Singapore Nissan Owners Group

Nissan Car Lounge - Almera, Juke, Latio, Qashqai, Sylphy, Teana Owners => Latio => Topic started by: HJB on August 21, 2008, 12:13:31 PM

Title: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: HJB on August 21, 2008, 12:13:31 PM
Hi All,

My 20K servicing is near and looking for a few options.

For price comparison, for 20K-50K, 4 servicing (with GST):
AS - < $700
TC - $1100

Other than these, not sure abt the rest liao. Can any bro/sis please advise which is better?
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: clarence on August 21, 2008, 02:03:39 PM
Of course send outside to service which is cheaper is better.

Some forumers have also said Tan Chong entertained thair warranty claims even thought they did not send their Nissan back for servicing during warranty period.
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: robtan99 on August 21, 2008, 02:07:03 PM

My philosophy is expensive ones go autosavers, cheap one go TCM.


If really get into any warranty trouble, i let the 2 company fights.
Coz Autosaver is following the nissan handbook for maintenance.


Hi All,

My 20K servicing is near and looking for a few options.

For price comparison, for 20K-50K, 4 servicing (with GST):
AS - < $700
TC - $1100

Other than these, not sure abt the rest liao. Can any bro/sis please advise which is better?
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: aerosignal on August 21, 2008, 03:29:34 PM
My philosophy is expensive ones go autosavers, cheap one go TCM.


If really get into any warranty trouble, i let the 2 company fights.
Coz Autosaver is following the nissan handbook for maintenance.


When that really happens, you will still be the one who loogie because you will be out of a car while the 2 are fighting.
Unless Autosaver is a Nissan authorised service center, it will be a difficult fight because TC will say they cannot ensure AS will carry out all the maintenance as required even when AS is using the manual. Go to Nissan corporate and they will say the same.

I know TC also cut corners at times but they are authorised. If something goes wrong, they are fully responsible. No excuses.
The reason why authorised service centres are ex because they are subjected to audits and are fully liable. If something goes wrong, and case goes all the way up to OEM, cannot run away one.

Of course, this also leads to parallel import debate...

This is different from the waiver that TC gets us to sign when we bring in our own engine oil. That waiver holds no water because Nissan does not recommend a brand. As long as oil is API SM certified and within the rnage recommended by Nissan, they cannot void warranty. This case can fight to Nissan corporate one.
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: clarence on August 21, 2008, 04:24:48 PM
At least TC is reasonable.

C&C & Kah Motors don't allow customers to bring their own engine oil, and their in-house engine oil is not that great either.
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: mindman on August 21, 2008, 04:43:47 PM
Hi All,

My 20K servicing is near and looking for a few options.

For price comparison, for 20K-50K, 4 servicing (with GST):
AS - < $700
TC - $1100

Other than these, not sure abt the rest liao. Can any bro/sis please advise which is better?

went autosaver ubi yesterday for 20K servicing....  my comments:

good:
- can see what they are doing to your car and ask questions
- nice mechanics, very friendly and helpful
- rebate for engine oil is $45, rebate for wipers is $19
- can use own aircon filter, they help to change without labour charge
- much cheaper than TC
- even help me change wipers
- showed me engine diagnostic results, explained to me the detail portions
- if you want, can topup $20 for amsoil engine oil 5w30

bad:
- small place, can only accomodate 2 cars at one time
- small office with 1 chair, 1 fish tank and old magazines
- only vacuum, no car wash and no interior clean

cheers
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: limck007 on August 22, 2008, 03:23:53 PM
i heard>> if u do 10K servicing at AS, they will help u tune ur ECU too.................
apparently the tuning is quite accurate leh
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: HJB on August 22, 2008, 03:52:38 PM
i heard>> if u do 10K servicing at AS, they will help u tune ur ECU too.................
apparently the tuning is quite accurate leh

