Using an Indie

[jberks]

Following all the do I/dont I use the dealer discussions, I thought I'd tell you about my last 2 days. My E270 is 2 1/2 years old so still under MB warranty. The last 2 services have been done by Merc-Care in Leeds (an indie specialist)who I have always found to be good and reasonably priced. There were a number of recalls on the car and I had a few niggles so this time I booked in with Mercedes Benz of Harrogate (in Pannal).
Took the car in and figured it was wise to own up so I told them it had been serviced at Merc Care, Fine was the answer. Anyway, they did the B service, changed the combi filter, the rear brake pads, the gearbox oil and filters (now a 40k requirement apparently) and everything reset.
At the same time, on warranty, I've had the gearbox plug seal changed, both front ball joints and a new wiper motor.
2 points to this story.
Firstly, charged me £590 inc vat. Not sure how much he discounted but he did say he'd fettled the price a bit to get closer to Merc Care. This implies that they're competing at least.
Secondly, there were no quibbles regarding thewarranty despite not having fmbsh. Something I know a few of us have worried about.

Finally, I have to say, Steven at MB Harrogate was excellent. He rang when he said he would, was open and straight and went to great lengths to ensure I fully understood what was going to be done and what it would cost. When I initially said to leave the gearbox (money's a bit tight) he didn't argue. We even discussed the staff at MercCare (who he knew and spoke very highly of) - not someting I expected to hear from a dealer!
All in all, highly recommended and I have to say, they do seem to be finally trying (and succeeding) to provide a good service.

 

[jibcl500]

Thats good to hear, I rate mercedes cambridge very highly, my dad spends loads with Mercedes in kettering where as before he always used MB leicester for 20 years and in 20 years he has never had a good word to say about them.

We still need a good bad indie, dealer thread.

jib

 

[David Nock]

MB in Hull are stunning. Went in 2 days ago for a quote for Service Cover Plus. Car is CLK270CDI, out of warranty in September. 19800 on clock. Car was taken in workshop and checked, even though we hadn't made a formal appointment, just a warm up phone call. A Track Rod End was found to be badly worn and changed there and then on warranty (I checked under car later on). Quote for Cover Plus was great.
I've rated this dealer since A service, which was spot on.

 

[television]

Well by law they have to recognize that Indies are allowed to service the cars now, and it is good that accept the situation. Thank you Jberks for this useful info

 

[Phil D]

I have personal experience of this dealership (harrogate)- bought my car from them and also have had two services - one A and one B
my own feelings are a bit ambivalent - the last service threw up a surprise in that they said I needed new front discs & pads - despite the previous service saying everything was fine & the brake wear warning lights never coming on. On balance I'd say I was pleased, but the original quote for the brakes was way off the scale & I said I was taking the car elsewhere to have them done - in response to this they knocked a huge amount off with the result that I said OK - moral of the story being pretty obvious - it's just such a shame that they don't give you the best price first time round - probably too many company car wallahs who couldn't give a monkeys - incidentally I endorse the comment about Steven
having said all that I'm still fairly sure my next service (B) will be indie !

 

[television]

I have 18 days to make up my mind, or do it my self, its the first A at 22k miles

 

[jibcl500]

I personally think some of the indies, 2 in fact in my area dont give the level of service required, my wifes SLK went for a service with an indie yet the front disks passed the MOT and I dont think they should have done, I didn't say anything because I wanted them to say the front disks are worn and need replacing.
Will do all MB servicing myself from know on, I even have the stamp for the book.!!!! Mercanic independant mercedes specialsts.

www.carrera2.co.uk soon to be www.mercanic.co.uk

jib

 

[television]

The latest poll showed the following.(Maritz research)

70% of new car owner preferred Dealerships.

41% private owners new or used will go to an indie

43% of company car drivers would recommend their dealer for service to a person driving the same make of car.

Over 50% of respondents reported their belief that their mechanics were not 100% honest with them.

In general it was found that large outlets do not have the ability to establish close relationships the same way that an Indie can

 

[MANBY]

Hi
The Merc dealer where i purchased my used A CLASS 160 03 Model have been great (MERC BENZ OF HERTFORD) I have not had much bad luck with this car but when i took it back for minor hiccups they dealt with them there and then, no fuss, no trouble, they even loaned me a new A CLASS for a few hours to go shopping while mine was being repaired.
Manby

 

[jibcl500]

Hi
The Merc dealer where i purchased my used A CLASS 160 03 Model have been great (MERC BENZ OF HERTFORD) I have not had much bad luck with this car but when i took it back for minor hiccups they dealt with them there and then, no fuss, no trouble, they even loaned me a new A CLASS for a few hours to go shopping while mine was being repaired.
Manby

yer because they wont you to come back and buy a new A Class.

My dad LOVES MB Kettering so much so that today he gave them his 320CE and said "replace everything to do with the air conditioning and give it back working"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think his bill will be about £2700 any other offers out there???
jib

 

[jberks]

yer because they wont you to come back and buy a new A Class.

And it works - as the owner of a 211 who was very happy with his 210 until he had a certain loan car for a week, can testify!

My dad LOVES MB Kettering so much so that today he gave them his 320CE and said "replace everything to do with the air conditioning and give it back working"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think his bill will be about £2700 any other offers out there???

Spending your inheritance?!!
Labour intensive jobs like this are always better done (and done better) at an indie IMO. Aside from the fact that it would be cheaper by £1000 or so, how many mechanics at MB Kettering have ever worked on the air con system on a 320CE? (have ever worked on a 320ce at all?). I dare say the local indie has fixed so many that they know every nut and bolt. Horse for courses but I'd use an indie every time for stuff like that. The chap I spoke to at the dealer basically admitted it when he said that the mechanic at the indie was brilliant at tracking down glitches on older models as thats what he does all day!
I was impressed with the dealer but if I had a major strip down job - I'd still be veering back to the indie - if only for that £50 per hour labour saving. (£800 on a 2 day job).