Very true, but in this instance for genuine consumable items, Pads, Filters, shoes and such like, even then if there is a problem, it has to be proved that the aftermarket parts caused the problem. If the oil filter that you fitted is of lesser quality and took down the engine when it failed and was found to be at fault then it's down to you, hardly the vehicle manufacturer at fault, same with an aftermarket wheel bearing taking out the Hub went it fails after a few thousand miles.
But then I'm choosy about the parts I have fitted in certain areas, brakes is one area it's not wise to penny pinch. p****d off with a Digital Keyboard Warrior

I use an indy, Parkside Garage in Huddersfield. Mick the owner was apprenticed trained at the local LR dealership. He also has a couple of mechanics that were also LR trained. He doesn't use LR filters, he uses Mann filters, he says in his opinion they are better. Price wise he was the cheapest LR specialist in the area, I've used him Parkside Garage for a couple of years, never had a problem with them. Ive got a A service due in April and was quoted 235 quid for that one.

The car I bought didn't have a full dealer history, that's why I took mine to an indy for servicing. My wife uses Kwik Fit for her Astra and she has never had an issue with them either. At the end of the day I think it comes down to who you are happy to take the car too, servicing is usually basic stuff that I reckon any garage should be able to do without issues. Black MY2013 SD4 GS Auto, Wood Company Armrest, Freel2 sticker.
Gone MY2010 Freelander 2 Manual TD4.e S, Alaska White.

Routine servicing is a bit of a con really. Apart from the essential oil and filter changes and topping up various fluids and checking for things that might be going wrong (oil leaks etc) there is very little that you can do to extend the life of a car. In the old days you would be going around with a grease gun checking joints but with sealed for life items you can't even do that. Spark plugs now last for years and if you take them out after 50k miles they still look new and with no ignition timing or tappets to check what is there to do?

My take on it is that it's a good earner for garages and it has got built into the car buyers' psyche that a service history is a bill of health.

CJB wrote:

OK thanks .. so that really is a specialist. I'll check round the local area to see what other garages do LR.
I'm in Folkestone so if anyone knows the area then appreciate any recs..

Try KAP.. they did a service for me very cheap and can get hold of the diagnostic tool to reset dashboard messages.
very good dealer overall.

Land Rover are currently running a discounted service for vehicles older than 3 years. £350 incl VAT for a major B service plus the LR stamp in the book.(if you have one)

As my FL2 has a full LR service history from new mine is booked into Gordon Lamb at Chesterfield next month for its 6 year/75k service, but when I asked for the 3+ major service they quoted over £500 until I mentioned it said £350 on their website. his reponse...... ''oh that 3+ servicing, hang on while I get the information''

Apparently Land Rover UK are subsidising the cost to franchises and are offering discounted A and B services for all LR over 3 years old, to full LR servicing specs. Would I pay 'normal' LR prices.... hell NO! but at £350 its comparable to an indy and includes the stamp and any software updates/recalls.

I was talking to an AA guy at the weekend who was telling me that he has a Hyundai vehicle and they have a scheme where you can get it serviced by an independent who orders a "genuine Hyundai service kit of oils and filters etc" that way there is no warranty issue about using non-approved parts. Pity LR don't do the same with their dealer network. 3 x FL1 2 manual + 1 auto
5 x FL2 4 manual + 1 auto
Now Discovery Sport P250 MHEV SE

I cannot comment about the standard of LR servicing as I have never taken mine to one.

I had a really bad experience with a Vauxhall dealer years ago after a product recall on a 12 month old Vauxhall Corsa (the wifes!!!) ended up with them wanting £600 to fix the issues it had caused (including new front tyres). Told them to get stuffed and took it to a bloke I've known since I was 5 and can trust. Repairs and a couple of decent tyres cost me around £180. I've always taken my cars to him. He's not cheap but I can trust him.

My FL2 went through it's MOT on Friday and it cost me £340 for the MOT, 90k service, readjustment of hand brake, putting a tyre on (I supplied it) and full front brakes replacing (knew it needed doing as it was an advisory last time).