Looks like AS liao ... they open on Sun (with booking too).
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: clarence on August 22, 2008, 04:32:46 PM
went autosaver ubi yesterday for 20K servicing....  my comments:

good:
- can see what they are doing to your car and ask questions
- nice mechanics, very friendly and helpful
- rebate for engine oil is $45, rebate for wipers is $19
- can use own aircon filter, they help to change without labour charge
- much cheaper than TC
- even help me change wipers
- showed me engine diagnostic results, explained to me the detail portions
- if you want, can topup $20 for amsoil engine oil 5w30

bad:
- small place, can only accomodate 2 cars at one time
- small office with 1 chair, 1 fish tank and old magazines
- only vacuum, no car wash and no interior clean

cheers


For what you pay at Autosaver, which is 1/2 the price that Tan Chong charges, cannot expect so many things like complimentary car wash too.

The car wash at Tan Chong is no big deal either, with some forumers here reporting their cars had swirl marks on body after car wash.
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: pizzaboy on August 24, 2008, 05:41:10 PM
+ oily dashboard (ubi ctr) after collection of car...
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: limck007 on August 24, 2008, 07:06:08 PM
The car wash at Tan Chong is no big deal either, with some forumers here reporting their cars had swirl marks on body after car wash.

u can FORGET ABT washing at TC loh....

i think ask ah-nen wash also better loh
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: Jazz on August 24, 2008, 07:56:20 PM
Hi All,

My 20K servicing is near and looking for a few options.

For price comparison, for 20K-50K, 4 servicing (with GST):
AS - < $700
TC - $1100

Other than these, not sure abt the rest liao. Can any bro/sis please advise which is better?

Bro, the $400 difference is spread across 4 servicing right ? Go for TC for a piece of mind lor. Just my thinking, if wanna save, dun buy car.  :D
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: clarence on August 24, 2008, 08:45:08 PM
I rather donate the $400 saved to charity and let the poor and needy benefit from it.

Click link below to compare savings -

http://forum.thelatioclub.org/index.php?topic=6737.0

Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: carowner on August 24, 2008, 08:50:11 PM
I agreed with you, more and more AD do not allow customers to bring their own oil. I was in this situarion in my previous ride. In my opinion TCM is still ok, their servicing also not the most expensive among AD.


At least TC is reasonable.

C&C & Kah Motors don't allow customers to bring their own engine oil, and their in-house engine oil is not that great either.
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: Jazz on August 24, 2008, 08:57:16 PM
I really do not understand, saying TC is reasonable yet advise people to go AS for saving, very contradicting and misleading.

If really sincerity wanna do charity, still able to do it despite using this type of excuse. Furthermore this meagre saving is spread across a few years depending on individual mileage, so in other words, if go to TC to service, unable to do charity ?

Anyway, it up to each individual. I prefer to do it for a piece of mind.
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: clarence on August 24, 2008, 09:08:05 PM
I was referring specifically to Tan Chong being reasonable in allowing customers to bring their own engine oil.

So far, only Kah and C&C do not allow customers to bring their own engine oil.

Other authorised distributors like Borneo Motors, Champion Motors, Sin Tien Seng etc. all allow their customers to bring their own engine oi.

So I should say allowing customers to bring their own engine oil is the norm rather than the exception.

Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: HumbleCar on August 25, 2008, 08:32:12 AM
+ oily dashboard (ubi ctr) after collection of car...
You can ask them not to polish dashboard.  Not only oily, it also causes reflection when driving under the sun.
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: lyh1280 on August 25, 2008, 09:16:23 AM
Hi All,

For Autosaver packages, does it includes those standard tear n wear parts, eg. brake pads, timing belts, spark plug, etc, (all those parts included in TC package)? Went to AS website, not mentioned there i tink/cannot find the details of their package.

Pls advise.

Thank u.
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: mindman on August 25, 2008, 11:47:09 AM
Hi All,

For Autosaver packages, does it includes those standard tear n wear parts, eg. brake pads, timing belts, spark plug, etc, (all those parts included in TC package)? Went to AS website, not mentioned there i tink/cannot find the details of their package.

