Yes, that’s a good point. It just probably saves a headache and a fight.
Personally I don’t mind dealerships if you get one who know what you’re like (if you’re the ‘fussy’ kind). I go to Mazda (Newport) as they’ve been great with me, in the twice I’ve been there thus far. I ask for a particular technician, and the service manager I’ve spoken to loads and ‘followed him’ when he moved dealerships, is very adaptable and flexible. They know I’m all over my car. Don’t want it washed, talk to the tech afterwards and before etc. Bloke on the desk is nice too and is flexible with the price. Part of building up a relationship I guess, if the dealership ethos/people are positive.
I find the Sytner one I go with my mrs’ MINI quite ‘sterile’ as is the VW one I go to with the up! gti. We used to go there with a polo we had 7-8-9 years ago and it’s quite ‘sterile’ too. Kind of cold. Bit back to the future being there again.
And then the local garage/importer when I have my NIssan Elgrand serviced, I stand talking to the guy as he does it!