Despite being able to service my car I am quite happy to drop it off at my local main dealer service station and let them do the work.
From experience I appreciate the security of using a main dealer where there is a recorded background of what work has been undertaken. If I was to take my car to a local independent garage I can't be sure of that history nor can I be sure of my own recollection, of the sourcing of the parts, if I was to do the work myself.
I am a blonde girl but have been known to replace a handbrake cable.....
I wouldn't have a clue how to do it myself! I am happy to admit I am useless when it comes to that area of car ownership! I always make sure whatever car I buy comes with either 3 or 5 years free servicing and I get the dealership to do the service. I've never had a problem.
Eccles, you can save yourself ££££££££££££££, if you take the car to an Independent Garage & state you want the genuine part fitted & a receipt to the effect the have to confirm to that. we have talked on here before regards getting cars serviced by dealers " There is no need" Providing the Garage is VAT Reg.
I can't imagine many garages when they do a service putting the best quality oil in your car and probably use the cheapest.
As my car is extremely economical on oil and have used less than 1 pint between 20,000 miles I fill up with the best quality available. Filters I tend to buy from Halfords.
The main dealer is just a couple of miles away, they have a comprehensive record of what work they have done and I do not consider them to be expensive.
There maybe 'no need'' as you put it but I appreciate their level of service, the convenience and I do not begrudge the cost, all of which is my prerogative TWR.
I grit my teeth and pay for the main dealer service (always negotiating on price) until the warranty expires.
Then I cheerfully use my local independent garage (who I trust & who drink in my local) - but I do ask for parts & fluids to be either 'manufacturer' or 'main brand' rather than cheapaschips.com.