The short answer. At Vertex Automotive in North Parramatta a basic car service is from $199: an oil and filter change, the air filter cleaned and a diagnostic scan. A logbook service is from $199 and does whatever your manufacturer’s schedule lists for your car at that interval, with the logbook stamped. Both are priced for your car before we start. On the warranty, the ACCC says a manufacturer’s warranty typically lets you choose your preferred repairer for servicing, as long as the manufacturer’s maintenance and servicing standards are met.
What a car service covers
A basic car service is the job most people mean by “a service”: the engine oil and oil filter changed, the air filter cleaned and the car scanned for stored fault codes. Here it starts from $199 for any engine that takes up to 6 litres of oil, which is most cars. Engines that take more oil cost more, and you see the fixed price for your car before you book.
It does not replace your logbook. Other items your manufacturer schedules at a given interval, such as extra filters, fluids or spark plugs, are not part of a basic service, and we quote them for your car if they are due.
What a logbook service covers
A logbook service follows the schedule your manufacturer sets for your model, year and kilometres. Depending on the interval, that can add other filters, fluids and spark plugs to the oil and filter change. We look up what is due from your rego, use appropriate parts, stamp the logbook and keep the records.
Here a logbook service starts from $199. At one of the bigger intervals it becomes a major service, which is quoted for your car because the items due vary so much between makes and kilometres. Your handbook or service book sets the interval, in kilometres and in months, whichever comes first.
Which one does your car need?
- Under its manufacturer’s warranty, or you want an unbroken service history: a logbook service at each interval in the book.
- Out of warranty and you want fresh oil, a clean filter and a scan: a basic car service.
- Not sure which interval you are at: send your rego and the kilometres and we tell you what is due, and what it costs, before anything is booked.
Does an independent service keep your new-car warranty?
The ACCC has said it plainly:
- A manufacturer’s warranty “typically allows you to choose your preferred repairer for service and repair”, “as long as the manufacturer’s maintenance and servicing standards are met” (ACCC, Just bought a new car?).
- Your consumer guarantee rights “apply regardless of whether or not an independent operator services or repairs your car” (the same page).
- In its guide for the motor industry, the ACCC says “there is no requirement under the ACL for a vehicle to be serviced by a dealer for the consumer guarantees to apply”, and “an independent repairer can service a vehicle without affecting the consumer guarantees” (ACCC industry guide, page 28).
- A warranty is extra to those rights: warranties “can’t replace, change or take away a consumer’s basic rights” (ACCC, Warranties).
Two things the ACCC also points out, and both are worth checking before you book anywhere:
- Some manufacturer warranties may require you to go back to the dealer network for repairs claimed under the warranty, and some extended warranties require a nominated repairer. Read your warranty booklet, and any extended warranty you bought, for its conditions.
- If an independent repairer causes a defect, that defect is unlikely to be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. That is why the work has to meet the manufacturer’s standards.
How we keep the service history right
Every service follows your vehicle's manufacturer requirements: the oil specification, filters and parts it calls for. We stamp the logbook and keep the records here, so the history is there whenever you need to show it. Keep your invoices with the logbook too.
If you drive a hybrid, some makers extend the hybrid battery warranty on conditions of their own, so check those in your warranty booklet as well.