non franchise servicing

[valentino46]

Hi everyone whats the general opinion on non main dealer servicing? Just coming to the end of a 7yrs of service by Mr T, and as the car is now not worth much , in relative terms, if it might be worth considering … thanks . 

[Heidfirst]

bear in mind that your car qualifies for 5+ Club service & MOT rates (20% off) if the dealer operates the scheme. https://www.toyota.co.uk/owners/service-mot-maintenance/servicing

[Mooly]

In terms of maintaining its value then I would say at 7 years old the value of a main dealer history becomes less important. Provided a service history is maintained then overall condition is what potential buyers will look for.

OK that said...

I've always used main dealers until the last couple of years for both our Corolla which is 16 years old and my 9.5 year old Auris (which is pristine and has had dry weather use only). These last two years have seen me start using a small independent garage and tbh I've been very pleased indeed.

The Toyota service/mot for older cars seems like good value and in terms of cost alone it is, however all you really get is an oil/filter change and a long list of 'checks', the majority of which are covered by an MOT anyway. The independent has been far more thorough and has detailed preventative work carried out such as applying grease to parts of the brake lines to prevent further corrosion (on the Corolla) and charging only for parts for minor items. For example, although the last MOT was passed they commented that the orange front indicator bulbs were loosing their orange colour due to deterioration of the applied coating or whatever on the bulbs themselves. All done for just the cost of a couple of bulbs <£5. A 'free' courtesy car (new Kia Picanto) was an added bonus. Quite a lot of little things that all add up to a good impression.

   

 

[TonyHSD]

If you are an diy person best is to get work done by yourself. Plenty of info here and other websites what and how to service, follow manual too and nothing to worry about it.