Dealer Servicing

[XTR 55]

Dealer servicing, is it really worth it????? For what an interim and main service costs and what they actually do is it financially viable.

Long term for trade in value and long term for reliability. Obviously I would service Rav myself or get my trusted mechanic to do servicing or repairs. Not just leave it.

Cam-belt how long does it take to change and how much does it cost to replace at dealer please

[anchorman]

Hi Marky

I have never had my RAV serviced by the dealer. When I bought the car it had parking sensors fitted by the dealer (never again will they touch my car). The first trip out was to a garden centre and I need to drop a seat down. It wouldn't go and I knew straight away that it was the cable to the seat that was not connected so I pulled all the back out and under the boot tray was oily boot marks and numerous cable tie ends etc. I would never do that and decided from that moment I was going to work on it. Don't get me wrong, the dealer has been very good and obliging, especially with warranty work but I just can't handle the thought of some youth treating it with disrespect.

The upshot is that I have done all my own servicing including a "half time" (about every 6 months) oil change. It has been done to the book and the dealer agreed to look over it and stamp my book.

So! it has a full service history, I know it has been done right and it runs like a Swiss watch.

I don't really know if it would affect the residual value. I went with a friend to buy a Mazda 6 and when asked if it had a FSH my mate nodded at me and said "e'z dun it". The salesman said "thats fine as long as it has been done"!!!

Some might not be as easy going but if you deduct the cost of 3 years servicing from what they might deduct from not having a FSH I think it would at least break even. Anyway, its my car and I prefer me to play with it.

[XTR 55]

Thanks for reply Anchorman. I do now find it difficult to service car at home. I do however know a very trustworthy mechanic who could/would do any work needed. I do agree that if you diy service you do know what has or hasn't been done and what fluids etc were used.

An intermediate dealer service costs in region of £170 yet all they actually change is engine oil and filter, everything else is just inspected.

[local hero]

Just the opposite to Anchs, I have had all my srvicing done at MrT on my three Ravs for the last 12yrs, All my ravs have had at least £2000 of oem accessories fitted + when i have traded them in I don't believe i have had 1p extra for either the fitted accessories or my loyalty to the brand or my impeccable service history, indeed the way i have been treated by the RRG group (too much to list) means i will never darken their doors again, + were i ever to change my car again i would not purchase from them, About 6 mths ago i took a chap to a huge house, he told me on the way, he owned 12 car dealerships, I later found out he was the owner of the RRG group which owns all the Toyota Lexus etc dealerships around Manchester, wish I had known at the time still i might get him again + when he gets out his ears will be ringing

[MarsKy]

Thanks for reply Anchorman. I do now find it difficult to service car at home. I do however know a very trustworthy mechanic who could/would do any work needed. I do agree that if you diy service you do know what has or hasn't been done and what fluids etc were used.

An intermediate dealer service costs in region of £170 yet all they actually change is engine oil and filter, everything else is just inspected.

Some other service costs as an indicator:

1st year/ 10k mile service costs: http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=88563

2nd year/ 20k mile service costs: http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.p...howtopic=102678

[anchorman]

An intermediate dealer service costs in region of £170 yet all they actually change is engine oil and filter, everything else is just inspected.

Good example. I pay about £20 for the oil and £3 for a filter (genuine Toyota).

[redlew]

An opposite view. I don't have the time or ability to service my car so unless I never ever get it serviced (not a good idea!) then I have to pay for someone to do it. I can take it to Joe Soaps backstreet emporium , Nationwide/Halfords or similar national chains, Vauxhall/other main dealers who service any make or Mr T. As my car is under the extended Mr T warranty, I have to take it at present to Mr T. I haven't decided whether to extend the warranty with Mr T next year or go with Quentin Willson's firm . If I don't extend with Mr T, I'm still inclined to go with Mr T for servicing as they have all the equipment and know how. But happy to be told that non franchise garages do just a good a job for a fraction of the price.

On the accessories point, I'm afraid it is fact of life that if you buy a car and add (say) reversing sensors and tow bar for a total of about £1k, you haven't increased its second hand value by a 1p.

[bothwell_buyer]

An opposite view. I don't have the time or ability to service my car so unless I never ever get it serviced (not a good idea!) then I have to pay for someone to do it. I can take it to Joe Soaps backstreet emporium , Nationwide/Halfords or similar national chains, Vauxhall/other main dealers who service any make or Mr T. As my car is under the extended Mr T warranty, I have to take it at present to Mr T. I haven't decided whether to extend the warranty with Mr T next year or go with Quentin Willson's firm . If I don't extend with Mr T, I'm still inclined to go with Mr T for servicing as they have all the equipment and know how. But happy to be told that non franchise garages do just a good a job for a fraction of the price.

