Late servicing - effect on warranty

[FROSTYBALLS]

Just been browsing through the current Auto Express (28/12/16). In the Watchdog section, a reader was featured with a 4.5 year old GT86 that he'd owned for six months.

One day it refused to start and a major fault with the engine was diagnosed - costing £9,000 to fix. The owner assumed the five year warranty would cover the repair.

However, one service had been done 5,000 miles late, presumably by a previous owner,and Toyota declined the warranty claim. 

Auto Express contacted Toyota who agreed to reduce the repair cost by £2,000. The Toyota dealer also agreed to discount the labour. However, the owner was still faced with a substantial bill.

This just highlights the need to adhere to the required service intervals, especially within the new car warranty period, and, if buying a used car, to be particularly careful when checking the service history.