get a quote from these guys. They have been there years.
http://www.independentvolvoservicing.co.uk/


Or a few miles out to the West of Southampton are these guys
https://www.nomanslandgarageltd.co.uk/

It comes down to the triangle of life. Quality, budget, Time. You can only choose two.

So Volvo will provide you with a quality service that's on time, however it wont be cheap. Halfords will be cheap and quick, yet lack quality. You truly get what you pay for. I am very reluctant to take my car anywhere as I trust no one, but when push comes to shove Independent garages such as Hortons in Bucks comes highly recommended.

I'd say that are lots on here that can manage all three.
I can maintain my car to a high standard, for significantly less money than a garage and in less time than it would take me to earn the money to pay someone else.
It depends on circumstances.

I've never taken any of my cars to a main dealer for a service as i feel its expensive,I've done it myself. However I've never been fortunate to have a new car or even one less than 6 years old. I personally wouldn't let halfords service my car let alone buy a bulb. However as cars become more complicated there maybe a time when I will go to main dealers but at the moment i will do mine. This is my personal opinion.

I’ve always serviced myself, even from new. Twice, warranty has been honoured as I used genuine parts, followed the manufacturer’s schedule and have a stamp. I’ve never had an issue with resale. Part-ex never questioned and those sold privately likewise.

My last private buyer brought a retired Volvo mechanic who quizzed me and was satisfied with my responses.

You don't have to use a dealer, you can get an independent Volvo specialist that has VIDA software to service the vehicle & it won't affect your warranty. Specialists are usually cheaper than dealerships, so that's another option for you. However, the breakdown cover that dealerships offer as part of the service price won't be an option if you go to an independent garage, so that's another thing to consider.

In my view, Halfords are okay for things like screen wash, air fresheners, polish etc. As for servicing, I wouldn't use them because they won't have a clue about Volvo's, or any other prestige cars for that matter.

If you aren't going to go to an independent garage, then definitely bring it to the dealership... Its worth the extra cost. Stay away from Halfords, for servicing anyway.

service
 

I have had my 2016 xc60 serviced by the dealer since new it is now due again,
due to lockdown etc I have only done 3,000 miles they have quoted me £298.00 for an intermediate service!
I note that previously they have used shell helix ultra oil 0W-30 but last time they used Castrol edge 0W-20 either way its a bit annoying that I can buy the oil nearly 50% cheaper than they charge me, I also note that one service they charged me for 5.9 ltr another is 5.6ltr etc I know its not a lot of difference but should it not be the same amount every time?

one one of the services they have used the wrong oil depending on which engine you have . I guess 5 cylinder going by your oil quantity , the correct volume for a 5 cylinder is 5.7 litres . 0W/20 is the WRONG oil .

It is quite acceptable for you to leave your own oil in the car for them to use ... as long as you tell them in advance ..

service
 

Thanks Clan,
yes it is the 2.4 5 cylinder model

Why would you need or want your oil changed with such low miles covered?

Water contamination from condensation in the engine . The oil never gets hot enough to boil it off through the breather system.

Or, expect the dealership to know which oil to use in the first place for their hefty service premiums. :regular_smile:

Makes sense , but what does your stamp say?

well of course the dealership knows they have to adhere to very strict standards audited by independent auditors 2 or more times a year . , its the individual who put it in who doesn't ..🙄

Isn't that a pity.

I wonder if Jensencars had a problem with his/her car due to the trained Volvo mechanic putting the wrong oil in the engine, would Volvo have listened? Luckily, he/she didn't, but you'd expect going to a dealership & paying top whack for servicing that they'd at least use the right oil for the engine! :rolleyes:

Jensencars, when you bring your car in for a service to the main dealer again, it maybe worth flagging that the wrong oil was used on the last service. You might get a discount! :teeth_smile:

No problem as yet, I just have it serviced annually as I always have with my cars, but will be doing this one to get the correct oil back in it.... discount🤣 never been offered anything like that at my dealership!!!!

XXXX motor services (my surname)
Contact email address
Major/minor service (I can cross out to suit)
Mileage
Date

Never been questioned

I agree. I also place myself in that group. I should of stated with regards to dealerships, independents etc.