carl

Sorry, I meant to say that the EU deemed it anti-competitive to require branded parts to be fitted to maintain warranty. As you say, Subaru don't make pads, discs, etc. AFAIK you will *not* affect your warranty if you use non-branded parts -- equivalent 'form, fit and function' should be OK.

Even if not, if I fit uprated brake pads to my car I'm not likely to manage to get a warranty claim when they warp the discs. However, if the engine goes bang the onus is on Subaru to prove that it was connected to the fitting of uprated brake pads -- a little difficult to do...

Blow Dog

I always go for a dealer service history. It makes all the difference when selling the car in the future.

Also, if you are under warranty, you may want to check if you can service the car elsewhere without jeapordising it.

Cem

Luke

I f car is under warranty stick to dealer. But like all things find the best.If I was buying a car and the warranty period ended years ago. I Would not mind if a specialist had serviced the car. At the end of the day they tend to be cheaper and sometimes a lot better.I know of at least 3. Very bad dealers. And over 4 specialists who most of us would be more than happy to let them service the car. " It aint what they do its the way that they do it".....

RichS

From a resale point of view, in order of preference:

1. Subaru service history using 'Subaru' parts.
2. Independent service history using 'Subaru' parts.
3. Independent service history using non-Subaru parts.
4. No service history at all.

To maintain your warranty, you must do either 1. or 2.

I bought my car from a dealer a couple of months prior to them closing (Lothian Sports Cars).
I discussed with them the issue of future servicing of my car.

They said that ideally I should have it serviced at another Subaru dealer, though as long as I used genuine parts, I could take the car to a reputable independent and still maintain my 3 year UK warranty.

QUOTE: "One other thing, can they/ do they do guarantee work or must that be done by a Subaru dealer?"

Not sure. They probably could, though the hassle factor will no doubt be greater.

Hope this helps.


Rich

carl

Not necessary to use 'Subaru Genuine Parts' -- as I'm sure Pete Croney will tell you parts of equivalent form, fit and function are fine. I think the 'genuine parts' scam was deemed anti-competitive by the EU.

RichS

I completely agree carl.

I make my living supplying 'non-genuine' parts to independent (and many main dealer) garages.

Most vehicle manufacturers (or as we refer to them 'vehicle assemblers') don't make oil filters, spark plugs, brake pads etc etc

The component manufacturers who supply the vehicle manufacturers with parts branded 'genuine' also supply these very same parts, in their own brand (e.g. Ferodo), which are available via the independent aftermarket.
I've generalized a bit here, but you get the idea.


Steve's question was of a "which is better.." nature.
My reponse was based on a car resale and warranty protection point of view.

I'm NOT saying so-called 'genuine' parts are ALWAYS better. Very often, you can get identical (or even better!) non-genuine parts via independent sources.

The problem is having your warranty honoured by the VM or official importer if you've used non-genuine parts.


Rich

camk

I think the EU law outlawed warranties that required servicing tied to the dealer where it was sold from, e.g. You do not need to get Subaru to service the car to claim the warranty. This of course can lead to difficulties with Subaru when you claim on the warranty but it depends on what the problem is and the individual situation.
How old is the car and is it an original warranty or just a purchased one from an underwriter, if its the latter the garage you use doesn't really matter as long as they are members of some motor trade organisation, as then they can be said to be reputable(spelling ?).
The issue of resale is one to consider but only if you'll sell privately. If your likely to trade in then it'll make no difference.

Cammy

Steve Williams

Not had my scooby long, but it will need service soon.

My question is......

Is it better to get the service done by Subaru main dealer (thus keeping the FSSH) or get it done by an independant (still having a FSH).


The independant that I had in mind is Power Engineering in Uxbridge (they are very close to my work), I have heard and read good things about them so have no qualms about using them.

One other thing, can they/ do they do guarantee work or must that be done by a Subaru dealer?

RichS

I suppose it depends on what parts we're talking about.

If it's brake pads, I'd probably go for either an upgrade set (like Ferodo DS2000 or Mintex 1144) or a quality aftermarket set (like Ferodo Premium or Blue Print).

If it's an oil filter, at about £10+VAT, I'd go for the 'genuine' one and protect my engine warranty.

Mind you, once the 3 year warranty period ends, I'd probably go for an <I>O.E. specification</I> aftermarket oil filter.


Rich


[This message has been edited by RichS (edited 20 April 2001).]

Shark

From Subaru UK's rules

1st year, ie 1k, 7.5k and 15k, or 1k, 6 months and 1 year.

This can be done anywhere, using genuine parts or parts to equivalent quality.

The 22.5k or 18 month service onwards - MUST be carried out at a Subaru dealer or the 2/3 year warranty is invalid, period.

That said, in practice, Subaru UK normally cover non serviced items, ie starter motor, alternator etc, as these receive no attention at the service. Engine or gearbox etc would defiantly not be covered.

David

scoobyboy

as a scooby technician i prefer the genuine parts to non genuine, especially things like brake pads which some need to be filed down on the edges to be made to fit nice without being tight in the carrier, or some which just fall in and cause a knocking noise when braking.
so i always buy genuine parts for whatever car it is i am working on including my own.

JohnD

iTrader: (5)

[This message has been edited by JohnD (edited 20 April 2001).]