Car servicing - worth using main dealers or not?

[IwishIwasmoreorganised]

My car is at the end of its warranty period. So far it's had all of it's annual services at the main dealer (Skoda).

Now it's out of warranty is it worth still going to the main dealer?

Does it make much difference to the cars resale value if all of the services are done by them or chould I just use an independent local garage now?

If ALL of the services have been done at the dealer I think it does make a difference, but I'm not sure how much.

If you plan on using another garage make sure to check out what is included in "a service" at each place, IME it varies quite a bit.

(IME = in my experience but it's actually just experience of listening to DP talk about it :))

My merc is out of warranty, but the main dealer matched the price of the local independent garage to keep my business. It is worth asking if they will price match.

Good points Trills and Ali, I'll ask if they're comparable then try haggling!

Absolutely no evidence that a service history from a main dealer will add to its resale value although dealerships may well argue otherwise. Always risky to buy garage services on price alone we find (ie at FOXY Lady Drivers Club www.foxyladydrivers.com) as this is an unregulated industry and mechanics don't have to be qualified to repair our cars, hence the number of complaints... Always best to check quality and price as some dealership prices can be very competitive and technicians come with manufacturer training. But a good independent is likely to be cheaper... Won't bore you more unless anyone wants to know or asks. Garages is FOXY's specialist subject - sad but someone has to do it!