The agency is not always the right answer, and the cheapest garage is not either. The best choice depends mainly on whether your car is still under warranty and how complex the job is.
Cost: where the gap comes from
Agencies carry higher overheads and charge more for labour and genuine parts. Independents often use quality aftermarket parts and lower labour rates, which is where most of the saving comes from on out-of-warranty cars.
Warranty: what is actually true
A common myth is that any non-agency service voids your warranty. In practice, what matters is that the service is done on schedule, with the correct genuine or equivalent parts, and documented.
If your car is still under warranty and you want zero risk, the agency or an agency-approved workshop is the safe choice.
When each one wins
| Situation | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Car under warranty | Agency / approved workshop |
| Routine out-of-warranty service | Independent garage |
| Complex electronics / recall | Agency |
| Older car, value matters | Independent specialist |
| Brand specialist needed (e.g. German cars) | Specialist independent |