What's the score with servicing by non-dealers during the warranty period?
The dealer I'm buying from is 25 miles away, in the wrong direction for getting to work. They will do a courtesy car with about 10 days notice, but it's still inconvenient. The dealer I'm not buying from (because his discount was a lot less!) is 17 miles away, in the right direction for work, but right in the city and realistically I'd still need a courtesy car. I have heard that one of the city VW dealers is prepared to come to pick up the car from the work car park, leave a courtesy car, and deliver the serviced car back when it's done. That's quite attractive though I don't know what they charge. I presume any dealer can service a car after it's bought though, it doesn't have to be the one you bought it from?
On the other hand there is a good, small independent garage 10 minutes walk from my house, with a bus stop outside it where I can catch a bus to work (or just arrange to be picked up by a workmate who drives the same road to work). I trust this guy because he gives a very personal service, and he did wonders with my old Peugeot after it had mostly been serviced by dealers throughout its life. He's also very reasonable.
Is VW likely to make any trouble about the warranty on a new car if it hasn't been serviced by a dealer, though?
Rolfe.
