Pete Croney

No one has yet discussed the effects of EC law changes that came into effect in October last year, so I thought I would...

There is manic secrecy about the effect of the changes to new car warranties, which came into effect in October 2002. From that date, all new cars had to have at least 2 years manufacturer's warranty.

Like Toyota and Honda, Subaru have gone from providing 1 years factory warranty to a full 3 year factory warranty.

Up until October, owners could have their cars serviced where they liked for the first year, but after that the warranty was provided by Subaru UK and they were able to insist that main dealers had to service the car for years 2 and 3 to maintain the warranty.

The effect of the change is that owners of cars bought after Oct 02 can have their cars serviced at any vat registered garage. The servicing should still be carried out in accordance with Subaru's service schedule and should be done using genuine Subaru parts and approved fluids, but with many main dealer labour rates hitting the £60ph mark this ruling should save owners of new cars a tidy sum.

This affects all cars bought within the UK and other EC countries.

Baby Blue

Nice one

But good job you have an add banner on here Pete!

BB

Pete Croney

Baby Blue

We service plenty of UK cars already, mostly where the owners are enthusiastic drivers and don't want to leave it 10,000 miles between services. In the past though, they have been forced to take it to the dealer for the main service, to maintain their warranty.

What the ruling does mean is that dealer servicing prices are going to have to compete with the independants, which has to be a good thing for all Subaru owners.

Baby Blue

I'm only kidding Pete - it's sounds good for all those new owners, only wish mine was new enough to take advantage.

It just read like an advert

BB

Pro Boy

so whats your hourly rate

Pete Croney

Sorry BB, I did try and get the facts across without it sounding like an advert.

Pro Boy, I have mailed you as this is important news and I don't want this thread to become an advert for anyone.

mutant_matt

Pete,

Just a point to note.I believe that all the EU Subaru Importers except IM (so included in that is Sweden) have gone for the 3 year factory warranty and in return for this, the importers buy the cars from Fuji for a little more.

IM I believe have chosen not to take Fuji up on this offer so still buy the cars at the original rate with just one year factory warranty. Presumably they feel that they are better off using their own 2nd and 3rd year warranty service (though I doubt the customer is).

When will anybody and everybody be able to sell "official" new cars BTW?

Ta,

Matt

sillysi

Matt,

IIRC it will be 2005 when anyone can set up a dealership and sell any make of car.

Si.

Pete Croney

Matt

I got this confirmed from several sources before posting. Getting confirmation has been like asking parents to discuss child abuse!!

EC law does not give the option of local territory insurance warranties, they must be factory backed.

Vate

All vehicles sold in the EU since 01 Jan 2002 have a 2yr factory warranty under EU law. This was previously 1yr. During this period you are legally allowed to have any servicing carried out as long as the factory schedule is strictly adhered to. Once outside this period if you have a warranty supplied by, for example IM, via a third party warranty provider. The supplier can insist on the servicing requirement ie main dealer only. Many third party warranties provide the same cover (apart from Subaru Assistance) for similar money without the need to have main dealer servicing. The downside is obviously you have to argue your case with the warranty company directly rather than with the dealer.

pwebb

I am glad this post has appeared as I have been raising this point for years via SIDC,IWOC and scoobynet - lets hope that Pete and all the other excellent independents (that I have used for years in preference to IM dealers) now get the recognition and business they deserve.

Paul W

p.s. fwiw - my local 'subaru specialist' charges £39.50 / hour and has every facility that an IM dealer has and much more besides.

woo104

I think that this space needs to be watched to see what IM do, knowing Ed Swatman he will have the last laugh

Pete Croney

Maybe not Woo104. This legislation has been brought in to stop car manufacturers and importers laughing at us.

scooby_jim

So, let me get this straight... I have an MY02, May Registered WRX, therefore I can go along to a specialist (e.g. ScoobySport ) for services in the first 2 years at least and my warranty is still valid! In the 3rd year though I must go to a main dealier since the Warrant is from IM???

Is that right or am I confused again!!

Cheers

Jim

londonpaul

um - is there a thread talking about high quality non main dealer garages? I'm in central london and I'm stuck with the dire Ace Acton

woo104

The question is are you prepared to risk you warranty when if you have bought a vehicle from IM its their warranty, vehicles purchased from eg Holland IM refer warranty repairs to them for autorisation,time consuming, if my car breaks I want it fixed asap
You pays your money you takes your choice !!!!!!!!!!!

Pete Croney

Jim

My information is that it is a three year factory warranty, not 2 year.


woo104

Ah, the fear factor

Provided the car has been serviced in accordance with Subaru's schedule, using genuine parts and approved fluids, there could be no issue.

NicholasO

Saw this thread and I'm particulary interested in this development, so I emailed the Dutch dealer. He replied in no uncertain terms, that Subaru Holland state clearly that I have to take my MY02, (recieved in Holland 22/11/2002) to an authorised Subaru dealer.

I might write to Subaru Holland, to see what they say.

It's a 90 mile round trip to my nearest dealer, and their attitude is less than satisfactory. It's 180 mile round trip the next nearest!

I have a very reputable specialist 30 minutes away, and I'd prefer to use them, but without written confirmation from Subaru Holland or the supplying dealer, I don't feel it's worth the risk.

Fizz

iTrader: (1)

I'd like to see a warranty claim under these circumstances.... I think IM would delay their socks off.. or find the most minute escape clause.... "oh your engines gone bang... do you use subaru approved washer bottle fluid" LOL

[Edited by Fizz - 2/11/2003 5:42:59 PM]