Your Thoughts on Skip The 4th Year High Cost Car Service to Maintain Warranty Due to Low Mileage Driven?

Aerith-Waifu on 24/11/2022 - 17:59
Last edited 24/11/2022 - 18:35 by 1 other user

Purchased a Renault Koleos in 2021 May, car is really under km at the moment with 18 months since new and only driven around 9000km.

Our next service is due in May 2023, I estimate we would be doing less than 2000km, on it till then which means it will have a max of 11000km on it, come the 2nd service.

This is the service schedule and costs in order to maintain warranty:

12 months 30,000km $429
24 months or 60,000km $429
36 months or 90,000km $429
48 months or 120,000km $999
60 months or 150,000km $429

We are close to the 24 months service which will cost $429

Now unless something changes a lot by the time we get to the 48 months mark, the most our car will have on the clock will be 25000km. Which I think will be ridiculous to pay a service fee of $999 which is more intended for a car should have 120000km on it……………….

Of course, if I skip the 48months service the last year warranty will void, which I think it's worth it as $999 is just a bit too much to pay for a car which is very much under the km. (25000km by the time it hits the 5 years)

What do you guys think? Anyone bought a new car which has done the same?

Automotive

Comments

  • Muzeeb on 24/11/2022 - 18:01
    +9
    OR
  • Euphemistic on 24/11/2022 - 18:17
    +17

    Your choice, YOUR risk.

    What do you propose not doing at the service, or just not at all?

    There’s probably a lot of people that don’t service their vehicles according to the manufacturer. Some of them get trouble free motoring, others end up shortening the life of the vehicle AND reducing their resale value.

    Personally I’ll get mine serviced according to the book until the warranty expires then go from there.

  • baronorder on 24/11/2022 - 18:19
    +8

    The 120k service likely contains something like a water pump replacement or timing chain related hardware (guides etc). They go off esitimated service life in terms of use (milage) or time so it doesn't matter which trigger you hit - those are service jobs you really don't want to miss!

    If you don't like the dealership prices for service there are likely independent workshops that would do the work for less. However given my experience with recent service costs for some euro and japanese models - those prices are actually pretty reasonable when you take into account decent quality long service life oil / fluids, OEM filters (ask 200 series diesel Landcruiser owners how cheaping out on air filters pays off!) and consumables etc would run to over $150 if you were doing it yourself.

    • trongy on 27/11/2022 - 10:13
      +1

      OP has provided a link to the service schedule. The extra items are replacement of coolant, accessory belts and brake fluid.

  • FoxJump on 24/11/2022 - 18:20
    +20

    Just do the servicing.

  • Ghost47 on 24/11/2022 - 18:29
    +10

    You are only considering the distance portion. It’s whatever comes first. Just get the servicing done, you should have considered the costs of servicing when buying a new car.

    • kerfuffle on 24/11/2022 - 21:19
      +8

      you should have considered the costs of servicing when buying a new car

      And a European car.

      • djsweet on 24/11/2022 - 21:29
        +3

        Its not really a European car. It uses the same modular platform shared with the Nissan X-Trail.

        • kerfuffle on 25/11/2022 - 10:22
          +14

          BuT iT hAs A eUrOpEaN bAdGe

          • bbinc on 25/11/2022 - 13:43
            +5

            @kerfuffle: I have one. The car, not the badge. Oh, I have that as well of course. French design, Nissan parts bin, assembled by Samsung auto division. Serviced by Australians. Has an absolute identity crisis, but has been easy to live with for 11yrs. Next up I plan for that Japanese brand you are lucky enough to have coming!

            • kerfuffle on 25/11/2022 - 15:58

              @bbinc:

              Next up I plan for that Japanese brand you are lucky enough to have coming!

              Hahaha it's gonna be quite a while before I get mine! I'm aiming for Christmas 2023 …

  • Mcuser on 24/11/2022 - 18:32
    +1

    Pay up

  • Stopback on 24/11/2022 - 18:37
    +3

    So you are saving 500 dollars. I expect a normal service to be 500.

