Extended Warranty and servicing

[BigO]

Hello,
I’m looking to buy the extended warranty for seat Ibiza fr 1.0 which was quoted at £170ish. I personally think it’s a good deal as I’ve had my car at dealer with warranty work a few times and I’d rather have it just in case.

my question is, does my car need to be serviced at the SEAT dealership or can it be taken to a VAG specialist to do the work. I’m not sure if the specialist would void the extended warranty or something.

Thanks for the help!

 

[rafletcher]

Choose your specialist carefully and you’ll be fine. All cars have been able to be serviced at non-dealer garages for decades, just as long as the service schedule is adhered to, and genuine parts are used. The advantage is Labour costs are around 50%of main dealers. Plus some (like the one I use) also pay to get access to the electronic service records so can keep that updated too. It’s really only leased cars where you will have to use a dealer as they don’t like trying to sell in vehicles that don’t have main dealer service records. I’m guessing that won’t be the case for you.

 

[BigO]

Choose your specialist carefully and you’ll be fine. All cars have been able to be serviced at non-dealer garages for decades, just as long as the service schedule is adhered to, and genuine parts are used. The advantage is Labour costs are around 50%of main dealers. Plus some (like the one I use) also pay to get access to the electronic service records so can keep that updated too. It’s really only leased cars where you will have to use a dealer as they don’t like trying to sell in vehicles that don’t have main dealer service records. I’m guessing that won’t be the case for you.

The specialist I was looking at is Volksmaster and I’ve heard great words about them! I believe they also have access to the electronic service so they will update that too.

Thanks for your help!

 

[SRGTD]

@BigO; This is what the extended warranty booklet states regarding servicing (in the General Conditions section of the warranty booklet);

• Servicing must be carried out in accordance with vehicle manufacturer recommendations. Genuine SEAT components, oils and other fluids or components, oils and other fluids of equivalent specification and matching quality must be used. Failure to comply with this condition will result in a warranty claim being rejected.
• Failure to keep your vehicle serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s service schedule will void the warranty. You must keep all servicing receipts and invoices. We will be entitled to check that your vehicle has been serviced regularly and may ask to see these in the unlikely event that the condition of your vehicle does not appear to correspond with your vehicle service schedule.

It doesn’t state that servicing has to be carried out by a Seat dealer; just that it has to be carried out in accordance with Seat’s recommendations, and that genuine Seat parts and fluids (or equivalent) must be used. However, if the car is Serviced by Seat, in the event of a valid warranty claim;

• Seat will have a record of the car having been serviced on their systems, which should minimise the risk of a valid warranty claim being denied.​
• any potential dispute over whether the car has been serviced correctly by an independent in accordance with Seat’s service schedule should be avoided.​

If you do use a reputable independent VAG specialist garage for servicing, as @rafletcher has said, it is likely to be cheaper than using the Seat dealer, and if the independent has access to Seat’s online digital service system, Seat will be able to see that your car has been serviced / maintained. IMO even if the independent can update the digital service records it’s still important that you keep all invoices and receipts for any work done, as it’s a requirement under the warranty. I’d also be asking the independent to provide an itemised invoice that lists all parts, fluids and lubricants used showing part numbers, brands and the spec of any fluids, so you can use this as proof that the correct manufacturer approved items have been used.

Link to warranty booklet below - assuming this is the warranty you would be getting;

https://www.insurewithseat.co.uk/media/1225/vwfs_11550187_seat_extended_warranty_int.pdf

 

[BigO]

@BigO; This is what the extended warranty booklet states regarding servicing (in the General Conditions section of the warranty booklet);

• Servicing must be carried out in accordance with vehicle manufacturer recommendations. Genuine SEAT components, oils and other fluids or components, oils and other fluids of equivalent specification and matching quality must be used. Failure to comply with this condition will result in a warranty claim being rejected.
• Failure to keep your vehicle serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s service schedule will void the warranty. You must keep all servicing receipts and invoices. We will be entitled to check that your vehicle has been serviced regularly and may ask to see these in the unlikely event that the condition of your vehicle does not appear to correspond with your vehicle service schedule.

It doesn’t state that servicing has to be carried out by a Seat dealer; just that it has to be carried out in accordance with Seat’s recommendations, and that genuine Seat parts and fluids (or equivalent) must be used. However, if the car is Serviced by Seat, in the event of a valid warranty claim;

• Seat will have a record of the car having been serviced on their systems, which should minimise the risk of a valid warranty claim being denied.​
• any potential dispute over whether the car has been serviced correctly by an independent in accordance with Seat’s service schedule should be avoided.​

If you do use a reputable independent VAG specialist garage for servicing, as @rafletcher has said, it is likely to be cheaper than using the Seat dealer, and if the independent has access to Seat’s online digital service system, Seat will be able to see that your car has been serviced / maintained. IMO even if the independent can update the digital service records it’s still important that you keep all invoices and receipts for any work done, as it’s a requirement under the warranty. I’d also be asking the independent to provide an itemised invoice that lists all parts, fluids and lubricants used showing part numbers, brands and the spec of any fluids, so you can use this as proof that the correct manufacturer approved items have been used.

Link to warranty booklet below - assuming this is the warranty you would be getting;

https://www.insurewithseat.co.uk/media/1225/vwfs_11550187_seat_extended_warranty_int.pdf

Thanks a lot for your help!

Will look at the link you sent now!