Service

[birdman101]

Reading the Ford extended warranty, even when the motor is 6 years we can then extend again if it is still under 70,000 miles and for only, about at today’s price £250 a year,

 

[GaryB]

The biggest problem with Audi was the sales personnel. You deal with so many different people using various Audi portals for the whole process that it’s easy to miss things. I think I can extend the warranty (it expires in October) for £129.

 

[RogerL]

The next purchase will be after I retire and will be done with a focus on sensibility so warranty will be high on the agenda. I think Audi are more geared to fleet buyers where warranty longevity perhaps isn’t the main focus.

There may be an over-emphasis on warranty length - it always comes at a cost, however it's hidden in the original purchase price.

If you want fixed costs with no surprises take out a PCP - if you want to reduce your overall costs buy the car outright, keep it a long time, have a pot of money equivalent to the annual cost of extending the warranty and use an independent workshop you trust for servicing.

Given the level of CRA advice that's available on this forum I'm surprised that anyone wants the extra (hidden) cost of an inferior warranty.

 

[otherclive]

There may be an over-emphasis on warranty length - it always comes at a cost, however it's hidden in the original purchase price.

If you want fixed costs with no surprises take out a PCP - if you want to reduce your overall costs buy the car outright, keep it a long time, have a pot of money equivalent to the annual cost of extending the warranty and use an independent workshop you trust for servicing.

Given the level of CRA advice that's available on this forum I'm surprised that anyone wants the extra (hidden) cost of an inferior warranty.

Admittedly it will be within the purchase price but some cars are very realaiible and rarely require warranty claims. IE Kia, Hyundai et. I remember years ago when I read of the warranty provision by VW foraMk1 Golf, compared to a Datsun Cherry. The Datsun was times lower than the Golf, and on road performance showed that. Although both corroded at the same rate.

 

[birdman101]

My wife and I have always paid cash and keep cars 10 or more years. Kia’s had 7 years, Hyundai’s 5 years warranties.The Ford attraction besides being the motors we wanted was the very cheap cost to increase the warranties to 6 years. Even after that we can extend for another year at a time ,if we still have them until 70,000 miles. With the Kuga for towing and wife’s for shorter journeys doubt whether either, will reach the 70,000 before the end of our driving days.

 

[Beachball]

My wife car was offered a service plan a minor one was £250 that without the spark plugs the major a lot more but we decided to take it to a Independent garage that does Audi and Volswagen near to home and it very reasonable.

 

[RogerL]

Admittedly it will be within the purchase price but some cars are very realaiible and rarely require warranty claims. IE Kia, Hyundai et. I remember years ago when I read of the warranty provision by VW foraMk1 Golf, compared to a Datsun Cherry. The Datsun was times lower than the Golf, and on road performance showed that. Although both corroded at the same rate.

One of the issues with modern "reliable" cars is that dealers have little diagnostic skills and are dependent on computer diagnostics and bolt-on/plug-in replacement parts and because problems are fewer than older cars they have little experience of fixing specific faults.

When my 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe was a year old, my 40 years of fixing older cars told me the head gasket was beginning to fail but it took me nearly two years to convince my dealer there was anything wrong - because "computer says no" faults and the gas "sniff" test was negative - it was only when the engine over-heated big time while towing the caravan back from Scotland that they accepted there was an issue. But that was just the start of the saga as they'd never stripped that type of engine down before, eventually removing it from the car.

I had a similarly drawn-out saga with the immobiliser on the same car which took many visits and eventually a recovery to resolve.

So my Santa Fe spent more time off the road being repaired than all my other cars put together - but not because of the number of faults but because of the lack of diagnostic skills, a lack that is widespread in the franchised dealer sector.

I used to brace myself for the regular incompetence at my VW dealer who would ask "do you want us to change the Haldex fluid" on my Touareg (it doesn't have a Haldex 4wd system).

