Local independent garage vs main dealer — what should you choose?

Wondering whether you should take your vehicle into your local independent garage over a main dealer? Whether your motor is in need of a service, MOT or repair, there are many reasons why you might choose your local garage rather than a main dealership.

Contrary to what you may have thought, you don’t have to get your motor serviced at a main dealership. In fact, according to an agreement under the European Union Block Exemption legislation, car makers in the UK cannot force the buyer to have their motor serviced by their official dealership.

Here at Just the Ticket, as a local independent service that’s been based in New Malden for more than 20 years, it comes as no surprise that we’re championing independent garages over main dealer options. And it’s for several reasons.

From value for money to convenience — here are some points that might convince you to shop local:

1. You can expect a personalised service

No matter if you’ve been getting your car serviced with us since we first opened up our MOT bays in 2002 or you’ve just stubbled across Just the Ticket in passing, here at our New Malden garage we treat all our customers with a second-to-none service.

But don’t just rely on our word for this. Here is what one recent customer had to say: “My Mini Cooper R56 was booked in for a service yesterday and completed this afternoon. From start to finish the service was impeccable as well as the professionalism from all staff. I’ll be using ‘Just the Ticket’ for many years to come for all my motoring needs. A great, honest garage carrying out brilliant work. Thanks again!”

2. Value for money

It’s fair to say that the overheads are much smaller at a local auto repair garage. Why? Usually, independent garages have a smaller team and no big industrial warehouse to keep alight.

This means we are generally able to offer MOTs, services, repairs, air con re-gassing — you name it — at a much more cost effective price. For example, you can get a full air conditioning recharge for £65 plus VAT. While our MOTs cost under £40.

And these are all carried out by our team of experienced and motorists with many years’ experience in the motor trade, all of whom are qualified and trained to the highest standards. So you can enjoy a main dealer quality service without the main dealer prices.

3. It’s convenient

More often than not, your local garage is just around the corner. And even it’s around a couple of corners, it’s within the vicinity.

This means you can drop your car off for an MOT or service and not worry about how you’re going to get back home. Although, here at Just the Ticket, you are always more than welcome to wait in our warm and welcoming reception space while our motorists finish doing their checks.

And what’s more, we also offer a free collection and return service for MOTs and Services. So, whether you require an MOT, service, new tyres, an exhaust repair or a simple light bulb change, we will offer you the best advice and support.

Get in touch

Get in touch to book in your motor today by giving the friendly team a ring on 02083361111 or drop us an email.