Is a main dealer service plan worth it?

[-pete-]

Hi everyone, first time poster here.

I have just taken my early 2018 QQ in for a minor service today (without an MOT) and was charged £239, their major service cost is £319 and an MOT on its own is £39.99.

Speaking with the rep they mentioned their service plan where we could the next 3 services and MOTs along with 10% off parts, labour, additional repairs and "accessories" (whatever that means!) for a total of £756.50 which would be a "saving" of £184.97.

Quickly looking online and I can see local garages offering interim services in my area for as low as £80 (although these are not Nissan specialists or anything)

I hardly do any miles (I've done just over 2600 in the last year) so I don't expect a whole lot of work will need to be done on it so I was wondering if it's worth paying the extra for a dealer stamp and breakdown cover I probably won't need? We're planning on keeping the car for at least the next 5 years, possibly longer depending on how finances go.

Any thoughts / opinions are appreciated!

[MikeGC]

On my third new Nissan and third service plan.
The advantage in my humble opinion is that the cost is spread out along with a minor saving.

However, if you’re happy with your local garage (guys you know and trust) it’s an easier choice

[calnorth]

Hi everyone, first time poster here.

I have just taken my early 2018 QQ in for a minor service today (without an MOT) and was charged £239, their major service cost is £319 and an MOT on its own is £39.99.

Speaking with the rep they mentioned their service plan where we could the next 3 services and MOTs along with 10% off parts, labour, additional repairs and "accessories" (whatever that means!) for a total of £756.50 which would be a "saving" of £184.97.

Quickly looking online and I can see local garages offering interim services in my area for as low as £80 (although these are not Nissan specialists or anything)

I hardly do any miles (I've done just over 2600 in the last year) so I don't expect a whole lot of work will need to be done on it so I was wondering if it's worth paying the extra for a dealer stamp and breakdown cover I probably won't need? We're planning on keeping the car for at least the next 5 years, possibly longer depending on how finances go.

Any thoughts / opinions are appreciated!

----

I was hit with that cost last Feb by Nissan. It switched my auto rejector on and I went away wondering.

The bother with these cars is the system software and map updates...is there a cost attached if we don't comply with the Nissan service regime? Sytem shouldn't be...Map might be. Also, propriety parts where the car is still under warranty. I do similar mileage to you and at 13k miles (67 plate). Minor service should be a quick wip round and change of lifed/minor items..oil/filters etc. MOT locally is £10 cheaper than Nissan and convenient to me. I know the garage well over many years (ATS).

I drop out of warranty now so will likely goto minor service locally for £100 approx and then Nissan major services as and when. Service evidence is a good thing to have and Nissan didn't stamp my book...presented a wadge of paper receipts. Receipts from any VAT registered garage are acceptable.

When i traded my last car in with Nissan they did not ask for service paperwork.....8 year old under used car.

I think with my low mileage all I need is an oil/filter change and brakes check....maybe about £70 worth. A very minor service.

[-pete-]

I used a local garage with my last car (a VW polo) and they seemed knowledgeable enough but they were VW "specialists" not sure how much of a difference that makes but I would rather have someone who (hopefully!) knows what they're doing poking around in there.

I think the major service we got from them was for about £450 but that included some 2 new boots and a bunch of filter changes.

Do these things usually include any parts or anything or is it literally just the man hours to check and tick the boxes?

[DaveBerlin]

Our QQ is next month 1 year old and also with low Kms 3371, yesterday we had an email, today a letter from our Nissan Dealer reminding us to make a Service Appointment. Regarding the Yearly Service Plans I have never really set this up. I suppose I just pay the wack, get the stamp and go away with less money but a happy man. I just feel that knowing the QQ has been Serviced by “Trained” Nissan Personnel helps. I always have our our Oil / Filter changed at around 1000kms on a new car (done it on the Micro / Note / Juke / Old QQ / New QQ) and normally the Planned Service is discussed with the Service Mgr. taking into account the previous Oil Change - Dave

Here are the relevant points in black & white highlighted (translated) from our Dealer :

Safety - checking and prevention of defect and worn parts.
Guarantee - without this maintenance the Guarantee shall be forfeited
Mobility - extension of the mobility guarantee (similar to ADAC which is AA / RAC for you) by 1 year
Planning - the Nissan maintenance plan is a precondition for the guarantee
Saving - 10% discount on your exhaust gas test
Increase in the value of the car when selling with the Maintenance Check Book

[gloucester]

When I bought my Qashqai I asked about their service plan but it was only 2 services and the cost was within £5 of the individual services costs from memory. So I didn't loan them my money.

Of course they then put service costs up!

[-pete-]

Thanks for the replies everyone, I think we're going to go for the service plan. I'm honestly not knowledgable enough on these things to know when a small dealer is ripping me off, and the ability to spread the cost monthly is very appealing right now.

Hopefully it'll prove to be good value in the long run.