General TA+ service advice.

[ludzy]

Had my TA+ for nearly a year now. The dealer have contacted me regarding its first service. I've done just over 5k in it. Is it worth me servicing it now or waiting until the service indicator comes on? When I purchased it the salesman did say due to the lack of miles I would do I would only have to service it the once in the first 3 years to maintain the warranty. Just looking for advice as to what I should do?

Thanks

 

[jrkitching]

Had my TA+ for nearly a year now. The dealer have contacted me regarding its first service. I've done just over 5k in it. Is it worth me servicing it now or waiting until the service indicator comes on? When I purchased it the salesman did say due to the lack of miles I would do I would only have to service it the once in the first 3 years to maintain the warranty. Just looking for advice as to what I should do?

Thanks

The car needs an oil change now to protect the engine. The cheapest way to get this done and keep the warranty would be to use an independent garage, though some folks here have managed to get FIAT main dealers to match the quotes. Taking your own oil & filter can save a few ££ (especially if you have a Costco card ) and gives you the peace of mind knowing they've (probably) used the right stuff.

Reading between the lines of other posts, I wouldn't assume a multifranchise FIAT main dealer will necessarily use the correct oil, if left to their own devices (and the TA has strict requirements in regard to oil specification).

 

[bgunn]

If you want my advice, don't let any franchised bunch of chumps (i.e. a FIAT dealership) near your car. But I'm just bitter after the catalogue of errors found on my 18 month old car.

Don't submit to any of the dealer's strong arm techniques about warranty, as said, a VAT registered independent using genuine parts (get receipts) is just as valid for the two year manufacturers warranty. That said, FIAT are pretty good at worming out of any warranty claim that isn't bleeding obvious, so the worthiness of said warranty is questionable - especially if you're keeping the car for more than a few years.

Make sure Fiat Spec 9.55535-S2 oil is used (Selenia KPE is pretty decent and shop4parts does it at a sensible price)

 

[The Twins]

If you want my advice, don't let any franchised bunch of chumps (i.e. a FIAT dealership) near your car. But I'm just bitter after the catalogue of errors found on my 18 month old car.

Don't submit to any of the dealer's strong arm techniques about warranty, as said, a VAT registered independent using genuine parts (get receipts) is just as valid for the two year manufacturers warranty. That said, FIAT are pretty good at worming out of any warranty claim that isn't bleeding obvious, so the worthiness of said warranty is questionable - especially if you're keeping the car for more than a few years.

Make sure Fiat Spec 9.55535-S2 oil is used (Selenia KPE is pretty decent and shop4parts does it at a sensible price)

I totally agree with bgunn.
That's what I do.
Motormech are Italian car specialist in Birmingham.
They source all original parts and pin the receipts for the parts to your file too so no question in the case if a claim.

 

[ludzy]

Thanks for the responses. I'll get a price from Sturgess fiat in leicester where I purchased the car and also from my local garage that works on my vans just to see the difference.

Thanks

 

[stephenh]

i purchased my twinair plus last march but told no need for a service or oil change till 18000 miles or two year whichever comes first.
better make a few phone calls by the sounds of it.

 

[jrkitching]

i purchased my twinair plus last march but told no need for a service or oil change till 18000 miles or two year whichever comes first.
better make a few phone calls by the sounds of it.

There is a difference between what is needed to protect the warranty, and what is best practice if you want to take good care of your engine.

If what you were told is in fact true (it can be hard to find two FIAT dealers who will give the same story on servicing requirements), then there is nothing (from a warranty perspective) to stop you from just changing the oil yourself after a year.