Servicing and warranty

[Upatdawn]

Is it still OK to have services done at non-dealerships (i.e. proper garages) without losing the warranty on a new car? or did the EU block it?

[Kinky]

As long as they are VAT registered, then it's OK, IIRC.

[Benjy911]

As above I believe.

Depending on the manufacturer though you may want to see if any "checks" are required as part of the warranty. I know Vauxhall's lifetime warranty requires a yearly check otherwise it is invalidated.

[loskie]

I wouldn't risk it. If the service states that software updates are part of it then my view is that only the main dealer can do that and whilst they may also use bulk oil instead of the stuff specific to your model they will use this as a warranty get out should you service it elsewhere.

[Sheepshanks]

Upatdawn said:

Is it still OK to have services done at non-dealerships (i.e. proper garages) without losing the warranty on a new car? or did the EU block it?

You're getting confused.

The EU blocked (Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulations) manufacturers from insisting that vehicles are serviced by franchised dealers in order to keep the warranty.

However many manufacturers offer servicing deals such that it makes financial sense to stay with the dealer. Also if the car is on manufacturer backed finance then it may well be a condition that servicing must be done at a dealer.

[valiant]

Personally, while it's within warranty I'd stick with the main dealer as you may get some goodwill contribution should something major go bang after the warranty has expired.

[CRA1G]

It was the EU that that passed for It non main dealerships to do servicing.. so yes no problem as long as VAT Reg and original parts used will not invalidate the warranty.

[Claudia Skies]

valiant said:

Personally, while it's within warranty I'd stick with the main dealer as you may get some goodwill contribution should something major go bang after the warranty has expired.

Yes, I agree.

And in any event, during the 3 year warranty period on a new car I can't believe the cash saving on one or two services is even remotely significant compared with the cost of the car itself.

[Sheepshanks]

Claudia Skies said:

And in any event, during the 3 year warranty period on a new car I can't believe the cash saving on one or two services is even remotely significant compared with the cost of the car itself.

It would generally be 3 services.

Not everything is about price though. Our VW was on their cheap 3 service deal which covered the first 3 years, but next week it's having its 4yr service at an indie even though the dealer would be cheaper and offers a courtesy car.

[Upatdawn]

My experiences with Citroen left me with nightmares and the shakes, then again I suppose it would

This ones a Skoda

They dont quote the cambelt service (100,000 miles?)

http://www.skoda.co.uk/owners/service-and-maintena...

Edited by Upatdawn on Sunday 15th February 19:57

[Sheepshanks]

Upatdawn said:

My experiences with Citroen left me with nightmares and the shakes, then again I suppose it would

This ones a Skoda

They dont quote the cambelt service (100,000 miles?)

http://www.skoda.co.uk/owners/service-and-maintena...

What annoys me is that VW absolutely insisted the car would need a major service at 2yrs - but when they found out it was on a service contract, all it needed was an oil change. We also had a bit of a "discussion" about brake fluid change at 3yrs - VW say it's scheduled at 3yrs, the dealer says it's an "optional" item.

Cambelt change on post 2009 VWs is 5yrs. They're vague about the mileage even on their website, but I've heard 80K. I would imagine Skoda should be the same, but wouldn't take anything with VAG for granted.