Just read this:-

The OFT estimates that franchised dealers (those that are part of a manufacturer's network) currently undertake about nine-tenths (90%) of servicing of cars up to three years old. The big problem is that these garages have a near-monopoly on nearly-new car servicing, despite being far more expensive than independent garages.


Lack of market competition means that the typical servicing bill at a franchised garage is around £83 higher than that charged at a typical independent outlet - £199 versus £116 per visit. Another way of putting this is that servicing bills from independent garages are around 40% lower, without any quality gap!


The OFT reckons the upshot is that we are over-paying for new-car servicing to the tune of £500m a year! However, it can now challenge this practice, thanks to a European law that came into effect in October, which forced dealer networks to open themselves up to greater competition from roughly 16,000 independent garages. Learn more here.


Some manufacturers have already removed these servicing restrictions, and the OFT is urging the others to follow suit. If carmakers don't play ball, the OFT may launch a formal investigation next May. Furthermore, the OFT will launch a consumer awareness campaign next spring to explain servicing options to consumers.


So, the next time you go to get your car serviced, call a few local independent dealers. You might be surprised at how much you could save.

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So? is Subaru playing ball with its loyal followers by allowing independants to service the cars and maintain warranty benefits? Are they telling dealers to stop overcharging for servicing?

Pete

 

as far as i know and from what i have been told by certain subaru specialists, you can have your car serviced there, ie not a main subaru dealer and as long as they use genuine subaru parts, then the warranty is not an issue, and you may still pay less for labour. I guess it doesnt make any difference if its a specialist or not, but dont take my word for it, just my opinion and what i know

 

i spoke to the warranty company about this and they said you still have to use subaru for the service (used car warranty-still from subaru dealer though)

 

From Oct 2003 all new cars can be serviced at an "approved garage" as long as they meet the requirements set out by the importer (IM). Currently the only "approved garages" are main dealers, remember not long ago a few franchises went under as they were not prepared to spend the money to bring them up to IMs new requirements. IMO this was IMs way of making sure that your local garage could not be used for servicing. This is what the OFT are going to look into next year and could force importers such as IM to remove the servicing restrictions as it is classed as anti competitive.

Si.

 

Either way it's got to be good news (eventually) for us owners.

Whether using specialist and maintaining warrenty, or getting it cheaper at the main dealer, both are acceptable ways forward for me.