Manufacturers warranty but can't tell if covered

wolfehouse

My automatic micra is still under full manufacturer's warranty, done about 20,000 miles and the accessory drive belt has started chirping intermittently especially when the air con is on.

A more mechanically minded friend says it is one of 4 possible parts including belt slippage, air con pump, some sort of clutch attached to the belt and something else I forgot. Belt is in good condition and not dirty.

Nissan customer service will not talk about if it might even remotely be covered. Local dealer wants £80 before they will talk to me and if it is covered I get that back, another dealer don't even know how much they charge to have a look or tell me if it might be covered.

Am I really so out of touch to think this is unfair?
Would I be better going somewhere independent or am I stuck paying up and putting up?

neilmcl

Quite normal in my experience. Most (if not all) will tell you that you will have to pay for the inspection if the faults turns out not to be covered by the manufacturer warranty, and 9 times out of 10 it usually is covered.

You don't expect them to do the work for nothing do you?

thescouselander

I wouldn't pay for a diagnosis. In my experience the dealer should look at it for nothing. If they won't I'd suggest finding your next nearest dealer and ask them to look at it.

wolfehouse

I certainly don't mind paying for them to look at it, but £80 is how much time? Especially if I have already narrowed it down for them.

I seem to be reacting emotionally because I feel like they have me over a barrel. I will try another dealer but am guessing they will all have the same policy,
I would be grateful if someone knows a main dealer that is kinder.

thescouselander

At main dealer rates £80 is probably half an hour's worth of work. I don't think you should hand over any money though. Since this is an intermittent fault there's a high chance they'll say they couldn't find the problem.

neilmcl

thescouselander wrote: »

I wouldn't pay for a diagnosis. In my experience the dealer should look at it for nothing. If they won't I'd suggest finding your next nearest dealer and ask them to look at it.

You shouldn't pay for it upfront, but in my experience nearly all dealerships will give a disclaimer stating that you'll be charged should the fault not be covered by your warranty. It's pretty much standard stuff so I doubt going to another dealership will make any difference to the OP.

wolfehouse

Could I ask for a major service 6 months early and get them to throw in an inspection or is that just foolish?

thescouselander

neilmcl wrote: »

You shouldn't pay for it upfront, but in my experience nearly all dealerships will give a disclaimer stating that you'll be charged should the fault not be covered by your warranty. It's pretty much standard stuff so I doubt going to another dealership will make any difference to the OP.

I've never seen anything like that. Usually if I have a problem with the car I just drop it off and sign the usual handover form detailing any damage on the car and giving permission for the dealer to work on it. I've never seen any Ts&Cs about charges although they do point out they need to confirm warantee cover before replacing something.

neilmcl

thescouselander wrote: »

I've never seen anything like that. Usually if I have a problem with the car I just drop it off and sign the usual handover form detailing any damage on the car and giving permission for the dealer to work on it. I've never seen any Ts&Cs about charges although they do point out they need to confirm warantee cover before replacing something.

Maybe you should read the what you're signing next time.

vansboy

Diagnostic charges of this type and cost are regular these days. Even smaller garages are inclined to ask for a fee to 'just pop outside and have a look', which is fair enough, most would agree.

It sounds as though the fault is everything working a little harder, at same time.

See if you can replicate, or remove the noise, by running the engine, while stationary, then turn on lights, heater, air con, rear window, radio, and everything 'electric'.

You'll maybe find it is only there under load, which isn't a fault or anything to worry about, unless you really make the belt/alternator scream at you loudly.

VB

gilbert_and_sullivan

You certainly know which make and dealership to avoid when replacement time comes.
Stop buying from these charlatans and they'll soon change their tune or go out of business.