On the accessories point, I'm afraid it is fact of life that if you buy a car and add (say) reversing sensors and tow bar for a total of about £1k, you haven't increased its second hand value by a 1p.

I only use a local small company to do all the work on my cars - which are mainly Toyotas. They are Jap car specialists but also do MOTs and work on other cars. they have more equipment than most dealers as the diagnostic stuff they have is required for the engine tuning, etc necessary for the high spec tuning they do (stage 3 race on one of my RAVs). Their hourly rate is less than half of a dealer, and if they think something is worth fixing than replacing, they tell you. They often tell me stories about how they take cars in that have been 'repaired' botched by dealers.

A dealer is no different to any garage - its how well the training is done; the supervision; the passion of the staff; their knowledge and experience; and the signs are what sort of car the owner drives and the house he/she lives in!!

A dealer has to deal with, say Toyota - think of all the Toyota car types over the last 18 years. then of course things like a Toyota dealer losing the franchise so the next week they become a SEAT dealer.... :wacko: One of the local Toyota dealer workshop supervisors told me that putting a 3SGTE engine into a RAV couldn't be done.... my garage has now fixed up 2 RAVs with the 3SGTE !!

[XTR 55]

Thank you all for replies.

I do know a trustworthy mechanic and as some have mentioned, work done at a fraction of Toyota dealership costs. He tends to use oem parts if price difference not too vast. Although most oem parts are made by a handful of manufacturers with a stamp on it.

Thanks again

[redlew]

An opposite view. I don't have the time or ability to service my car so unless I never ever get it serviced (not a good idea!) then I have to pay for someone to do it. I can take it to Joe Soaps backstreet emporium , Nationwide/Halfords or similar national chains, Vauxhall/other main dealers who service any make or Mr T. As my car is under the extended Mr T warranty, I have to take it at present to Mr T. I haven't decided whether to extend the warranty with Mr T next year or go with Quentin Willson's firm . If I don't extend with Mr T, I'm still inclined to go with Mr T for servicing as they have all the equipment and know how. But happy to be told that non franchise garages do just a good a job for a fraction of the price.

On the accessories point, I'm afraid it is fact of life that if you buy a car and add (say) reversing sensors and tow bar for a total of about £1k, you haven't increased its second hand value by a 1p.

I only use a local small company to do all the work on my cars - which are mainly Toyotas. They are Jap car specialists but also do MOTs and work on other cars. they have more equipment than most dealers as the diagnostic stuff they have is required for the engine tuning, etc necessary for the high spec tuning they do (stage 3 race on one of my RAVs). Their hourly rate is less than half of a dealer, and if they think something is worth fixing than replacing, they tell you. They often tell me stories about how they take cars in that have been 'repaired' botched by dealers.

A dealer is no different to any garage - its how well the training is done; the supervision; the passion of the staff; their knowledge and experience; and the signs are what sort of car the owner drives and the house he/she lives in!!

A dealer has to deal with, say Toyota - think of all the Toyota car types over the last 18 years. then of course things like a Toyota dealer losing the franchise so the next week they become a SEAT dealer.... :wacko: One of the local Toyota dealer workshop supervisors told me that putting a 3SGTE engine into a RAV couldn't be done.... my garage has now fixed up 2 RAVs with the 3SGTE !!

You've persuaded me-now all I need is a Jap specialist around Leeds-any offers from anyone?

[Red Yaris 54]

You've persuaded me-now all I need is a Jap specialist around Leeds-any offers from anyone?

You could try Norfolk-n-Chance .............................He is (apparently) pretty handy with the spanners..........and not too busy at the moment ;)

[bobby2011]

An opposite view. I don't have the time or ability to service my car so unless I never ever get it serviced (not a good idea!) then I have to pay for someone to do it. I can take it to Joe Soaps backstreet emporium , Nationwide/Halfords or similar national chains, Vauxhall/other main dealers who service any make or Mr T. As my car is under the extended Mr T warranty, I have to take it at present to Mr T. I haven't decided whether to extend the warranty with Mr T next year or go with Quentin Willson's firm . If I don't extend with Mr T, I'm still inclined to go with Mr T for servicing as they have all the equipment and know how. But happy to be told that non franchise garages do just a good a job for a fraction of the price.

