[bumpkin]

Just got my car back after the problems with the dealer managing to scratch her whilst in for service.

I am now seriously considering not using the dealer for service again and noted from some other posts that some others (including Dazz) do not use the main dealer for service work.

The question is then what do you use, given that only a Hyundai dealer has access to the Hyundai computers does this mean that in real terms the dealer seldom connects to the computer also and that I am safe to use an independent garage?  I am of course aware that in doing so I have to instruct the independent to only use genuine Hyundai parts in order to satisfy the warranty requirements.

If so, do we need to ask the main dealer when we do use them to check the service bulletins and to connect to the mainframe to ensure that updates are installed and why do we the owner have to do that and it is not part of the "service"?

[Dazzler]

Hi Brian,

As you probably know I supply as many of the serice parts as i can to reduce to possibility of the independent service centre adding a margin (although I don't think the one I use would do that as the office manager is a personal friend)

The problem with most dealerships is that they charge a premium and for most routine servicing use apprentice mechanics (as far as i'm aware) and so the risk of something being done incorrectly or half heartedly is higher than where I take my car (all A grade mechanics - the youngest guy has been there for 4-5 years)

If my car/s developed a performance issue (which seems related to the ECU) I would take it to the dealer and expect it fixed under warranty. The place I take mine to has fairly up to date diagnostic equip but not sure if they have access to the latest Hyundai updates etc...

In real world terms I don't think the ECU would be updated that often although Dealers push that idea to frighten owners into using them I'm sure.... (just my opinions anyway)

Each to their own I guess...

I've had a lot of brand new cars (more than 10 I would think without checking) and have seldom if ever used the Dealer for service.. Can't think of a situation yet where it has caused me an issue..(touch wood) 

[agentr31]

as long as the "log book" is stamped properly it doesnt matter who does the servicing...

[Surferdude]

^^^and the use of after market parts is OK provided there's no issue about their quality.
For instance, Ryco filters would not cause any issues.

[agentr31]

one thing with hyundai, if you engine say blows up and your a month out of the 5 year warranty and its always been serviced with them they usually will help you out... if it hasnt then your on your own...

[Duckman]

one thing with hyundai, if you engine say blows up and your a month out of the 5 year warranty and its always been serviced with them they usually will help you out... if it hasnt then your on your own...

The only way it'd blow up is if you keep taking to a dealership and letting the 1st year apprentices fill your engine up with water, and fill the window washer fluid with motor oil....

[agentr31]

its obvoiously happened before... for an aquaintence to say it to me when i was at the dealer

[eye30]

I am now seriously considering not using the dealer for service again

I know you live in the backwater  but is there another Hy service centre nearby, I mean less that 2 days travelling  .

Around here you can get independents who have Hy trained staff and so long as genuine Hy parts/oil specific are used, follow correct service schedule, book stamped, follow service intervals, don't forget to get it serviced with 30 days of the aniversary of 1st regisration and they are VAT registered you should be OK.

BUT .................. the warranty terms will only be tested if you have to make a claim!!!!!!!!!!!

[bumpkin]

Thanks lads

Nearest Hy centre to me other than the Aberdeen dealer is Dundee (80 miles away) or Inverness (105 miles)

I know a really good independent who has done all my non-warranty period servicing in the last 15 years, I am happy to use him next year for the first MOT also, I know for a fact I will get a better service at a much better price

[L30N]

I'm facing a similar dilemma, due for 2 year service in next few weeks. Hyundai Dealer is 10 miles away and wants £199 + £10 admin fee for courtesy car. Good independent service centre 1 mile away quoted me £144 all inclusive and assured me it all conforms to Hyundai warranty terms.

[agentr31]

I know for a fact I will get a better service at a much better price

why didnt you take it there to begin with? stuff hyundai and there bloody sh!t service centers...

[Lorian]

I'm sure we all have frustration with dealers from time to time, but let's not get carried away with the language eh?

[Surferdude]

Yeah. I haven't had much to do with them yet but what I have, has been excellent.
And we shouldn't be lumping them all in together based on a couple of bad experiences. I've seen some complimentary posts on here as well.

[bumpkin]

I know agent, should have just used my independent from day 1, however I was "nervous" of not using authorised dealer in the first year of my first brand new car, just a niggling feeling that if any warranty work was required that I would end up in an argument about non-dealer service invalidating the warranty

To be fair to the dealer my first service was fine because it was at the dealership, however the dealer is the franchise for Ford, Hyundai, Citroen, Kia, Fiat, Toyota, Mazda and Volvo and so transformed their old Citroen premises into a multi-point service centre which is where the problems have occurred, something about too many eggs in one basket comes to mind.....