just to throw my hat in the Local Vs Dealer debate.
if your car is in Waranty let the dealer do everything. service, repairs whatever. its not worth the hastle if a warranty issue crops up and they refuse to shell out cos you never had your last service with an approved dealer.
Cars 3 years and older well its up to the owner but for service, Cambelt change, Brakes, tyres, exauhsts then personally thre is nowt wrong with a local garage.
Most of it can be done withought problems and any reputable independant local garage should have access to dealer approved parts if you so request them.
Unfortunately in this day and age its not just Dodgy local garages that rip off, Dealers are at it too.
My wife worked in dealerships for 16 years and the stories that she tells boggle the mind.
Some ***** like being fined £4,000 for not having the Manufacturer approved christmas tree. which just happens to cost yep £4,000. Who do you think pays for either the fine or the Xmas tree. Us punters
For one unnamed european manufacturer one dealership gave incentivs to mechanics for more sales
personally after having new cars and used cars for me finding a trustworthy garage and stickign with them whether they are dealers or not is important. im lucky my Mate runs a good garage.