Drivers who do not have their lease or rental vehicle serviced on time are costing thousands of pounds in lost residual values, according to Liquid Fleet.
The fleet management company said drivers who did not strictly follow manufacturer service intervals were often preventing franchised dealers from buying the car at the end of their contract, with dealers claiming warranty invalidation.
Liquid Fleet commercial director Martin Potter said: “The issue applies particularly to 12- and 24-month-old cars where the manufacturer’s servicing guidelines haven’t been followed to the tee.
“Franchised dealers either turn their back on these used cars, or offer us a price way below market value because they claim the car’s warranty is compromised.
“This is potentially costing us between £500-£1,000 per car in lost residual values at disposal time.”
Liquid Fleet said the issue was also extending to parts and oil, if a customer didn’t use a main franchised dealer during their time with the car, and didn’t use the correct parts and oils recommended by the manufacturer.
Potter said: “Unless the customer can prove to us on their service invoices that they have used the correct parts, oil and filters a franchised dealer will also avoid the car, as it is seen as technically out of warranty.
“All these technicalities are causing us huge operational issues as it means we must opt for a different disposal strategy for these nearly new cars.”
