Dealer vs Independent vs DIY

[bigbob]

Porsche are a bit funny about that sort of thing. They are also not keen on cars that do not have N rated tyres fitted. You would understand it more if Porsches' were better built but they have had plently of engine/brakes issues over the years.

 

[steelman]

Well I have gone the DIY route today!!! Just changed the oil and filters on my GTV... the guy who designed the engine must have started with the oil filter and built the engine around it!!! Lucky I have small hands!!!
To be honest I really enjoy working on my cars as well as driving them!!!
I also think because I love the car so much I go that "extra mile" when looking after her!!! Every nut...bolt...screw... I remove is rubbed down and copper greased before putting it back...ready for when I take it out next time.
Also while underneath the car any surface rust I can see is rubbed down...treated and repainted with hammerite.
A main dealer/Indy doean't love my car like I do!!!

 

[drellis]

My 3200 ac is the only car i have every had full independant servicing (autosheild) three years ago i paid top dollar and bought the best car i could find. To keep the value of the car i always get it serviced by autoshield. My other cars, 635 bmw , 166 3.0, saab 9-5 hot turbo i just service myself. The oil filter on the 166 3.0 is also a pain.

 

[drellis]

my alfa 166 has recent bills for 1000+ for service , disks pads, etc, i recently changed the air filter and the box bolts were rusted on the filter looked ancient, obviously never changed!

 

[Parisien]

Nothing new there then Drellis!


P

 

[steelman]

Yup....those are the same problems I had Drellis!!! One bolt rusted on the air box...dropped a spanner into engine bay while trying to get it off!!! But strangely I enjoy all these little stumbling blocks....me and my Dad have a right laugh about it all.... afterwards anyway!!!
We even started to contemplete having a crack at the dreaded cambelt change!!! Well on my 156 that is!!!
It comes to something when the cost of the change is approaching the value of the car!!!

 

[Paulm]

Had a trip to Stratstone in Manchester today Nearly bought this: http://www.stratstone.com/vehiclesearch/used/vehicledetails.aspx
If I could only persuade the wifey !!!!
Must admit it was a very good afternoon laughing and joking with the staff. If anyone goes there ask for Vinnie, he's OK.
Spent 20mins in their **** parts department waiting for someone to see me. The parts dept was the worst I have ever seen for the Marque!!!!!!!!!!!!! You go around the back of the Aston Martin service desk then up some **** stairs and it's like a back street storeroom ! Anyhow guys gave me prices and the answers I needed. But out of 10 I would give it 2.
BTW Toyota MD tried to rip me off for 2k in part/labour on Wifey Amazon.....Went to see me old mate Mike, discs/pads/handbrake linkage ordered, says he can do job for a 1/4 of that..... so MD=0 Indi=2 DIY=1(only cos I haven't got the time)
Returned to office and whoooooo hoses have arrived so 3200 get some work on her this weekend....and camera will come out if it stops peeeeeing down.