Main dealer health check

[Gareth Kent]

Hi all. Main dealer just called me to offer a free winter health check. It takes an hour apparently so sounds like a mini visual service. Anyone used this and is it worthwhile?

 

[whitenemesis]

It's free, what's to loose?? (Well, apart from an hour of your time if you wait...)

 

[evdok]

Bait

 

[automaniaman]

Go for it...you might even get a cup of coffee thrown in for free.

 

[whitenemesis]

You man or mouse? Take their 'report' and say thank you, you'll think on it.

You never know they might, just might find something you'll want to know about...

 

[evdok]

I raid the tea & cookies when I'm at my dealer, i even bring some home

 

[BlackC55]

Its a revenue earner. They put these offers out to coax you in and then rip your car to bits.

 

[MWCLS]

Nothing free at the main dealer! Agree with BlackC55.

 

[whitenemesis]

Of course it is but one doesn't have to let them actually do anything, simply take the report on advisement. Costs nothing.

Then take it round to your friendly indie for a second opinion

 

[brucemillar]

Well my neighbour took them up on this "free" offer and came home believing he was the owner of the worlds most dangerous car. Apparently his brakes were shot, as were his rear tyres, several suspension bushes and one or two small oil leaks.

He put a complaint into the selling dealer who immediately offered to have the car back. Guess what. Brakes fine, Rear tyres still perfectly legal, oil leaks, could not be found. Suspension bushes, no fault found.

This was on a six month old car.

Revenue earner indeed.

 

[lxi]

Its a revenue earner. They put these offers out to coax you in and then rip your car to bits.

A bit of an unfair and sweeping statement. Simply tarring all main dealers with the same (unsubstantiated) brush isn't impressive.

There are good main dealers but then possibly some that might resort to that sort of trick.

In the same way as there are good indies and possibly some that etc.

 

[Gareth Kent]

Useful thoughts. Thanks chaps. Will report back on good or bad experience.

 

[Reggie-rock]

This free health check was offered to me by MB with my last CLK about 3 years ago and duly gave me an estimated bill of £1,150 and I only took it to the main dealers for something small, which escapes my memory now.
Had all the work done at a local recommended garage for around £500 except the front suspension bushes, which were not worn when I had them checked again, although MB said they were.

 

[GLK]

I do it four times a year, clean bill of health almost every time. Last time I had something mentioned, last spring - front engine mounts worn, I took care of that at a trusted specialist, for about 20% of MB quoted price - new OE mounts fitted and all "green" at the next health check ... They don't actually force you to do anything, do they?

 

[bob6600]

Should be called a wealth check

 

[whitenemesis]

No, should be called a gullibility check....

 

[GP801]

I have had a few of these health checks over the years at MB Gatwick (Lookers). Rarely do they actually flag anything up and never any pressure to have the work done.
Many years ago when I had an E28 BMW the main dealer said wishbones etc were shot. Lots of money to fix. Did not bother as no money then but it passed another 8 MOTs in my ownership without a single comment on any part of the suspension.

 

[rifiki]

Had a 'free health check' when the gear box oil was changed. Tried to sell me 2 new tyres when there was 4 1/2mm tread left.

 

[brucemillar]

A bit of an unfair and sweeping statement. Simply tarring all main dealers with the same (unsubstantiated) brush isn't impressive.

There are good main dealers but then possibly some that might resort to that sort of trick.

In the same way as there are good indies and possibly some that etc.

You are not suggesting that there maybe some dealers out there who offer this service out of a sense of goodwill to all?

No, I thought not. They do it to make money for themselves and I suspect the more gullible the punter the more happy the dealer.

 

[lxi]

You are not suggesting that there maybe some dealers out there who offer this service out of a sense of goodwill to all?

No, I thought not. They do it to make money for themselves and I suspect the more gullible the punter the more happy the dealer.

Not sure if that is a question or statement.

Of course some disreputable outfits (main dealers and indies alike) will try it on and there are always people who will fall for the equivalent of what they regard as those who know best.

Conversely, there are indeed some dealers who adopt a more realistic stance and class this as building good customer relations - it's part of running grown up businesses and it works a whole lot better than "negative selling" which I always see as a sign of weakness and inefficiency.