Walruslike wrote:

Not sure what the policy on necromancy is here, but this thread seems the right place to ask...

Are the specialist non-dealer LR mechanics able to do things like check if your gearbox has the latest software, check the service campaigns applicable etc? In other words do they get access to the LR bulletins and software patches etc?

I've had Austral do my service but I'm unhappy with them because they always overbook and can't get the extras that they promised done... I wanted my gearbox oil sampled and sniffed, and the brake fund changed... they ran out of time and could only just do the basic service.

So if the other guys are reasonably priced, and can access the campaigns and software etc, then I'll go with them.

Walruslike wrote:

Are the specialist non-dealer LR mechanics able to do things like check if your gearbox has the latest software, check the service campaigns applicable etc? In other words do they get access to the LR bulletins and software patches etc?.

I have no vested interest or wish to defend pricing policies but the dealers can only survive and pay the staff wages if they charge people accordingly. These days they are required by the car manufacturers to make huge investments in flashy premises if they want to retain their franchise yet the margins on new cars are very low (more money in selling finance these days). Pendragon who run about 200 dealerships in the UK recently reported in the FT that they make most of their money on selling used cars and servicing. Half year figures below, note the underlying profit margin.

Used vehicle revenue up +20.9% on a like for like basis (+20.3% total)
Aftersales revenue up +6.0% on a like for like basis (+5.6% total) .
New vehicle revenue back -4.3% on a like for like basis (-5.8% total)
Gross profit fell by 5.2% (£4.6 million) like for like.
Underlying operating margin 2.4%. 3 x FL1 2 manual + 1 auto
5 x FL2 4 manual + 1 auto
Now Discovery Sport P250 MHEV SE