Service prices US vs UK

I keep reading on the forum how expensive these cars are to run and service. Granted they're not cheap and some of the work like engine or gearbox rebuilds etc can make your eyes water, but the prices paid over in the US seem way over what they are here in the UK. Main dealers are expensive over here but the specialists, using the same parts and more often than not manned by ex main dealer mechanics who have been stollen, seem to charge way less than over there.

The specialists often now do fixed price services over here and here's an example from my neck of the woods. You need to add VAT at 20% to these prices then multiply by 1.56 to get US Dollars but they still seem way under what I keep reading you guys pay. These are for engine out cam belt services where applicable, just had mine done. Why the price differential? Most things are cheaper over there, why not servicing your ferrari?

BTW ** is services where you pay extra for new plugs. You specify or supply what you want. No extra labour charge just the cost of the plugs.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

These prices include all parts and labour etc. Many of the Specialists over here in the UK have now gone this way with fixed price deals. Labour rates for other work is also not what it seems to be over there, only taking what some have said things cost. I pay less on labour at the Ferrari Specialist I use than I used to pay for work on my Wrangler. Anyway, interested what you all think, what you pay, and more importantly why?

 

Any harm in chatting about it though? I had someone quote paying $6k for an engine out cam belt service. $3k differential seems quite a bit to me. I'm sure that there are legitimate business reasons for the difference, maybe the guy had a lot of other work done as well, so hope there's no harm in chatting about it. Would only be a problem if there weren't legitimate reasons for it. I pay about the same labour rate as a VW main dealer near me charges which seems fair and pay what the parts cost the Specialist to buy in.

If the dealers would prefer I didn't ask feel free to PM me and say so but I would ask why?

 

By 'Cam Belt Service' they mean the once every 3 years (for a 348) service as per the service schedule which obviously has to include the engine being removed from the car. It includes all parts and work as specified by the service schedule. What do guys over there do during a service? Can't really see how that's apples and oranges unless you guys do a lot of work over and above the service schedule. Regarding the Labour costs, I guess that must be it unless parts are far more expensive.

If I've accidentally hit a raw nerve I am sorry but I was just a little surprised when someone I'm in touch with over there quoted what he paid for an engine out cam belt service. Ok a little more than surprised. If this thread is 'not in the public interest' as it were I've got no issue with any of you guys (or anyone else for that matter) getting in touch with the mods and asking for it to be removed, I won't object or even say it shouldn't be. Was more curious to see how the price of owning a Ferrari fluctuates around the world and to see what the regional variations are. Your neck of the woods was the only area apart from the UK where I knew something about what the costs were. I was curious to know why there is such a large difference.

 

Metheringham in Lincolnshire! Mate, you have got to be kidding me. I'm sitting about 2 or 3 miles from their house! Potterhanworth.

 

Ok mate, and you're right, I didn't mean to upset the service guys but was genuinely curious. Given the chance I'd buy a lot of stuff from the states (possibly even parts for my car) due to the cost differences. Just seems like owning one of these great cars the other side of the pond costs a bit extra in service charges. Was just wondering why?

 

Right you are.

 

Will do when the guy doing the work on mine finishes. Can't wait! Thread on the work is on Fchat. Will probably have it just in time for the snow

Someone from the US just asked how much I paid, including the service. I told him and I asked how much they did. Was a little bit of a difference so thought I'd ask around. Possibly a mistake. Still, live and learn.....

 

Hi Pap. I guess its just market forces. The UK is so small in comparison that I'm within easy reach of probably 5 or so Specialists and 2 main dealers. They have to fight for our business or they loose it. Admittedly the prices I've thrown up are towards the cheaper end of the market but the work there is first rate. Charges wise they get the parts cheaper than I seem to be sble to get them, that's what they charge me for them then there's just an hourly labour charge, same as any other garage. I'm not begrudging guys in other countries charging what they want, its their business not mine, was just surprised is all.

 

Hi Pete, how's life?

 

Just being friendly to our southern hemisphere cousins....