Buying and maintenance of new car at same dealership necessary?

Question

we are planning to buy a new honda accord. if we get a better price at a far-off honda dealer, can we buy it there and get the maintenace withing the warranty period done at the nearby honda dealer? or do we have to go to the same honda dealer for both buying and maintenance?

Answer 1

If you're in the US, look into the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.  Essentially, if a manufacturer is to require you to use only them for regular maintenance in order to keep the warranty, then they must provide that maintenance for free.  (No sales tie-in provisions to upkeep the warranty.)  So, as long as you can provide proof that the required maintenance work is performed (date/mileage on a receipt), you can have the work done at any dealer, independent shop, quickie-lube place, backyard mechanic, or DIY, and the warranty will be fine.

So, buy your Honda wherever you like.  Service your Honda wherever you like (just keep receipts).

However, some individual dealers may include a "free" service or two at their dealership as part of the purchase deal, to sweeten the offer and to get you to try out their service department.

You may also purchase a pre-paid maintenance plan.  Depending on what plan you buy, the pre-paid maintenance may only be good at that dealership/chain, or be good at any Honda dealer.

It is usually suggested that you have your car serviced by a trusted Honda mechanic, though.  If you build up a service history with this person, you are more likely to get better customer service in the future if something ever goes wrong with your car.

Answer 2

No, you do not have to get your car maintained at the same dealer. It is a good courtesy to do so, but you do not have to do so in order to get a warranty honored.

Answer 3

Nah you don't have to, but just make sure you save all your maintenance records.  

I like to go back to the dealership where I got my car since they already have all my info on my file.  If I ever needed any documentation they would have all my maintenance records in their system.

Answer 4

You can have it serviced at any authorized Honda dealer. Hey LAURA......How about actually answering a question instead of posting the same spam link over and over.

Answer 5

no, not at all

unless they offer free oil changes or loaner cars or something that your local dealers doesn't offer.