do you guys use the dealers after the first free service?

[ttforcefed]

im saying for the basics, brakes, pads, oil etc

 

[jwest]

This really depends on what each owner has in terms of service options in their area.
The "basics" you mention often are DIY for some people or completely foreign for other people.

As for dealers vs other, the most important thing FIRST and foremost is 100% competent and land rover experienced mechanic. "Saving" a few $ by using a tech who overlooks things will cost you a lot more in the long run.

There's also the aspect of time. If you have to make 2 trips to save $50, I'd rather pay the extra $ while knowing for sure things will be done correctly or most efficiently.

Another thing is conveniences like getting a loaner car, safe after hours drop off, shuttling, etc. A small indy shop is usually not able to offer any of that so for true basics where not much labor time is involved, spending maybe 10% more while using a loaner car is well worth the cost.

 

[ttforcefed]

as far as being competent, that's my point. i have over 23 cars and i can say land rover service is pretty darn bad and tough to call competent. and they can careless about dinging a car.

 

[roverman]

Did you want to know who does their own service, or to vent about something?

 

[jwest]

as far as being competent, that's my point. i have over 23 cars and i can say land rover service is pretty darn bad and tough to call competent. and they can careless about dinging a car.

Your experience sounds like you should find somewhere else to go.

I've had competent work at several dealers as well as indy shops but I've also had let downs. You may need to "find your own way" on this one to feel satisfied. What others do is somewhat irrelevant unless you can go to my dealer or another persons indy shop who happens to live in your area too.

Is there something wrong with your keyboard? The typing sounds a bit like gibberish. Maybe you're drunk on being so annoyed

 

[ttforcefed]

no need for me bash any specific dealer - just wondering how many of the guys here find value in paying the dealer for non warranty work, that's all.

 

[RBA]

I do most of my own service and depending on what issue or upgrade I plan on doing, I will either go to an independent shop or a dealer (rarely).

I find the maintenance on these trucks is something that I can do, easily and quickly and I learn something, so no need for the excessive charges ($400 to flush the brake fluid) or hassle of taking it in (drive 30 miles each way, talk to an unfriendly service manager, get shuttled to an enterprise rental car location, stand in line, get a crappy car, have to deal with the up-sell on a different car then LR provides, get up-sold on the insurance, and then do it all in reverse upon return- it just adds up to a hassle).

 

[jwest]

I do most of my own service and depending on what issue or upgrade I plan on doing, I will either go to an independent shop or a dealer (rarely).

I find the maintenance on these trucks is something that I can do, easily and quickly and I learn something, so no need for the excessive charges ($400 to flush the brake fluid) or hassle of taking it in (drive 30 miles each way, talk to an unfriendly service manager, get shuttled to an enterprise rental car location, stand in line, get a crappy car, have to deal with the up-sell on a different car then LR provides, get up-sold on the insurance, and then do it all in reverse upon return- it just adds up to a hassle).

Wow, that experience sucks. I just get handed a key and leave from right where I drop off my rover. I guess there can be very different dealership methods and I'm lucky to have a good one not even 10 miles away.

 

[jwest]

no need for me bash any specific dealer - just wondering how many of the guys here find value in paying the dealer for non warranty work, that's all.

Well, I'd say it's more about finding a truly good mechanic. I don't care at all what shop it's at as long as they are really good at their job. When you're really busy, you just don't have time for DIY even if it is fairly simple.

If you have some choices, I'd talk with another place and see how that looks.

 

[ttforcefed]

just discovered these guys: http://bedfordgreenwichauto.com/about

seems like a score