Servicing outside of Toyota and Warranty

[Toby_The_Van]

Hello,

I've been reading a bit about servicing on here and it seems some people have had bad experiences with Toyota Service Centres. I am now worried...

My brother actually works at Ultratune and has so for many years. In fact he used to work for Toyota and Honda during his apprenticeship and the stories he tells me are frightenning!!!

For sure I trust him (with my life, not just with my cars) and want to take it to him instead of going with pot luck and crossing my fingers/doing a voodoo dance by taking it to Toyota.

Does this really void warranty or is it just a scare tactic? If we use genuine toyota parts that I supply, what's the difference? at least I know for sure that the oil filter will be changed and the right oil will be put in etc.

Ideas?

Worried owner of Toby_the_Van

[SuiCid3]

It's a scare tactic. Unless they have some kind of dealership cover when the warranty expires.

As long as the mechanic uses genuine parts, the manufacturer warranty will still be covered.

(Not too sure, but they might also have to be MTA approved, which Ultratune are from memory).

I was taking it to the dealership for the first 40,000 coz I wanted to keep the service book 'clean' and get the out of warranty cover they provided after the manufacturer warranty ran out, but then I got sick of them ripping me off so I get my partner's father to service it for me. :)

A whole lot cheaper and more reliable.

I used to take it to the dealership every 10,000 and it'd cost about $150 - $250 (~$300 for the 40,000km service and an extra $150 for them to rotate the tires for me.... give me a break)

Now the father-in-law services the 5000km for $30 and the 10,000km's for $70.

[Saiya]

As far as I know if they are a licenced mechanic and using parts that meet or exceed the manufacturer specifications you should have no problems. :)

What are some of the horrer stores your brother have told you? Im curious as I get my car serviced at my local Toyota Service only because ill get the extra 3 yrs warranty.

[Toby_The_Van]

What are some of the horrer stores your brother have told you? Im curious as I get my car serviced at my local Toyota Service only because ill get the extra 3 yrs warranty.

Well just the usual things like when there were too many cars and not enough hands due to sickies etc, they would just top up the oil and way they go. Saturday was the worste days as they hardly had any time. Pretty crappy excuse really as I could do my cars in less than 20 mins with a jack and stands. These guys have hoists and tools

Use all the old tricks, mark your filter etc and check it again afterwards.

Anyway I change my oil myself every 5000 (as i just did 2 weekends ago) so I know for sure there is a new filter and the right oil in there. Even transmission is easy to do at home with the right socket...

[Les]

Look on their site ...

Vehicle Handbook Service

A lot of people think that when they need to have their car serviced, they must go back to their dealer because it is under manufacturer's statutory warranty.

It's not true. We are able to service your new car during the warranty period.

When it comes to having your car serviced, you do have a choice.

You can take it back to your dealer, or you can bring it to UltraTune.

What's more, after you've had your UltraTune service, we will stamp your handbook with an Ultra Tune stamp as a record of regular maintenance (it's well established that a regularly stamped handbook can result in a higher resale value for your car).

So now you know you have a choice ... why choose UltraTune?

We'll fit in with you.

UltraTune centres specialise in expert vehicle maintenance. Our highly trained technicians just service cars. That means UltraTune can offer you a far better chance of having your car serviced at a time that suits you.

We're fast, efficient and cost effective

The unique UltraTune system is a structured series of operating procedures which ensures faster, more efficient and cost effective service. This innovative system is responsible for the successful maintenance of thousands of fleet vehicles across Australia.

If we can't do it, we'll say so!

UltraTune's expertise and industry "know-how" have established long-standing relationships with component manufacturers. In the majority of cases, we'll be able to give you excellent service. However, if for any reason we don't have the equipment or access to parts to do the best job possible ... then we'll say so.

[Donza]

10k services i take to toyota, also helps if any warranty items. (did you know standard globes are covered in warranty?)

5k services I do myself.

[Toby_The_Van]

Yeah I saw that and my brother keeps saying the same thing. Here's what Toyota says:

If I have my vehicle serviced by someone other than a Toyota Dealer, will this void my warranty?

If a licensed vehicle repairer services your Toyota vehicle in accordance with Toyota's servicing guidelines, then normal warranty coverage will apply. It is however important to note that if a non-genuine part is fitted to your Toyota and that part's failure or the incorrect fitment damages your vehicle, then that damage may not be covered by your Toyota Warranty.

For peace of mind servicing, we recommend you visit your authorised Toyota Service Centre who uses Toyota Genuine Parts and has Toyota trained technicians.

