what do main dealers do in a service?!

mk1escortmad · August 30, 2014

Hi all. New to Jaguars. Purchased a nice tidy s-type this week with an amazing folder of main dealer history. Last full service was less than 1000 miles ago (around 8 months) at Marshals jaguar in Ipswich. Dad has an XF and had exactly the same experience as me in that they didnt appear to look at the condition of the air filter. On checking it this afternoon I was greated to this

Clearly it hasnt been changed in a while. Better do all 6 plugs next as im sure they wernt done well three of them at least!

knightsmith · August 31, 2014

Martin.

Firstly welcome .

In my experience main dealers charge extortionate prices for little and poor work , whilst telling you how necessary and wonderful they are .

I use an independent garage over a main dealer as do a lot of other people (not just Jaguar).

If main dealers were so good, why would there be a need for independent garages, and how come they can get genuine Jaguar parts cheaper ?

Here a list of recommended independent garages .

http://www.jaguarownersclub.com/forums/topic/7304-recommended-independent-garages/

ATB,

Trevor

Lord H · August 31, 2014

well said Trevor

the main dealers are there for one reason only and that is to empty your bank account as quickly as possible

Rich

Old Peter · August 31, 2014

Hi Martin,

Trevor gets up earlier than I do!

The servicing done by some main dealers does stick to the book, but many have the job done by trainees. Some of the older and most experienced mechanics do tend to either start their own business or go to work for specialists where their skills are more appreciated.

I used to have a Rover Sterling and the main dealer price for servicing in 2001 was £325 + VAT. I found a mobile mechanic who had been previously employed and trained by the same dealer who charged me £75. He has looked after my cars ever since.

But being fair, the two different main dealers from whom I bought my last two Jaguars did a very good service prior to selling them ----- It was selling them that was important!

Regards,

Peter.

knightsmith · August 31, 2014

Peter,

I would by a car from them. but wouldn't let them touch it after that

ATB,

Trevor

mk1escortmad · August 31, 2014

I will probably do all the servicing myself, but am fortunate to have a cousin who owns his own garage and is very knowledgeable. Next job for next week will be the pollen filter.

regards

Martin

knightsmith · August 31, 2014

Martin,

A cousin who owns a garage, what more can you ask for young Man ?

Which part of Essex land do you live in? my sister lives in Rayleigh .

ATB,

Trevor

mk1escortmad · August 31, 2014

Im in walton on the naze. I also am a qualified mechanic but it was a long time ago before all these electronics

knightsmith · August 31, 2014

Martin,

What electronics ?, they haven't reached Devon yet !

ATB,

Trevor

Lord H · August 31, 2014

not a lot has reached Devon they are still hanging them for pinching sheep down there

knightsmith · August 31, 2014

Richard,

True, but a lot of midlanders have reached us .

ATB,

Trevor

mk1escortmad · August 31, 2014

Having been out on a drive today I seem to be getting an extra 2-3 mpg now it can breathe with the new filter.

Old Peter · August 31, 2014

Yes Martin, these little inexpensive things can work wonders.

Lord H · August 31, 2014

Well that's good news I have today ordered a K&N that should give me an extra 15mpg lol

pezzzer · September 4, 2014

oooo early 30's to the gallon here I come!

jampot · September 17, 2014

Well the Jaguar dealer that serviced the car I just brought had put two of the four rear disc pads in the wrong way round.

Lord H · September 17, 2014

take it back and ram the car up his a$$

knightsmith · September 17, 2014

Sideways !

Old Peter · September 17, 2014

Welcome to the Club, David.

You will get some very good advice from the members, although some might be very difficult to do. But lovely thoughts!

But you could try to squeeze some little bits off the dealer, failing which, try Richard's tactic!

Regards,

Peter.

knightsmith · September 17, 2014

David,

Why do you use a Jag dealer, Surely an independent is far cheaper and better ?

Here is a list of independent dealers:

http://www.jaguarownersclub.com/forums/topic/7304-recommended-independent-garages/

ATB,

Trevor

jampot · September 17, 2014

This was done while the last owner had it, I do all my servicing myself.

mk1escortmad · September 17, 2014

Thought it would be a good idea to take all four wheels off today to have a good inspection and wipe round and to polish the inside of the alloys (im a bit fussy)

Three of the wheels were fine but the n/s/r had one nut that would not budge. I had my impact gun on it for a good while so thats been left alone putting wd40 all around the bolt for the next few days and try again.

only had rear pads at main dealer last year but hoping it just been gunned up tight and not cross threaded on