Geds

iTrader: (4)

Can anyone recommend a reliable Subaru dealer in NIre. Close to Belfast if poss.

It's time for a 30K mile service and I am considering using Eastwoods in Lisburn.

urban

iTrader: (1)

If you want main dealer then you've probably no other choice.
Eastwoods do seem good though, I've not had a lot of experience of them though.

Curtiz

iTrader: (2)

I think as said, Eastwoods may be your only choice, if you want it done by a Subaru dealer

Heard great things about Scott's garage and OMA though, if it doesnt have to be a Subaru dealer

Geds

iTrader: (4)

Booked into Eastwoods for 30K mile service tomorrow. Car has only done 16,500 miles but she's 2007 model and been round Kirkistown recently so I'm going to get the whole service done and want it done right incl inspections etc.

I too have heard OMA in Glengormley is very reputable for upgrades etc.

bobhoskins

OMA are VERY expensive and often have your car for weeks!!

petedotuk

catch a grip!
OMA labour costs are half of a main dealer and cars only stay there if they are waiting for parts or waiting a decision from the owner to proceed with work.

urban

iTrader: (1)

What do they charge for labour out of interest.

petedotuk

35quid per hour, last time I used him. That was last November and I'm sure the Haven't changed much if any.

Geds

iTrader: (4)

Ok eastwoods did the 30k mile service for £450. That didn't include an air filter as I have a KN fitted. And it was 4.5 hrs labour at £70/hr incl VAT. I'm very happy with the service from them and they have time to talk to you about the detail. But the labour rate from the dealer is steep. Now I'm out of warranty and past that big service I'll be looking for someone less expensive for normal services. Though ill prob go back when the timing belt needs done.

I also had a spin in the new STi saloon which they've just got in That was fun!

petedotuk

The timing belt service is well over 500 at a dealer and you don't have to keep using the dealer to keep your warranty, so long as the service is carried out using a VAT registered workshop.

urban

iTrader: (1)

Did they let you take it out on your own?

Did they let you drive it whatever way you wanted - i.e. use the upper part of the rev range?

£70 per hour - **** thats a bit steep alright.

Geds

iTrader: (4)

True...true.

I've always put a lot of faith in cars with FSH with an authorised dealer when buying a car. But the labour rates are hard to pay. Particularly when compared to your local mechanic at 50% of that rate. I don't think I will go authorised any more.

As a matter of interest, as a buyer, how much value do you put in FSH with an authorised dealer? If you came to buy my car in 2 years time and it's service history was by Joe Blogs at Acme inc would you still buy it?

Geds

iTrader: (4)

No - One of the Sales guys was with me.

Yes he gave me an excellent - professionally polished introduction to the car, and allowed me to test it in whatever way I wanted. Though as it was wet and a bit greasy and I didn't exactly have it sideways - though I was on the change light.

All in all - Though their labour rates are high (as are all authorised dealers) I would recommend Eastwoods of Lisburn to anyone looking for an authorised dealer.

ye ha

OMA are very expensive and have your car for weeks ????? WOULDN,T USE ANYONE ELSE other than micheal and neil at oma really dont know where you get your information from bobhoskins like pete says any cars that are there for a while are waitin for parts or specialized bits and pieces ie change over from 5 to 6 speed gearbox , engine rebuild etc . Through his drag racin in the legacy and the numerous engine builds for both road and track and the day to day problems that customers bring to him with their subarus he has probably has forgot more than most mechanics know . And his hourly rate is 35 pound .Maybe you need to get your facts right before tryin to slat someone .

urban

iTrader: (1)

Not a lot to be honest.
Dealers don't really care that much.

Probably not.
But, if it was with OMA, Iain Bishop (god rest him) and the likes then thats a different story altogether.


I assume this car had delivery miles on it?
Not terribly good to know that its being shown 6K rpm so early in life

brocks

iTrader: (3)

Suppose it it a demonstrator vehicle and will have to be sold as such, would be more interested in whether the dealer warmed and cooled it, as opposed to running it around the 6k......AFAIK most modern engines dont really require the same "run in" period as older cars from generations ago as I believe most are "bench tested" prior to delivery ( but I am open to be called on this!! )

As for servicing.....whilst dealer stamps and service history are not to be shunned, and are nearly a prerequisite whilst under warranty, I have always found that a service book with a REPUTABLE garage's stamps as sufficient, especially when it is backed up with a folder full of receipts for every £ spent on the car

OMA have a well deserved reputation as a "specialist" garage, and whilst not Subaru affiliated would hold more value for me than a Donnellys (RIP) stamp in any service book.....

When buying a car, a seller with an obvious enthusiasm, who knows every mod, service and alteration done to his car and who can produce docket after docket for oil and filters as he has done the work himself, shows a well maintained "enthusiast's" car, which I think counts as much as a main dealer history....

JMCG

iTrader: (1)

OMA for my timing belt this year, true gent along with Neil, not hard to pay and incredibly knowledgeable.

petedotuk

None what so ever!

A dealer will use the same oil for a Justy as he does for a STI, they buy it in bulk and have it pumped through the workshop. They might recommend certain oils for your car but rest assure they don't use it unless you specifically ask for it and pay extra!!

A specialist like OMA, Performance Subaru, ECC will use the correct spec oil for your vehicle instead of a generic 1 size fits all!

octanejunky

iTrader: (3)

some deeler stamps would actually put me off the car! haha! have never taken either of my scoobs to a deeler, just go ta OMA . have had some bad experiences wit deelers concerning some of my other cars and so has a few friends. i just dont deel with them anymore. a$$wipes!