    To save on one year extra on warranty on a 40k car…most likely more than one year of extra warranty given Aus consumer laws.

    • stumo on 26/11/2022 - 10:35
      +6

      IKR. The $500 saved over 24months also pales by comparison to the depreciation. Especially if there is no full service history on a low km car. It raises questions to a prospective buyer.

  • FocusRider on 24/11/2022 - 18:42
    +2

    Lol

    Good luck getting the dealer to do any warranty repairs when they’ve seen you have skipped a scheduled service

  • Brian McGee on 24/11/2022 - 18:47
    +1

    Your issue is not just with the manufacturer warranty but with any need/want for goodwill/ACL repair outside the warranty period. not much you can replace on a renault for $999

    • rxjb on 28/11/2022 - 08:24

      This *100000000!!!!!!!

  • Ocker on 24/11/2022 - 18:51
    +5

    If you cannot afford the service costs then you should not have bought the car.

  • thesilverstarman on 24/11/2022 - 18:57
    +34

    Mechanic here.
    Its not just the distance. Its km or time, whichever comes first. Oils actually oxidise in the engine, and things like timing belts age and rubber breaks down. So you are due for it by time, regardless of the km. If you dont have it done, you will also not have a full service histroy, which will lower the value of the car.
    You dont have to get it serviced at Renault. You can take it to any mechanic as long as the service is completed in full according to manufacturers specifications, and correct spec oils and filters are used. I would always use genuine filters while it is under warranty.
    In short you would be crazy to not have it done. The risk is too high, and if you were to sell it later, you could wipe off 20% of the value, not to mention the warranty issues. Your rights under consumer law would also be hard to persue as you failed to maintain the vehicle properly.

    • Stopback on 24/11/2022 - 19:09

      Out of warranty oil replaced once a year is fine?

      • thesilverstarman on 24/11/2022 - 19:16
        +3

        Depends on the time and km. And of course it depends on the oil. For example in 5w40 oil there are heaps of different rated oils, some for diesels, some for petrols, some are specific to a manufacturer or two. And then there are mineral, semi-synthetics, and full synthetics. Use the wrong one and you can damage the dpf, cats or clog up the engine. I dont like to see cars go over 10,000km or 12 months, because its not just the oil that gets changed. And some manufacturers like toyota specify services every 6 months.
        The scheduled services arent just for warranty. They are to keep the vehicle running properly and reliably. They also include preventative maintenance. Stick to the correct services as in the book.

        • berserkk on 26/11/2022 - 16:58

          Toyota can change the time to service / kms per service in different countries on the same car for marketing purposes
          In sure other companies do to, the more services the more money they get

          • ssfps on 28/11/2022 - 03:41

            @berserkk: I tend to think oil changes in the standard schedule are slightly too long for a lot of cars. I change my oil every 6 months and do below average kms per year. Doing this has quietened down noisy lifters and removed visible gunk in the top end in multiple cars I started maintaining, where the previous owner had been doing them yearly (or 6 monthly with higher k's).

            My guess is the service schedule the manufacturer gives is included in calculations and reviews for "TCO", so there is a reason they may wish to make the schedule look cheaper.
            This is also the only reason I can imagine for not having O2 sensors, PS fluid, and other such items on the schedule around ~10 years.

    • Aerith-Waifu on 26/11/2022 - 00:03

      Thanks for the input, any idea why a lot of people are saying its better to go to a local mechanic rather than the dealer who sold the car? Are local mechanic really better than car dealer servicing?

      • stewy on 26/11/2022 - 00:49
        +7

        Margins are tight on new car sales, dealerships make their money in their finance and servicing departments.

        Unless your car has a generous capped price servicing program, local mechanics are usually cheaper as they have lower overheads. You've also got a higher chance of the car actually being worked on by a qualified mechanic as opposed to apprentices in a dealership.

      • Grish on 27/11/2022 - 05:10
        -1

        I kind of agree, there's definately something wrong about being forced to pay for a 120,000km service on a car thats barely left the garage with 25,000KMs.

