Dealer Servicing

Hunter said:

Tell me the dealer please!!!!!

Click to expand...

Yeah, belco, Woden or Mitchell!?

Cj42 said:

Yeah, belco, Woden or Mitchell!?

Click to expand...

PM sent

The main issue I have is not knowing a good mechanical with the right computer gizmo...
I take my Mazda to a local mechanic and they are cheaper by at least $100+++ but the problem is that I dont think they have the Mustang software to run the diagnostic. And they cant do anything with electrical/electronic as well.
So Mustang being an expensive car (for me anyway) and full of gizmos, I really dont want to risk it. This is more like a investment for me as I will be buried in it!
Plus, if Ford stuffed it up, they will have the right equipments/parts to replace it... I hope...
My first service is next month so we'll see...

Yellow GT said:

The main issue I have is not knowing a good mechanical with the right computer gizmo...
I take my Mazda to a local mechanic and they are cheaper by at least $100+++ but the problem is that I dont think they have the Mustang software to run the diagnostic. And they cant do anything with electrical/electronic as well.
So Mustang being an expensive car (for me anyway) and full of gizmos, I really dont want to risk it. This is more like a investment for me as I will be buried in it!
Plus, if Ford stuffed it up, they will have the right equipments/parts to replace it... I hope...
My first service is next month so we'll see...

Click to expand...

Agreed

In addition to the Stang, I also have a VW. I take the dub for servicing to VW Village, an independent mechanic that specialises in VWs.

Does anyone know if there are any specialist independent Ford mechanics in Sydney for say FPVs, that would also service Stangs? If not, there is surely an opportunity here for an astute mechanic. (Especially considering FPVs are a dying breed!)

I'll be having mine serviced by the dealer. All our cars over the years have been serviced by the dealer. They're local, I have no trouble getting a loan car if I need one and the relationship can be very helpful if there is an issue.

Case in point, my 2003 FPV GTP was well out of warranty when the dreaded timing chain tensioners rattle popped up. I offered to go 50-50 but they said they would speak to Ford on the basis it was a known issue plus the car was well looked after and always serviced by them. Result - all done under warranty.

I feel I do pay extra going to the dealer but the peace of mind is well worth it.

Please, avoid "fixed price" servicing like the plague
@ 24.00 or thereabouts.
Yes, I know a guy who was in the exact situation he refers to.

Burkey said:

Please, avoid "fixed price" servicing like the plague
@ 24.00 or thereabouts.
Yes, I know a guy who was in the exact situation he refers to.

Click to expand...

Just took a look [MENTION=21513]Burkey[/MENTION] - he seems to be commenting on the dealer extended warranty scam rather than fixed price servicing.

My dealer "threw in" the dealership "Vehicle Protection Plan" which kicks in once the factory warranty expires.

Needless to say, I won't be using it.

Why is the extended warranty a scam? They don't honour it?

doobynuts said:

Why is the extended warranty a scam? They don't honour it?

Click to expand...

Basically, from the people I've spoken to, it seems to be a case of "any excuse to deny".
Not all dealers work this way obviously.
Just be cautious is all.

The "first complimentary" service (if it's the 3000 to 5000km one) is just a diagnostics check. Nothing more.

As for servicing, personally I'm not taking it in to Ford.

Amsoil oil is only $18 a quart ($144 for a full change). Transmission oil is $20 a quart lol... that's $60 for a transmission oil swap.

As for all the other top-ups etc, they are a fraction of the cost for premium oils compared to the rubbish Ford stuff.

My personal opinion is that it's better to get serviced at dealer within the warranty period as they have the correct equipment to diagnose car and fulfil any fix/repair campaigns that may have come through since last service. Being a new car here I wouldnt be suprised if a number of "fixes" come out of the first couple of years. I also think it helps with any warranty claims as spoken about above. Yes, you will pay more but I believe that you will get more for a like car serviced at a dealer than a local mechanic as prospective buyers are a sceptical lot and even though you may know you have a great mechanic the prospective buyers doesn't know this and may think something was missed/or may have been done incorrectly by not using Ford. This can result in a lower resale value on the car. The few hundred you pay extra at the dealer could easily be made up here.

Unless you've tuned your car and the warranty is not there to begin with

PO55NY said:

Looking at the Ford service calculator, it's $555.00 to change the transmission oil in an auto. That's a bit rich.

Click to expand...

That is ridiculous

Took my car in for its 12 month service today.

Pleasantly surprised by the lack of spurious product upselling - much better experience than I ever had with Jeep dealers.

Price was exactly as quoted on the Ford website and no prompting required for the "complimentary" road service extension.

No scuffing of the drivers door map pocket (which happens all too often at dealerships) and everything done as per my instructions.