edowen said:
1. I wouldnt buy an Audi that was in warranty but had been serviced by indi's.
2. Ask a dealer to give you a part-ex price - then tell them it has been serviced outside the network and see if a) they still want it or b) they hold the price they offered.
3. Indi's dont all have the same access to recall info
4. You find 2 used Audi's, both the same condition, both the same spec - only difference is main delaer stamps versus indi - which would you honestly buy?
Dont get me wrong - some independents are great, but dont kid yourself that going out of the netwrok wont affect at the very least the ease of sale/trade-in.
Once a car is out of warranty fair enough, it will make less difference.
1. I would - I'd welcome the fact that someone had the balls to do it.
2. I don't part-ex,never have,never will.
3. So go for one that does,or keep an eye out yourself.
4. I'd go for whichever one was best,a full main dealer history (compared with a specialist independent) will not sway me.
Nobody is condoning shoddy,back-street servicing.
But I don't see the alternative should be feeding the main dealer either.
The law was changed to benefit the consumer,yet some consumers STILL cower back to the main dealer,whilst he rubs his hands and cackles...
Honestly,it's laughable.
FWIW,I have to pay for servicing for the wife's car.
As it is,I got free servicing thrown in from the main dealer.
if I hadn't,I'd use an independent that used proper parts.
Any warranty claims would be dealt with by the main dealer and woe betide them if they dared grump about it,because I know my rights.