        I would bet that most if not all replacement parts would all still be in perfectly fine condition, what a waste to (pay to) throw it out.

        There's no way an honest mechanic can look you in the eye and say the parts will be any where near as worn 120k vs 25k.

        You are simply paying for the stamp in the book for resell value, nothing else.

        I mean heck, how many 1990s Corollas do you still see being thrashed about, and all they've ever had done is the odd oil change every few years or so, lol.

        Having said that, it wouldn't hurt to run through some fresh oil, don't skimp on that. You can just do that yourself extremely easily and cheap.

        • avoidfullprice on 27/11/2022 - 06:37
          +5

          You can try lay on your bed for weeks, and only move once a while to pee and eat. You’re not wearing or tearing much of your body that much and I bet most body parts will still be just fine.

          Having said that, it won’t hurt doing some exercise once a while. Don’t skimp on that

        • DarwinBoy on 27/11/2022 - 10:54
          +2

          Watch those shows where people buy barn finds. Amazing cars that haven't moved for years, but need complete overhauls.
          Try and use tyres that have plenty of tread but are old and cracking.
          We accept some parts need fixing because we can see it ourselves but we fail to listen when we are told other components are also failing but not so noticeably.
          Having a car is all about reliability and not having to replace major components unnecessarily.
          End of the day it's the owners choice. But if you expect warranty expect to jump through hoops to keep it.

      • chris666 on 03/12/2022 - 11:35

        Agree my local mechanic said there was no point me getting a 30k service when my car had 4k on the clock

    • doctordv8 on 29/11/2022 - 08:21

      It is good to see another talking common sense. I have mentioned often about this subject, and so many 'arm chair mechanics' do not understand deterioration regardless of Klms. Timing Belts even break under the standard expected life in poor operating conditions.
      They also forget that all Service Books have the allocation for Interim and Hrash Conditions Servicing.
      Strange thou… I get Negs and you do not. Must be the way you word it.

  • oscargamer on 24/11/2022 - 19:07

    What is required at that service?

    • pegaxs on 24/11/2022 - 20:00
      +6

      It's a Renault… I would say "A new car" at that point…

  • LanceVance on 24/11/2022 - 19:07
    +1

    Your Renault is essentially a Nissan, and it being a Nissan means it has a shitty CVT transmission and they love to go bang (especially the Jatco ones Nissan uses) so no, don't skip the service and risk voiding your warranty.

    • bbinc on 25/11/2022 - 08:08
      +1

      Unless something has changed, Renault do not schedule a CVT service. “Sealed for life”. That said, I do get my Koleos CVT serviced at a transmission shop for $350 every few years.

      • LanceVance on 25/11/2022 - 12:42
        +1

        I wasn't referring to the CVT service but just servicing in general. Sadly most manufacturers play the same dirty game and seal their transmissions 'for life', what they don't tell you is they expect the life of the car to be around 150,000km. Good on you for getting the transmission serviced yourself, I do as well but sadly very few people do it and they get extremely nasty and expensive lessons down the track.

        • bbinc on 25/11/2022 - 13:35
          +2

          Both times I've done that the car runs better. This time I used a proper transmission place, and they made 'adjustments' as well as an almost full fluid change. It must have slipping before, because it has heaps more torque, is using less petrol, and is just a much nicer drive. They still had things to say about the Jatco boxes and early failure. But I guess they mainly see the broken ones.11yrs and getting up into the 95 K. Nice car and has been super reliable. But serviced on time. Except during lockdowns.

  • Hackney on 24/11/2022 - 19:10
    +2

    ALL services are time based.Whichever comes first.Just get it done!

    • Grish on 27/11/2022 - 05:23
      -2

      Why though? In some cases it's technically a waste of time and money, zero need for the car itself.

      A "just do it because the manufacturer told me to" attitude is how they get away with these rigid and fixed service plans, and they use threats like warranty to force you.

