Servicing car to keep a warranty

[shuffleofftobuffalo]

Not sure what to do here!

My car has just turned 4. It's extremely low mileage. I had it MOT'd today and it flew through as expected.

I've had it serviced by the manufacturer dealership since I've had it (3yrs) because it has a warranty that's dependent on it, but that only has a year to go.

The dealership servicing is really expensive. I got an MOT elsewhere because of availability, and the mechanic there told me there's no need to service it for another 6,000 miles (probably 2-3 yrs).

So I'm thinking of cancelling my dealership service this year, but can't decide if that's the right thing to do as there's a year of warranty left? Help!

I've had it serviced by the manufacturer dealership since I've had it (3yrs) because it has a warranty that's dependent on it, but that only has a year to go.

Who told you that?

The dealer!

Interested in replies as I've just had mine (4 yrs old) done at the dealership, £980 for service, MOT and some minor issues. Really poor service tbh. No warranty or anything but my husbands car of the same age has a 100 000 mile warranty that reactivates yearly at the dealership service

Definitely going to Halfords next year

* edit to add the customer service was poor and also cleaning etc

I hope the actual service was good!

You don’t have to use a dealer service, that’s a lie. You can get a service anywhere as long as they do what is required to keep the car in warranty - they typically suggest genuine parts. Ask a garage and they will know what to do. I got a full service and mot £350 this year, just so you can compare

There is some sort of legalities whereby dealers can’t require that you use their services to keep the car in warranty. The only thing required to keep the warranty valid is using genuine parts, correct oil, and (I think) using a proper VAT registered garage, but not as sure about the last point.

@BlueEyedLeucy is a bit more clued up than me but I know you can go anywhere as long as they use genuine parts.

@shuffleofftobuffalo Just asked husband and he said it is called the Block legislation and should contain the info you need. Slightly differs between initial warranty and those purchased afterwards. We only recently extended our warranty and that's why he knows the name of it!

Exactly that (I work for a main dealer)

I’d recommend you find a trusted local independent garage. Ask around for recommendations. Dealership service prices are extortionate. You’re paying for the showroom and coffee machines. You can ask your chosen garage to use branded parts. Your servicing costs are likely to decrease by at least 50%.

The dealer lied. Just has to be a VAT registered garage and you must have evidence of course.

Oh yeah they must do the recommended stuff and use OEM parts too.

Someone up thread mentioned the Toyota warranty, the only time I think it's worth using a dealer is with a Toyota. As they said you get a warranty with the service as long as it's under 10 years old and 100k I believe.

I’ve never used a main dealer to service any of our fleet and we’ve had two warranty claims in 15 years no issues.

we used a good local garage who are brilliant and charge me £35 an hour labour and not £120. Main stealers are the worst.

Check your warranty document, mine requires servicing every 12 thousand miles or annually whichever is sooner, but any garage is fine as long as original parts are used where applicable

Please god don’t go to halfrauds there as bad as the main dealers find a good local garage.

@grimupnorthnot
Thanks

When you go to Halfords, they'll ring you offering you extras. Ask them exactly what they'll be doing within the service price first. I'm sure they charged me extra for stuff that should have been covered in the 300 and odd quid. I haven't been back, I use an independent garage now

I wouldn't like not getting a service every year, even though it's a pain and an extra expense. We rely on our cars not to get it done I think.

Thanks all! I'll use the independent garage from now on.