The whole issue of warranties and their T&C's seem quite complex to me so I'm wondering:
a) if there's a simple rule as to what an owner should or shouldn't do in order to avoid ivalidating a manufacturer's warranty in the 1st 3 years
b) what is the best route to take for servicing/repairs etc. once the maker's original warranty has expired and
c) what the various options for extended warranties are and whether these are worthwhile.
Can anyone shed any light? Ta all.
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Now with Mazda IIRC - stick with main dealer servicing during the warranty period - if there are any issues, it will outweigh any marginal savings gained from using non-franchised garages. After warranty has ended, use a local garage that you trust - this is becoming more difficult due to the need for them to have specialist electronics diagnostic equipment these days. However, take heart, if all goes to plan you will only require basic oil and filter changes, plus inspection of brakes etc.
If you're driving Japanese, extended warranties are almost certainly a waste of time and money. When I bought my Honda in 1985, it was just before they increased the warranty from 12 to 24 months. I didn't lose any sleep over this, and in the 18 years I had the car I think there was nothing that would have been covered by warranty anyway; worse problem was one front calliper seizing due probably to lack of use (I'm very gentle on the brakes). Just remembered - heater rheostat block packed up after about 4 years but was comparatively easy and fairly cheap to replace, certainly less that an extended warranty.
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In addition, if the vehicle suffers any accidental damage, you may need to get the franchise outfit to fix it as well.
I nearly fell into this trap with my new van, which needs a new SLD and rear quarter panel (my fault). I was informed by the Nissan dealer that the repair, even if done well (insurance co's aproved repairer etc) may well invalidate anti corrosion warranty. Hence it is going to the Nissan dealer for this work.
If the warranty is for 3 years, in addition to the above, get the first mot done just before the warranty expires if you can. Then any warranty items that come up shouldn't cost you.
H
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Thanks IET, H & HJ - very informative. What about things like interim oil changes and engine/fuel additives, do such things have any potential bearing on the warranty? How can anyone tell if I've used an engine oil treatment for example?
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If you use a manufacturers filter and sump plug washer and use a correct spec oil I don't see how they would know you have done extra oil and filter changes, and I would not mention it in the event of a warranty claim in case it is used as an argument to get out of the claim. As for additives, again i don't see how they could know...
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So the second year warranty could be a manufacturer's warranty or dealer sponsored? I thought all manufacturers had to provide a minimum 2 year warranty now, or is this incorrect?
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The mini has really long service intervals and id like to change the oil more often than its due, if I do this myself will it invalidate my warrenty. I will use parts bought from the dealer.
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Sorry guys, im still half asleep and completed missed volvoman and iand's posts!
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Just checked the warranty thing out myself having bought a "nearly new" Ford fiesta. Ford's official policy ( & many others now) is that any VAT registered company can service the vehicle - its recommended however that genuine OEM parts are used to avoid any possible dispute.
It is no longer necessary to have the car serviced at a main dealer to maintain "manufacturers warranty".
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Yep thats basically the long and the short of it - genuine parts at a VAT registered garage and your fine.
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Still haven't had my questions answered. Is the rule different for a dealer sponsored warranty? Does a manufacturer have to provide a two year warranty under EU legislation?
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Having read lots of advice on warranties it seems that when you take out a dealer warranty or other 3rd party warranty it's essential to read the "small print" to see exactly what your agreeing to.
The regulations I mentioned only apply to manufacturers warranty I believe, other warranties will have their own terms & conditions & I think its basically your responsibility to make sure you know what they are before signing up
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Does a manufacturer have to provide a two year warranty?
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I think my posts must be invisible. I have the same problem when I go into shops.
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Who said that????? :)
MY understanding is that some manufacturers still only offer a 1 year warranty with the dealers providing years 2 or 3.
I'd have thought market forces are more likely to change that than consumer law.
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Sorry just wanted to say thanks for the excellent tip Hugo. I never thought of getting the MOT early and getting things fixed under warranty (my cars always fail first MOT on at least 1 or 2 things)
Luke
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Volvoman,
I have just purchased a hyundai coupe which comes with 5yrs manufacturers warranty (not dealer). Motto is make sure you know exactly what your getting before you buy, too late afterwards !!
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