ClubCJ - The CJ Lancer Club

Well I got my 2nd hand (newish) Outlander MY11.

Apparently it still has 1 year warranty left as advised by the local Honda dealer I purchased the car off (used) ending October 2015.

History goes like this -

15,000 service (on time at dealer based on km's)
35,000 service (on time at dealer based on km's)
45,000 missed
60,000 service by independent (stamped) (30,000 kms / 2.5 years since last service )
Now car is at 67,500 km (one year since last service @ 60k)

So of course I will be changing all fluids..

I called up the last Mits. Dealer (NSW) that serviced the car at 35k just to check if they missed a stamp.. which they didn't. They advised missing one service may not void warranty, depends if issue can be linked back to 45k missed service and Mits. Good will.

Only thing that scares me on the car is the CVT transmission which luckily the first fluid change isn't due until 90k and still feels strong.

I was wondering if I should do the following -

Plan A
- Get Mits. Dealer to change CVT fluid now ($200)
- Perhaps get them to do 75k service too.. just oil/filter.
- I change all other fluids with OEM. (Rad, P/s, Brake)
(Currently it doesn't have coolant in their (clear water), perhaps I should change before dealer sees ha!)

Plan B
- Get Mits. Dealer to change all fluids, if its sky high I will probably prefer Plan A.

I've been servicing my own cars for 16 years, so not use to dealer pricing and I would be paranoid who serviced my car at dealership (apprentices)since I prefer things to be done perfectly correct.

Just wondering if I go with Plan A would I likely get 'good will' warranty mainly for the CVT tranny. Not really fussed by the rest of the car.

Also Im thinking maybe if I get the car now serviced at dealership for next 2 years perhaps a short time after out of warranty, they might be more lenient to warranty claims. if anything goes wrong. back to 'good will'. I've only done 5,000km driving in the last 2 years with my last car so still will be low km's on car.

This is a bit grey area I guess, since its missed one service, and at the same time I have the ability to do my own servicing.. which Im not sure if using only OEM fluids and keeping receipts is good enough if I DIY.

Was more thinking about if I don't touch CVT fluid and only let dealer do that then perhaps I might still be able to claim warranty on the tranny if anything goes wrong since I didn't service it and fluid changed was done well before first interval at 90k when I became new owner. (not related to 45k missed service)

Personally I would change all fluids..esp the CVT..although mitsu says 90k but I would change it immediately..For example..for the early RA's Mitsu said to change the SST fluid at the 90k or 100k mark but most will tell you 40-50k max before you change fluid..

Whether you go to a dealer or do it yourself is your call..about building good will with the dealer this could be a hit and miss...if only 1 year warranty remains and everything on the car is in good nick I'd just change the fluids myself and not take it to the dealer...

Thanks Black Ice for the reply.

Yeah I definitely know changing the fluid ASAP is the best insurance policy.

Fluid colour doesn't look too bad though, still moderately golden looking without bad smell so that's a plus for its past life I guess but definitely changing it within the next week.. I don't need to drive it at the moment.

I guess I never really dealt with dealers before and curious about making the most of the warranty if its still valid (one year may not even matter), that mixed in with the tales of CVT's that I've never touched before.. ha!

I guess Im still feeling around the mechanical habits and needs of my new old car before getting comfortable

It's probably better to have it serviced by a licensed mechanic (if dealer pricing scares you), but failing that, if you're doing the work yourself just use OEM fluids and keep receipts for warranty preservation. I personally have had experience of Mitsubishi honouring warranty when about half of my vehicle's services were performed by myself, and I admitted that; including transmission fluid change (warranty work was on transmission). But I overservice going well above and beyond service items specified in the logbook (I'm massively pedantic to the slightest details).

If you intend to keep the vehicle long past the expiry of manufacturer's warranty, just go by your own schedule: use whatever compatible third party fluids and supplies you feel comfortable with (entrusting in your 16 years self-servicing history).

Not sure where you are in Melbourne but can highly recommend a very very reasonably priced mech in the Braeside area - works on Evo's 1 - X and 4WD's mainly, and my RA - keeps the book stamped and car running smoothly for less than the mits capped price service charges

Just confirmed my 1 year warranty.

Thinking I might go the dealer route just on a vague chance of slightly more lenient warranty claims if need arises, to have any service bulletins completed and reset the deterioration date on the ECU for CVT fluid change.

Then do the rest of the services myself ha probably for the next 10 years+


Now to which dealership -

- Dandenong ($500 quote for 75k + cvt fluid change, pretty friendly brought the price down from $560)
or
- Knox ($550 for same job, strict on price but focussed on doing correct job
apparently one of the managers in service was a tech. trainer)

Anyone had any bad experiences at these places ?