With my scoob being due its 20k service and as from the first of July non subaru dealers are able to service your vehicle using genuine subaru parts without affecting your warrenty.

my question is,would you put your scoob into a very good garage for its servicing or stick with Subaru for any particular reason?

I am of the opinion that i have a very good garage that has alsways serviced my cars(non scoobs) and would be more than happy to give it to them to deal with but need some other views.

Please keep in the scotland section as its scottish garages that i am reffering to.

As far as i am aware warranty is unaffected provided service schedules are adhered to in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and approved parts are utilised in the service.

Alan :cool:

I think the thing here is trust. If you trust the non franchise dealer over the scoob dealer then use the one you trust.
ONe thing I have to say is that the non franchise dealer may not have as experianced techs so may not be as proficient with some probs, then again I have to say this LOL ( keep me in a job ;) )
Just my opinion though.
Laters
Spooks

I think this has long been the case, for certain vehicle makes.

In fact, when I bought my new Impreza from Lothian Sports Cars (a now closed official Subaru dealer) back in April 2000, I knew that they were about to close the business, so I asked them about servicing/warranty etc. They told me I could have the car serviced at Nobles of Penicuik (the next nearest Subaru dealer) OR I could use any reputable garage as long as they used "genuine" parts, without affecting my 3 year warranty.
So I don't think this situation is new, though it probably depended on the vehicle make. (ie I believe Mitsubishi's warranty, DID require you to have your Mitsubishi serviced at a franchised dealer.)

Anyway, what is new, from the 1st of October 2002 is the Block Exemption Regulations. (BER 1400/2002)
BER is being phased in across Europe over a two year period, from 1st October 2002.

It has several implications for vehicle owners, car dealers, vehicle manufacturers, independent garages, independent part suppliers etc

In essence, the Block Exemption Regulations are aimed at safeguarding free competition in the entire market for vehicle spare parts, service and repair.
The focus is on freedom of choice for the consumer.

One of the things it will mean to the vehicle owner is that vehicle warranties will no longer be subject to using the main dealer for servicing AND use of "genuine" parts will no longer be a requirement.

Why?
Well, in the vast majority of cases, the vehicle manaufacturers out source many of the parts that are fitted to the cars on the assembly line.
Parts, such as filters, braking components, wheels, clutches, exhaust systems, steering components, ride control, ignition systems, electronics, interior components, glass etc etc etc etc are sourced from specialist manufacturers.

So - why should the consumer pay a premium for a part that comes in a box labeled "Subaru" (or whatever the vehicle marque is) when the vehicle manufacturer didn't actually make the component and you can get exactly the same part (or made to exactly the same spec) through an independent channel at a much reduced price?
The obvious reasons in the past have been "my warranty requires it" and "I trust 'genuine' parts more than I do independently sourced ones".

Under BER 1400/2002, parts manufacturers will be allowed to self certificate and label their OES parts (made to original equipment specification) as "geniune" and the consumer will be free to source these from where ever they wish, without affecting the vehicle warranty.

In theory - fairer competition in the parts aftermarket and greater freedom of choice for the consumer.

In the next few year, serious changes are expected in terms of where and how we buy cars, who services them and what parts are used.

Interesting times ahead......

LOL - my, I can be really boring.... :p

(Hope you're all still awake!)

Rich :)

ZZZzzzz.

What was that Rich ?? ;)

The only thing that might count against you is future potential buyers. They may turn their noses up if the car doesn't have a full Dealer service history - just something to consider.

Stefan

True, maybe, but what defines a "dealer" - and how will this definition change in the future?