Vehicle inspection?

[Dannie Boy]

A guy I know has a Chevrolet Captiva that is soon approaching the end of its warranty period. Although there is nothing “obviously” wrong with it, he asked me whether there are any organisations in the Hua Hin area, similar to the RAC and AA in the UK who for a fee will check the car over and provide a report on anything that might now, or soon need attention, so that he can try to get the work done under warranty. Anybody aware of anything similar available here? Thanks

[Nereus]

A guy I know has a Chevrolet Captiva that is soon approaching the end of its warranty period. Although there is nothing “obviously” wrong with it, he asked me whether there are any organisations in the Hua Hin area, similar to the RAC and AA in the UK who for a fee will check the car over and provide a report on anything that might now, or soon need attention, so that he can try to get the work done under warranty. Anybody aware of anything similar available here? Thanks

The problem here is that Thais in general cannot think outside the box, more so for so called mechanics. Ask them to do something like that and at the most they will plug in a "test book" and when it does not report any faults, then the answer will "no problems".

I keep giving free advertising to K. Pichai at "L" Garage, but at least he speaks good English and will understand what you want. As far as I know there are no places that offer "condition" inspections such as you have asked. At home the places that do MOT or equivalent, inspections are qualified to do just that, but not so here.

[Dannie Boy]

Thanks Nereus, I wasn’t aware of an organisation providing this service and you’ve confirmed what I had suspected - but I’ll pass on your recommendation and he can decide whether to follow up or not?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[HHTel]

You could take it back to the main dealer for a comprehensive check. They get paid by the manufacturer for warranty repairs so there's no advantage to them to let the warranty period expire. I've certainly used Misubishi for just that and some small problems found and some soon to be developed were all done on warranty.

[Nereus]

Of course, finding out that something is worn, or is about to fail, is one thing. Convincing the dealers to replace it under warranty is something else entirely! Unless it is something subject to recall, they will come up with all sorts of excuses as to why there is nothing wrong.

[HHTel]

Of course, finding out that something is worn, or is about to fail, is one thing. Convincing the dealers to replace it under warranty is something else entirely! Unless it is something subject to recall, they will come up with all sorts of excuses as to why there is nothing wrong.

Why would they do that? It doesn't make sense.

[HHTel]

Carrying on from my last, Honda actually called me for an 'end of warranty' check when my Forza's warranty was about to expire. Found a couple of minor faults which were fixed free of charge.

[Dannie Boy]

That’s a couple of suggestions to pass on - thanks



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Big Boy]

I'd had a few warranty issues with Ford in the beginning, but when they got themselves sorted out, they took my car in just as the warranty expired and put quite a few bits I didn't realise were wrong, right again - no charge.

[Nereus]

Of course, finding out that something is worn, or is about to fail, is one thing. Convincing the dealers to replace it under warranty is something else entirely! Unless it is something subject to recall, they will come up with all sorts of excuses as to why there is nothing wrong.

Why would they do that? It doesn't make sense.

Which in itself is the very reason!

[HHTel]

Just spoken to a friend. He's got a 4 year old Toyota and he confirmed that the dealer will do an end of warranty check free of charge.
On consensus, I think most main dealers will do the same. It's in their interest. Finding faults to be replaced under warranty guarantees them some turnover. Afterwards they need to maybe haggle with the customer who may go elsewhere.

[Nereus]

Just spoken to a friend. He's got a 4 year old Toyota and he confirmed that the dealer will do an end of warranty check free of charge.
On consensus, I think most main dealers will do the same. It's in their interest. Finding faults to be replaced under warranty guarantees them some turnover. Afterwards they need to maybe haggle with the customer who may go elsewhere.

Not sure exactly how the different dealerships operate here, but from what I have seen warranty work is strictly controlled by the by the manufacturer, and any work done is charged back as per their service books time schedules, and any parts used are supplied from the distributer without any markup by the dealer. Consequently, there is very little profit margin in warranty work for them.

And I have yet to see any brand name where you can "haggle" over both service times and / or spare parts. That is the main reason why owners take their cars elsewhere after the warranty expires. It is part of a dealers agreement with the distributor that they have to use parts supplied through that brands supply chain. Beleive me, I have been through that!

[HHTel]

I don't know how warranty costs are presented to the manufacturer either. If there was not a margin in the work then why would they (some) offer end of warranty check?
As far as haggling goes. When I was given a price (on arrival not on completion), I showed a little astonishment and the receptionist took back the calculator and reduced the price. It wasn't expected but I certainly took it!