Getting Logbook Service from Independent Mechanic

kiitos on 20/06/2020 - 08:49
Last edited 20/06/2020 - 09:04

My 2013 Subaru Forester has been serviced at the dealership until this year.

I missed the January 6 monthly service, first one I've missed for it.

Rego is due soon, so will have it inspected and serviced. Due to working from home, have thought about going to a local mechanic for the first time instead of going to the dealership which is near work.

Dumb questions:

  1. Would an independent mechanic just naturally follow the logbook service schedule? Or would the default be a minor service, and you have to specifically ask for a logbook service?

  2. Would I need to find out what's expected for the appropriate service in the logbook and request that list of items to be done?

  3. Given I missed the half yearly service, I presume I should get both schedules done. How would that be reflected in the logbook? I presume it will be one stamp.

  4. Do people generally keep to the 6 monthly service schedule for their cars forever? Or do they switch to yearly after a certain age?

Automotive

Comments

  • PissLUR on 20/06/2020 - 09:00

    Going to independent mechanic, they offer the different services - major, minor, log book services.

    It depends on your needs.

  • meiztom on 20/06/2020 - 09:14
    1. They should ask what you want but I would just go ahead and make it clear you want logbook.
    2. No, they can look in the maintenance schedule in your logbook, providing you have it. If not, I'm sure they can look it up.
    3. Yes, a stamp on the current page with maybe a note saying the things missed (if any) in the last service were done this time.
    4. I feel most people get lazy and switch to yearly or km based as the car gets older. But if you want it running best you should stick to the logbook.
  • kolorijo on 20/06/2020 - 09:17

    Do people generally keep to the 6 monthly service schedule for their cars forever? Or do they switch to yearly after a certain age?

    I personally would stick to the recommended maintenance interval. I know nothing about car XD.

  • newak on 20/06/2020 - 09:29

    Personally, I would ask them to follow the log book service schedule. Whatever needs fixed/changing etc at that stage should be done as outlined in the schedule.

  • crashloaded on 20/06/2020 - 09:29

    I only service my car relevant to the km's it's driven, and i stopped going to the dealer for servicing as soon as the warranty was finished.

    • Euphemistic on 20/06/2020 - 13:20
      +1

      I’m with you. Once it’s old (to be determined by the owner) then I service by kms, or annually. I don’t see any point sticking to 6 monthly service if you don’t drive much.

      See what your mechanic recommends.

  • Keplaffintech on 20/06/2020 - 10:10

    Forester should be every 12 months. 6 months is overkill.

    • Euphemistic on 20/06/2020 - 13:21

      Depends on the car. Under servicing a boxer engine isn’t a good idea.

  • Klevakiwi on 20/06/2020 - 10:17

    I always service at dealership during warranty period and for about 2 years after warranty has expired.I also tell them to note on the R.O not to phone me up for any upsells while the car is in their service centre.
    All manufacturers have some form of good will policy ,for issues that occur outside the warranty period.
    However if you haven’t supported the dealer network during the warranty period it’s no good going back to them if something packs up 12 months out of warranty and expecting them to look after you.
    In your case with a 7 year old vehicle I would just be getting an oil and filter done by an independent mechanic.

  • pao2x on 20/06/2020 - 10:19

    Six months is usually overkill for old jap runabout cars. Even they have changed to a 12mos interval now with same km prescribed. They have done this even if it was just a facelift or same engine etc cars

  • Snake 4 on 20/06/2020 - 10:27
    +2

    Never had my vehicle serviced by a dealer.

    Anyone that does has rocks in their head.

  • [Deactivated] on 20/06/2020 - 10:44

    1. As per logbook where one is available or relevant.

    2. It is always advisable you know what is being done and ask for an itemized quote before dropping off the car.

    3. If you are late, it would reflect as late for whichever service was next. If there is a major component due at the upcoming service interval (ie. As if you skipped a whole service), it is advisable you still complete that sooner rather than defer it for however long you're late for. They can make notes to specify that the service item from next service was completed on this one.

    4. Yes. Or if you actually understand why service intervals are set, you can be more lenient or increase the frequency depending on type of driving.

  • [Deactivated] on 20/06/2020 - 11:20

    Yearly service is enough for a car with no issues, just talk to the mechanic like a normal person?

  • Ozbadge on 20/06/2020 - 20:55

    Or just install autoguru app. Select logbook servicing and you will see price quotes from various mechanics. Select what’s suitable for you and it will show what’s included in the service. Compare with owner’s manual. I always do the same for my Subaru impreza 2017.

  • the Unforgiven on 21/06/2020 - 14:34

    It all depends on the mechanic
    You have to ring them & ask them if they can do services on such & such & stamp the service book
    It is that easy, some do it, some don't; as they don't have a ticket/qualifications to work on that make/model car

    • brendanm on 22/06/2020 - 10:46
      -1

      That's not how it works at all.

  • brendanm on 22/06/2020 - 15:33

    Any qualified mechanic can do log book servicing. You don't have to have certain qualifications for certain cars.

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