I've narrowed my search to 3-4 cars. One at least is from a car supermarket. It was serviced recently, within the manufacturer timeline, but not by a Skoda dealer. The supermarket tells me this will not affect warranty. I contacted Skoda UK who couldn't confirm but said the warranty is ok if the garage used Skoda parts and methods. Anyone else been down this road? How do I make sure the warranty will be valid? Am I better off just forgetting it and going for something from a dealer where warranty is guaranteed? All comments gratefully received. 

 

Should have added - I am aware of the Block Exemption and have read the Honest John and What Car articles, so I know it is theoretically possible to keep the warranty if the servicing has not been done directly by Skoda. But I'm after real-world views rather than theory.

Edited 15 December, 20178 yr by BriskodaJeff

You need to see the receipts for the service and check that all the work was carried out exactly as pert the schedule using only VAG parts and VAG spec fluids. If you have warranty issues the dealer will want to see the receipt, no proof, no warranty. If its not available walk (or preferably run) away. There are plenty of cars out there with 100% VAG service history so why risk it.

 

An alternative is to get the seller to confirm in writing that any warranty repairs refused by VAG because of the non VAG service will be paid for by them. I can say that they will not do it and even if they did what chance would you have of getting the money from them.

Maybe used an Independent VW Specialist.   One with all the gear and an idea.

 

Licensed Diagnostic Equipment, that gets the TPI's and Service Campaign notices and Software Updates. 

Properly trained technicians that know how to do a good job for a fair price and might well have been Master Techs that have the sense to leave Main Dealerships and give customers good customer service, just no fancy showrooms, or muppets on the Service Desk.

Thanks both. I guess I will have to get hold of the paperwork and make a decision based on what I find.