Dealer Servicing or Independent Mechanic

CheapSticks on 12/10/2019 - 22:31

Hi

Just bought a used X-Trail 4.5 yrs old done only 39k. In very good nick smells and drives like new. Car has Nissan warranty till early 2021. The seller has been servicing with Nissan dealer.

Car needs to be serviced soon - I called the dealer and they looked up using rego and said the last year major service for 40k was done due to age even though the car had done only 30k. Now it will be 50k service which is essentially oil change/filter/air filter change as per log book cost about $250.

My usual mechanic can do the above service for $150. Is it worth going to dealer (cost $250+) - reading through other posts it doesn't impact Nissan warranty but wondering whether the branded consumables meant that the car is in such a good nick.

Automotive

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 12/10/2019 - 22:45
    +4

    It's only done 39k, I'd be surprised if it wasn't in good nick. Go independent

    • CheapSticks on 12/10/2019 - 23:31

      I did test drove a similar age and Ks Lexus NX but didn't thought it was good. This drives like new. May be Lexus was odd one.

  • Jacos on 12/10/2019 - 22:49
    +1

    Hi,
    I have a 2017 X-trail but it comes with 3 year warranty. How come yours is 6 years ? Is that an extended warranty ?
    Coming to your question, what I heard from the dealer is warranty voids if you haven't done the required log book servicing at the specified periods in the service book and stamp it. if your local mechanic can perform the log book servicing and stamp it that should be ok.

    • CheapSticks on 12/10/2019 - 23:00
      +1

      The seller bought extra 3yrs - paid $1,400 - its called "Extra Time Warranty". Perhaps you should be able to do the same as well if interested.

      The car didn't do as many Ks so the service wasn't really on the basis of Ks but more on time basis. This was done by the dealer - so hasnt really followed specified period technically but they did honour warranty as there was some aircon fix done early this year. So may be i shud consider doing with dealer…just to avoid any warranty ramifications later?

      • Colombian on 12/10/2019 - 23:59
        +4

        If the seller paid for extra warranty I'm pretty sure is the dealer warranty, therefore, service needs to be done at dealership if I'm not mistaken.

  • hawkeye on 12/10/2019 - 22:52

    Does it still have the same battery?

    • CheapSticks on 12/10/2019 - 23:01

      The seller did say he has changed the battery but I can't tell. It starts fine and the mechanic who inspected didn't report battery as issue!
      May I know why you ask?

      • hawkeye on 12/10/2019 - 23:06

        Use it or lose it.. if battery stays dormant for long period of time it will corrode itself hence the KLM over time question

        • CheapSticks on 12/10/2019 - 23:09

          Got you. He was using the car regularly but just not driving enough.

        • SlavOz on 13/10/2019 - 15:44

          Not much of an issue. Recently bought a 6 year old car with only 13,000kms and the battery was fine after a few days of consistent driving. Previous owner rarely drove the car so the battery went a little weak but it just needed some time to recharge.

          30,000kms is plenty of driving time to keep a battery in good condition.

  • Bourb on 13/10/2019 - 05:48

    For peace of mind I would just pay the extra $100 and get it serviced by the Dealer.

    • CheapSticks on 13/10/2019 - 07:57

      Yeah understand - it wasn’t just one off $100 as if I do with dealer than have to continue that till 2021.

      Do you think there is difference in car maintenance with service done by dealer vs independent mechanic?

  • Euphemistic on 13/10/2019 - 08:32
    +2

    Check the fine print in the warranty. Make sure it doesn’t say you need to service at a dealer, otherwise take it to your independent mechanic.

    • Gnosh on 13/10/2019 - 09:51

      you don’t need to service at a dealership to maintain warranty, no matter what is written in the fine print. They can enforce this in extended warranty.

      • Euphemistic on 13/10/2019 - 10:20
        +1

        This car is under extended warranty. So you need to check the fine print. It might be a factory extended warranty, could be a Nissan Australia warranty or a dealer warranty, but it still pays to know exactly what the conditions are so you don’t get caught out.

        • Gnosh on 13/10/2019 - 11:16
          +1

          Yep just clarifying for anybody else reading, as outside of this context it’s incorrect. It’s surprising how many people get suckered into spending $$$$s needlessly at the dealership.

  • [Deactivated] on 13/10/2019 - 08:59

    Page 18 and 20 of the disclosure statement. Nissan recommends only that's its serviced by them and a transfer of ownership needs to be done within 30days plus $75.

    • CheapSticks on 13/10/2019 - 10:06

      Correct - hv commenced that process

    • CheapSticks on 23/10/2019 - 10:01

      Just an update - Nissan warranty transfer process was seamless - didnt even charge the $75 and no need of pink slip.

  • bazzato on 13/10/2019 - 10:54

    Because it's in such good nick, take it to an independent that you trust. You'll get the same mechanic working on it and it won't be in the hands of a different person each time like the dealership. If you are really keen, find out the recommended oil (brand/type) and source that yourself and get the mechanic to put that in.

    Also note that many dealerships do not use the manufacturer recommended brand and instead get an approval to use a cheaper brand (but usually charge a price closer to a more expensive brand)

    • brad1-8tsi on 14/10/2019 - 08:59

      Also note that many dealerships do not use the manufacturer recommended brand and instead get an approval to use a cheaper brand (but usually charge a price closer to a more expensive brand)

      This is not something I have ever seen at an Australian dealership.

      • bazzato on 14/10/2019 - 09:18

        I was only referring to Oil, but I realise my post wasn't clear.

        Renault dealership in Newcastle no longer use ELF oil (I cannot remember what they use).

        Many years ago a Kia dealership used a cheap alternative (Nulon I think), but i cannot remember what the approved/recommended was.

        I should have said 'some dealearships' instead of many as I haven't confirmed.

        I've only seen them use genuine parts though (oil filter, air filter etc)

        • brad1-8tsi on 14/10/2019 - 11:30
          +1

          Now I understand.

          Agree, they use whatever oil they like as long as it meets the specification.

  • brad1-8tsi on 14/10/2019 - 08:58

    Go to the independent but ask him to buy genuine parts. All bases covered.

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