RCM1975PPP

Hi

I am the proud new owner of a PPP'd MY05 Mica blue WRX. Picked it up new last saturday from Robery Bowett in Leeds for £17k. Bit of a trek as I live in NW London but well chuffed so far - looking forward to passing the 1000mile mark - 500miles 2 go!

I am considering servicing options and am leaning towards specialist (XtremeScoobies) rather than Main dealer. My understanding is that as long as official Subaru parts are used for service, warranty is unaffected. Do you guys reckon not using main dealer would in any way reduce how easily I sold car in, say, 3 years time, or the price I got for it?

Feedback would be appreciated. Also, once past 1000miles, can you rev to redline or should a further 500miles be spent building up to 7k?

Thanks
Rich

RCM1975PPP

So how come 41 views but no replies?!?!

like I said, advice welcome......

ewanrw

Not sure about the servicing thing but I would be inclined to say that a specialist/enthusiast would be more likely to do a "proper" job (in my experience).

Also I would hang on until thrashing it as mine didn't like taking a booting with only 1500 miles on the clock - Engine shut down at ridiculous speeds.

ewan

gingerboy

Tough one this as Subaru stealers are expensive and patchy quality wise when it comes to servicing / repairs, should the worse happen though and something does give way Subaru cannot squirm out of honouring the waranty if you use the dealer network so long as you perform the routine checks such as oil level, coolant level etc on a weekly basis.

However if you have servicing performed out of the dealer network I would first speak to Subaru / International Motors as to their stand on the matter. Yes legally you can get it serviced outside of the network so long as OE parts are used and all the relevant checks are performed relating to each service interval.

So basically get on the phone and speak to Subaru - I would not want to invalidate my warranty for the sake of saving a few pounds - have you asked for prices from squealers and specialists and compared the difference and factored in fuel costs / travelling to and from each??? Whilst you may save £50 at a specialist it may cost you £30 in juice to get their, your local dealer might be on your doorstep and be very competent and competitive.

Ask about on SN for local recommendations for both Squealers in your area and also specialists.

Thats the best advice I can give, afterall it's your car and your warranty.

Good luck either way and enjoy the car.

GB

fitzscoob

Top guys at Xtreme Scoobies, you wont find it hard looking for recomendations for them.

s70rjw

iTrader: (2)

If you trade it in at a dealers you may get a bit more. Also a Subaru main dealer will take it as a P ex.
Its a personal choice really. I use main dealer nr York and to be honest servicing is not that expensive considering its a performance orientated car. I supply my own fully synthetic oil and save around £50 each service.
I bought my car from Bowetts Absolutely spot on dealer. They couldn't do enough for me or the car at the time or since.
You don't need to redline the car....max power is at 6k so going beyond is not necessary

IN THE STICKS

As good as Xtreme Scoobies are I think you need to find out exactly how much the difference in cost between specialist and main dealer really is , from what I remember it wasn't a great deal , If you become a member of the www.sidc.co.uk you get 10% off of servicing and parts at most main dealers which brings it nearer to specialist prices . I guess it depends on how many miles you do a year , because if you only do a few miles and have it in for a service once a year, you might only save £25 or so on a basic service , so is it worth risking Subaru arguing if you have a warranty claim ? As said above Xtreme will do a much better job I'm sure , so that may sway your decision. Personally I would wait until it's out of warranty then go down the specialist route .

Dave

nathanb

iTrader: (1)

In my experience on a car of any make the so called 'specialist' mechanics don't know there **** from there elbow!! And charge double for the privilege!!

Phil

Sweeping statement !!!

I am sure most would disagree

I have used Xtreme for my 30k and 40k services without complaint and have certainly been treated far better than my local dealer

codek

Another vote for Xtreme from me - They're very good!

New_scooby_04

iTrader: (4)

Not if you find a proper reputable specialist! The quality of work wil be higher and you'll pay less.

I'd confirm with IM that the warranty won't be affected providing you get the car serviced on schedule and with official Subaru parts and if they say you're ok, then I'd head straight for the specialist. Xtreme are one of the best and who I've trusted my car with from the outset.

Ns04

RCM1975PPP

Thanks for all the advice. I spoke to International Motors in Brum who were very helpful and said that servicing could be carried out anywhere I wished, without affecting my warranty, as long as the dealer is VAT registerted, official Subaru parts are used and where official Subaru parts do not exist (e.g. oil), specifications required by the handbook are adhered to e.g. I need to use a 5w30 oil.

In the event of warranty claim I would need to be able to produce paperwork showing I had complied with all of the above. So I'm off to XtremeScoobies!