Warranty On New Car

[naomi24]

To maintain the warranty on a new car is it obligatory to use the Main Dealer for annual services – or can it be taken to any garage?

[jno]

usually, but it will depend on the terms of the warranty. (No, I never read them either except in case of emergency.)

[RATTER15]

I think it just needs to be an "approved" garage

[Baldric]

As long as the Garage you use uses 'Approved Parts, Oils etc' not a problem.

[hc4361]

Good article here:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-news/consumer-news/35704/watchdog-keeping-your-warranty-valid

[TWR]

The Garage needs to be VAT Reg, Genuine Parts / Oil, no problems.

[gingejbee]

Not only is it NOT obligatory....it is completely unneccesary....so long as the proper services are done at the correct times by a VAT-registered garage.

[TWR]

Also the service book to be stamped to the affect.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

All the above are correct...HOWEVER....is it a Fiesta or a Ferrari.You could suffer a big hit when selling a high end car without dealer history.

[naomi24]

Thanks all.

[ummmm]

Why do they have to be VAT registered?

[douglas9401]

I think the VAT registration is a way of showing that the work isn't done by your mate in his front drive.
Just a double check that it's a legitimate and qualified business.

[ummmm]

Still don't see the relevance. Being VAT registered just indicates a turnover above a certain amount. It doesn't reflect on the skill and professionalism of the mechanic carrying out repairs/services.

[douglas9401]

I'm sure there are many things you 'don't see' ummmm.

[ummmm]

You're right, I get up in the morning and everything's a blur...then I put my glasses on and I see everything!!

[naomi24]

ummmm, the answer douglas gave at 08:21 explains it. How else to guarantee that work was carried out by a bona fide company?

[ummmm]

Because a company is still registered even if it's not VAT registered.

[bhg481]

All the above recommendations are absolutely true BUT; you've paid thousands of pounds for a new car and you're going to save a few pounds by having it serviced privately. Then you get a major problem and you expect the main dealer to treat you just like his regular customers. OK, he'll have to fix it eventually but he can put you at the bottom of his queue and mess you about. The guarantee period is limited; treat the extra cost as insurance.

[EDDIE51]

It may not be obligatory but the resale value is going to be a lot less than if you have only used the main dealer for the services.
I would not get a new car serviced outside the main dealer.

[bednobs]

also, s i found out with my merc, they have an electronic service history thingy now - no "stamp", so you need to make sure the garage used has the ability to do that too.

[naomi24]

ummmm, but a one-man band working on his drive can register as a company.