So your pride and joy is about to turn three years old, which means its warranty is going to expire. The past three years have been a pleasure, not only because you've been driving an Aston Martin, but because you've had the peace of mind of knowing that if, heaven forbid there's a problem, you're covered.
At this stage, you've got several options:
- Trade your car in and get a new one.
- Extend your warranty with Aston Martin.
- Look at alternative ways of keeping your vehicle maintained and reliable.
If you want to keep your car, or you've bought an older car second hand, we think your best option is to use an Aston Martin specialist like us. That's not because we don't like main dealers, far from it, but we think independent specialists like us are a better option once your cars a few years old. Here's why.
Keep your Aston once the warranty has expired
If you've decided to keep your Aston once the warranty has expired, it's very likely because you love your car. So in an ideal world, you want your car to be looked after by someone who also loves these fantastic cars whatever their age. But that's not all.
It's no secret that Aston Martin is a premium brand and as you'd expect main dealer parts and labour come at a price. We've got no issue with that, but as your car gets older, it can become a problem paying top dollar for every service or repair. Furthermore, in general terms, main dealers of any make of car tend to be geared more towards newer cars, it's just how they're structured.
Cost-effective solutions to problems
Most Aston Martin specialists outside the main dealer networks exist to look for cost-effective solutions to problems. They'll take an active interest in looking after your car while keeping a keen eye on costs.
This differs from main dealers who primarily exist to sell and service new cars, and approved second-hand cars. They're not really interested in keeping your car humming along on a budget. That's not a criticism, it's just how it is.
So what should you expect from the people looking after your car once you move away from the main dealer network?
First off, it's going to be a more hands-on experience. If you want to see your car on the ramp, no problem. If you wish to speak to the person working on your vehicle, no problem. Furthermore, here at Pugsley & Lewis, several members of our team of Aston Martin specialists are owners of both classic and modern Astons, so they understand what it's like to own an older car.
But don't think garages like ours are only about spanners and grease, we're not, far from it!
Although it's true that we're more than capable of dismantling an Aston until all you have are nuts, bolts and components, we're no strangers to providing fantastic customer service. We might not be in a position to give you a DBS Superleggera as a courtesy car while we work on yours, but we will look after you.
In fact, when people turn to us for their Aston Martin servicing and repair work they love it. They quickly recognise that we're in the business of helping customers enjoy their cars for many years to come. They appreciate that we will always look for cost-effective ways to keep their car ready for action.
If you're thinking of buying a second hand Aston, and you're considering using a main dealer for service and maintenance instead of an independent Aston specialist then here's something to consider.
It's possible to buy a warranty for a second-hand Aston from Aston Martin. However, before you do you need to own the car and before they sell you a warranty you will need to pay for the car to go through their workshop and any required repairs will need to be done. Again, all good, it makes sense, but there's a hefty price to pay for that.
Get a pre-purchase check
If you really want peace of mind when buying a second-hand Aston most reputable independent specialists, like us, offer a pre-purchase check. There is a fee for this, but it won't break the bank.
And what better way to start a love affair with an Aston Martin than to have it checked out by a specialist who can then provide all the aftercare you might need.
Aston Martin main dealers provide a fantastic service, and they sit at the top of the Aston Martin eco-system. However, a good independent Aston Martin specialist, like us, is an excellent choice for owners of classic Astons or out of warranty, modern cars.
If you'd like to chat about how we can help you enjoy your Aston Martin for many years to come, simply get in touch.
