The government changed the law some time ago that independent garages could repair you car even if it was under guarantee as long as the manufactures service schedule was followed and OE equivalent parts had been used. This would mean that servicing costs could be kept low. Now Europe looks like it will be stepping in and handing back the monopoly to the manufactures. This could be bad news for customers and independent garages alike. Just think if the manufacture puts a long guarantee on the cars Kia have a 7 year guarantee now so that's 7 years before servicing costs could be at a sensible level if you wanted to keep the guarantee going. If you think this is unreasonable then please sign this potion.

R2RC



Thanks for your time.

Done.
Our local company, Eames in Chichester is one I trust and my wife swears by (not at) them.

done, dealers are a bunch of numptys

It was the EU that brought in these regulations in the first place, they are not removing them, it's just that the regulation is about to expire. However:

Access to repair information is now part of European type-approval - in the near future manufacturers will have to provide access to workshop manuals etc on their websites (most will still charge though).

The expiry of the Block Exemption will not stop access to repair information, since providing it is now an intrinsic part of being allowed to sell a car.

If the manufactures get there way when they lobby Europe you will have to get your car repaired at the dealer when under guarantee. This is the first step to a closed shop again. I for one dont want to take a chance that information could be the next to go.

[Edited on 1/3/09 by Z350]