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JLR getting heavy with independent specialists in New Zealand

Jaguar Land Rover are obviously on a drive to appoint main dealers in New Zealand. Generally I would not touch them with a gold plated barge pole as they would steal the gold and charge you for it but there are a network of great ex-Land Rover mechanics set up as independents around the country that have invested in the specialist tools and gone to the trouble of sourcing parts from around the world to avoid the New Zealand habit of chronic overcharging for anything that does not look like a Toyota or a sheep.

Just a word of warning, once your nice shiny new Land Rover or Range Rover is out of warranty make sure you know where the good local independent lives.

 

[Rowant]

Re: JLR getting heavy with independent specialists in New Zealand

I could never understand why they charge so much. Maybe it is profiteering - if you can afford to own one you can afford to pay our charges. Or maybe LR tells them what to charge so they have no choice. Not long ago I needed 2 new o-rings for my P38 heater connection - the dealer down here wanted NZ$9.90 each (and here tomorrow if I would pay the courier costs) while a local engineering supplies company asked 90c each (and in stock).

Even my local independent parts suppliers (Southern 4wd and the like) are asking mafia prices for spares but I don't have the heart to tell them that I can get parts from Island 4x4 for less than half of what they want. Or I sometimes get parts made - a new cylinder for my eas pump made in stainless for a dozen beer.

And we won't even talk about the prices of new parts on Trade Me - some of them are even worse.

Rowan