 

[Hutch]

One of the issues with modern "reliable" cars is that dealers have little diagnostic skills and are dependent on computer diagnostics and bolt-on/plug-in replacement parts and because problems are fewer than older cars they have little experience of fixing specific faults.

When my 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe was a year old, my 40 years of fixing older cars told me the head gasket was beginning to fail but it took me nearly two years to convince my dealer there was anything wrong - because "computer says no" faults and the gas "sniff" test was negative - it was only when the engine over-heated big time while towing the caravan back from Scotland that they accepted there was an issue. But that was just the start of the saga as they'd never stripped that type of engine down before, eventually removing it from the car.

I had a similarly drawn-out saga with the immobiliser on the same car which took many visits and eventually a recovery to resolve.

So my Santa Fe spent more time off the road being repaired than all my other cars put together - but not because of the number of faults but because of the lack of diagnostic skills, a lack that is widespread in the franchised dealer sector.

I used to brace myself for the regular incompetence at my VW dealer who would ask "do you want us to change the Haldex fluid" on my Touareg (it doesn't have a Haldex 4wd system).

I fully agree, two weeks ago I took my Santa Fe into our local main dealer, for automatic Transmission oil change, and asked them to look at the Electronic hand brake that stuck on previously. The technician could not find a fault on the system, I asked him if I could get a print out of the electronics and the interlinks to the throttle and brakes, or any diagnostic list, he looked at me slightly blank, and said if they have a problem they just change the Handbrake unit.

 

[Buckman]

I’m afraid that you are wrong in this case.

Not sure how it can be wrong when I have it in writing? But your choice!

 

[Jcloughie]

One of the issues with modern "reliable" cars is that dealers have little diagnostic skills and are dependent on computer diagnostics and bolt-on/plug-in replacement parts and because problems are fewer than older cars they have little experience of fixing specific faults.

When my 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe was a year old, my 40 years of fixing older cars told me the head gasket was beginning to fail but it took me nearly two years to convince my dealer there was anything wrong - because "computer says no" faults and the gas "sniff" test was negative - it was only when the engine over-heated big time while towing the caravan back from Scotland that they accepted there was an issue. But that was just the start of the saga as they'd never stripped that type of engine down before, eventually removing it from the car.

I had a similarly drawn-out saga with the immobiliser on the same car which took many visits and eventually a recovery to resolve.

So my Santa Fe spent more time off the road being repaired than all my other cars put together - but not because of the number of faults but because of the lack of diagnostic skills, a lack that is widespread in the franchised dealer sector.

I used to brace myself for the regular incompetence at my VW dealer who would ask "do you want us to change the Haldex fluid" on my Touareg (it doesn't have a Haldex 4wd system).

Years ago, I towed back across Germany to have a few nights on the side of the Mona Damm. Just as we got to the site barrier it overheated. I managed to get pitched up. Recovery took us to a Citroen main dealer less than half a mile away. This was a Citroen XM, fantastic car. They diagnosed faulty heater hoses and changed them. I towed all the way home but it was still getting hot. A local garage soon diagnosed the head gasket. They had to remove it. Send the head to a specialist in Cornwall for X-ray and skimming. Then match up a new head gasket for thickness. They did a smashing job. Next year in France, a young French kid rear ended me and wrote it off.

😂

John

 

[Dustydog]

From all the posts it’s very clear to me not all main dealers are very good at all.

I can say with demonstrable evidence Chippenham Motor Company have an excellent well trained team of Kia technicians. The old school chaps but also capable of using hi tech plug in things that only tell half a story.
The rest they learnt on the job!

 

[otherclive]

Not sure how it can be wrong when I have it in writing? But your choice!

I think the main difference being that yours is a Lexus and mine is a Toyota. Could you please show me where it is stated on the Toyota website. I have singularly been unable to find anything that says my service plan includes breakdown/recovery.

 

[otherclive]

From all the posts it’s very clear to me not all main dealers are very good at all.