OK it's settled. Ultratune it is! what a relief! My brother usually does extra stuff for me for free but don't tell Ultratune :P

[VVTLiR]

Yeah I saw that and my brother keeps saying the same thing. Here's what Toyota says:

If I have my vehicle serviced by someone other than a Toyota Dealer, will this void my warranty?

If a licensed vehicle repairer services your Toyota vehicle in accordance with Toyota's servicing guidelines, then normal warranty coverage will apply. It is however important to note that if a non-genuine part is fitted to your Toyota and that part's failure or the incorrect fitment damages your vehicle, then that damage may not be covered by your Toyota Warranty.

For peace of mind servicing, we recommend you visit your authorised Toyota Service Centre who uses Toyota Genuine Parts and has Toyota trained technicians.

OK it's settled. Ultratune it is! what a relief! My brother usually does extra stuff for me for free but don't tell Ultratune :P

MMM, now just wondering if TRD parts are genuine Toyota parts now since they are part of their add campain and new car lineup.

I suppose reading the above that if you have a TRD CAI you should still be covered under warranty unless the part fails.

Any1 wanna email toyota and find out.

I havent got that much warranty left, so I guess it doesn't really matter too much.

Edited September 13, 2006 by VVTLiR

[Les]

You'll be right mate. Since it is your bro doing the service, you can just make sure he uses only Toyota genuine parts !

Edited September 13, 2006 by Les

[kelvinsw]

So, which & where services center is good around Sydney area? Ultratune? Kmart Auto? Repco? or other small auto repair shop? What you guys using now? So far I'm with Sydney City Toyota.

[Les]

The only thing K Mart would be good for is buying socks and undies ... not servicing your car ..

[Donza]

They probably won't cover anything TRD, well any parts associated with any issues.

Had an issue with my CAI wiring, it's not TRD, and I asked them as I said it was an exact copy of one, but because it is not standard, and you are modifying the car, it wouldn't matter one bit, TRD or not.

But then again, they are Toyota and try to get out of as much as possible.

If they fit it though, I think it can be covered, by writing a stat dec or something? (Someone correct me here if they want, I'm not entirely sure on that)

[MR and MSROLA]

Hey guys, i have a friend who works for Toyota, hes actually off work today but when i talk to him ill confirm all this info for you :)

[MR and MSROLA]

ok, the TRD CAI doesnt affect your warranty, so if you have an engine problem then its covered. The CAI itself has 3 months/or 20,000kms warranty on it.

Most TRD parts are covered under your warranty but the best dealership to talk to about it is castle hill :)

Edited September 14, 2006 by MSROLA

[Les]

What if you install the CAI yourself ?

[redvvtli]

So, which & where services center is good around Sydney area? Ultratune? Kmart Auto? Repco? or other small auto repair shop? What you guys using now? So far I'm with Sydney City Toyota.

I'll just add my 2 cents worth here. I was looking at a Honda Civic and asked the salesman about servicing costs as I had heard that Honda charge a lot. The salesman basically said bring your car here for the first free service but after that don't bring it here, he recommended Ultra Tune. Told me the 40k service here would cost $800, anyone else $400. Basically told me buy your Honda from here but dont get it serviced here. His body language though said it all. I am not recommending Ultra Tune but dealer service is an issue. These guys at the dealerships are, I suspect under a lot of pressure to get throughput, and time is measured. Anyhow, on Toyota dealership service - franchise and company owned - they will not be getting my business anymore. :D

[VVTLiR]

ok, the TRD CAI doesnt affect your warranty as its a genuine part, so if you have an engine problem then its covered. The CAI itself has 3 months/or 20,000kms warranty on it.

Most TRD parts are covered under your warranty but the best dealership to talk to about it is castle hill :)

I emailed toyota about this, but no reply.

Can we get an email or letter to confirm this?

[MR and MSROLA]

ok, the TRD CAI doesnt affect your warranty as its a genuine part, so if you have an engine problem then its covered. The CAI itself has 3 months/or 20,000kms warranty on it.

Most TRD parts are covered under your warranty but the best dealership to talk to about it is castle hill :)

I emailed toyota about this, but no reply.

Can we get an email or letter to confirm this?

Will see what i can do, will have to wait till the weekend till he is back at work...

[Dead]

I'm just so sick of Toyota. Every 2 months when I go up for a sydney meet I'll get my godfather to do a service every 5,000k's on it before I head to bexters ;)

[MT]

i wouldnt put any money on a TRD part being covered by toyota, they ARE NOT genuine parts.

If a dealer says to you that they are covered, get it in writing. immediatly.