Bought our new arrival 3 weeks ago, serviced by Land Rover near Romford before I bought it. Engine warning light has come on twice since then both times just starting a decent journey. For the other cars we run we only use specialists and this latest experience confirms that I should continue with that. I have friends in the industry who suggest that after the warranty runs out use a specialist as I do for the Merc. I will for the new arrival. The warning indicated the engine was running lean on both sides. Bad form 3 weeks after a land rover service. Thankfully I have been recommended a specialist near me. They're not called specialist for nothing in my experience!!.

My uncle has had land rover's for decades both discos and ffrr's his taxi fares back and forth to the dealer near him in Chester would pay for almost 2 years of proper servicing by my specialist in Kent.

In my experience once your pride and joy gets a new owner and is out of warranty using a specialist shows you care about the vehicle.

If anyone tells you different ask if they are in the industry. Current:
1999 SL500
2006 Mini One Chrome wrapped
2008 FFRR 4.2sc

There are specialists and there are specialists, so could be quite a dangerous statement in my opinion.

I use a specialist for mine, although based upon a significant number of recommendations and his previous experience and many other LR owners experience with him.

The big issue for me is that anyone can claim they are a specialist and it is not regulated. A main dealer has to invest in training and tools to maintain the franchise and has the access and backing of the manufacturer so at least there is theoretically always knowledge of your vehicle there… 4.2 Supercharged Vogue SE

I'm fortunate that there is a specialist very near where I live and my business partner rates them highly. I also travel quite a distance to have my Merc serviced by another specialist who is fantastic. Current:
1999 SL500
2006 Mini One Chrome wrapped
2008 FFRR 4.2sc

Never used a dealer on either of my used (and out of warranty) RRs. Whenever I have had to go to a dealer for anything, I have found them to be supercilious, deceitful and uninterested. Oh, and they failed to come up with any solution!

indie every time for me. Not saying that every indie is brill, but they are still a better bet in most cases!

just my €2.4 worth.

Having been on this forum for a few years (nothing like as long as old Stan) I have read of folk have different experiences at the same Main Dealers or Independents. I use an Indie locally that others on the forum wouldn't use if their life depended on it but they have always been very fair with me and seem competent (and I can talk to the mechanics rather that the dreaded Service Receptionist or equally useless Service Manager) . My local main dealer experience was one change to the CCF - "that will be £120 plus VAT sir" - that's the main reason I bought an IIDTool. Geoff

I had a really bad experience with Mercedes who kept me waiting in reception for over 30 minutes to see the parts guy. It felt that as my car wasn't one of the new ones they couldn't be bothered. Now I use an excellent indy who gives me excellent service at a very competitive price and I've never had to return the car for jobs not done. Current:
1999 SL500
2006 Mini One Chrome wrapped
2008 FFRR 4.2sc

Had a similar experience of being kept waiting with LR dealer when buying some coolant ("Would you like us to fit it, sir?") - was almost like they didn't want to sell the parts, probably hoping I'd use them and their rip-off £120ph rates

Other than when I had a new Merc which needed a new cylinder head (under warranty) I have found dealers knowledge to be poor (my TDV8 listed as a 4.2SC on their invoice), their approach to problem solving questionable ("We weren't sure what was causing the knocking so we're replaced the entire front end.....") and them to be deceitful ("Your rear brake lines are corroded and need changing for £900 + VAT" - lasted another 18 months before my Indy did them for £300....)

Only ever had poor experience at main dealers (LR and other) - I will continue to use a garage who rely on their good service bringing repeat customers to survive... 2007 Zermatt Silver TDV8 Vogue SE - now sold but was a great car!

I feel the need to dredge up my old story...
I had a knocking noise from the front suspension. It was in for it's service. When I collected the car the service manager said he noticed the noise on the test drive and the workshop investigated. They said it was definitely the steering rack and it would cost £1800+ to repair.... I still have the quote.
I was at 47P2's house, we put it up on his ramps and he found I had not tightened up a bolt enough when I changed a suspension part.... A quick tighten and the noise was gone.... £1800+!!!!!... Robbing gits. But more so I am disappointed with their mechanical diagnostic skills. Previously..
Vogue SE TD6
Defender 90 2.4
Defender 110 TD5
Vogue 3.5 EFI

I had similar, was getting a knocking noise from the front over rough roads and when turning

Main dealer diagnosed all front/rear suspension arms as being worn and quoted over £1,000 to replace and fix the knocking

Front LHS lower arm replaced by a recommended indy for £65 including the part (not a genuine LR part) which cured the knocking

That was over 18 months ago, 25k+ miles later and all is silent  2007 Zermatt Silver TDV8 Vogue SE - now sold but was a great car!

Hi Swithins

I'd be interested in name of your specialist.
I am also London . (Essex Borders)

Pm me if you don't want to write publicly

My car is going to need discs and pads, and a decent service in the near future  Alcohol and eBay is never a good mix

2006 4.2 Supercharged, Java Black

Swithins - could I get the contact too as I'm on the lookout for someone I can use? MY11 Vogue 4.4 TDV8 - "African Queen"