SA Road Tests

We put an alternative point of view on long-term vehicle warranties. Are they a help or a hindrance?

Forewarned is forearmed

 Posted: 3 October 2014

Long, up to five-year, vehicle warranties provide peace of mind because consumers know that most mechanical failures will be fixed free of charge during the expected useful lifetime of the car or pickup.

Unfortunately they also serve as claymores; two-handed, double-edged, Highland battle swords with which car agents can hold customers to ransom. For the specified time or distance, buyers are obliged to use appointed dealerships for all servicing and repair work. That includes mandatory use of their workshops and parts departments for replacement of all wear-and-tear items not covered by warranty - at the dealer's chosen prices. Failing to comply means losing further warranty protection.
                                                                                                     The warranty says what?

A reader unloaded her concerns recently; her sporty little imported two-door needed its clutch repaired at only 39 446 km. Twice-daily two-hour Johannesburg traffic jams had a lot to do with the early failure, but the bill almost stopped her heart. Overhauling the clutch, including replacement of the dual-mass flywheel that failed at the same time, came to just over R39 000. She subsequently negotiated this down to R33 000 but it still hurt.

An independent brake and clutch specialist quoted R15 000 for the same job. The difference was that his labour rates were much lower and while he would have used identical parts from the same factories, they wouldn’t bear the motor manufacturer's stamp. An Automobile Association consultant reckoned she was entitled to use an outside workshop to replace consumable items, but the dealer insisted that the warranty would be voided if she went that route, so she gave in. Whoever holds the claymore calls the shots.

Who would expect a flywheel to fail that early and why is it considered "consumable"? It seems that dual-mass flywheels, installed to make cars run more smoothly, are not only expensive but have an expected lifespan of about 80 000 km; even as little as 3- to 4 000 km if overheated or abused. In a few Johannesburg traffic jams for instance. Fact of life: luxury costs money and on low-volume imported cars, usually more.

Lesson one: Asking around for accurate and up to date information on spares and servicing costs, especially applicable after the initial contract has expired, could save much anguish later. Note: I said accurate and up to date. Uncle Archibald, who heard a scary rumour five years ago, probably isn’t a good source.

Lesson two: Find out exactly what your service plan or maintenance contract covers so you can be forewarned and forearmed. You may be able to use a clause to your advantage one day. The person wielding the claymore has might on his or her side.


Dual-mass flywheels have a limited life expectancy and are considered consumable - just like filters and brake pads

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