Pls advise.

Thank u.


AS not inclusive.  but think the TC package already cover

cheers
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: HJB on August 25, 2008, 12:12:31 PM
Agree with Jazz that "Peace of Mind" is very important. The only "sceptism" I have is do TCM really do all the checks and change accordingly. If they don't, I driving a car that was not 100% service, which makes me feel unsafe.

The reason I like "workshops" (like AS) is that I can follow ask the mech qns. Also can eye ball they do the check and see myself.

Anyway, I might try TCM after this servcing with AS.
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: lyh1280 on August 25, 2008, 01:15:25 PM
AS not inclusive.  but think the TC package already cover

cheers


In that case, the price comparison is a bit misleading, so u all hv to consider the parts prices in AS, to c hw much cheaper u can save. :)

As for me, I m happy with TC service so far, no complain as up til nw din pay for any extra from the NPMP.. all the necessary parts inclusive, for the piece of mind.
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: clarence on August 25, 2008, 02:45:11 PM
Hi All,

For Autosaver packages, does it includes those standard tear n wear parts, eg. brake pads, timing belts, spark plug, etc, (all those parts included in TC package)? Went to AS website, not mentioned there i tink/cannot find the details of their package.

Pls advise.

Thank u.


I never knew that Tan Chong's servicing pakages include changing of wear and tear items like brake pads and timing belt.

At which service intervals are these items (brake pads and timing belt) replaced?
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: rocket on August 25, 2008, 02:53:59 PM
I never knew that Tan Chong's servicing pakages include changing of wear and tear items like brake pads and timing belt.

At which service intervals are these items (brake pads and timing belt) replaced?

brake pads are covered under NPMP only, normally changed around 80k.

Latio uses timing chain instead of  timing belt, normally no need to change
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: aerosignal on August 25, 2008, 02:57:49 PM
I never knew that Tan Chong's servicing pakages include changing of wear and tear items like brake pads and timing belt.

At which service intervals are these items (brake pads and timing belt) replaced?
Not only these. Light bulbs, spark plugs, etc all included. Brake pads on condition. Don't think got service limit on belts also. I just recond drum and refresh lining at my 60,000km under NPMP.
Upgrade to silicon wipers during NPMP also pay discounted price of $14 only. I was on Twister but the $70 blades only last slightly more than a year (yah got 3 year warranty against cracks but the blade worn down already). Decided not to waste more money on those and use the nissan ones. Actually, I use the Nissan blades seem to be smoother.
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: aerosignal on August 25, 2008, 03:00:25 PM
Latio uses timing chain instead of  timing belt, normally no need to change
No timing belt but got serpentine belt for driving accessories, compressor etc. That one needs to change also. I read before someone here has the belt fail when driving.
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: lyh1280 on August 25, 2008, 05:08:42 PM
Hehe.. sorry if got wrongly on the belts thing.. but for my front brake pads, hv changed twice, once ~50K, the 2nd time ~ 105K mileage, free under the NPMP..

And i only paid add-on for the windshield every 6 mths.. furthermore, managed to claim free centre console (due to stain by the car perfume), 2 wheels cap (as flew off don know when happened). Guess TC also will c if u on their services since day 1 or not (loyal service customers), then it helps/easier to get some other things free.. :)
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: Jazz on August 25, 2008, 10:14:10 PM
If NPMP almost cover everything. Then I have my answer.  :D
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: aerosignal on August 26, 2008, 07:16:20 PM
Just checked my records. All my beltings renewed during 50,000 km servicing. No charge because of NPMP ofcourse.  :thumbsup:
Another thing I like about TC servicing. All the records online....
I usually enter requirements like: don't clean dashboard, rattling sound, etc during my appointment booking so don't have to spend so much time to wait for SA to write down. Hehehehe
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: clarence on August 26, 2008, 07:43:00 PM
What belts were replaced?