      The plans should be tailored to suit the owners usage.

      Ie. A 25k km pa owner should need to follow a more frequent and thorough service schedule than a 2k km pa driver.

      • DarwinBoy on 27/11/2022 - 10:58

        They do actually place some extras in for certain drivers and vehicles.
        Plenty of diesel 4wds will have the condition that many drives of short stop start duration are considered severe driving conditions and need more frequent oil change compared to a person with the same mileage but taken with longer drives.
        So how you drive the car under the same km pa can define your servicing requirements.

    • mrvaluepack on 27/11/2022 - 12:08

      Thats because they try and treat their customers like layman and squeeze every single cent. Only oils are time based, other components like filters and spark plugs should be mileage based.

  • Murkymerv on 24/11/2022 - 19:39

    Why haven't you priced around since you call this price offensive!
    I have a 2020 caddy which is being serviced by my car , and I know people are weary which is fair enough. But don't get a quote from just one as I've found it can vary .

  • Aerith-Waifu on 24/11/2022 - 19:50
    +3

    I think I got the point guys. Thanks very much for the inputs.

    I honestly thought km is the only thing I need to look at here and not the time since new.

    Will definitely look around in my local area and see if the service can be done cheaper.

    Thanks many:)

  • pegaxs on 24/11/2022 - 19:58
    +3

    OR, just get a regular service done until you get closer to the 120,000km.

    Oh… scrub that, I just read that it is a Renault… get the expensive service now, as there is a 90+% chance it wont make it to 100,000km…

    • Aerith-Waifu on 24/11/2022 - 20:17

      Its a Renault but its built in Korea and it shares the platform with Mitsubishi and Nissan. So I am sure it will be fine (Hope)

      • LanceVance on 25/11/2022 - 12:43

        Just Nissan, not sure where you got Mitsubishi from and Nissan's reputation over the last 10 years is woeful.

      • bbinc on 25/11/2022 - 13:47

        Mine has been very reliable. 95 k kms Parts are expensive as is dealer service. $660 for the genuine tailgate gas lift arms. Purchased aftermarket for about $55 fitted.Broke a small plastic part in the old split tailgate style, dealer quote $1100 +. Fixed it with the help of Youtube for nothing.

  • apple2016 on 24/11/2022 - 21:05
    +3

    Take it to an independent mechanic for the 4th service. Usually it should be less that the AD. Also look at the log book to see what's extra for the 4 yr service. If its servicing 4x4 or transmission then ideal to do it. You can take a risk and push it out, but this will void warranty, affect resale value and could leave you without a car when you badly need it. Is this all worth $999? Only you can asnwer this!

  • hippieyippie on 24/11/2022 - 21:16

    Sounds like you are taking that car to the dealer to service. I would not do that if I were you, just take it to your local mechanic that you trust. They will take care of your car better than any dealer would and probably cheaper. Better yet, your warranty will still be intact.

    As for the last question, I got a new car but will not do the same as you. The dealership will not get to touch my car outside of the complimentary service (which just got done today and is still not happy about), recall and warranty issues. My mechanic will be used for all regular servicing.

  • AndyC1 on 24/11/2022 - 21:19
    +1

    Read the warranty conditions and you will find it is which ever option occurs first, not last.

    If you want to save money then go to ultratune and get it serviced a it will be cheaper and you will still have the warranty.

  • 7ekn00 on 24/11/2022 - 21:35

    It's a euro company, if you couldn't afford expensive service costs, why get it in the first place?

    Betting you are going to need the service record to either claim a warranty soon or sell before problems arise!

  • dtc on 24/11/2022 - 21:39
    -1

    Despite what everyone has said, you can look at the service schedule and do the 'for time' actions (eg oils) and skip the 'for distance' ones. Obviously some are easier to pick than others. Realistically a part that is scheduled to be replaced after (say) 48 months will very very likely make it to 60 or even more months; especially if low use. Replace the oils and lubricants etc of course; otherwise see what happens

    there are cars out there (mine is one) that are 10+ years old and I just replace oils etc regularly and then parts as needed. But there is certainly the 'stick to the schedule or your car will explode' brigade to help you along

    • LanceVance on 25/11/2022 - 12:45
      +1

      As long as you include transmission, diff, brake and steering oils/fluids in that thinking then I'm totally with you. There is also the 'just change the engine oil' brigade who think that is the only lubricant or item that ever has to be changed on the car.

