Audi service or Indy service

moonwatcher · 25-02-19, 01:33 PM

I have a 64 plate A1, it has been serviced by Preston Audi till now.
We hear (usually from Audi) that having a factory service history helps with the vehicles resale value but who knows.
The independents say it doesn't matter, the problem is they both have vested interests
Any opinions

Ringmaster · 25-02-19, 02:22 PM

You pose a very good question.....

I've always thought it depends upon how long you intend to keep the vehicle and if you will probably trade it in with a dealer. A dealer will probably like to see franchised dealer stamps on the service record. It shouldn't make a difference, but dealers will say whatever gets them the best deal.

All cars I've sold have been over 10 years old when I've sold them to individuals, and by that time just having kept all the receipts seemed to be enough, despite gaps in the official service book.

So, if planning to move it on soon, think about dealer servicing. Keeping it for a long time, think about alternatives.

I'm sure my learned forum comrades will be more savvy on this subject.....

Isimmo · 25-02-19, 02:58 PM

Our old A4 when we part exchanged that, the car was low miles, very very tidy, about 6 years old and with a full service history. The difference to an average mile, no history car was about £400.

It doesn’t make a whole heap of difference, you’ll just wonder why you didn’t change the oil yourself.

Mellis46 · 25-02-19, 07:01 PM

Probably more likely to find a time served mechanic at an indy, possibly ex dealer network too? As opposed to the "plug-in-then-replace" mentality that some Audi dealers seem to encourage... Both know how to charge though...

SwallownAmazon · 25-02-19, 08:56 PM

Our Audis, Skodas and the SEAT have always been serviced by an indy in Sevenoaks after the Audi main dealer couldn't diagnose a fault in my company owned Audi 90. The local Bosch dealer found the fault, fixed it for next to nothing and I have taken our cars there ever since. After 22 years, never had a problem.
Many years ago, I worked for a company that insisted we used main dealers and the local Vauxhall one was the biggest shyster ever, bordering on criminality. Sadly, my employer wasn't willing to pursue the case so they got away with it but if it had been my car, the General Manager would certainly have had his day in court!

slacky · 25-02-19, 09:03 PM

Given the choice, I’d rather buy a car with an independent specialist service history,or a passionate owner who has doted on it for a few years ; than an Audi dealer service history..., especially with our older cars ...

Minty · 25-02-19, 09:31 PM

I have only experienced dealer service with one car, as in paying for it, and found it arrogant and staggeringly expensive.

I've had two cars which had pure DSH when I got them - meaning no one else could be blamed - and it became clear over time that corners had been cut.

I would never buy a car again which was new enough for me to feel dealer servicing was necessary.

I've used a local independent for years & trust them implicitly.

sinbin5t · 26-02-19, 02:53 PM

The TT i got has full dealer history up to 2014, after that it is all independent at a fraction of the cost. The one i have always used takes the time to explain it all, that in itself is enough.

25-02-19, 02:58 PM	#3
Isimmo Super Moderator Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sissix-by-the-sea Posts: 15,218	Our old A4 when we part exchanged that, the car was low miles, very very tidy, about 6 years old and with a full service history. The difference to an average mile, no history car was about £400. It doesn’t make a whole heap of difference, you’ll just wonder why you didn’t change the oil yourself. __________________ 1985 WR quattro, 1985 20vT RallyRep, 1993 MTM ABY S2 Avant. 2010 S3 Sportback.

25-02-19, 07:01 PM	#4
Mellis46 Aero Advocate Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Lancashire Posts: 1,448	Probably more likely to find a time served mechanic at an indy, possibly ex dealer network too? As opposed to the "plug-in-then-replace" mentality that some Audi dealers seem to encourage... Both know how to charge though... __________________ -1987 90 2.2E / Sapphire Blue (Rest in Pieces) -1989 90 quattro with Sport Equipment / Satin Black -1997 A4 Avant quattro TDI 110 / Tropical Green (Sold)

25-02-19, 09:03 PM	#6
slacky 4 ring whore! Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: wirral Posts: 4,452	Given the choice, I’d rather buy a car with an independent specialist service history,or a passionate owner who has doted on it for a few years ; than an Audi dealer service history..., especially with our older cars ... __________________ *90q-Cab.2.3E-Ur-S6-b2-80 Sport* Member 111

25-02-19, 09:31 PM	#7
Minty Senior Member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Wirral Posts: 1,528	I have only experienced dealer service with one car, as in paying for it, and found it arrogant and staggeringly expensive. I've had two cars which had pure DSH when I got them - meaning no one else could be blamed - and it became clear over time that corners had been cut. I would never buy a car again which was new enough for me to feel dealer servicing was necessary. I've used a local independent for years & trust them implicitly. __________________ 1984 GT5E Topaz Green 1982 GT5S Helios Blue - now in Ireland 1983 GT5E Topaz Green - donor 1986 GT 2.0 Tornado Red - long gone 2001 A6 2.4 V6 - exported to Ireland

25-02-19, 02:22 PM	#2
Ringmaster Senior Member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,326	You pose a very good question..... I've always thought it depends upon how long you intend to keep the vehicle and if you will probably trade it in with a dealer. A dealer will probably like to see franchised dealer stamps on the service record. It shouldn't make a difference, but dealers will say whatever gets them the best deal. All cars I've sold have been over 10 years old when I've sold them to individuals, and by that time just having kept all the receipts seemed to be enough, despite gaps in the official service book. So, if planning to move it on soon, think about dealer servicing. Keeping it for a long time, think about alternatives. I'm sure my learned forum comrades will be more savvy on this subject.....

25-02-19, 08:56 PM	#5
SwallownAmazon Grown up member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Tonbridge, Kent Posts: 511	Our Audis, Skodas and the SEAT have always been serviced by an indy in Sevenoaks after the Audi main dealer couldn't diagnose a fault in my company owned Audi 90. The local Bosch dealer found the fault, fixed it for next to nothing and I have taken our cars there ever since. After 22 years, never had a problem. Many years ago, I worked for a company that insisted we used main dealers and the local Vauxhall one was the biggest shyster ever, bordering on criminality. Sadly, my employer wasn't willing to pursue the case so they got away with it but if it had been my car, the General Manager would certainly have had his day in court!

26-02-19, 02:53 PM	#8
sinbin5t 4 ring whore! Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Where a spike points skywards Posts: 12,960	The TT i got has full dealer history up to 2014, after that it is all independent at a fraction of the cost. The one i have always used takes the time to explain it all, that in itself is enough.