My 07 WRX is coming up to its 5 year/50k service which includes the cam belt change. Best price I have got from the dealers is £465 and from the independent specialists around the £270-£320 mark.
The car has only done 36k and has got a full Subaru stamped service history (done each year). I have also had mid year oil/filter changes done at the independant specialists. I probably plan to get rid of the car within the next 12 months, so would you maintain the Subaru FSH or go independent?

 

It's a wrx it will only be worth 5k if that in a year the way prices are going, so not really that important if it's main dealer or a specialist, i'd save £200 and get it done by a specialist, as long as you have the receipt it would not bother me, it's not a biggi, i'd only use main dealer during warranty period.

 

Specialist, a good one will do an equivalent and most probably better job.

 

Some people will be more impressed with a full main dealer service history but i doubt it would be a deal breaker when selling, as long as it has a full service history.
I think you will get a cheaper better service from a specialist than a main dealer. Specialists rely on good feedback and recommendations. Main dealers have new costumers every time they sell a car .
The last time i had a main dealer service they didn't even adjust the bloody hand brake.

 

Mmmm thanks for the views. I was going to go to a specialist but then I was thinking that if the cam belt was replaced by the dealer at least I should get some definite warranty/guarantee (in case it failed) with it being a genuine part for the next 12 months at least?

 

A decent specialist would provide a similar warranty using genuine or superior to genuine parts. If I was buying I would be more impressed if vehicle had been looked after by a reputable specialist as opposed to some spotty apprentice with a subaru overall on. Sometimes main stealer doesn't mean they know what they are doing! On a car that is less than 3yrs I would say main dealer history is important. Just my opinion tho.

 

There is a couple of dealers that are classed as specialists , They are quoting you of there super service menu , thats why it 465 ....