duetto owner Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 i have always used a ford dealer for the van side of my ford motorhome service/mot. recently used one of this pop in tyre/battery/exhust service centres like ATS, kwickfit etc they also do a general service/mot too. I was wondering if anyone uses these quick pop in outlets for a full service or is it better to stick with a proper garage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pepe63xnotuse Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 I've only ever used the likes of the Kwikfits etc for their tyres and exhausts, as the ones I've ever seen, always seemed to me staffed by young lads who look like they should be running the waltzers on a travelling funfare! (lol) .. Having said that, I don't think I've ever used a "Main dealer" either..... I think it's probably best to try and seek out a reputable, local independent set up(..via first hand recommendations from friends, family).. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malc d Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 duetto owner - 2013-10-22 4:45 PM I was wondering if anyone uses these quick pop in outlets for a full service or is it better to stick with a proper garage. Depends what you mean by a " proper " garage. I used a Fiat main dealer while van was under warranty - but now use a local independent garage - and pay half as much. In my view the bigger the garage / dealership - the more staff - the more overheads -the more you pay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muswell Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 My experience of independents was that they were OK for simple servicing and repairs but when things got more complicated thet struggled. For example I had the instrument cluster on a Focus replaced and they couldn't get it to recognise the car didn't have ABS so the fault warning light stayed on. My Transit is serviced by a small Transit specialist dealer...best of both worlds I hope. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnerontheroad Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 I use my local council they do a good job and not looking to rip you off. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arjxh56 Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 As mentioned on a previous post, for my service I have used Calder valley motorhomes in Ravensthorpe this time.. I use the local council depots for MOTs on all my vehicles though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracker Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 If you use other than a franchised dealer it might be important to make sure the oil they use is the correct type and grade and ACEA specification according to your handbook. It might or might not matter but with the high demands of modern engines and the horrendous price of failures like turbos etc both in cost and inconvenience why risk it for the sake of a few quid? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colin Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 Tracker - 2013-10-22 8:09 PM If you use other than a franchised dealer it might be important to make sure the oil they use is the correct type and grade and ACEA specification according to your handbook. It might or might not matter but with the high demands of modern engines and the horrendous price of failures like turbos etc both in cost and inconvenience why risk it for the sake of a few quid? Couple of years ago I was going to do a full service my 'old' Suzi including oil changes in engine/gearbox/transferbox/rear axle. Had brought all the oils, but had trouble getting transfer box oil, in end got some from main dealer who could only offer an alternative "which we always use", In the end didn't get a round to it before MOT so asked the garage to do it, On picking up was told "the transfer box oil you supplied was wrong, we've put the correct type in" Similar thing when needing to get anti freeze for my old T25, VW dealer tried giving me standard antifreeze. As for our 'local' Fiat dealer, complete waste of time, doesn't even know the components of the EGR system as I found out during 'Mousegate' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod_vw Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 Try BT Fleet http://www.btfleet.com they are used to most types of commercials and are happy to service private individual's vehicles. You should find a workshop not too far away as the network is country wide. They are also able to carry out MOTs on larger vehicles which some independent MOT stations are not. The down side may be that they are unlikely to have any knowledge of the motor caravan specific items unless by chance they have a technician who has gained that experience elsewhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bojitoes Posted October 25, 2013 Share Posted October 25, 2013 We use Geoff Cox in Ripley, outside Derby, for MOT, habitation and engine services. They are Ford & Adria dealers and offer the complete paackage at a very competitive price-and Nectar points! We have been very happy with the services provided and would thoroughly recommend to anyone in the Midlands. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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