Do Dealership Advisors Push Parts Sales? Myths Busted | GVE London – Blog

A lot of our customers have complained that many a time in the past when they’ve gone to dealerships for servicing, they often felt almost forced into purchasing extra parts—making the sale of these parts a bigger priority than fixing what’s wrong. Many car owners, especially those with high-end vehicles, have questioned whether dealership service advisors genuinely have their best interests at heart or if they are merely looking to make an extra buck. It is a bold claim, so let’s take a closer look at it.

Do Dealerships Push Unnecessary Repairs?

Not all dealerships are the same, of course. However, the numbers suggest that a major chunk of dealership revenue comes from parts and servicing. According to a report by Auto Service World, an average dealership makes £8.9 million in parts and service sales. Furthermore, parts and service consultants are paid quite handsomely as well.

All this points towards a significant incentive for dealerships to upsell repairs, recommend replacements and push extra parts and services that aren’t particularly urgent—or even necessary.

A particularly outrageous example of this was the case of a woman who was quoted over £150 for a tail light bulb replacement at a dealership, only to find she could do it herself for under £5. This situation raised serious questions about dealership pricing and transparency.

Why Independent Garages Are a Better Option

So, if dealership servicing is pushing unnecessary services and parts, charging extra for every little thing, what’s the alternative? Independent garages.

Unlike dealerships, independent garages operate primarily on the trust of their customers. Most of their clients are returning customers who are satisfied with their work. They have no corporate sales targets to meet, no excessive overhead charges to compensate for, and, in the case of our supercar service centre, like GVE London, our technicians are actual car enthusiasts. They’re genuinely excited to work on cars. This builds long-term relationships—your trust helps us run our business, and in return, you get a reliable garage that truly cares for your car.

Here’s why many car owners—especially those with luxury or supercars—are turning to independent garages like ours instead of dealership servicing:

1. Lower Costs Without the Dealership Markup

Luxury car servicing in London can be outrageously expensive when done at a main dealer, especially if you have no insurance. Independent garages, on the other hand, offer the same (if not better) level of service at a fraction of the cost.

Read Also: Why an Independent Specialist May Be Better Than Your Insurer’s Repair Shop?

2. Personalised Service and Honest Advice

At a dealership, there is a severe lack of personalisation—you’re usually just another job ticket. Mechanics at an independent garage actually take the time to explain what your car genuinely needs, rather than pushing unnecessary repairs.

3. Quality Parts Without Inflated Prices

Dealerships charge premium prices for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts, but in many cases, high-quality aftermarket parts work just as well—sometimes even better. Independent garages give you the flexibility to choose whether you want OEM parts installed or a comparable aftermarket alternative, putting you in control of the decision.

Conclusion

So, long story short, do dealership advisors push parts sales? In many cases, yes. While not all dealerships are bad, there is a strong financial incentive for them to recommend extra services—some of which you may not need immediately. So, if you want the same level of service, find yourself a go-to garage and schedule an appointment with GVE London today. From basic repairs and services to modifications and detailing, PPF, we take care of it all. Schedule an appointment today!