Car Service plans

dori2o

We are getting a new car this weekend, a little Peugeot 108 Allure PureTech 1.2. Registered July 2017 with 4068 miles on the clock (been told it was previously a dealer demonstrator).

The ar comes with the remaining warranty from Peugeot with the option to extend which we may do.

We are considering buying a service plan and have compared the Peugeot one with several others.

We have been impressed by the details of the Good Garage Scheme Service Plan.

Both offer much the same 3 year plan (would prefer a 5 year plan but I suppose we can just renew at end of 3 years), however, the difference comes when it comes to looking at MOT's.

The cars first MOT is set for July 2020 when it will be 3 years old.

With the Peugeot there is the option to have an MOT every year, every service (which is basically every year) or as a one off. However, we don't need one in 2019 and selecting the one off option sets the MOT for November 2018.

The Good Garage Service Plan allows us to include MOT's but only applies them to July 2020 and July 2021.

The garage I have used for years is a member of the Good Garage Scheme, so can undertake the services. However, this clearly means I'll have a service stamp from a Non-Peugeot garage.

When I've asked other people I've had a mix of responses with an almost 50/50 split of people saying that having the Peugeot service wil ensure top quality parts and labour, plus it will preserve the value of the car, wilst others say that the difference will be negligible and the fact the car has FSH (especially with a Good Garage Service) is the important bit, not necessarily that it's performed by Peugeot. Some have suggested that in terms of maintaining value a manufacturer services are only essential for high end vehicles, which the 108 isn't.

Can anyone shed any light on this or suggest an alternative.

Thanks

forgotmyname

Is the plan actually cheaper than getting it serviced yourself as required?

You could buy the plan and change cars before the plan even comes into effect leaving you out of pocket.

Richard53

In terms of preserving your warranty, as long as the service is carried out to the manufacturer's schedule (time, mileage etc) using genuine parts, by a VAT-registered garage, then the warranty is not affected. As a buyer, as long as I see evidence of regular servicing I am happy. A series of services by a good local garage would impress me more than a set of dealer stamps.


A service plan is only spreading the cost, so you might as well put the money to one side and see when deals you can find with well-respected local garages. A servicing plan is a way for the dealer to tie you in to work at expensive dealer rates year after year. It is for their benefit, not yours.

System

dori2o wrote: »

We have been impressed by the details of the Good Garage Scheme Service Plan.

Both offer much the same 3 year plan (would prefer a 5 year plan but I suppose we can just renew at end of 3 years), however, the difference comes when it comes to looking at MOT's.

The garage I have used for years is a member of the Good Garage Scheme, so can undertake the services. However, this clearly means I'll have a service stamp from a Non-Peugeot garage.

Unless the garage uses genuine Peugeot parts and carries out the service the same as the Peugeot dealerships do to the Peugeot schedule then you will invalidate the manufacturer's warranty. Given that car has an "automatic" gearbox that has known issues you don't want the warranty to be invalidated because the garage didn't use genuine parts or follow the service schedule to the letter. For this reason alone it is better to get it serviced by a dealer until the warranty runs out.

LandyAndy

Tarambor wrote: »

Unless the garage uses genuine Peugeot parts and carries out the service the same as the Peugeot dealerships do to the Peugeot schedule then you will invalidate the manufacturer's warranty. Given that car has an "automatic" gearbox that has known issues you don't want the warranty to be invalidated because the garage didn't use genuine parts or follow the service schedule to the letter. For this reason alone it is better to get it serviced by a dealer until the warranty runs out.

Have to agree with this. There is no point in giving the manufacturer any scope to wriggle out of a warranty claim, particularly with a car that has known weakness in an expensive component.

As for service plans, I don't see the point.

[Deleted User]

Ex dealer demonstrator? So it's probably been driven by a 100+ people plus used as an unloved courtesy car etc. I'd stay away unles you are getting a really good price.

flashg67

The warranty isn't automatically voided by non Peugeot parts but services need to done to the same spec and garage must be VAT registered, Having said that, I always err on the side of caution and stick with the dealer whilst in warranty to avoid any issues just for the sake of what amounts to a small percentage of the vehicle price over 3 years

vansboy

As mentioned, do confirm it actually WAS a demonstrator and not a hire care, courtesy car, or a sold but returned by a disatisfied customer, for any number of reasons. The mileage does seem high for a demonstrator and quite old. Also how many registered keepers and the names of these. You will then be able to ascertain it's true useage, a little easier.


As for service plans, you may well find paying at each service more or less similar cost, depending what each service would actually cover. You may not even have oil changed at each one, depending on how the schedule is set out. Many would argue that an oil and filter change annually is needed, even if some brands say every two years is required. I wouldn't leave it this long. So check that the correct oil and annual changes included. If it isnt, then spend the £70 the main dealer will charge in addition to whatever else is due, at each service for this.


Check if it's having a first service carried out prior to purchase anyway (not just pre-delivery check over), that will save you one service cost.


And I would certainly keep it main dealer serviced throughout warranty period, for peace of mind, no get outs if you have any issues and proper updates for any of the systems, the car needs.


VB