JimmyBurnWorld
Tuesday 22nd May 2012, 19:05
Let the debate re-begin.
I'm rapidly approaching another service interval and have a quandry: Main dealer, or find another independant and roll the dice.
I live in Shrewsbury, work in Stoke On Trent. After purchasing the car (V70 D5 2003) I used an independant in Stoke reccomended as a Volvo specialist. Unfortunatley the owner/ mechanic always seemed over-stretched, and although very helpful, fell down on basics like letting me know the car wasn't going to be ready on time. Then following a very poor experience of a belt service, I ceased using him. Since taking my car elsewhere I have found a couple of things which had been paid for, but blatantly couldn't have been done.
The last service was done by an 'all makes' service centre that's part of the Volvo main dealer group in Shrewsbury. I paid for their 4 star service, and while I believe the oil and filter has been changed, I don't feel much else has been touched, despite the extensive tick sheet!
I guess deep down I want a garage to take the car in, remove a sensible wad of cash from my wallet and actually tell me there's loads that needs attention on the car. I've either been very lucky, or these garages are not doing their jobs because my V70 has 198K on it, and after 4 interim services and a cam belt service the only thing I've been advised on are some brake pads!
Will taking it to the shiny Volvo service centre leave my wallet empty and the car no better for it? Or will the experts magically transform my mile weary wagon?
Go.....
I'm rapidly approaching another service interval and have a quandry: Main dealer, or find another independant and roll the dice.
I live in Shrewsbury, work in Stoke On Trent. After purchasing the car (V70 D5 2003) I used an independant in Stoke reccomended as a Volvo specialist. Unfortunatley the owner/ mechanic always seemed over-stretched, and although very helpful, fell down on basics like letting me know the car wasn't going to be ready on time. Then following a very poor experience of a belt service, I ceased using him. Since taking my car elsewhere I have found a couple of things which had been paid for, but blatantly couldn't have been done.
The last service was done by an 'all makes' service centre that's part of the Volvo main dealer group in Shrewsbury. I paid for their 4 star service, and while I believe the oil and filter has been changed, I don't feel much else has been touched, despite the extensive tick sheet!
I guess deep down I want a garage to take the car in, remove a sensible wad of cash from my wallet and actually tell me there's loads that needs attention on the car. I've either been very lucky, or these garages are not doing their jobs because my V70 has 198K on it, and after 4 interim services and a cam belt service the only thing I've been advised on are some brake pads!
Will taking it to the shiny Volvo service centre leave my wallet empty and the car no better for it? Or will the experts magically transform my mile weary wagon?
Go.....