Voidance tactics

I bought a used Ford Fusion in June from Bristol Street Motors and paid £450 for a warranty. It will require a MOT in February and I intend to phase in an interim service at the same time. I am concerned to find the huge difference in the cost of this service plus MOT between a Ford franchises and my local trustworthy service station. The Ford franchise has advised a price of £250 (plus an additional charge for disposing of the old oil). My local service station charges around £90 for the same work. I have been advised that if I have the car serviced by any organization other than Ford that my warranty becomes invalid. I have also been advised that if I don’t want to continue with the 3 year warranty which I have had for 6 months then I am not entitled to a refund (I have not made a claim). This does seem an unfair contract.

Asked on 7 February 2009 by

Answered by Honest John

This is answered in a FAQ answer at www.honestjohn.co.uk A used car warranty is a contract with terms that bind both parties to the
contract. Break those terms and the contract is void with no compensation. The EC rule about servicing and warranties only applies to original manufacturer 2-year warranties. And all the manufacturer has to do to void the warranty is prove the independent service agent incorrectly used a wrong fluid. Ford is very hot on non-use of its specified 5w-30 semi-synthetic oil because engine damage can and does result.

Tags: warranties consumer rights owning

Similar questions

Extended warranty claim refused as "it's not mechanical"

I have an extended warranty on my 2007 Seat Altea. It states that it covers "all mechanical and electrical components" except those listed in exclusions. My top engine mounting snapped and my engine was...

Must be choking

I recently brought a new Audi 1.9TDI from my local Audi dealership in a London suburb. After approximately one months ownership I started to encounter issues with the diesel particulate filter. The warning...

Hubble bubble, oil and trouble

I wonder if you can please provide me with some advice as Volvo is refusing to replace a broken turbo on my 18-month-old C70 D5 (which will cost me approx £2k in parts and labour). They are refusing to...

Related models