car mechanic question

[kennycapes]

Hi all,

do you go full dealer garage repairs or find an independent.

the breaks on my car needed changing a few years ago and i went independent due to the estimate from a full dealer.

1 of the disks has now warped and broken the piston on the caliper.

i now need a new break caliper and 2 new disks and pads.

estimate £650.

I have a Nissan Qashqai by the way.

i need this like a hole in the head.

im thinking this time to go with the dealer who say they use genuine parts rather than going independent who might be cheaper but might use cheaper parts.

i dont know anything about cars really except the breaks are really important.

ps i always have it serviced here too.

Thanks alls

[Leggibone]

I’ve always used a trusted independent, they use genuine parts and always have been honest with us, I wouldn’t use a bodger with non genuine parts though

[novocastrian]

independamt using OEM parts

labour will be (is for audi) roughly half that of dealers at an indi

no brainer really, would only use dealer for any warranty work

[Greyfriars]

Although I have my DW's Jazz serviced by Honda all repairs are done by a trusted independent. Brake disks are now regarded as consumables as the non asbestos pads are very hard. I don't use Honda brake disks Bosh ones are much better.

[gl20]

When a car is in first 4-5 years of age, an official/franchised dealer is worth it to a) protect warranty and b) protect resale value.

Ironically, though, there will be many independents who will do a better job for less money and, as above, will use official (OEM) parts. So I'd always go independent once car reaches that 5 year mark or so BUT you do need a GOOD independent. Best thing there is to ask any friends locally if they can recommend one.

[novocastrian]

Originally Posted by gl20

When a car is in first 4-5 years of age, an official/franchised dealer is worth it to a) protect warranty and b) protect resale value.

Ironically, though, there will be many independents who will do a better job for less money and, as above, will use official (OEM) parts. So I'd always go independent once car reaches that 5 year mark or so BUT you do need a GOOD independent. Best thing there is to ask any friends locally if they can recommend one.

See more...

as long as work is down with manufacturers recommended parts warranty is honored regardless of dealers / indi

as long as car has a full provable (ideally with receipts) service history its value will be pretty much same dealer or not

ime anyway

[tspill]

I would go to a TRUSTED independent and ensure they use manufacturer or OEM parts.