  • doctordv8 on 25/11/2022 - 08:36

    Remember… time deterioration- regardless of Klms. There are many folk that never follow a schedule and win over many years without any failures, but there are many that have new engines, transmissions or differentials required at thousands of dollars - replaced under Warranty.

    Weigh up the savings now on not following the schedule against a major failure well above the Service Schedule costs.

    Simple math on risk. Your choice to keep or loose your warranty.

  • thereyougo on 25/11/2022 - 09:54
    -1

    You should always go by time schedule unless you exceed kilometers stated next to time schedule. Parts like rubber seals, belts, chains, oil, brake fluid, etc all have use by dates. Rubber deteriorates, belts and chain wear/stretch, fluids break down and don't perform. This is why even if your car or motorbike has done only 1000k's over the year you should change the oil, it's contaminated with water and other nastiest from starting and stopping.

    • Aerith-Waifu on 26/11/2022 - 00:06

      Thanks for that. Looks like I will be shopping for a local mechanic instead, I have a mechanic currently service my VW Golf, I have used him 2 twice, seens like a top guy. He lives local, not sure he know much about Renault but I will certainly drop by next time I am near.

    • Grish on 27/11/2022 - 05:30
      +2

      Belts and chains wear out at same rate even when not used? I find that hard to believe, what about all the belts, rubber hoses and chains "wearing themselves out" on factory and shop shelves?

  • Pinchy on 26/11/2022 - 08:58
    +1

    Get a quote from independent mechanics when the time gets closer. It could be ALOT cheaper and your warranty is still valid. Dealers charge heaps for not doing much.

  • monkeyfood on 26/11/2022 - 08:59
    +5

    skip the service as a whole, and if you get a coolant leak in between it should only cost u 100 to diagnose but may not track down where its leaking from

  • Seaeagles on 26/11/2022 - 09:53
    +1

    I don’t understand people spending $40,000-50,000 plus on a car than trying to save $500 on a service.

    The chances are nothing will go wrong going the cheap option with the service but if something does go wrong you won’t have a leg to stand on and you could be several thousand dollars out of pocket.

  • Boioioioi on 26/11/2022 - 10:02

    Renaults be unreliable as hell, keep your warranty. $1000 is cheap for a renault when it starts to get older

    • thaihoangaus on 27/11/2022 - 11:23

      I got a problem after warranty expired, got a whole wiring harness system for my Koleos replaced. It could have cost $11k total but lucky the dealer helped me through it. But yeah, French cars are notorious for electrical fault

      • Boioioioi on 27/11/2022 - 11:25

        hey thats funny my issues were also wiring harness related, dealer was not so nice though, lucky you

  • achew on 26/11/2022 - 10:03

    Consider trading it in for a new tesla, instead. No scheduled service required except 10,000Km tyre rotation and bi-annual air filter changes.

    Enjoy!

    • Randolph Duke on 26/11/2022 - 14:11
      +1

      Good idea, spend $20k+ to save servicing every 12 months. Should only take 10-15 years to break even!

      • achew on 26/11/2022 - 21:21

        Why on earth would you spend even 10K p.a. in maintenance, unless you were driving the miles and rubbing out the tyres?
        Even better to lease one through AGL instead. All the maintenance cost is on AGL, and you only pay 250/wk which includes insurance and any and all maintenance. In 12 months that's only 13K, so 5yrs.. 65K. By then it'd be reduced in payments anyway,

        So there's a 65K car paid for, completely maintenance free for 65K over 5 years. Absolutely regardless of driven KM's.

