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HI Team

I purchased a 2004 Diamaente from a big name dealer and the car has been fine. It is now at 104,000kms and due for a service and cam belt. But what catches me is that the cost of servicing to maintain the car is so high I am wondering if I am falling into a trap for young players. The warranty insists I deal with the dealer. The first service after 15000 kms the dealer wanted $1700. I complained and that was reduced to $700. But now I am at the next service the Quoted amount (admittedly with cam belt) is $1700 again.

Am I better off using a normal garage and quitting the warranty as their are no issues with the car?

The 105,000km service is a big one which includes the cambelt, spark plugs (platinum plugs - which are expensive), possibly brake fluid, coolant etc, so $1,700 to do this service correctly could be about right.
The last service at around 90,000km should have included a transmission service, so perhaps that explains the $700 bill. However, I can't understand why you were quoted $1,700 and then it was reduced by $1,000. Perhaps there were some items covered under the used car warranty?
In general terms, the main dealer will be more expensive, but they should be doing all the items recommended by the manufacturer so theoretically the car will be maintained to a higher standard.
It's fair to say though, that once a car reaches this age, most people choose to go to an independant garage, rather than the main dealer.
I guess in your case, it depends on how long the warranty has to run, because even though the car has been reliable to date, as it ages and the mileage increases, the risk becomes higher too.

Thank you, very useful advice. I suspect the most logical option is to go independent and take advantage of the cheaper servicing so as to afford more frequent servicing. Gamble either way I guess.

One of lifes little Ironys. I decided to use the big name dealer. Cost a little more than quoted and they have made a mistake with the cambelt and will need to have another go. Took extra long to repair it and had not changed the plugs as per the service plan on either visits. Nothing I can't sort out. But makes me think that developing a relationship with a good private garage and using them to inspect and maintain my vehicle would have been a much better option than using this big name car dealer.