Complimentary Car Wash by the Dealership

[The_Hawk]

Using a specialist doesn't change/break the warranty status (assuming of course they use approved parts/fluids etc) but it *can* make things harder when claiming (not that it should) with some service departments.

Servicing with a dealer (and this isn't always the case) builds a relationship which means that they might just make good on things like SilvrFoxX's out of warranty issue in good faith. It can also make any warranty claims easier too since they know the car. When push comes to shove it's also handy to be able to point at a book full of stamps and remind them that they are the only ones that have ever touched the car and should have noticed/found/fixed any issues since they are the experts at all...

All that said, some dealer services departments are better than others, some are more strict on claims and some are easier so it's going to differ from person to person and place to place... For every story like SilvrFoxX's fix there is one about someone having to outright fight for an IN WARRANTY claim for a vehicle that was only ever serviced at the local dealer they bought the car from.

If you do plan on using a specialist I would suggest asking for and keeping detailed receipts for all parts/fluids being used just in case the day comes you need to prove that it has always been the right stuff.

[SilvrFoxX]

Balanced response I say.. I like the idea of specialists and post warranty would travel that path, but for a $60K car that has a history of inconsistent reliability I will take the gouging and build that relationship with the dealership service centre.. just piece of mind really

[Rob_R]

Using a specialist doesn't change/break the warranty status (assuming of course they use approved parts/fluids etc) but it *can* make things harder when claiming (not that it should) with some service departments.

Servicing with a dealer (and this isn't always the case) builds a relationship which means that they might just make good on things like SilvrFoxX's out of warranty issue in good faith. It can also make any warranty claims easier too since they know the car. When push comes to shove it's also handy to be able to point at a book full of stamps and remind them that they are the only ones that have ever touched the car and should have noticed/found/fixed any issues since they are the experts at all...

All that said, some dealer services departments are better than others, some are more strict on claims and some are easier so it's going to differ from person to person and place to place... For every story like SilvrFoxX's fix there is one about someone having to outright fight for an IN WARRANTY claim for a vehicle that was only ever serviced at the local dealer they bought the car from.

If you do plan on using a specialist I would suggest asking for and keeping detailed receipts for all parts/fluids being used just in case the day comes you need to prove that it has always been the right stuff.

Yep, I agree. Dealer to dealer can be be different. Having a consistant service history with a dealer can be an advantage but generally will cost more and you don't really build up a repore with the actual person that works on your car.

I might get my first service with the dealer this time around as I'm sure there might be some warranty niggles I might want sorted out at the same time. Not to say I haven't already been back and need to go back next week but that's for another post.

[SilvrFoxX]

We all know why you want to go back.. for the ego boost and double entendre with the counter jokey ..

[Rob_R]

We all know why you want to go back.. for the ego boost and double entendre with the counter jokey ..

LOL, just spat my coffee out. Don't be jealous. Probably won't be able to talk to that service guy with a straight face next week. And no SF, no pun intended!!!

[SilvrFoxX]

now I am crying with laughter.. thanks for the endorphin hit

[brad]

So how do you assure warranty with a specialist..? I mean I have had warranty issues present 6 years after purchase and becuae I had a solid record with the service centre my $3000 claim for a rooted drive shaft was covered.. will a specialist do that

That isn't warranty. That's good will. Some people manage to get good will quite easily, others not so much, so it's a bit of a crap shoot.

Personally, I doubt the dealer I was going to would have provided much good will because every service I had to have "discussions" about the bill....... and then they handed back the franchise so any investment in the brand was wasted anyway.

[SilvrFoxX]

That isn't warranty. That's good will. Some people manage to get good will quite easily, others not so much, so it's a bit of a crap shoot.

Personally, I doubt the dealer I was going to would have provided much good will because every service I had to have "discussions" about the bill....... and then they handed back the franchise so any investment in the brand was wasted anyway.

heh, the same could be said for the difference between ethics and morals .. Granted goodwill plays its hand however you have a better arguement for a warranty repair if the history is solid, don't you agree?

[brad]

heh, the same could be said for the difference between ethics and morals .. Granted goodwill plays its hand however you have a better arguement for a warranty repair if the history is solid, don't you agree?

No, because 6 years after purchase the car was out of warranty wasn't it? Therefore you had it fixed under a good will agreement, not under warranty.

[SilvrFoxX]

No, because 6 years after purchase the car was out of warranty wasn't it? Therefore you had it fixed under a good will agreement, not under warranty.

No, the story is more complicated than that, it was the last service of the warranty period and the problem presented. The warranty then lapsed whilst in their care, they could have called it but as we had serviced the car there for 6 years and not missed one they said they would cover it.

Now you could look at it through a number of lenses to argue for and against however the experience was enough for me to say that having a long term history generates a strong case.