Non Dealership Servicing
 

I am wanting to get peoples thoughts/experiences with having their car (still in the warranty period) serviced somewhere besides the dealership.

I am due for my 37.5k service and are considering changing to a specialist shop (that I have had some work done and are happy with) rather than my dealership that I have previously used (no complaints).

I am aware the specialist shop can stamp the log book and, of course, do a 'by the book' scheduled service. My only concern is that, should a warranty issue arise, the dealership may be 'difficult' due to the servicing done elsewhere.

I have had a couple of minor mods done (intake/exhaust) and would prefer a specialist to do my servicing now (use better oils etc, for example, than what my dealership uses - semi synthetic mobil for engine oil).

So was wondering if anyone would care to share their personal experiences. Where do you service your 'in warranty' subaru?

:)

They will be pricks in my experience, I get my new outlander serviced at the dealership and they can be just as painfull now when a warranty issue comes up. I can't speak for subaru though.

I serviced my in warranty subaru with RMS, they did a thousand times better job than melville subaru, were a quarter of the price and did not affect warranty.

Car manufacturers can not void warranty if you dont use them. Just as long as it is a log book service, it is fine.

No, of course they cannot void the warranty, but that doesnt stop them become difficult or stricter in any grey areas - hence my concern.

btw, RMS was the shop I have in mind. Cheers for the info.

[QUOTE=jak]btw, RMS was the shop I have in mind. Cheers for the info.[/QUOTE]

Good choice!

As long as you use Gen parts and Gen coolant and the right rated oils and fluids all should be good. Working in this industry I get asked the same questions all the time. A dealer will only refuse if you use cheaper coolants/ brake fluids and non gen air filters, fuel filters, oil filters etc as they can go back and say because of this part it has caused XYZ to happen to your car. It may cost less going away from a dealer and the service may be heaps better, but for the extra cost of using Gen parts and fluids and following the log book, its cheap insuarance for an expensive car