Main Dealer or Indy

[Panther]

Hi all. I have just joined having purchased a 2011 350SL. It has always been dealer serviced but at 14 years old I am considering using an Indy I had Winter Health Check done today and was informed that their hourly rate is £230! I live in Thetford Norfolk so if anyone can recommend an Indy locally that would be helpful. Am I right moving away from main dealer servicing?

 

[tony gee]

at £230 P/H to right you should !!!!!! thats just daylight robbery.

 

[DSM10000]

Absolutely no advantage paying money to the main dealer.

It certainly will not add any value to the car

 

[Panther]

Agree. They did quote me £50 per month for a service plan including mot. I think that was for 2 years. However I wouldn’t touch any repairs at that rate.

 

[markjay]

Agree. They did quote me £50 per month for a service plan including mot. I think that was for 2 years. However I wouldn’t touch any repairs at that rate.

Having the scheduled servicing done at the dealer on a service plan and any repairs (or discs and pads) done by a trusted indie isn't a bad strategy at all.

Alternatively, you could also check with the dealer if they offer 'value servicing' for cars 7 years old or older - some do.

 

[Panther]

Having the scheduled servicing done at the dealer on a service plan and any repairs (or discs and pads) done by a trusted indie isn't a bad strategy at all.

Alternatively, you could also check with the dealer if they offer 'value servicing' for cars 7 years old or older - some do.

I did ask them about reduced prices for older cars because I had read that somewhere. No deal. I have asked a local indie for a price for servicing so I can compare and contrast

 

[SmartAmg]

 

[Panther]

View attachment 166770

Thank you

 

[ube63]

Reputable independent specialists around Hampshire and Sussex charge around 75 to 110+VAT. When I lived in the North East not too long ago my independent charged 40+VAT (mates' rate) another reputable one charged 60+VAT, it probably does not get cheaper than that in England. Even the most expensive independent will be around the half of what the dealer quoted you. And if you build a relationship with your independent you will probably get freebies heare and there as well.

 

[Panther]

Reputable independent specialists around Hampshire and Sussex charge around 75 to 110+VAT. When I lived in the North East not too long ago my independent charged 40+VAT (mates' rate) another reputable one charged 60+VAT, it probably does not get cheaper than that in England. Even the most expensive independent will be around the half of what the dealer quoted you. And if you build a relationship with your independent you will probably get freebies heare and there as well.

I agree, £100 per hour. The service plan is £600 pa inc MOT so £550 for a service. I will confirm the Indy price tomorrow, they will be cheaper, but they have be someone I trust. My SVR is 5years old with Jag warranty but serviced by a trusted Indy using OEM parts that’s what I am looking for with the Merc. Jag are happy with that and so am I

 

[markjay]

I agree, £100 per hour. The service plan is £600 pa inc MOT so £550 for a service. I will confirm the Indy price tomorrow, they will be cheaper, but they have be someone I trust. My SVR is 5years old with Jag warranty but serviced by a trusted Indy using OEM parts that’s what I am looking for with the Merc. Jag are happy with that and so am I

An indie won't necessarily be cheaper than a dealer service done under the plan, it really depends on what needs to be done.

For a straight A or B with no additional items, the indie will be cheaper, but if one or more 'big' services fall under the plan, then the indie might not be able to compete on price.

However, as we keep saying, it's not only about the price.

 

[Panther]

An indie won't necessarily be cheaper than a dealer service done under the plan, it really depends on what needs to be done.

For a straight A or B with no additional items, the indie will be cheaper, but if one or more 'big' services fall under the plan, then the indie might not be able to compete on price.

However, as we keep saying, it's not only about the price.

Correct, hence my request for any recommendations. I am in no rush to have it serviced so I can take my time. Ultimately you can get poor quality service at both an Indie or a dealer. I will continue to do my research. The advice on here is much appreciated.

 

[neilrr]

...their hourly rate is £230!

Inclusive of VAT?