        • thaihoangaus on 27/11/2022 - 11:41
          +1

          Where did you get that $250/wk figure? I checked the website and it costs a minimum of $399/wk for their 12 months plans

          • achew on 27/11/2022 - 15:30

            @thaihoangaus: Ah, things have changed for their new deliveries since last I checked - this time last year… fml. old news.

            If you have a chat with one of their EV lease reps over the phone, they'll likely be able to offer a second hand '21 TM3 from inventory for 250/wk.

        • Randolph Duke on 28/11/2022 - 09:24
          -1

          That’s my point - advocating selling their current car and having to chip more money in buying a Tesla to save on servicing costs is an extremely false economy.

          • achew on 28/11/2022 - 20:51

            @Randolph Duke: Was that actually your point? You weren't very clear… at all.

            • Randolph Duke on 28/11/2022 - 21:19

              @achew: Considering your original post it doesn’t surprise me you couldn’t understand it.

        • Randolph Duke on 28/11/2022 - 21:31

          Do you even own the car at the end of this subscription service? Reads to me it’s a long term rental.

          https://next.agl.com.au/evhub/what-happens-to-the-car-and-ch…

          https://next.agl.com.au/evhub/how-does-subscription-compare-…

          https://next.agl.com.au/evhub/do-you-offer-a-novated-lease

          $399 a week for 12 months and no ownership of the vehicle. What a bargain!

          • achew on 28/11/2022 - 21:49
            +1

            @Randolph Duke: I should bring more bread for you, you're one hungry duck!

            Yeah, their pricing changed since last I investigated them before I went onto my lease. Shame that.

            • Randolph Duke on 28/11/2022 - 22:28
              +1

              @achew: Sounds like you got a great price on the lease - congrats!

  • Brick Tamland on 26/11/2022 - 10:09

    Its a question of compromise. Low KM may mean skipping a service could potentially have a small or nil impact on reliability but then you may compromise your warranty and reduce the value of the car when it comes to sell.

  • Cluster on 26/11/2022 - 10:11

    The risk you run is the car breaking down during the warranty period, and Renault refusing to pay for repairs as you didn't stick to their service schedule.

    Also when the car is sold, some buyers don't like to see services skipped. This may reduce your car's value.

  • johnfuller on 26/11/2022 - 11:52

    Skip the 48 months or 120,000km service.

    .. now thats a

    BARGAIN!

    or .. it could come back and bite you in the ass

  • trapper on 26/11/2022 - 12:54

    Normally I would say wait to hit the km limit rather than the time limit, but in this case it's worth keeping your warranty so stick to the schedule.

  • rainbowvac on 26/11/2022 - 12:56
    +1

    Why has no one mentioned the resale going down the shttr when you miss a major service -_-

    My housemate actually works for a Renault dealer and just laughed and said… There goes the warranty and future trade in value, it's a major service at the end of the day.

    • Brick50 on 27/11/2022 - 09:03

      I have found that most private buyers don’t even check the service book before buying a car. 3/4 of the time I’ve sold a car they haven’t even checked.

      Sold one this week for 19k and again didn’t even look in the book.

      Secondly I recently sold a car to a dealer, it had partial service history however once he advertised it on Carsales it magically had complete service history

  • scepticpsych on 26/11/2022 - 14:29

    Has anyone actually looked at the scheduled servicing for this car? It is:

    Replace Air Filter 12 months / 30,000km - can be skipped, just inspect to see it's not dirty, not really an age item compared to km
    Replace Pollen Filter 12 months / 30,000km - can be skipped, change when your air con gets smelly
    Replace Spark Plugs^ 48 months / 60,000km - probably okay unless car is misfiring, age is probably not a huge factor compared to km
    Replace Coolant 48 months / 120,000km - probably okay depending on coolant used, some are rated for 8 years
    Replace Accessory Belt Kit 48 months / 120,000km - changing drive belt within a year is overkill, I'd happily skip this (but obviously will need to be done at some point)
    Replace Brake Fluid. 48 months / 120,000km - I'd change this just to keep your brake fluid fresh but probably not 100% necessary

    However, I would do the service just to maintain the warranty IMO. Go to an independent mechanic and see if you can supply your own parts to save money.

