Do I need to get my leased car serviced by an authorized service center?

Asked by grntwlkr (179

) January 29th, 2010

I lease a car from Toyota and it is due for 15,000 mile service. The letter I received from Toyota says that if I don’t get my car serviced by an authorized service center, then my manufactures warranty will be “effected”. What does this mean? do I really need to do it. They want to charge me over $180 dollars for a glorified oil change. The service includes typical oil change and air filter, tire rotation, and a multi-point inspection. this $180 fee sounds too high. What can I do?

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3 Answers

Essentially, you don’t own the car when you lease; you are renting it. When you lease, you agree to have the car serviced according to the terms of the lease. If you don’t service the car as stipulated, it could void the warranty on the car, and by voiding the warranty you could be required to purchase the car outright or lose it.

You really need to read your lease agreement to determine what will happen if you don’t.

You should check with other Toyota dealers in the area to see if their service fees are the same.

PandoraBoxx (18031

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I would imagine that a 15,000 mile service involves more than a simple oil change. Typically they also involve a radiator flush and transmission servicing, which is worth the $180. If you agreed to this in your lease statement, then you pretty much have to do it.

jeffgoldblumsprivatefacilities (20019

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Thank you for your responses, I looked over the lease agreement, and I will have to pay >< thanks again for the advices!

grntwlkr (179

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