Blurred license plates

[jreiter]

The whole idea of the dealer voiding your warranty comes up in just about every car forum on the planet. While the idea is somewhat possible, it's also a bit misleading. Most of you probably already know this, but a dealer can't void your entire warranty based on a modification. They can only deny warranty coverage on parts that are effected by your modification.

For example, if you put an aftermarket stereo system in your car, and then take your car in for warranty work on the suspension, the dealer can't deny warranty work on your suspension due to the stereo being aftermarket. The stereo doesn't affect the suspension at all.

Granted, the dealer can get really nitpicky and find causation in the lamest, most unlikely things, but the burden of proof is on them. If a dealer denies you warranty work based on some modification, and you know for sure that the modification had nothing to do with the problem, you should absolutely fight back. Better yet, befriend your dealer and get them to like you, then they are less likely to give you a hard time if something breaks.

 

[TheSentinel]

The whole idea of the dealer voiding your warranty comes up in just about every car forum on the planet. While the idea is somewhat possible, it's also a bit misleading. Most of you probably already know this, but a dealer can't void your entire warranty based on a modification. They can only deny warranty coverage on parts that are effected by your modification.

For example, if you put an aftermarket stereo system in your car, and then take your car in for warranty work on the suspension, the dealer can't deny warranty work on your suspension due to the stereo being aftermarket. The stereo doesn't affect the suspension at all.

Granted, the dealer can get really nitpicky and find causation in the lamest, most unlikely things, but the burden of proof is on them. If a dealer denies you warranty work based on some modification, and you know for sure that the modification had nothing to do with the problem, you should absolutely fight back. Better yet, befriend your dealer and get them to like you, then they are less likely to give you a hard time if something breaks.

Exactly, well said. The thought of Toyota tracking you down to void your entire warranty is not logical. That sounds like a conspiracy theory. It would not be cost effective for dealerships to have "agents" hunting down aftermarketers, especially if you would have to bring the vehicle to them for the warranty work anyway. Also guys, if manufacturers or dealerships were in the business of voiding entire warranties based on aftermarket installations...wouldn't you think fewer folks would be willing to modify their brand new, fully warrantied toys? Or maybe I'm a Toyota agent, and I want you to think its okay to mod your rigs so I can void your warranty...I'm watching you all.