If a car has not been serviced as often as recommended does it affect the warranty?

Question

We just bought a used car from a main dealer. Although the salesman stated that it had been well maintained and his company had done all the servicing, when we got the documents and read the service book we saw it didn't get it's first service at the right time which should have been at 12 months or so many miles whichever came first, it was actually 18 months old before it got it's first service.

We also noticed that it had been fitted with a new timing belt kit which seems a bit odd. Any thoughts please?

Answer 1

I worked at a dealer for several years.  Yes it does technically but the topical the service dept will not make sure you have kept up with maintenance of every little thing before doing warranty work.  A vast majority of the working coming in to the dealer is warranty and they wont check maintenance line by lin.. They wont nitpick unless it is evident that the problem what cause by neglect of the owner of the vehicle.  Make sure you are up to date on all services.

I would not worry about it.

Answer 2

Service by non authorised services can void your warranty.

Answer 3

Providing you like the car then I suggest you go back to the garage and talk to them about the services and cam belt change.  Also ask for written conformation that the car is fully covered under the warranty

Answer 4

timeing belt change depends on mileage, 35 40,000 miles although some companys say 75 000 miles,

the warranty is a bit iffy as it should be done at recommended intervals, so back to the garage for clarification and or change of car or drop the price

Answer 5

Personally, I'd take it back. The warranty is invalid as soon as a service is missed, and the fact it's had a cambelt would suggest that it's got a higher mileage than shown, or it's had engine problems.

Re the first answer; under EU law, the services may be carried out by anyone, as long as they have been done at the maker's schedule & to their specs. Having a none main dealer history DOESN'T invalidate a warranty.

Just checked: No recalls for your car regarding replacement of timing belt or associated parts - the 1.2 16v has had a recall for timing belt, therefore if it was a 1.2 I wouldn't worry.

Answer 6

well is it running bad are you having problems with it or are you just reading what someone wrote down or didnt write down... really take it back and talk with dealer about it.. but really two months without service is nothing id be more worried why it needed a timing belt

Answer 7

ok  the service was not done but u did not have the car

   call dealer  get it in writing

   if not return it

   as for belt  hard to say  may have recall need check for recall on    

   you're type of car

   hope this help

Answer 8

I wouldn't worry too much unless this car is still fairly new or has low miles. Cars with timing belts need to be changed anywhere from 30k-60k. If you are more specific over the maintence history I could explain things better.

Answer 9

Look in to the book that came with the car and see at what interval they recommend a new cam belt, the main dealer might have changed the cam belt as a matter of course, so that the know it is in good condition. My car has its oil changed at 30,000 miles and it has done 45,000 miles and is now due to have its second service.

Although it is made by VW/Audi/Skoda group  you cant beat German made cars