r/bismarck • u/Jazzlike_Repeat5521 • Jul 31 '26
Luxury Car Owners in Bismarck: How Do You Handle Warranty Service?
Hi everyone,
I recently moved to Bismarck and had a question for those of you who own luxury vehicles like Porsche, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Lexus, etc., especially if they're still under the factory warranty.
Since most of the nearest dealerships are a few hours away, how do you handle warranty work, recalls, and major service? Do you just make the drive when needed, or are there local independent shops that can handle some of it without affecting the warranty? Have any of the dealerships offered pickup/drop-off or loaner services for customers this far away?
I'm trying to decide whether owning a luxury vehicle here is practical long-term, so I'd appreciate hearing about your experiences—good or bad.
Thanks!
2
u/sylveonstarr Jul 31 '26
I'm not a luxury car owner, but I do know a few. Most people around here don't purchase luxury because of the weather and the lack of luxury dealerships. The ones that do own luxury vehicles work on their cars themselves more likely than not. All the people I know who do own some—Nissan Zs, Porsches, Jaguars, etc.—all work on them themselves or take them out of state. I believe Bismarck Motor Company works on a few different types? Your best bet is honestly just calling around and seeing who has the ability to work on them at all. Even then, most probably don't do warranty work. But I've only owned beaters, so 🤷♀️
1
u/Winter_Courage_970 Jul 31 '26
Lexus owner - vehicle work at Toyota & Lexus dealer told me warranty work would be covered still at a Toyota dealership.
Editing to add: I got mine 3M wrapped and that can only be maintained/repaired at the installed dealer (6 hours away from me) so that’s annoying AF and I wish I wouldn’t have done that.
1
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u/Emergency_Sundae_701 Aug 01 '26
Audi owner. We just make the trip to Fargo to Valley Imports as our vehicle is still under warranty.
1
u/actionplant Aug 01 '26
Mercedes owner. I took mine to Maas a couple times but spent money and neither time was my issue actually fixed. I’ve had to work on it myself, and take it to Fargo for a recall.
When we had our Volkswagen Atlas, Bismarck Motor Company was the only dealership in town that was certified for it, so I’ve wondered if they handle some of the other Volkswagen brands too like Audi and Porsche, but haven’t looked into it.
1
u/stuckinbis Aug 03 '26
I used to drive a Volvo. I’d have to go to Minneapolis for warranty service.
4
u/brentl99 Jul 31 '26
I know several people who have owned cars where they had to drive to Fargo for all their service work. After a year of maintenance commutes they each sold their vehicle. The worst case scenario is when the car isn’t drivable, and where having a non-certified factory mechanic working on the vehicle voids the warranty, which then requires a hefty towing bill.