ECU Flashes for '06 Polo GTi

**Guy_H** · 20-02-2007, 05:43 PM

Timbo is correct - the ACCC covers a lot of consumer items, BUT - on an imported product, the liability rests with the importer, not the manufacturer. Overseas warranties really do not have any bearing in Australia

Now our importers insurance, for a start, does not include our vehicles as Seb may believe. The astronomical cost is due to us (the importer) is being deemed the manufacturer of the product:

A good example:

You buy software from workshop "A" - and your car cuts out in the fast lane & you get flattened by a semi trailer - who do you sue (or your insurance company sue?) - the people who wrote your software in the US, Europe or Asia?

Same if you buy brakes or suspension, a component fails (this is different to "workshop insurance" where the mechanic may have incorrectley installed something or let something loose) - who do you sue? And if you bought it off ebay? Thats another issue.

The importer is liable as the manufacturer of the product under our law.

So if workshop "B" sells a product (software or hardware) and you have an issue, who covers it, and what if the importer does not have an insurance policy?

Anyway - The Oettinger warranty (insurance) is product specific, includes breakdown coverage in every state in Australia (if you breakdown on holidays etc) - its not "general liability" insurance or "general workshop" insurance.

It may be a good idea to check on the insurance coverage offered by retailers. You wouldnt contract a builder to build a house without making sure he was registered & insured would you?

The best Importers Automotive association we have found is the AAAA - www.aaaa.com.au - check it out, ask them the questions on what would happen if you had a problem!

**Timbo** · 20-02-2007, 07:57 PM

Just to respond to Guy, the first point of liability is in fact the dealer/workshop who sold & installed the product. More than likely, the lawyers will add the importer/manufacturer.

That's why the quality of the dealer is critical, in the first instance. Unfortunately in Australia, you can often locate the importer/distributor of a quality product, but then sometimes discover the local dealer knows bugger all about the product, has a workshop that looks like a chookyard...and you get the feeling the 'prentiss will be torture testing your mod on the trip for lunchtime 'burgers.

OK, I'm an old fart...so I readily admit I'll now happily accept a second best product from a quality dealer, simply because I have someone I'll trust and will go back to. On more than one occasion, I have even troubled the workshop I trust to fit a product that normally another dealer will handle. Yes, it'll cause all sorts of problems if something goes wrong, but the workshop is the key.

All this sounds very wise, but I am soon going to post about getting a mod to my car that breaks all my own rules

mdonohoe · 20-02-2007, 08:36 PM

I need to add something here. As a very recent customer of Guy's(today and yesterday, in fact). Remember the wheels & bonnet, Guy? :=)

The service, presentation, attention to detail and overall knowledge by Guy and Alex on all cars maintained by HP is nothing short of awesome.

At no point in time would I fear my car in their hands.

All of their cars were on display, and I'm sure if asked, they would readily offer a "drive" to a genuine customer to "check" their products.

I've been to some downright s*itty workshops. Of which, C & J Motorsports at springwood was the WORST. They do a fantastic tune and produce quality results, however, I dont trust a single person there with my car alone. To me, they came across rude, arrogent and unhelpful. The tune tho, was fantastic, drivable and economical!

Just my 2psi.

PS: I love the APR tune with the two maps. The stock map aint bad, but the 98 octane map makes me wish I had better tires

Matt