Thread: Best place in Melbourne to Service a D3

I'd recommend MLR near the city for three reasons.
1. I work in the city, and being able to drop the car off in the morning and pick it up in the afternoon was important.
2. On a price check, they work out to be marginally (5%) more than non-dealerships, outside of the CBD.
Hope it helps...
3. They have yet to do anything wrong..

I am also happy with MLR.
Used to go to an independent with my D2 however they ended up being as expensive as MLR & did not do the "little" things ie globes, handbrake adjustments etc.
They are happy to talk & advise.
I get a loan car as I bought & service my car there.
They also have a shuttle that takes me to Southbank if a loan car is un available.
My 18 month service cost less than my daughters comparable service on a holden barina!!!!

Regards

Chuck

Thanks booked it into Doncaster Land Rover.. See how we go.
I got a extended warranty when brought it second hand so anything big they will look after it hopefully.
I did vow never to take my car back to the proper manufacture for a service after getting ripped off years ago with my Mazda.

Originally Posted by davemc

I did vow never to take my car back to the proper manufacture for a service after getting ripped off years ago with my Mazda.

I recently took my D2 to a local mechanic to get a RWC done as my Land Rover dealer did not do RWC (don't know why). Anyway, the local mechanic mentioned that the fuel filter was leaking, and oil filter etc. I had only had the car serviced the month before at my dealer. No noticeable leaks....anyway I needed it done to sell it. $500 later I was not impressed. My dealer were happy to rectify any issues from service, but as time was crucial I went with the local guy. He never gave me the old filters to show where they leaked and passed the RWC on a technicality. But really, they were after a quick buck. Yes my dealer costs more, but they have also been exceptional for service AND the most important thing.....they know Land Rovers. You pay for what you get in life!

Originally Posted by Neil P

That's just what the " Industry " wants the Punter to go with ......
Some of us don't want to pay $400 labour to some Tosser.
I've never had a problem trading ANY vehicle I've maintained
myself , in 35 years.

To be honest trading is not the issue - if you "trade" a car presumably you are doing so to buy another. A dealer is not going to hassle you over servicing if a sale is involved.

I've had my last two vehicles serviced regularly by the guy up the road who has stamped the books. Both vehicles were sold privately (because you get more this way) and all potential and actual buyers were MOST interested in a stamped book.

Unfortunately, the guy up the road isn't equipped to do the D4. Given that services on the D4 are infrequent I'll be taking it to a dealer for servicing. I fully intend ultimately to sell the vehicle privately and I reckon this makes it easier to do so.

Ron

PS Anyone want to buy a well-maintained D4 in about 4-5 years, contact me then

Originally Posted by HedleyLamar

I recently took my D2 to a local mechanic to get a RWC done as my Land Rover dealer did not do RWC (don't know why). Anyway, the local mechanic mentioned that the fuel filter was leaking, and oil filter etc. I had only had the car serviced the month before at my dealer. No noticeable leaks....anyway I needed it done to sell it. $500 later I was not impressed. My dealer were happy to rectify any issues from service, but as time was crucial I went with the local guy. He never gave me the old filters to show where they leaked and passed the RWC on a technicality. But really, they were after a quick buck. Yes my dealer costs more, but they have also been exceptional for service AND the most important thing.....they know Land Rovers. You pay for what you get in life!

I had the same problem at Mazda. Work done where they did not show you evidence.
25k or less on the clock, needed new pads and machining. Would not show me pads and used the old if you do not get it done your warranty is over.

So yes there are lots of bad mechanics.. Which is not great

I might be hijaacking this thread a little, but I've just picked up my vehicle from Sniegy at MLR (Melbourne City Land Rover - Port Melbourne) after having a few accessories installed (brake controller, Traxide's brilliant auxiliary battery system, roof rails, and mud flaps) and I've got to say I'm very impressed. They even washed my car!

I've bought may new cars in my life and taken them back to many a dealer for service/warranty work. But this is the first time I felt I was putting the car into the hands of someone with a passion for them. Sounds corny, but actually does make a big difference when you hand the keys over.

The work, communication, and customer service were first rate and Sniegy and his crew do an absolutely fantastic job - thanks guys. I'll be back.

Ron

OK follow up.
Got it back from service last week. Good job, kept us up to date with things. Had the normal mark up things though. Wanted $150 for wipers, which I politely said no. Seeing its raining all the time and they are really good. Best I have had in a car. Oh then the $150 ummm for rubber.
Battery said to be on way out as well $350.. Checked elsewhere $175-$200 so get it done in the next week or so. HDC light comes on now and then on startup said it was the battery. Is that correct?
Mentioned we had extended warranty so a couple of things found and fixed with extended warranty. I do wonder if found if no extended warranty
Wife not happy as was not washed as they say on website, I was in a rush so did not go back in.
Loan car was a camry which is a bit of a bummer

Will we use again. Not sure.