I can say with demonstrable evidence Chippenham Motor Company have an excellent well trained team of Kia technicians. The old school chaps but also capable of using hi tech plug in things that only tell half a story.
The rest they learnt on the job!

I’d agree, I’ve had three Kia’s through them, and have no complaints at the service or prices. Unfortunately I cannot comment on their diagnostic skills as the only thing that has gone wrong was the seat height adjustment lever on the Rio. I spotted that one without too much trouble, and they kindly fitted a new one under warranty.

 

[Dustydog]

I’d agree, I’ve had three Kia’s through them, and have no complaints at the service or prices. Unfortunately I cannot comment on their diagnostic skills as the only thing that has gone wrong was the seat height adjustment lever on the Rio. I spotted that one without too much trouble, and they kindly fitted a new one under warranty.

The infamous DLR Lights and an exhaust gas re circulation
valve causing thick black smoke

 

[otherclive]

The infamous DLR Lights and an exhaust gas re circulation
valve causing thick black smoke

My last Kia, an Xceed, was a Kia Approved at 12 months old. Kia reinstated the warranty back to 7 years, including infotainment and satnav updates too. Pity I don’t like many of their current range as the dealership is only 10 minutes walk away if I pop through a hedge.

 

[Buckman]

I think the main difference being that yours is a Lexus and mine is a Toyota. Could you please show me where it is stated on the Toyota website. I have singularly been unable to find anything that says my service plan includes breakdown/recovery.

Sadly you are already committed to a service plan with a third party dealer. The Toyota website states;

Toyota Service Plan Plus allows you to spread the cost of servicing while ensuring expert care at any Toyota approved dealer in the UK. Enjoy peace of mind with no hidden costs, no interest, along with one MOT and Toyota Roadside Assistance with The AA included. Toyota-trained technicians complete every service using genuine Toyota parts, all backed by a 12-month guarantee. Buy Service Plan Plus at the same time as your new or approved used vehicle, or within 90 days of your vehicle purchase. Available across a number of models, the plan length will depend on your chosen vehicle.

 

[otherclive]

Sadly you are already committed to a service plan with a third party dealer. The Toyota website states;

Toyota Service Plan Plus allows you to spread the cost of servicing while ensuring expert care at any Toyota approved dealer in the UK. Enjoy peace of mind with no hidden costs, no interest, along with one MOT and Toyota Roadside Assistance with The AA included. Toyota-trained technicians complete every service using genuine Toyota parts, all backed by a 12-month guarantee. Buy Service Plan Plus at the same time as your new or approved used vehicle, or within 90 days of your vehicle purchase. Available across a number of models, the plan length will depend on your chosen vehicle.

No, my dealer is a main Toyota dealership. If PMs were available I’d refer you to one of my emails to you where I stated that the car was purchased from Sytner Select who gave it its third service and first MOT. They carried out this work in early September 2024 but being non franchised it didn’t qualify for the Toyota warranty. It sat around doing nothing until I bought it in mid December with a good price reduction. I’d been watch two RAV4s and an CRV. They gave a breakdown warranty, mot cover and recovery. This runs until mid March 2025. But now I’ve had it serviced by Toyota it now has their 12 month, and 10k warranty. I bought the service plan via Toyota but not being a new car purchase or a Toyota Approved vehicle it doesn’t qualify for recovery.

 

[Buckman]

Not sure how breakdown can be excluded if it states "or within 90 days of your vehicle purchase" which to me indicates purchased elsewhere? live and learn.

 

[otherclive]

Not sure how breakdown can be excluded if it states "or within 90 days of your vehicle purchase" which to me indicates purchased elsewhere? live and learn.

I think you are reading too much into the latter part of the sentence, as it allows 90 days leeway between buying a new or Toyota Approved vehicle.

“Buy Service Plan Plus at the same time as your new or approved used vehicle, or within 90 days of your vehicle purchase.”

 

[Jcloughie]

From all the posts it’s very clear to me not all main dealers are very good at all.

