Ran first 405 (Jan. 14) for 18 months and over 14k miles. Other than the so called 'Health Check' after 12 months, neither the vehicle or the dealer or LR requested a service to be carried out.

On the current 405, after 11 months I had a volley of emails and letters from Dealer and LR plus an indicator on InControl that First Service was due (at 10k miles) after 1 year or 16k miles whichever was the sooner.

When booking in, the Dealer mentioned that this was necessary in order to maintain the integrity of the warranty. The cost of this would be fixed at £470 (the cost of a 16k service).

So, pre-vat Invoice = £'s Labour 321, Engine oil 134, Odour filter 35, Oil Filter 18, Oil drain plug 3.50, Screen Wash 6, Battery additive 5.

I look into the engine bay and see a few finger marks on the plastic engine cover. Thought at least it could have been wiped over. Checked and topped up the washer bottle that was supposed to have been done, and checked the cover for the Odour Filter which appeared untouched as the surface dust was intact.

The rest I cannot readily check to verify if the work has been done or not.

I have searched for similar issues and have found cases where warranty claims have been rejected because servicing was not undertaken at the correct time.

We all wish our vehicles to run well, but I feel I have been forced into a situation where the Dealer can forward plan a cash cow and overcharge for underperformance.

Members views and experiences appreciated.

Mine is not due for a few months, it will be interesting to see what they choose to open the negotiation at. Even when in warranty you have a right to use an indie, it just gets complicated if there is a problem as they each blame each other. £135 for oil is taking the mick.
perhaps we should have a sticky of what people are charged. letters not necessarily in the right order

I thought it was no longer necessary to use a main dealer to service a vehicle to maintain warranty as long as genuine parts are used?

I bought my car from a main dealer and despite the prices for servicing the car - i go there - cause not only if there is a warranty prob you are on the save side - also if there is a minor prob like i had - small scratch in the leather, they changed the complete seat without any discussion free of charge  All my spelling errorz are belong to me!

2023 FFRR L460
2021 AM new Vantage

I remember my Dad once putting scribe marks on cylinder head bolts on a new Ford Cortina when it went in for its first service at Blakes in Liverpool. When we went to collect it he took one look under the bonnet and rejected it, when asked why he asked if the mechanics had managed to tighten the head bolts down and match exactly the scribed lines!!

So let me understand this. You paid for a 6 item service and at least 2 of them were not done?

I'd be on to Trading Standards personally. Poor service is one thing but charging for work not done amounts to fraud.

+1

Quiet right, it's fraud!  2010 defender utility
2010 RRS TDV8 (gone)
2007 discovery 3 (gone)
2004 discovery 4 (gone)
1994 discovery 1
1970 v8 hybrid (gone)
1975 bobtail (gone)

Last edited by bear100 on 23rd Jul 2016 6:33pm. Edited 1 time in total

Which dealer is it?

Poor service, over inflated prices. It's no wonder M D s get such bad reputations!I think you have grounds to take this matter further ..

Update:

Apart from the washer bottle matter, the dealer is adamant that all the work covered by the invoice was carried out.

I can neither see or reach for verification, the other items listed on the invoice.

I have checked via internet the individual per litre cost of Castrol SLX C1 5w-30 Professional. Prices vary £14.50 delivered (ebay), £16.20 incl. vat indie, and £17.49 merchant.

For filter and refill + 9.4lts. Based upon 10 litres, the dealer price is £16.04 incl. vat. That's about there by comparison I feel.

I could argue about the battery additive, but for £5.57 seems I have to remove the spare wheel? After removal what can be inspected? If the battery is totally sealed, then no additive can be applied. I assume it's not sealed?

It's a case of peace of mind that all the work has been done versus a nagging doubt.

Should add, 405 was collected and courtesy vehicle provided. The cost of this service was less than 0.5% of the purchase price. Well!!

Now I've got to go and try to earn some more £££'s. Stuff the holiday and must cut back next weeks Tesco grocery order .

Wealy, have pm'd you on this.