Buying a New Car

What you need to know regarding a new car servicing and warranty Under the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulations (BER), .

 

Servicing a new car.

Changes to the BER in 2002 included clauses intended to increase choice when it comes to servicing of a new car. You cannot be obliged e.g. as a condition of warranty, to have your car serviced by a franchised dealer.

The work can be carried out by an independent garage as long as that garage uses manufacturer approved parts and correctly follows the manufacturer's service schedule. Independent garages generally have much lower overheads than franchised dealers so their hourly labour rate is also cheaper.

 

Benefits of BER

• - Keep repair and servicing costs down
• - You are free to have your car serviced at whichever garage you like.
• - Ensure you don't have to wait too long or travel too far for servicing or repairs to be carried out.

 

So How Have The Franchised Dealers Adjusted to this Competition

free 3 years servicing.

truth: should say - "1 x oil and filter change". some manufacturers have cut their service requirement to a service every 2 years or 20000 miles. then a big service on year four which you have to pay for £££.

update some manufacturers later reverted back to a yearly service (obviously had some issues)

- be careful if dealer goes bust or changes name(ownership) your servicing deal could be invalid.

 

service plan eg £15/month.

truth: some manufacturers have cut their service requirement.

VAG(volkswagen audi group) manufacturers service schedule for example

1: change oil and filter

2: visual check brake linings (wheels not removed)

3:check first aid kit

4:reset service reminder

5:check for outstanding recalls

time 0.6hr (not a lot for your £180)

year 2 basically the same but with a cabin filter replacement included. plus a recommended brake fluid change at an additional charge.

- be careful if dealer goes bust or changes name(ownership) your servicing plan could be invalid

 

Four services for only £500.

truth: some manufacturers have cut their service requirement.

spot the missing word : annual this ones a renault's manufacturers service schedule

a: service- few simple checks plus cabin filter

B:service- few more checks plus oil and filter

every 12 months/ less than 9000 miles -carry out 'a' service

every 12 months/between 9000 and 18000 miles- carry out 'a' and 'b' service.(= 2 services used)

every 24 months carry out 'a' and 'b' service.

conclusion - if you do more than 9000 miles a year you've paid £500 for your 4 services and there will be a bill waiting for you on year three.

- be careful if dealer goes bust or changes name(ownership) your servicing plan could be invalid

 

fixed priced service.

truth: priced sensibly at a competitive price. usually at a lower than normal rate. unfortunately the price returns to normal rate if or when additional work is required

 

leasing maintenance inc.

truth: when you get a new car, everything is new,.- tyres, brakes, exhaust also all steering and suspension components most of which is under warranty, there should be no additional cost other than basic servicing needs for the first three years. please do your sums before adding to your agreement.