Independent Volvo Specialists

Hello all

This is my first post to the forum so if it`s in the wrong place or whatever.. apologies.

I have owned a 1999 V70 2.4 140 Estate for exactly 12 months now. I`m delighted with the car and intend to keep for some time. It has FSH and is due for service now. My questions are:-

1. In peoples experience, are "Independent Volvo specialists" rated as good as dealers for servicing. The cost is significantly less and whilst I want the best for the vehicle, I can`t afford to break the bank unnecessarily.

2. Can anybody recommend a good value for money dealer or independent in the North West (Warrington / Manchester) area.

Any help greatly Appreciated.

Cheers

Stu

Hi,
I have both my 960 and 850T5-R serviced at Independant Vehicles (volvo specialist) in Altrincham Cheshire.
They are a fraction of the cost of the main dealer, use mostly Origional parts and are very quick at turning stuff around!!!
For example I just got my 850s 80,000 mile service done (cambelt etc) for £190 plus Vat as opposed to £500 plus at my local main agent.
I dropped the car off at 8.30am and had it back by 2.00pm on the same day too!!!
If you want to give em a call they are on 0161 969 1551 Tell em Simon Lock (850 T5-R) sent you :o)

Thanks for the info Simon, I`ll give them a call tomorrow.

Cheers

Stu

[monsterdark]

Have you tried this garage they are also volvo specialists

Low Hall service Station
Liverpool Rd
Platt bridge
Wigan WN2 3TY

01942 866594 / 866384

[Philip Fisher]

I can recommend Bromleys Volvo in Chorley Lancs. They looked after me when I had to have a new engine in my V70 T5. They are also a Volvo breakers, so can usually supply bits secondhand as well as non genuine and genuine brand new bits. Not sure of the number, but they have a good web site, so you should be able to find it.

Thanks to all for responding. I`ll give feedback when I`ve had the car serviced.

There seems to be a healthy debate about quality of dealers and independants, which can only benefit people who want to protect their assets and see good value for money.

Cheers

Stu

[gareth71]

I dunno what it is that you've got that I haven't ... I asked almost exactly this question a few months ago when I'd just got my V70 (looking for recommendations for independent Volvo garages in the N.Wales/N.West area) and received bugger-all in the way of replies - and now you get three recommendations straight off!

Quick update for info if interested.

Based on recommendations, I had my V70 serviced recently at Low Hall sevice station in Wigan. They were very competitive (less than £130 for 10k service) and provided a courtesy car free of charge. I did not receive any of the usual calls saying that the car needed additional work doing and everything was done as per the service routine (as far as I can tell). When I phoned for the quote, I asked some questions about what work would be done, what type of oil was used etc and was completely happy with the replies and the way they were communicated, they clearly have years of experience with Volvos and enjoy lots of repeat business. All in all excellent service and value for money.

It really shows that the independants have to work to obtain and maintain their reputations, which as with the one above, are usually well deserved. My, and friends/colleagues experiences with main dealers is not particularly good (any main dealer, Volvo or otherwise), ranging from disappointed to seriously cheesed off. I always leave with the feeling that the person I have just spoken to either didn`t understand or had ignored what I said to him, maybe I`m just unlucky. Could they be complacent because the "I always use a main dealer" type customer can sustain there sales performance? Having said all that I don`t particularly have a "downer" on main dealers but I will be using the above mentioned independant for 1/3 of the cost and feeling happy with the service (car and customer), from now on.

Cheers

Stu

He's prettier... seriously, Vermant in Mechelen north of Brussels is the best there is in terms of Volvo dealers... seriously again, this is a top bunch and welcome to us, Stu. Hope you join the club.

George

[link:www.ttsservices.co.uk/my%20volvos.htm|http://www.ttsservices.co.uk/My%20car.JPG]

'95 940 Polar LPT (B230FK/AW71; 130k)
'92 940 SE Turbo (B200FT/M46; 150k)
'87 740 GLE Turbo Diesel Intercooler (D24TIC/ZF22; 210k)

I think the key is not to think that main dealers are the best just because they are main dealers. Consider them one of many options and judge for yourself which one you prefer based on price, service, distance and so on.

George

[link:www.ttsservices.co.uk/my%20volvos.htm|http://www.ttsservices.co.uk/My%20car.JPG]

'95 940 Polar LPT (B230FK/AW71; 130k)
'92 940 SE Turbo (B200FT/M46; 150k)
'87 740 GLE Turbo Diesel Intercooler (D24TIC/ZF22; 210k)