On the accessories point, I'm afraid it is fact of life that if you buy a car and add (say) reversing sensors and tow bar for a total of about £1k, you haven't increased its second hand value by a 1p.

I only use a local small company to do all the work on my cars - which are mainly Toyotas. They are Jap car specialists but also do MOTs and work on other cars. they have more equipment than most dealers as the diagnostic stuff they have is required for the engine tuning, etc necessary for the high spec tuning they do (stage 3 race on one of my RAVs). Their hourly rate is less than half of a dealer, and if they think something is worth fixing than replacing, they tell you. They often tell me stories about how they take cars in that have been 'repaired' botched by dealers.

A dealer is no different to any garage - its how well the training is done; the supervision; the passion of the staff; their knowledge and experience; and the signs are what sort of car the owner drives and the house he/she lives in!!

A dealer has to deal with, say Toyota - think of all the Toyota car types over the last 18 years. then of course things like a Toyota dealer losing the franchise so the next week they become a SEAT dealer.... :wacko: One of the local Toyota dealer workshop supervisors told me that putting a 3SGTE engine into a RAV couldn't be done.... my garage has now fixed up 2 RAVs with the 3SGTE !!

Hi bothwell buyer,

I have a rav 4 180 and it is due a 10,000 miles service.

What is the contact details of the garage that does your work ,as I live in the Hamilton area.

Thanks for your help.

Bobby

[gasser]

My xt4 is due its third service was quoted £162 Is this just an oil & filter service or is there something else Wish I could do it myself like Anchor but Im useless with owt like that

[XTR 55]

My xt4 is due its third service was quoted £162 Is this just an oil & filter service or is there something else Wish I could do it myself like Anchor but Im useless with owt like that

Have a nosey in ure service book at what is done for interim service. While mine is older probably same schedule. however if you still have warranty I would stick with dealer. Price does sound very much similar to what I was quoted.

[vivianM]

Just the opposite to Anchs, I have had all my srvicing done at MrT on my three Ravs for the last 12yrs, All my ravs have had at least £2000 of oem accessories fitted + when i have traded them in I don't believe i have had 1p extra for either the fitted accessories or my loyalty to the brand or my impeccable service history, indeed the way i have been treated by the RRG group (too much to list) means i will never darken their doors again, + were i ever to change my car again i would not purchase from them, About 6 mths ago i took a chap to a huge house, he told me on the way, he owned 12 car dealerships, I later found out he was the owner of the RRG group which owns all the Toyota Lexus etc dealerships around Manchester, wish I had known at the time still i might get him again + when he gets out his ears will be ringing

Stewart,

Sorry you have had such a bad experience with RRG - mine has been just the opposite!

Bought my first RAV when it was Culvers at Stockport and then the T180 and an Auris for my wife there in late 2008 - all have been serviced there and they could not have been more helpful both when buying and servicing them - have also been to RRG Macclesfield and they also were very helpful.

Have spoken to RRG at Denton re run flats and they spent a long time on the phone with me.

Stockport also gave me a very good price in part ex for the 2.0 petrol Rav so I expect it all depends on who you are lucky enough to deal with.

Will see what they are like when the T180 is due for it's next service in about Feb/March this year.

Best wishes

Guy

- by the way now have two super boot lights fitted by you know who!

[bothwell_buyer]

An opposite view. I don't have the time or ability to service my car so unless I never ever get it serviced (not a good idea!) then I have to pay for someone to do it. I can take it to Joe Soaps backstreet emporium , Nationwide/Halfords or similar national chains, Vauxhall/other main dealers who service any make or Mr T. As my car is under the extended Mr T warranty, I have to take it at present to Mr T. I haven't decided whether to extend the warranty with Mr T next year or go with Quentin Willson's firm . If I don't extend with Mr T, I'm still inclined to go with Mr T for servicing as they have all the equipment and know how. But happy to be told that non franchise garages do just a good a job for a fraction of the price.

On the accessories point, I'm afraid it is fact of life that if you buy a car and add (say) reversing sensors and tow bar for a total of about £1k, you haven't increased its second hand value by a 1p.

I only use a local small company to do all the work on my cars - which are mainly Toyotas. They are Jap car specialists but also do MOTs and work on other cars. they have more equipment than most dealers as the diagnostic stuff they have is required for the engine tuning, etc necessary for the high spec tuning they do (stage 3 race on one of my RAVs). Their hourly rate is less than half of a dealer, and if they think something is worth fixing than replacing, they tell you. They often tell me stories about how they take cars in that have been 'repaired' botched by dealers.

