Service plan - is it worth it?

[Giller]

I've not gone for it with the service plan despite it seeming to save money.

One worry I have is that the car gets written off or something, then I've paid for a service plan for a car that no longer exists.

Is that how it would work?

Or can you claim some of it back if the car is no more?

See my previous post with the service plan any unused service money is fully refundable or transferable to a new vehicle, no interest charges.

 

[Wilse]

When I bought mine, the deal came with 2 years free servicing. I have added to this years 3 to 6 on a plan. The overall cost for the 6 years works out to £166 a year. The MOT'S for years 3 to 6 are extra, but at the reduced rate of £35 per MOT

I'm going to try and play the garage plans off against each other as there are clearly differences between their own service plans and that from the MG portal. Perrys quote, for example, included the following per service:

S1: screen wash
S2: screen wash
pollen filter
brake fluid
key fob batteries
S3: same as S1
MOT
S4: screen wash
pollen filter
brake fluid
key fob batteries
transmission oil (?)
MOT
S5: same as S1
coolant change
MOT

Each service also includes a system check, software check and an aircon refresh. When you factor in a years worth of free AA Breakdown with each service, which currently costs £145 before discounts, it seems like a reasonable deal. However, the MG portal service plan is £150 less, I just need to extrapolate why.

 

[Giller]

I'm going to try and play the garage plans off against each other as there are clearly differences between their own service plans and that from the MG portal. Perrys quote, for example, included the following per service:

S1: screen wash
S2: screen wash
pollen filter
brake fluid
key fob batteries
S3: same as S1
MOT
S4: screen wash
pollen filter
brake fluid
key fob batteries
transmission oil (?)
MOT
S5: same as S1
coolant change
MOT

Each service also includes a system check, software check and an aircon refresh. When you factor in a years worth of free AA Breakdown with each service, which currently costs £145 before discounts, it seems like a reasonable deal. However, the MG portal service plan is £150 less, I just need to

I'm going to try and play the garage plans off against each other as there are clearly differences between their own service plans and that from the MG portal. Perrys quote, for example, included the following per service:

S1: screen wash
S2: screen wash
pollen filter
brake fluid
key fob batteries
S3: same as S1
MOT
S4: screen wash
pollen filter
brake fluid
key fob batteries
transmission oil (?)
MOT
S5: same as S1
coolant change
MOT

Each service also includes a system check, software check and an aircon refresh. When you factor in a years worth of free AA Breakdown with each service, which currently costs £145 before discounts, it seems like a reasonable deal. However, the MG portal service plan is £150 less, I just need to extrapolate why.

Just ensure the plans you are comparing will meet the requirements for the MG warranty.

 

[Wilse]

Just ensure the plans you are comparing will meet the requirements for the MG warranty.

Therein lies my confusion, on the MG portal I can select an MG service plan (fulfilling every aspect of the warranty) and specify Perrys MG as my preferred service provider, yet contacting Perrys direct resulted in a higher service plan cost. I need confirmation from the MG portal of what their services actually include. It may turn out that Perrys, for example, might offer a better service than the portal version even though they are a listed MG dealership. That should fulfill the service requirements to get another year of AA Breakdown but definitely worth clarifying before I commit.

 

[Giller]

Therein lies my confusion, on the MG portal I can select an MG service plan (fulfilling every aspect of the warranty) and specify Perrys MG as my preferred service provider, yet contacting Perrys direct resulted in a higher service plan cost. I need confirmation from the MG portal of what their services actually include. It may turn out that Perrys, for example, might offer a better service than the portal version even though they are a listed MG dealership. That should fulfill the service requirements to get another year of AA Breakdown but definitely worth clarifying before I commit.

Personally I’d be going (as I have previously) with MGs service plan, from memory it can be transfered to another MG dealer if needed.

 

[Wilse]

Personally I’d be going (as I have previously) with MGs service plan, from memory it can be transfered to another MG dealer if needed.

Do you remember the things that were included in the MG service plan? Just curious....

 

[Giller]

Do you remember the things that were included in the MG service plan? Just curious....

​

Not specifically, it covers the full requirements MG specify for each service over the plan period, locks in the cost so future proofed, maintains the warranty as it would be invalid unless serviced by an MG approved dealer, is recorded on MG's database, and gives you a years roadside assistance free after each service.

"Service(s) means the routine maintenance services relating to the Vehicle (as specified in the Service Schedule) together with interim services where recommended for the Vehicle by the Manufacturer.
Service Schedule means the Manufacturers recommended service intervals and operations (including interim services where appropriate) for the Vehicle current at the date of this Contract. For the avoidance of doubt, it is for the Manufacturer to stipulate the applicable service intervals and operations.
Dealer means a motor vehicle repairer located in the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands which is party to an Authorised Repairer agreement with the Manufacturer relating to MG cars and light commercial vehicles.
If you take your car for a service at your local MG dealer, you will receive 12 months’ FREE MG Roadside Assistance provided by the AA."

 

[tsedge]

A normal dealer service gives you warranty protection and free AA breakdown insurance, that isn't an extra just for service plans.

The main point of a service plan is to give you a predetermined price for your servicing and potentially pay for it monthly (as some makes do).

Be careful to check if any service plan is dealer-specific (or dealer-group specific). These are often offered alongside manufacturer plans but a bit cheaper - downside is they can't be transferred or if the dealer closes down they are lost.

 

[Wilse]

A normal dealer service gives you warranty protection and free AA breakdown insurance, that isn't an extra just for service plans.

The main point of a service plan is to give you a predetermined price for your servicing and potentially pay for it monthly (as some makes do).

Be careful to check if any service plan is dealer-specific (or dealer-group specific). These are often offered alongside manufacturer plans but a bit cheaper - downside is they can't be transferred or if the dealer closes down they are lost.

Totally agree. That's what I need to check with Perrys, for example, to see if their service plan quote was for 'their' plan or a genuine MG one. It's £150 more over the 5 year plan but that might be justified if they're actually doing more than the MG plan. That's what I need to confirm.

 

[Giller]

Totally agree. That's what I need to check with Perrys, for example, to see if their service plan quote was for 'their' plan or a genuine MG one. It's £150 more over the 5 year plan but that might be justified if they're actually doing more than the MG plan. That's what I need to confirm.

Be interested in what you find out. I’d not mentioned the ability to transfer the unused balance of an MG service plan to a new MG which I was able to do, straightforward, no penalties, big benefit,

 

[5teep]

A list of some of the benefits of taking an MG service plan.

Free MG Roadside Assistance​

If you take your car for a service at your local MG dealer, you will receive 12 months’ FREE MG Roadside Assistance provided by the AA.

Our Dealer Network​

Choose from 180 dealers located across the UK.

MG Genuine Parts​

Our trained MG technicians only use MG genuine parts so you’ll have peace of mind knowing that only the best parts have been specifically designed and fitted by our trained MG technicians.

MG Trained Technicians​

Our fully-trained and certified MG technicians have attended extensive training courses at our academy, so you can be assured that only the most qualified technicians are servicing and repairing your MG car.

A Digital Record of your MG Service History​

When you get your MG car serviced at one of our franchised dealers, your cars’ service will be added to our national database, enhancing the resale value of your car, and allowing us to ensure your car is serviced correctly.

 

[siteguru]

All of those are included in any service by an MG dealership, regardless of whether or not the service is paid for by a service plan.