Quote:
Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses
The problem is that technically they can deny your warranty claim should the engine pop. Yes, usually receipts of purchase and documentation of mileage at time of change are good enough...but they still CAN deny it. Most people don't want to risk that. The alternative is to take it to an independent shop for better/more verifiable documentation, but that's more expensive than going to a dealer.
I know what you're saying and where you're coming from. I'll be doing my own oil, but there are reasons people don't do themselves.
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I've heard that argument a few times. I hate to keep bringing up BMW but I had a lot of warranty issues with my 335i. I had quite a few mods on it, intake, exhaust, tuner, suspension, wheels & I had quite a few reliability issues with it. My dealer at one point tried to deny warranty coverage on a snapped half shaft and blown injectors. Being an educated customer I stood my ground and involved BMW North America. They were more than happy to slap the dealer on the wrist and get my car repaired no questions asked. Of course before I had the car towed in I removed all tuning parts as well as the intake to ensure I would have no issues, yet the dealer still tried to say I was beating on the car and I was the cause of the broken axle. I told them to kiss my ass, this is a driver's car and of course I'm going to beat on it but I purchased it because it was the ultimate driving machine.
It's simple: cover your ass and don't bring your car in with shoddy work done to it and sure as hell don't bring it in with mods that would make the dealer think the problems are caused by your aftermarket parts. Lots of manufacturers have a list of approved oils and filters that they recommend be used. If you buy some autozone brand name oil filter and the thing cracks and your motor seizes, of course you may have an issue. If you use OEM filters or approved filters and something goes wrong, you have a case against the company who manufactured the part. Dealers don't have the time or resources to do investigations on specific cars, if they call you out and deny coverage it's likely they are bluffing and just don't wanna foot the cost. If this happens get Toyota or Subaru corporate involved and I guarantee your problems will be solved.
As with anything it's all about being educated and making smart decisions. A lot of people don't want to mod their cars because of warranty coverage. That's fine...your loss. I for one make a good relationship with my dealers and make sure I am up front and honest about my intentions for the car. I recommend everyone do this. If you think you are going to be modding your car ask your salesman or the service manager their thoughts on this subject. If they downright tell you they have no tolerance for modifications then go to an other dealer. This is a tuner's car, it is unreasonable to think that people will be leaving them 100% stock and bringing them into the dealer for every tiny service.