Hmm to Harwoods or not to……

R

Rimbo

New member
Evening all.

I’ve got a 2014 340 and it’s due a service (last service was a year ago performed by the dealer I bought it from but it didn’t go online).

It’s done 18k miles and I’m wondering whether to get it done at Harwoods keeping the online jag dealer history or at a local(ish) jag specialist who can update it online as well. Independent has a good reputation.

What would you do? Go with Harwoods where I know the wallet will get a hammering or go with the Indi? Is a dealer history actually worth it?

Doesn’t help the my Harwoods (Chichester) are a bit pants!

Thanks
 
I've used an indie specialist with Alfa's and Fiat's previously being both better and cheaper. If your car isn't under warranty, service history from a specialist is just as good as a main dealer (warranty might be OK anyway)

I've used Harwoods Chichester 3 times now and am quite happy them. Their rates are quite expensive, but they do to the 3+ scheme for older cars now, where JLR subsidise the labour rate.
 
Independent every time. Saves money and (IME) he'll do what's actually needed, not just follow a box ticking schedule. And given how rubbish some dealers are according to reports in various fora, I'm not convinced that dealer servicing is really worth having. It's often hard to get my independent to take my money! All you'll miss is maybe courtesy cars and "free" coffee.
 
Thanks both. Think the Inde it is. I’ve got a warranty but it only states servicing up to date rather than dealer etc. 👍
 
Rimbo said:
Thanks both. Think the Inde it is. I’ve got a warranty but it only states servicing up to date rather than dealer etc. 👍
Click to expand...

Yep, you should be able to go Independent without any warranty issues - I think it’s consumer law now.

Mine was Dealer serviced last year - they did the wrong one, incorrectly recorded it, then said they couldn’t amend the service history.
Indie this year - charged £65 less than quoted, and when I pointed out that they’d recorded a front diff oil change on a RWD car, had it corrected in minutes.
 
You answered your own question, Independent with a good reputation, or dealer that's a bit pants... errr no brainer.
 
I still shudder when I was given the breakdown of the service costs for my 5 year service by the dealer. Labour was £220 an hour and they were going to charge £5 for the water to top up my already topped up windscreen wash. That was enough for me to go to a local Indie who gave me free coffee and invited me to look under my car on the ramp and took me with him on the test drive to discuss the car. Parts cost were exactly the same but clearly saved a good amount on labour. Indie every time…
 
Just had the choice to make myself. To date always stuck to main dealer and was going to. Booked in the service and surprised to hear £700 inc. plug change.
I would probably have gone ahead but a covid outbreak closed the workshop and pushed it to November, so phoned my Indie who did an older XF of mine for several years Asking £200 plus Vat and plugs not required at age or mileage. Will collect (and I trust them)
Given the age it won't decrease the car value by c£500 and no plans to sell so booked in and was in the end a no brainer
 
Morning R, can I ask what Indy you will use, as I bought my car from Harwoods Chichester too. I’ve done a little research and Cedar garage comes out favorably when servicing Jaguars in Tarring, Worthing.
 
Thanks everyone. That’s definitely made my mind up.

@keith I’m intending to use Arun in Pulborough. (https://www.arunltd.com/). They changed the seats and a steering wheel button when I first got it and were awesome, well priced and incredibly helpful.
 
If you have a good local Jaguar specialist, go for it every time, once you are out of warranty. There is a considerable saving in cost. For you in Chichester I would recommend JagCare/S&C Motors in Portsmouth. And they will update your Jaguar on line service record for you, and I have been very pleased with their service. No posh lounge and coffee, and the loan car is a Polo, but they know what they are doing, and it’s about 1/3 of the cost.
 
And if you had your last service done by an independent who did not update your Jaguar on line service history, just send an email to
[email protected]
With a copy of the service record and the invoice and they will update it for you.
 
Why not use an indy Jag specialist when you are still within warranty? I do and they are able to make warranty claims for you.
 
Hiya Folks,

No need at the mo….but, as I’m new to the world of Jaguar and , in particular, F-Type ownership, does anyone know if or better still have positive experience of an south Essex based indie Jaguar specialist?

I’ve not invested time researching this myself as yet, I’m acutely aware that there is significant knowledge and insight in here.

Any comments would be welcome

Peter
 
Thanks for all the info, very useful. I'm due a service very soon and am considering both Harwoods Chi and Arun! Last year it went to Harwoods and I was not unhappy apart from the invoice. I was rather apprehensive following my consistent dire experiences with Harwoods Audi at Five Oaks but fortunately it appears Chichester has recruited the educated and qualified staff :lol:

Rimbo, can you please let me know how you get on in Pulborough. ta.
 
@299Peter said:
Hiya Folks,

No need at the mo….but, as I’m new to the world of Jaguar and , in particular, F-Type ownership, does anyone know if or better still have positive experience of an south Essex based indie Jaguar specialist?

I’ve not invested time researching this myself as yet, I’m acutely aware that there is significant knowledge and insight in here.

Any comments would be welcome

Peter
Click to expand...


I have a five year service plan so have been using a main dealer, when this runs out I will be considering Mercury Cars in Hutton.

https://mercurycars.co.uk/
 
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