Service - what would you do?

[NewbieGTIP]

Ok so I know there are numerous threads discussing using main dealer or specialist. Here’s my experience today I called the specialist first, as always they’re very professional, the girl on The end of the phone gets in a in depth conversation about the car knowing exactly what she’s talking about, she remembers me from me taking my S3 in. Then I call VW sit on hold for 10 mins, guy asks what car, give him the details Golf GTI CS, he says is that a diesel then, moving passed that I say can you investigate a noise for me to, not sure if the soundaktor is meant to sound how it sounds, he replies the what? I then have to explain what it is and he’s non the wiser. He tells me it’ll cost £60 per half hour to diagnose if it’s not a warranty item. I explain I’ve just got the car and the noise is hard to explain and possibly meant to be there, what’s the situation then will I be charged the £60? He replies well yes if it’s something we have to investigate. He then tries to sell me numerous things, air con re gas, fuel additive and service plan. Now the cost which really isn’t an issue £160 from my specialist or £285 from VW. Also the last time 2 times my dad used this same VW garage they A) reversed his car into something B) cracked his windscreen. I’m feeling really apprehensive about using them I’ll be honest but don’t want to detriment the future value of my car. It’s 2 year old with 8,000 miles, last thing I want to do is butcher it’s future price but VW have not instilled me with any confidence.

[dubber36]

Independent specialist generally have an interest in the vehicles they work on. Main dealer 'technicians' work where they do because the money is OK and the holidays are good. Independent for me every time. Main dealer servicing makes bugger all difference to value, unless you are trading in at a main dealer and they try to use it to pull your pants down. A ordered folder full of receipts is worth far more to many when looking at buying a used car.

[Jim_mk7.5]

I'd say the person buying a low mileage CS in the future would be happy to be a VW specialist service rather than a dealer service.

That said, yours will still have a year left of warranty so surely a potentially worrying noise is covered under that?

[NewbieGTIP]

Yeah the noise was making me lean towards VW, but I actually think My specialist would probably investigate it for me for no charge and recommend VW if a warranty item.

[Snoopy]

Use a different main dealer if your not happy with that one.
I would use a main dealer until the warranty expires then go to a specialist. Too many headacres and problems VW could cause you if you need to claim under warrenty if not serviced by them. In theory and law there is no difference but in practice.

[Exonian]

Use a different main dealer if your not happy with that one.
I would use a main dealer until the warranty expires then go to a specialist. Too many headacres and problems VW could cause you if you need to claim under warrenty if not serviced by them. In theory and law there is no difference but in practice.

I’d go along with that too I’m afraid.
Mention the noise when dropping it off and see if they say they’ll take a look at it during the service minus a diagnostic fee.

[NewbieGTIP]

Annoyingly I think your right, nearest one steering clear of Lookers is 30 miles away.... hope Pullman have a bit more knowledge.

[Philb280]

I’m in the same boat- VW want £349 for an inspection so I rang the guy we normally use and circa £200 but actually confirmed £182 today .

Spoke to dealer who fired a rake of questions about what they priced for are they using correct oil (that’s another issue) it’ll invalidate the warranty if it’s wrong etc.

As I m only 4 months into ownership and have the Das Welt warranty it’s throwing a bit of doubt in there as I’m sure they’d try to wriggle if something goes wrong.

On the oil front - when I bought it they did an oil and filter change 1700 miles ago so surely it doesn’t need doing again?

[Finglonga]

Just a thought, unplug the thing and you will be able to tell immediately if it is that causing the noise. It literally is a easy 2minute job.

[monsta]

Whilst in warranty grin and bear it at VW.  After that specialist all the way.

Any complaints about noises etc should be investigated under warranty.