    • thesilverstarman on 24/01/2023 - 16:26

      Wrong. Non-mechanics shouldnt give advice on cars and servicing.
      Replace Air Filter 12 months / 30,000km - can be skipped, just inspect to see it's not dirty, not really an age item compared to km - most times you wouldnt see if it needed replacing. The dirt and oil accumulates in the folds. And once it does, the paper does deteriorate. It will affect fuel economy and performance.
      Replace Pollen Filter 12 months / 30,000km - can be skipped, change when your air con gets smelly -see above. Will put more strain on AC unit, affecting fuel economy and performance, not to mention the air you are breathing.
      Replace Spark Plugs^ 48 months / 60,000km - probably okay unless car is misfiring, age is probably not a huge factor compared to km - never extend them even if car is running ok. They wear, and the gap increases. This causes car to have to adjust because it is not running optimaly, once again affecting fuel economy and performance. Also increases stress on ignition system, and can cause cat convertor to block more.
      Replace Coolant 48 months / 120,000km - probably okay depending on coolant used, some are rated for 8 years - Its not what the coolant is rated for, but the rest of the coolant system. Its about chemical reactions with the various metals, rubbers etc. Coolants are tested regulary as they do break down. Using the wrong coolant can cause problems too. Electrical currents can run through the coolant, breaking down the aluminium in the radiators etc.
      Replace Accessory Belt Kit 48 months / 120,000km - changing drive belt within a year is overkill, I'd happily skip this (but obviously will need to be done at some point) - the rubbers wear. Look at the belt with a magnifying glass and see the fine cracks that develop. Once a belt is used it starts to deteriorate. It is subjected to heat, motion and oily air etc.
      Replace Brake Fluid. 48 months / 120,000km - I'd change this just to keep your brake fluid fresh but probably not 100% necessary - This is critical. Brake fluid is hydroscopic. It draws in moisture from the air. Brakes get extremely hot. This can cause the moisture in the fluid to boil, and when you need brakes, you dont have them. It also contributes to brake line rust and brake rubber wear. The rubbers are designed for brake fluid, not water. Brake fluid is now a roadworthy issue.

      However, I would do the service just to maintain the warranty IMO. Go to an independent mechanic and see if you can supply your own parts to save money. - Mechanics do not use supplied parts. Aust Consumer law says that if we do, that we are certifying that they are correct and suitable, and we become liable in the event that something goes wrong. We are also liable for warranty if they fail. People have no idea of what parts they need. For example there are 10 different grades of 5w30 oil. Use the wrong one and you can clog your oil pickup, destroy your cat convertor or dpf etc. There are 12 types of coolant, all different. Then there are mineral, synthetic and semi synthetic oils, and although some people think that syntetic is best, it can destroy some parts. Industry bodies have advised mechanics to never fit supplied parts. Liability cant be dismissed by clauses or agreements. My suppliers warrant the parts they sell, and often will pay for warranty labour costs as well. Some filters, like Ryco will warrant the filters against causing engine damage, if bought from trade suppliers and fitted by a mechanic. Some brands of oil and filters are just rubbish, and there are also plenty of knock offs as well. You dont take your own steak to a restaurant to cook, so why would you think its ok to take parts to a mechanic? We dont just make our money and pay our overheads from our labour costs.

  • Thinkswithelbow on 26/11/2022 - 19:38

    Only way to save is go to an independent mechanic that specialises in euro.cars.

    Don't skip it
    They will void your warranty.

    Also it will imact resale. Would you buy a car that has a service skipped?

  • archieduh on 26/11/2022 - 19:53

    Maybe drive more.. go on weekend trips…

    • CMH on 26/11/2022 - 21:47

      This is the part I don't get.

      My parents have always told me "don't go on driving trips, you're unnecessarily adding mileage to your car!"