I can say with demonstrable evidence Chippenham Motor Company have an excellent well trained team of Kia technicians. The old school chaps but also capable of using hi tech plug in things that only tell half a story.
The rest they learnt on the job!

My problem with main dealerships is not about their abilities. I imagine these will vary. But about their short and curly hold on customers to inflate charges and to feel they have no need to justify them.

These are my service records up to date. Did they even change the oil? I am being facetious, but even Tesco provide a breakdown of my purchases.

I understand the need to be expertly checked over. I just feel they disrespect the customer with their expectations.

 

[otherclive]

My problem with main dealerships is not about their abilities. I imagine these will vary. But about their short and curly hold on customers to inflate charges and to feel they have no need to justify them.

These are my service records up to date. Did they even change the oil? I am being facetious, but even Tesco provide a breakdown of my purchases.

I understand the need to be expertly checked over. I just feel they disrespect the customer with their expectations.


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View attachment 9456

Isn’t there something missing wrt the dealer checklist. Mine gives a full list of all actions, some of which are required, some aren’t depending upon the service required. My recent one showed oil type (0-16SAE), air filter, cabinet filter, key fob battery, brake fluid, etc plus readouts of all tyre tread depths, disc and pad wear, coolant protection level and lots more associated with checks around the car. My Kia and Subaru main dealers did likewise. I think you are missing something. I’ve got the previous owners Toyota service sheets and invoices with personal details redacted.

 

[Jcloughie]

Isn’t there something missing wrt the dealer checklist. Mine gives a full list of all actions, some of which are required, some aren’t depending upon the service required. My recent one showed oil type (0-16SAE), air filter, cabinet filter, key fob battery, brake fluid, etc plus readouts of all tyre tread depths, disc and pad wear, coolant protection level and lots more associated with checks around the car. My Kia and Subaru main dealers did likewise. I think you are missing something. I’ve got the previous owners Toyota service sheets and invoices with personal details redacted.

I have been searching for such a checklist. I now find that it is supplied to all dealers and authorised independent's, just not customers.

I also spotted that the break fluid should be changed every two years. So that is a job that should be done.

I think Mazda would be wise to provide checklists. Perhaps they will if asked.

Last year was £251. So with inflation and brake fluid, perhaps £386 is not too extortionate.

John

 

[Steve1962]

From all the posts it’s very clear to me not all main dealers are very good at all.

I can say with demonstrable evidence Chippenham Motor Company have an excellent well trained team of Kia technicians. The old school chaps but also capable of using hi tech plug in things that only tell half a story.
The rest they learnt on the job!

We bought our kia Sportage KX4 from them in 2021 - excellent customer service all round.
I also recently had to buy a replacement cap end on the nearside front door handle, and after checking around for prices, went back to them to buy that as well.

Capn Chaos......although this week I think I might change my name to Matt....... due to a tedious job I'm doing at one the the school sites I look after.

Matt Emulsion

Currently still hate painting!

 

[otherclive]

I have been searching for such a checklist. I now find that it is supplied to all dealers and authorised independent's, just not customers.

I also spotted that the break fluid should be changed every two years. So that is a job that should be done.

I think Mazda would be wise to provide checklists. Perhaps they will if asked.

Last year was £251. So with inflation and brake fluid, perhaps £386 is not too extortionate.

John

If your has a two year cycle of intermediate and full services perhaps last years was intermediate and the price difference isn’t just brake fluid change and inflation. There are more things done on mine at full than are done at intermediate services.

 

[birdman101]

As on a service plan I get no invoice showing what has been done. But I can go on MY Ford which now has both our cars with Vin Numbers on it,and click on whichever car I want. I then can click on whatever I am looking for. Click on History and will give all dates of services. Then click on any of the dates shown,and gives a full list of what has been done , wether oil and filter and other fluid changes or just inspection. In all the cars we have had over the years, this service record s and history is the most complete ever