Pre warranty expiry inspection

[SL500UK]

AM warranty runs out soon, don't intend to renew it - so is it worth paying for an independent to inspect the car and present a list of defects (if any) or would a main dealer carry out this type of inspection during its annual service?

I'm just a bit cynical that the main dealer might overlook certain items that needs attention but not sure why I should think this as they get paid to carry out the warranty repairs, albeit at the lower labour rate than what we pay.

[AMDBSNick]

Where are you based?

[v8woollie]

I got an indy to do a 140 point inspection and go over the car for any warranty items just prior to my warranty expiry. Luckily they didn't find anything but it was worth having it done for peace of mind.

Dealers do not normally miss warranty items. It is a good way for them to generate income. They of course get less as the warranty companies get discounted rates, but it is still good work. I'm sure if there is anything to be done they will tell you before the warranty expires.

My dealer inspects the car every time it goes in. Even if for something like a tyre to be fitted they do a check over.

Edited by v8woollie on Thursday 2nd May 15:09

[SL500UK]

AMDBSNick said:

Where are you based?

Buckinghamshire

[AMDBSNick]

SL500UK said:

Buckinghamshire

Dare I say it but BR did mine post JLC tour as I had a bit of a funny noise on the way back (nothing but a stone between disk and cal as it turns out) They were mega thorough and found a couple of bits. TBH though it did prove Stratstone hadn't done a bad job on a 4 year service 2000 miles earlier.

[Jockman]

SL500UK said:

.... would a main dealer carry out this type of inspection during its annual service?

This.

The annual service sheets incorporate most of the Inspection items anyway.

I got JCT to do my 3rd year service and they spotted minute paint defects that I had not noticed - then fixed them under warranty. Four months later they organised for new wing mirror stalks for me under warranty......despite me no longer having a warranty

[SL500UK]

Seems as if my doubts on main dealers looking out for warranty repairs are unfounded. Thanks for your opinions.

[JohnG1]

Bamford Rose did mine and got a new clutch, respray for bubbling paint and a whole host of other bits. Clutch retails at £4200. So maybe £6000 of work in total.

For the pittance that paid bamford rose it was worth it.

[gibbon]

JohnG1 said:

Bamford Rose did mine and got a new clutch, respray for bubbling paint and a whole host of other bits. Clutch retails at £4200. So maybe £6000 of work in total.

For the pittance that paid bamford rose it was worth it.

Just out of general interest, how did you manage to get a new clutch under warranty please?

[yeti]

gibbon said:

Just out of general interest, how did you manage to get a new clutch under warranty please?

It was actually faulty rather than simply worn. Think Johns car has only done 11k miles and clutch was squeaking?

Edited for 'squeak' rather than 'rattle'

John, are you over here currently or 'over there'?

Edited by yeti on Friday 3rd May 09:04

[JohnG1]

gibbon said:

JohnG1 said:

Bamford Rose did mine and got a new clutch, respray for bubbling paint and a whole host of other bits. Clutch retails at £4200. So maybe £6000 of work in total.

For the pittance that paid bamford rose it was worth it.

Just out of general interest, how did you manage to get a new clutch under warranty please?

Well, you start out with AML saying "hmmm".

Then Bamford Rose get involved and AML offer a 25% contribution.

Then Bamford Rose confer and suggest that the amount should be more and should they have a word?

After more faffing about that Bamford Rose handle you get 100% paid. As those dreadful meerkats say "Simples".

The clutch was faulty - squeaky noise on power uptake. A cockney blag artist of some repute (and a lovely set of winter wheels and tyres) had the same warranty claim. Since I'm more "Driving Miss Daisy" rather than "The Sweeney" I did not even notice until Bamford Rose told me about the problem!