Servicing by garage and not dealership

[Joonee]

I have recently bought an MG3 and get the impression that in order for the digital record to be updated the service has to be done by a dealership. I use my local garage. Can anyone confirm or deny please. Also, it seems inconvenient to have to go to a dealership to get access to the service record. Anyone know why they make it so awkward?

 

[MG Clive]

You can have it serviced at any reputable garage/dealer, but they must use genuine MG parts, unfortunately a non-MG garage won't be able to update the digital service record.

 

[Joonee]

So how do you get the record updated? You need the service record for the warranty and when you trade in.

 

[DBedford]

Well your service record will be part digital and part analogue.

 

[MG Clive]

So how do you get the record updated? You need the service record for the warranty and when you trade in.

You can't unless it's serviced at MG, but you'll have invoices/receipts as a service record for any service you have elsewhere.

 

[mikgle]

Stamp the service book..

 

[emmrecs]

One other thing to consider: only an MG dealer can renew you MG Assistance cover; they (should) do this when they service the vehicle.

 

[Alb]

Warranty can't be denied if you have auditable records showing it was serviced iaw MG requirements. The only tricky area I can see is software updates.

 

[Paulie68]

Warranty can't be denied if you have auditable records showing it was serviced iaw MG requirements. The only tricky area I can see is software updates.

The get out for MG though is no one else has MG diagnostics software, so any service that involves a quick plug in and check with this, when done elsewhere, won't meet MG's servicing requirements.

 

[Joonee]

Thanks for all your replies. I didn't get a service book - is this usual? The dealership told me about the digital service records and implied any garage could update them. I didn't realise that it would be an issue, but now I think it's a poor method of maintaing details as only MG dealers can view them.
At the moment I have regrets about buying this car as I didn't realise that MG were so heavily involved. I will maintain the services as explained but I am unlikely to use an MG dealer because of the costs. I only hope my warranty won't be affected by manual records.

 

[MG Clive]

I think what the dealership meant by 'any garage could update them', they will have meant any MG dealership, this is probably the same with any modern day car manufacturer and their dealerships.

 

[Joonee]

Possibly but very misleading. It really needs to be made clear.

 

[Slipstream]

Possibly but very misleading. It realy needs to be made clear.

Most manufacturers don't use service books anymore. All service records are digital.

 

[Coulomb]

The only tricky area I can see is software updates.

And a really switched on third party repairer could do those too, using the same techniques as the DIY at-home updaters.

 

[Pine]

I don't think any manufacturer does a paper service book anymore. It's all digital records now. It's done for their benefit not the customer, they want to tie you in to their network.

 

[ptw]

I have it in writing from my MG dealer that anyone can service my car provided they used genuine MG parts and are VAT registered (why the latter, I have no idea) and the service must be manually recorded on an invoice so you have a service record

 

[Davyboy]

I always take out a service agreement with the main dealer. 3 years servicing and the first MOT, and they come and collect it, and bring it back, costs me £29.00 a month. I can forget about the cost at the end of the year. It might be more expensive than a back street garage, but I also get my breakdown insurance extended.

 

[Chris P]

It's a hard call. I was told by the dealer if the digital record isn't updated that voids the warranty. I've just had the 2nd service which was £409. I think I will probably keep going back to the dealer until I get to the 4th £1000 service. The warranty is worth it's weight in gold especially with an MG so I don't I will risk it until then.