A dealer is no different to any garage - its how well the training is done; the supervision; the passion of the staff; their knowledge and experience; and the signs are what sort of car the owner drives and the house he/she lives in!!

A dealer has to deal with, say Toyota - think of all the Toyota car types over the last 18 years. then of course things like a Toyota dealer losing the franchise so the next week they become a SEAT dealer.... :wacko: One of the local Toyota dealer workshop supervisors told me that putting a 3SGTE engine into a RAV couldn't be done.... my garage has now fixed up 2 RAVs with the 3SGTE !!

Hi bothwell buyer,

I have a rav 4 180 and it is due a 10,000 miles service.

What is the contact details of the garage that does your work ,as I live in the Hamilton area.

Thanks for your help.

Bobby

pmd you I think

[bobby2011]

An opposite view. I don't have the time or ability to service my car so unless I never ever get it serviced (not a good idea!) then I have to pay for someone to do it. I can take it to Joe Soaps backstreet emporium , Nationwide/Halfords or similar national chains, Vauxhall/other main dealers who service any make or Mr T. As my car is under the extended Mr T warranty, I have to take it at present to Mr T. I haven't decided whether to extend the warranty with Mr T next year or go with Quentin Willson's firm . If I don't extend with Mr T, I'm still inclined to go with Mr T for servicing as they have all the equipment and know how. But happy to be told that non franchise garages do just a good a job for a fraction of the price.

On the accessories point, I'm afraid it is fact of life that if you buy a car and add (say) reversing sensors and tow bar for a total of about £1k, you haven't increased its second hand value by a 1p.

I only use a local small company to do all the work on my cars - which are mainly Toyotas. They are Jap car specialists but also do MOTs and work on other cars. they have more equipment than most dealers as the diagnostic stuff they have is required for the engine tuning, etc necessary for the high spec tuning they do (stage 3 race on one of my RAVs). Their hourly rate is less than half of a dealer, and if they think something is worth fixing than replacing, they tell you. They often tell me stories about how they take cars in that have been 'repaired' botched by dealers.

A dealer is no different to any garage - its how well the training is done; the supervision; the passion of the staff; their knowledge and experience; and the signs are what sort of car the owner drives and the house he/she lives in!!

A dealer has to deal with, say Toyota - think of all the Toyota car types over the last 18 years. then of course things like a Toyota dealer losing the franchise so the next week they become a SEAT dealer.... :wacko: One of the local Toyota dealer workshop supervisors told me that putting a 3SGTE engine into a RAV couldn't be done.... my garage has now fixed up 2 RAVs with the 3SGTE !!

Hi bothwell buyer,

I have a rav 4 180 and it is due a 10,000 miles service.

What is the contact details of the garage that does your work ,as I live in the Hamilton area.

Thanks for your help.

Bobby

pmd you I think

Hi bothwell buyer,

Thank you very much for the information.

Sorry I asked you twice.

Not very good with computers either.Thanks again.

This is a great sight for information and help.

Especially about run flat tyres.

Bobby

[local hero]

Just the opposite to Anchs, I have had all my srvicing done at MrT on my three Ravs for the last 12yrs, All my ravs have had at least £2000 of oem accessories fitted + when i have traded them in I don't believe i have had 1p extra for either the fitted accessories or my loyalty to the brand or my impeccable service history, indeed the way i have been treated by the RRG group (too much to list) means i will never darken their doors again, + were i ever to change my car again i would not purchase from them, About 6 mths ago i took a chap to a huge house, he told me on the way, he owned 12 car dealerships, I later found out he was the owner of the RRG group which owns all the Toyota Lexus etc dealerships around Manchester, wish I had known at the time still i might get him again + when he gets out his ears will be ringing

Stewart,

Sorry you have had such a bad experience with RRG - mine has been just the opposite!

Bought my first RAV when it was Culvers at Stockport and then the T180 and an Auris for my wife there in late 2008 - all have been serviced there and they could not have been more helpful both when buying and servicing them - have also been to RRG Macclesfield and they also were very helpful.

Have spoken to RRG at Denton re run flats and they spent a long time on the phone with me.

Stockport also gave me a very good price in part ex for the 2.0 petrol Rav so I expect it all depends on who you are lucky enough to deal with.

Will see what they are like when the T180 is due for it's next service in about Feb/March this year.

Best wishes

Guy

- by the way now have two super boot lights fitted by you know who!

Glad your happy with your boot lights Guy You know who is a star ..To be fair the two RRG dealers i have had problems with are Salford + Atrincham so maybe I shouldn't tar them all with the same brush.. Stew