Cars first service

[goldfish1]

I bought a new Citroen last year and it's due for its first service. Am I obliged to take it to a Citroen garage in order to keep it under warranty or can I take it to another garage?

[dilligaf]

I thought you were obliged.. But after my Honda went out of warranty and I took it to my usual garage (a lot cheaper, and more reliable than a main dealer) I was told the warranty would be honoured as long as the car was serviced by a "reputable" dealer and the service was carried out to the manufatures spec.
If I were you, get in touch with Citroen and get their reply in writing. I am sure the rules regarding this cover all manufacturers. Perhaps others on this site may be able to enlighten you more.
Good luck, should save a small fortune.

[KJN]

New regulations in now in , as long as the car is serviced by a reputable VAT registered garage that uses quality parts and to the manufacturers spec, this will not invalidate the warranty. HOWEVER I really dont know if something went badly wrong who will decide on the quality part bit and to manufacturers specifications, It seems that they still have us taking it back to the main dealers by leaving loopholes in their terms and conditions.

[gastwo]

I've just acquired a second hand Volvo, but with two year Volvo warranty, and I was told more or less what KJN says - but the parts used must be Volvo original. Yet to put it to the test...

[goldfish1]

I have 'phoned Citroen who claim that I need to take the car to a Citroen garage (not necessarily the one I bought the car from) for servicing as by not doing so I will invalidate my warranty.

[alan30]

I think Citroen are wrong.  I agree with the posts above.  As a long as it is a reputable (VAT reg?) garage and uses manufacturers parts the warranty should be valid.  See

http://www.oft.gov.uk/News/Press+releases/2004/85-04.htm