Main Dealer Services

My 110k service is due shortly. I have the dilemma of going to my local main dealer or going to a volvo specialist nearby. What are the views with regards workmanship and value for money, also with having the service schedule stamped by a main dealer as opposed to a private garage.

Paul

Hi Paul,

Whereabouts are you? Hopefully someone local to you may have personal experience of Volvo main dealer or specialist close to you.

Unfortunately service still varies a lot between dealers!

My T5 is also due for a service... what can people reccomend for around bilericay (Essex) ... or maybe Loughborough (up there some weekends)

tia, Andy.

[ALANT5RBEAL]

HI
In my view at 110.000 miles main dealer servicing in not worth the expense but good specialist is.If in surrey go to GB Autos of North Cheam
Cheers Alan

[markas]

Hi Guys,

My little story started in Birmingham where i kept away from main LEX dealerships the labour cost were high, and the salesman were snotty. My local dealer lost its franchise unfortunately and then went to Jeep.

I then move up north to work where i am based now and the labour costs are cheaper. It again depends upon you, you can have one good dealer in a few that you personally get on with.

I haven't had a dealer stamp in nearly 2 years now, i do most servicing myself and unless you are getting rid of your car in the future all you really need is a reliable mechanic either dealer, local or friend.

just my opinion.

Mark.

[neil stevenson]

If you can spare the time go down to the local specialist and ask a few questions. How much work does he do ? How many days in advance do you have to book it in ? (the longer the better as he has plenty of work). Ask to see the workshop and see how work is done. Speak to the mechanic who will be working on your vehicle. If he can explain just what is involved in the service of your vehicle, what tends to go wrong and shows an interest in your type of vehicle then you can feel assured that the job should be done well.
Has the firm been in business long and at the same location.

All these questions should give you an idea that your pride and joy (no matter what it's worth £1000 or £25000) will be well looked after and any problems put right with the least expense and delay.

When a vehicle is out of a dealer warranty having the service book stamped by a good garage is far better than a bad Volvo garage.

Personally a good non franchised garage is preferred to a Volvo garage as the sales is where Volvo expect the results and the service boys expect to exchange items under warranty rather than fix them.
Money is better in my pocket rather than in a main agents.