      Always worrying about it's resale value but then try to pull what OP's doing. Absolutely doesn't make sense.

      Anyway, that's my rant about my car, not about OP's situation.

      • Grish on 27/11/2022 - 05:44

        I tend to agree with your folks.

        The manufacturers and mechanics go on about servicing a car that has never left the garage, but there's a certain contradiction there when it comes to resale value where low KMs is king.

        Ie.

        If a same year 25,000km car = a 125,000km car in terms of wear and tear (which is what a mechanic tells us) then why is the 25,000km car worth so much more?

        • CMH on 27/11/2022 - 20:05

          It's not the same as wear and tear.

          Oils deteriorate. A 25k car with new oil will perform better than a 125k car with new oil.

          That's assuming that all other care is taken. A car sitting in a garage and never driven or taken care of for 10 years is going to have lots of issues

      • riff.79 on 27/11/2022 - 09:01

        Why have a car if you won’t drive it? I love trips.

        Also people who won’t run air cond due to costs (the current price of fuel I def understand the concern) but will drive with the windows open at speed.

  • syousef on 27/11/2022 - 08:39

    Some things degrade with time not kms driven. Skipping it will devalue your car and make it less reliable at a time when cars have limited availability and have become very expensive. Risking tens of thousands to save hundreds doesn't sound like a good bet to me.

  • riff.79 on 27/11/2022 - 08:59

    I’d ask for a break down if what is being serviced so you know why it’s expensive. Then you can make a better judgement.

    For me, I just want my car to work. Piece of mind is what I’m willing to pay for. I like my stuff to just work. I rather spend time enjoying life than colliding with Murphy’s law.

  • whizzfizz on 27/11/2022 - 10:20

    Service it

  • thaihoangaus on 27/11/2022 - 11:20

    I would recommend you to service it just for a peace of mind. I bought a new 2017 Koleos Intent (when not many of them on the road). All was fine up until 04/2022. I noticed very rough idle and driving. Took it to Peter Warren Warwick Farm, turned out the fuel quality that I used was dirty (probably contaminated after all the flood. Paid $1100 and get it fixed. 3 weeks later, I got the same problem again, took the car back and left it there for a week with a loan car. They said engine misfired and did some work to fix it without extra charge.

    Then my warranty expired 05/2022. At 07/2022, the problem came back with the service light, took the car back again. That time, she sat at the service centre for 5 weeks. Turned out there are some problems with the harness system and they had to order it from French. They ordered and replaced the whole wiring harness system which cost $9000 not including labour. My heart droped a beat when I heard that figure but the lady didn't say that I had to pay them. Wiring harness system arrived and it took 1 week to get the permission to install from Renault HQ cause they needed to assest this the situation. At the end, I picked up the car without paying a penny. Not sure this happened because of Renault or I was just lucky. However I was damn glad that I didn't skip any service to give them a reason to charge me for it. Also maybe its worth to mention that all 6 services for my vehicle were all done by Peter Warren Warwick Farm Renault.

    • Hackney on 27/11/2022 - 12:05

      If you service @ a dealer, you are more likely to get looked on favourably by the manufacturer.Getting a good relationship with the dealer can go a long way down the track if you have issues.

    • Aerith-Waifu on 28/11/2022 - 10:13

      Thanks for sharing. Looks like I might do the service at Renault Dealer instead then, Better be safe than sorry

  • drprox on 27/11/2022 - 11:39

    Your call if you want to risk not doing the belts. If they go it will likely be catastrophic.

  • capslock janitor on 27/11/2022 - 13:26

    CHECK if u can do it cheaper at kmart/KTAS without voiding

    my toyota capped service ended so this is what im considering in january

    • thesilverstarman on 24/01/2023 - 16:29

      Everytime I do a pre purcahse inspection on a Euro car, and there are services done by tyre shops or Kmart, I advise to walk away. Euros arent just about changing oils. There is preventative maintenance and adjustments that need to be done. Computer updates etc. Cheap services mean shortcuts.

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