2009 GTS Auto Service @ 44k - Indie or MD?

[PJZ]

Hi Gents,

Just wondering what your thoughts are on whether I'd be better off getting my car serviced at an Indie or MD? The last major service was 2 years ago @33k and come in around £1200 so it didn't include lambda sensors etc. I've looked for similar posts but I think they key point is now the facts the car is 2009 and out of warranty.

I've previously been stung at an M.D (or they at least attempted to!) when HR Owen claimed I needed breaks pads/discs all round, tyres and a few other things despite selling the car to me only 8 months earlier... The car then sailed through the MOT and I was told by the tester the dealer must have been looking for work! I will say I have since replaced the tyres and recently changed the rear breaks - fronts are still ok. It's left me a little sceptical to say the least!

Thanks!

 

[Contigo]

I won't be taking mine to an MD going forward. It will either go back to Giallo where it is currently having a new Clutch fit or to Emblem who have been nothing but brilliant with previous cars.

 

[StuartW]

Where are you based as this may have an influence on your options?

 

[PJZ]

Thanks Phil, I'll look at Giallo. Might be a little too far away...

Stuart, I'm based in Bedford.

Would be great to know if anyone has used any indies in the area. I've mailed McGrath & Shiltech so far.

 

[StuartW]

Magraths are good but maybe more suited to classic Maserati? I have used Shiltech and they're very good & I can recommend them. They're usually super busy though so you'll need to book in advance.
Otherwise if you want to try the MD route, you're probably under an hour from Marshall in Peterborough who I can thoroughly recommend. If you opt for them, speak to Brian Crawford and tell him that Stuart Winterton sent you, he's a good egg.
Good luck whoever you decide to go with

 

[bigbob]

Hi Gents,

Just wondering what your thoughts are on whether I'd be better off getting my car serviced at an Indie or MD? The last major service was 2 years ago @33k and come in around £1200 so it didn't include lambda sensors etc. I've looked for similar posts but I think they key point is now the facts the car is 2009 and out of warranty.

I've previously been stung at an M.D (or they at least attempted to!) when HR Owen claimed I needed breaks pads/discs all round, tyres and a few other things despite selling the car to me only 8 months earlier... The car then sailed through the MOT and I was told by the tester the dealer must have been looking for work! I will say I have since replaced the tyres and recently changed the rear breaks - fronts are still ok. It's left me a little sceptical to say the least!

Thanks!

I was was talking about this whole brake replacement thing with the dealer when my Land Rover was in for a service recently. They said I might want to consider new rear pads and - as I have a pad measurement device - I said I reckon I have 9+ months left. They said that they agreed but that they have plenty of clients that don't want their cars going in more often than necessary and if consumables possibly my won't make it to the next service they let people know. This actually makes sense as I have plenty of friends who have no interest in cars.

 

[CatmanV2]

Magraths are good but maybe more suited to classic Maserati? I have used Shiltech and they're very good & I can recommend them. They're usually super busy though so you'll need to book in advance.

I was told my McGraths that they don't work on the GT. Which is odd as they have both the QP and the GT on their website.....

C

 

[PJZ]

Thanks for the feedback Stuart. Very helpful! I'm leaning towards Shiltech but I'll certainly get a quote from Marshall.

Hi Bob, You've hit the nail on the head. If they'd have presented an honest assessment of the car, with a list of advisories stating what would need replacing between x months and the next service I'd have had a completely different perception. Unfortunately they were advising me to get everything done there and then at a considerable cost. It just left me with the impression that they were out to charge as much as possible and worse feeling they'd have known some of this needed to be done the when I bought the car from them.

 

[mcs]

I bought my ex GTS from Nareman at Nuvola. I had my last service (year 6) done at Maserati Colchester for £800 all inc. He books it in and gets a special rate. The Lambda sensors were not changed.

 

[PJZ]

I thought I would update this thread as I've only recently managed to get the car serviced. In the end I went main dealer as I wanted to get the handbrake shoes replaced and the MD price was competive and the courtesy car made life a little easier too. I used Marshall Maserati, Peterborough and spoke to Brian as advised by Stuart. Top man! Marshall completed the service and gave a couple of advisories but there was no hard sale or push to get work completed now - unlike St. Albans HR Owen. Would definitely recommend! Standard cost is £1400 but may price match another MD.
@MCS: Wow! That's an unbelievable price! I must have missed your reply last time.