Latio using chain timing belt so no change is required.

Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: lyh1280 on August 26, 2008, 10:05:16 PM
What belts were replaced?

Latio using chain timing belt so no change is required.



Just went thru my records online also.. saw my belts changed at 80K servicing.. as below :-

Date: 18 Oct 2007
Invoice Amount: $ 22.0
Invoice Date : 18 Oct 2007
Job No : HG447401 
Mileage : 84285 km
-   **CARRY OUT 80,000KM SERVICE (UNDER NPMP PROGRAM) USE FASFLO 100% SYNTHETIC OIL-2YRS 1ST-INTAKE
-   COMPLIMENTARY:-ENGINE CLEAN, CAR WASH, VACUUM INTERIOR
-   ROTATE AND BALANCE BOTH FRONT WHEELS 
-   SERVICE ALL FOUR WHEEL BRAKE AND ADJUST 
-   **FLUSH RADIATOR, PRESSURE TEST AND ADD COOLANT - 2 LITRES (PACKAGE)
-   **FLUSH AND RENEW BRAKE FLUID(PACKAGE SERVICE) 
-   COMPUTERISED 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT (INCLUSIVE IN MPC SVC NPMP PROGRAM)
-   TO PROLONG LIFESPAN OF BATTERY,PLEASE CHECK & TOP UP BATTERY WATER TO LEVEL AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH.
-   RENEW ALL BELTING   
-   APPLY NISSAN MAGIC W/SCREEN COATING & RENEW WIPER REFILL,SILICON-2PCS (DURING PACKAGE B,C OR POLISH)
-   NO CASH CARD AND CASH INSIDE CAR DURING INTAKE 
-   **IMPORTANT NOTE:SERVICE INTERVAL MUST BE CARRIED OUT WITHIN STIPULATED DATELINE OR MILEAGE**
-   CHECK REAR SEAT AREA SQUEAKY SOUND ON UNEVEN ROAD -GREASE UP & TIGHTEN
-   **NPMP 2YEARS PROGRAM-FULL PAYMENT DUE **TO CALL
 
Me also will e-mail to their customer service if I hv any enquiries/or parts to check/change b4 i go for my booked servicing, and also put my remarks/comments when i book online..

:)
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: lyh1280 on August 26, 2008, 10:10:22 PM
Btw, does AS package also includes , eg. brake fluids, normal wipers, also wheels alignment, balancing, etc.. tink all these also add into the costs for consideration. All these r inlcuded in NPMP.. :)
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: clarence on August 26, 2008, 10:41:08 PM
aerosignal claims all belts are changed at 50,000km while lyh1280 claims the belt change is done at 80,000km.

So who is correct now?
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: aerosignal on August 27, 2008, 09:14:32 AM
aerosignal claims all belts are changed at 50,000km while lyh1280 claims the belt change is done at 80,000km.

So who is correct now?
Its correct. Belts are renewed on condition. Just that mine they decided to change at 50,000 and yh1280 renewed at 80,000. Don't think manual got specify mandatory belt replacement interval.

Btw, in repy to your early question, read further up the thread. Our car got no timing belt but got serpentine belt that is used to drive the aircon, alternator, etc. Timing belt usu. got mandatory replacement interval because that one if it fails may cause damage to engine.

Oh, and 500 posts liao!!! HAhahahahaha
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: andromeda2000 on September 05, 2008, 10:13:51 AM
u can FORGET ABT washing at TC loh....

i think ask ah-nen wash also better loh

TC Ubi also ah-neh wash one lor. They do a worse job then those outside. Anyway TCM service is really poor and I will be going to AS once my free servicings are over.
Title: Re: TC vs AutoSaver Servicing
Post by: clarence on September 05, 2008, 02:12:09 PM
I fully agree with you that Tan Chong Motors service is questionable and not up to standard.

http://forum.thelatioclub.org/index.php?topic=6780.0