Maintain a full VW service history?

[ExeNS]

This is something I'll need to decide later this year, so I'm interested to hear the opinion of the forum.

The car is a 63 plate manual pp, 60k miles and it's had 8 main dealer services stamped up. I've been using a local VW group specialist for my previous car, who I think have been doing a decent job (VWS Exeter, would be pleased to hear opinions if any local forum members have different feedback). I expect I will probably take it to them when the time comes, as I think the car is a little old now for the full main dealer history to have a real effect on resale, but keen to hear thoughts.

[SRGTD]

I’d be using the independent VW specialist.

As you’ve said, a full VW dealer service history won’t make a difference to resale value, and if you’ve found a good, trusted independent, there’s a good chance they’ll do a better job of maintaining your car than the VW dealer would - and charge less too.

Car looks great by the way (just seen your other discussion thread with photos). Enjoy it!

[fredgroves]

Have a look at an indie but check the main dealer prices vs them.... some people who claim to be indie VW can be just as expensive...

[Yusee]

Have a look at an indie but check the main dealer prices vs them.... some people who claim to be indie VW can be just as expensive...

^^
Very well known vw group indie in the Midlands charged almost exactly the same as main dealer when i used them for my Seat.
Whoever you use will make no difference to value, as long as there’s evidence the car has been properly maintained.

[Guzzle]

I would echo everyone else's comments. If you're keeping the car for a good while, you'll get little benefit from the full VW history at resale time.

As Fred says though, always pricecheck the indie against main dealers, sometimes there's not much in it.

And always keep your own record of any work done, whether at an indie or not.

[Exonian]

I’ve known Matt Smith of Volkscraft in Exeter since forever (and worked with his dad too once upon a time!) and can vouch for them as a really good indie (and REVO dealer too  ), but they’re very busy due to their excellent reputation. A friend of mine has his Mk5 in there almost every other month getting something done to it. They use all OEM parts and have great knowledge of performance VW/Audi/SEAT/Skoda cars. They’re not cheap but they’re good, very good.
But if you wish to keep VW history then VW Exeter will charge lower rates to match.

[Guzzle]

Very good point there raised by Exonian. Always check with the indie if they are using genuine OEM parts.

[Watts]

I'd pay more at a good indie rather than go to VW. Trust is worth a premium.

[Rudedog]

Worth checking out a VW Commercial Vehicles garage if you have one near, you still get a VW stamp but in my experience their hourly rate is lower as they don't pay for fancy showrooms, they've always been very down to earth and have helped with getting parts replaced under goodwill.

[Vw80]

Little off topic sorry what mileage do ye allow between service as book a little confusing?