Quotes, servicing and warranties

Car repair bills can be a shock, especially when the final invoice is higher than expected or a warranty claim is refused. Understanding how quotes work, what you need to authorise, how servicing affects warranties and which records to keep can save money and stress. This guide covers the essentials, drawing on Consumer Protection WA's guidance. Rules on some points, such as used car statutory warranties, differ between states and territories, so check with your local consumer protection agency.

Getting quotes

Consumer Protection WA says it's best to get more than one quote from reputable mechanics before going ahead with repairs. Quotes should outline the work to be done and the cost. A repairer may need to look at your car to give a quote, so check whether there's a charge for this.

When comparing quotes, check:

• exactly what work is included;
• which parts will be used: genuine, aftermarket or used;
• labour cost and estimated time;
• warranty on parts and labour;
• whether the quote is fixed or an estimate.

Our quote comparer helps you compare all-in costs and warranty lengths.

Authorising work

Consumer Protection WA notes that you need to authorise any repair work based on the original quote and any agreed additional work. Ask the mechanic to contact you before doing anything not in the quote. If they find another problem, ask for a separate quote and decide whether to proceed.

Servicing and your new car warranty

Many new car owners believe they must use the dealer to keep the warranty. Consumer Protection WA says an independent licensed mechanic instead of a dealership can service your car without voiding the manufacturer's warranty if the repairs and parts used meet the manufacturer's standards. Make sure the mechanic follows the manufacturer's service schedule and records the service.

New car warranties

Consumer Protection WA explains that most new cars come with a manufacturer's warranty covering faults or defects, and that terms differ between manufacturers, with some providing warranties of up to five years or 100,000 kilometres. If you discover a defect within the warranty period, you may be able to have it repaired at no cost. Check what's included before you buy.

It also notes that even if you don't have a manufacturer's warranty or it has expired, you may still be entitled to claim for manufacturing defects or faults under the Australian Consumer Law.

Used car warranties in WA

In Western Australia, Consumer Protection WA says the statutory warranty under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act covers used vehicles purchased from licensed dealers. It applies to cars priced at $4,000 or more and motorcycles priced at $3,500 or more, with further restrictions on age and kilometres. For example, a car not more than 10 years old with not more than 150,000 kilometres gets a statutory warranty of 3 months or 5,000 kilometres, whichever happens first. The dealer must give you an information statement about the statutory warranty that applies.

Other states and territories have their own rules, so check with your local consumer protection agency.

What warranties don't usually cover

Consumer Protection WA says manufacturer and statutory warranties don't usually cover routine services, tune-ups, or defects arising from an accident or misuse of the car.

Extended warranties

Extended warranties are optional contracts with their own terms. Read them carefully, including any servicing requirements. Consumer Protection WA notes that a business can't say you must buy an extended warranty to avoid losing your basic consumer rights.

Keeping records

Consumer Protection WA suggests keeping the list of work done and receipts, because they may help with future warranty or repair disputes, and you may need to share this information with future buyers if you sell your car. Keep:

• service logbook entries;
• invoices showing parts and labour;
• part numbers and brands used;
• quotes and messages authorising work.

When things go wrong

If a repair doesn't fix the problem or causes new problems, talk to the repairer first. Services must be performed with due care and skill. If you can't resolve it, contact your state consumer protection agency. Our guide to your rights when a part fails explains more.

Warranty problems

If you have an issue with a new car under warranty, Consumer Protection WA suggests consulting the warranty document and contacting the licensed dealer who sold you the car.

Understanding your invoice

When you collect your car, check the invoice against the quote. It should list:

• the parts used, with part numbers or brands where possible;
• labour hours and rate;
• any additional work you authorised;
• consumables and fees;
• warranty details for parts and labour.

Ask about anything you don't understand. If the invoice is higher than the quote, ask why, and whether you authorised the extra work.

Asking for your old parts

Some people ask to see or keep the parts that were replaced. It's a reasonable request that helps you understand what was done. Ask when you book the work, because some parts are returned to suppliers as cores or for warranty claims.

Servicing schedules

Your owner's manual or service book sets out the manufacturer's recommended service schedule, often by time and distance. Following it helps keep your car reliable and supports any warranty claims. Make sure your mechanic records each service, including the date, odometer reading and work done. Keep the service book with the car if you sell it.

Choosing a mechanic

Signs of a good workshop include clear communication, written quotes, willingness to explain work, a tidy workshop and a clear warranty on parts and labour. Ask friends and family for recommendations. Check that mechanics hold any licence required in your state or territory. In Western Australia, Consumer Protection WA refers to licensed mechanics and licensed dealers.

Comparing quotes fairly

Quotes are only comparable if they cover the same work and similar parts. If one quote is much cheaper, check whether it uses used or lower-grade parts, excludes items another quote includes, or has a shorter warranty. Our quote comparer helps you line up the numbers side by side.

Fixed-price servicing

Some manufacturers and dealers offer capped-price or fixed-price servicing for a set period. These programs can make costs predictable, but check exactly what's included at each service, whether extras such as fluids and filters are charged separately, and how the price compares with an independent mechanic's quote for the same work. Remember that using an independent licensed mechanic need not void the warranty if work and parts meet the manufacturer's standards.

Key points

• Get more than one quote, and make sure quotes outline the work and cost.
• Authorise work based on the quote, and ask to be contacted before extras.
• An independent licensed mechanic can service your car without voiding the warranty if work and parts meet the manufacturer's standards.
• Warranties don't usually cover routine servicing or accident damage.
• Keep service records, invoices and part details.