Where to get your car serviced: Main dealer vs local garage
In 2003, the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation was passed. It finally allowed motorists the freedom to choose where they had their car maintenance and vehicle services carried out, as warranties were no longer tied to dealerships or franchises (just as long as the new operator promised to use approved or genuine parts and consumables).
With the freedom of choice firmly in the hands of each driver and car owner, the majority of people headed to their favourite independent garages instead of the dealerships for their full, major or interim car services, with some surveys estimating as many as 70% of drivers going down this new route.Today, we’re going to consider the merits of both options, so that you can decide which is the perfect place to service your car.
A dealer service history protects car resale value
With their giant forecourts full of cars, an expanse of glass and polished chrome, and an array of staff floating around each showroom, the car dealership already looks expensive, whether it be Ferrari, Mercedes or Toyota.
However, they don’t always deliver the higher prices we expect of them, and without a doubt, they have the most up-to-date tools and diagnostic equipment for their brand. However, all of that glitter and tech costs money. And that money has got to come from their customers’ pockets one way or another.
So why do so many drivers still choose to use main dealers?
A dealer service history protects car resale value
With a full manufacturer’s service history, your car will achieve a far better figure when the time comes to sell it, no matter whether it’s an oil change or a full service. And it may be easier to sell, too.
A dealership service history shows the level of love and attention the car has received since it first hit the road, and that only genuine parts and recommended replacements have graced its cabin, engine, and exterior.
It’s a particularly good idea if you own a relatively new car, as a service and repair history from anywhere other than a dealer may have more of an impact on the value of your car.
Simpler warranty claims at dealerships
If your car is still in warranty through its original period, or if you’ve purchased an extended warranty, it’s better to go back to the dealership to get your car serviced. When you’re still covered and there’s a fault, the dealership may (and, in fact, should) pay for all parts and work carried out.
You use a main dealership service plan
Certain manufacturers, like Audi or Volvo, may give you a full service plan that covers maintenance and repairs if you’ve purchased on finance, e.g. PCP (Personal Contract Purchase). If that’s the case, it’s definitely best to take the car back to them for your free service.
The advantages of using an independent garage for servicing
Here at Fixter , we champion the local mechanics and independent garages—and rightly so. Depending on the age and the condition of your car, your independent garage offers several advantages that make them so popular with so many car owners.
Lower price and value for money
When choosing a car service, the most-considered metric by drivers—if they haven’t already found their trusted mechanic—is cost. Your local garage doesn’t have the huge overheads that the dealerships do, so you’ll find far better deals.
Dealerships are often driven by targets to ensure profitability. Unfortunately, that can mean sales staff pushing additional items and upselling at every opportunity.
Have you ever wondered just how many of those ‘extras’ that cropped up during your service are necessary? Did all four of your tyres really need replacing? Did your brake discs really have so little life left? Many drivers with a little understanding and experience have a story of being squeezed for parts that still had plenty of life left in them. We’re not saying all dealerships do that; far from it, most are more than trustworthy with what they do, but we have seen cases where the less informed driver has been taken advantage of. What we’re suggesting is that if you’re ever unsure, don’t be afraid to get a second opinion.
superior personal service
Take your car to a dealership for a service, and the chances are that you’ll never meet the mechanic working on it. However, at your local garage, you’ll probably be on a first-name basis with them within 10 minutes of stepping through the door.
It’s in their best interest to do a great job with your service, so that you turn into the regular repeat customer they need to pay the bills. Local mechanics are the passionate motoring geeks that walk you through your car’s condition, and the best way to keep it in its optimum order. I’ve regularly had mechanics go that extra mile to get the job done right, and throw in plenty of the smaller jobs as part of the deal. It’s just how they work!
Independent garages trade on their good reputation
The extra effort that reputable independent garages put in translates into word-of-mouth recommendations and 5-star online reviews, which, in turn, helps them to win new customers. Reputation is everything for the independent garage, and they work hard to maintain them. You’ll certainly find a very good mechanic if you go to a well-reviewed garage for your car service./span>
Get your car serviced anywhere
When it comes to convenience, your local mechanic is likely to be far easier to get to than a main dealership. Depending on your car manufacturer, it could be a twenty or thirty-mile drive to your nearest showroom.
Access to a wider selection of genuine parts
There are advantages to fitting only genuine manufacturer parts, but if your car’s seen a few miles, the chances are that it’s not going to make all that much of a difference with the warranty out of the question. However, it could save you a small fortune.
Your local mechanic will know which of the aftermarket components are as reliable as the originals, and which will save you money long term—another tick in the independent’s box.
Your local mechanic will know which of the aftermarket components are as reliable as the originals and which will save you money long term—another tick in the independent’s box.
A broader knowledge base
We won’t question the expertise of a dealership mechanic. They work solely on one manufacturer’s range, so they have considerable experience with those models.
However, working on every type of car known to man gives the independent garage mechanic more chance to see the weirdest and unlikely situations. They’ll have seen all kinds of occurrences that present from older cars, things that the dealership-appropriate models may never show. They’re like the GPs of the motor industry!
Why should I use Fixter to service my car?
You only have to scroll down our servicing page to see just how much money our Fixter partners will save you over dealership prices—up to as much as 30%! Book your MOT in at the same time, and you could double your savings!
And nobody does convenience like Fixter with an end-to-end contactless service, collecting your car and delivering it back to you wherever you are, means there’s no interruption to your day whatsoever.
About Fixter
Fixter is revolutionising the car maintenance industry, one repair at a time. Fixter was founded to make car maintenance as easy as booking a taxi. Digital, transparent and stress-free, with world-class customer service. Since launching in Manchester in 2017, Fixter has expanded to more than 100 towns and cities across the UK and provided thousands of car owners with honest, convenient and affordable car repair services.