 

[190]

There's a little back street garage owned by a father and son that I've used for an MOT in the past. They charge £40 for an mot and labour rates for repairs are £50 + vat. I'm not sure how they stay in business but they are an absolute joy to deal with compared to a main dealer. The only thing missing is a waiting room with coffee but you can get both nearby for a few pounds. They are not going to be equipped to do everything to a sophisticated modern car but for something like new brake pads or discs I'd trust them every time.

 

[TC350]

As has already been said, the choice is about more than money.

I'm guessing that your nearest Mercedes dealership is at Bury St Edmunds. If so, it's part of Group 1 Automotive, the same people as the Peterborough branch that I use. I've been using them, under their various umbrellas, for every service on my C350 since buying new from them in 2012. I've never had a problem with them.

I have used the Service Plans throughout for several reasons. By opting for the longest available option (preferably 4 years) I feel protected against annual price increases. The Plan includes all items listed on the service schedules, including the expensive ATF and spark plug changes. With my C350 being at the top end of the models grouped together at the same price in the Plan, I'm gaining from things like getting 6 plugs changed instead of just the 4 in all the other models priced the same.

If you do decide to go down the Indie route, first check with them on their charges for those ridiculously expensive items.

Probably my main reason for sticking with the dealership is convenience. They're much closer to me than any Indie and they always provide a Mercedes courtesy car. If I preferred, they would give me a lift to and from home/work.

There are many excellent sounding Indies around the country, especially those that specialise in Mercedes. For me, it's not worth the hassle of driving all the way to one of them just to save a few bob. But that's my personal opinion. You should go for what suits you the best.

 

[NJSS]

I am particularly lucky to have Mercedes Benz & Smart Specialists | Prestige Car Service | Horndean, Hampshire very close at hand.

I use them for my SL & another indy for my Land Rover.

My only thoughts are that I would only consider a "one make" indy, and I would check reviews & recommendations.

Prestige are brilliant.

 

[DSM10000]

I am particularly lucky to have Mercedes Benz & Smart Specialists | Prestige Car Service | Horndean, Hampshire very close at hand.

I use them for my SL & another indy for my Land Rover.

My only thoughts are that I would only consider a "one make" indy, and I would check reviews & recommendations.

Prestige are brilliant.

I have only use Prestige once for a transmission service on my previous W211.

I echo the above comment. A throughly professional and pleasant garage to deal with and excellent work.

 

[Panther]

Inclusive of VAT?

Yep

 

[Panther]

As has already been said, the choice is about more than money.

I'm guessing that your nearest Mercedes dealership is at Bury St Edmunds. If so, it's part of Group 1 Automotive, the same people as the Peterborough branch that I use. I've been using them, under their various umbrellas, for every service on my C350 since buying new from them in 2012. I've never had a problem with them.

I have used the Service Plans throughout for several reasons. By opting for the longest available option (preferably 4 years) I feel protected against annual price increases. The Plan includes all items listed on the service schedules, including the expensive ATF and spark plug changes. With my C350 being at the top end of the models grouped together at the same price in the Plan, I'm gaining from things like getting 6 plugs changed instead of just the 4 in all the other models priced the same.

If you do decide to go down the Indie route, first check with them on their charges for those ridiculously expensive items.

Probably my main reason for sticking with the dealership is convenience. They're much closer to me than any Indie and they always provide a Mercedes courtesy car. If I preferred, they would give me a lift to and from home/work.

There are many excellent sounding Indies around the country, especially those that specialise in Mercedes. For me, it's not worth the hassle of driving all the way to one of them just to save a few bob. But that's my personal opinion. You should go for what suits you the best.

Thank you for your reply. The points you raise are valid and I am currently investigating my options to ensure I make the right decision.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I echo the above comment. A throughly professional and pleasant garage to deal with and excellent work.

I’d echo that too, PCS in Horndean are genuinely at the top of their game, I can’t recommend them highly enough. It’s a bit of a trek for me - 350 mile round trip - but they’ve worked on several of my cars over the last 15 years or so.

Here’s one having the EV battery replaced, I mean transmission serviced.