Author Topic: Should I switch to an independent specialist for servicing?  (Read 2579 times)

Offline KieranD79

  • Not said much yet
  • **
  • Posts: 29
Hi all,

It's that age old question again, my Mk6 GTi is due a major service and brake fluid change, it's 9 years old (2012) with 75k on the clock.

I've had it serviced by the main dealer every year up to now but £400+ is now becoming a figure I'm questioning.

In addition I'm getting the dreaded inlet runner fault intermittently which my local specialist has confirmed requires a new inlet manifold, so that needs to be done.

So my question is, do I just get the specialist to service it and do the manifold at the same time OR do I stump up for the service at the main dealer again to keep the history consistent then pay the specialist to do the manifold?

I also want to sell up soon, so would breaking the VW service history chain really negatively affect private resale or PX at this age and mileage?  It's been a very long time since I've tried to sell a car privately.

Any advise welcome and thanks in advance.  :smiley:
« Last Edit: 16 August 2021, 09:59 by KieranD79 »
2019 Mk7.5 GTI PP, DSG, Indium Grey, Arts Velour, 90% tints, Brescia’s

Gone but not forgotten - 2012 Mk6 GTI, Manual, Carbon Grey, Leather, RNS510 Nav, Bi-xenons, Glendale’s, Lux Pack, Cruise

Offline barrym381

  • Forum addict
  • *
  • Posts: 5,914
Re: Should I switch to an independent specialist for servicing?
« Reply #1 on: 16 August 2021, 10:55 »
As long as it’s serviced by a reputable company I can’t see any issues  :smiley:

And if you’re thinking of selling it you can send me some details to 07936998184 thanks

Offline Adam T7

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 944
Re: Should I switch to an independent specialist for servicing?
« Reply #2 on: 16 August 2021, 11:57 »
Last car I had was 9 years old when I sold it with all servicing for the last 5 of those years performed by a local (and very well respected) LR independent garage, the costs where at least half, sometimes a third of the main dealer price. When I traded it in for the Golf, not one mention of who did the servicing as long as the book was stamped and up to date. They where impressed with the pile of invoices to show all the work done though👍
MY2019 GTI Mk 7.5 Performance. DSG, 5 Door, Rear Camera, Climate Windscreen and Rear Window Factory Tints, Indium Grey.

Offline SRGTD

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 3,531
Re: Should I switch to an independent specialist for servicing?
« Reply #3 on: 16 August 2021, 17:38 »
With the car at 9 years old, I’d use a good reputable independent VW specialist for servicing and repairs (assuming there is one nearby). At that age of car, a good comprehensive service history as opposed to a main dealer service history is the important thing to prospective buyers. An independent will probably be cheaper, more customer focused and offer a better service as they’re more reliant on repeat business than the VW main dealer.

I’d only consider using the VW main dealer if they matched the independent VW specialist prices (VW do have a price match service promise).
2020 Polo GTI Plus; Pure White, DSG (because they all are)
Gone but not forgotten;
2016 Polo GTI; Blue Silk
2011 mk6 Golf GTD; Carbon Grey
2007 mk5 Golf GT (2.0 170bhp TDI version); Deep Black Pearl
2002  mk4 Golf GTI (the 150 bhp diesel version); Deep Black Pearl

Offline joe6

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 828
Re: Should I switch to an independent specialist for servicing?
« Reply #4 on: 16 August 2021, 19:25 »
My mk6 is 11 years old and I now use an independent garage and have done so so the last 2 years. Keep the invoices and stamp the service book. Selling a car of this age it does not matter if not vw dealer as long as reputable garage preferably vw specialists.

About the Intake manifold - only about £300 from the states including all taxes so worth thinking about when replacing it. A recent thread on here covered the purchase.
Mk6 GTI Carbon Grey, 2010 Bluetooth and voice fitted, a few VCDS mods still a comfortable family car. Red Scirocco 2011 twin charger stage 1 - enjoyable drive now gone.  White 2016 Polo GTI (roller skate on steroids) replaced with an Indium Grey 2019 7.5 GTI PP.

Offline KieranD79

  • Not said much yet
  • **
  • Posts: 29
Re: Should I switch to an independent specialist for servicing?
« Reply #5 on: 21 August 2021, 23:00 »
Thanks all for the comments.

I have found a local specialist (VW trained and ex employee of local dealer), just waiting on price for the manifold but I asked them to do the service at the same time.  They'll probably take more care over it than the main dealer anyway!

I've looked at importing the manifold and I may end up doing that if the price comes back at £500+... which is what the dealer seems to want for the part.

Never the less it needs doing as it's trigger the EML now.
2019 Mk7.5 GTI PP, DSG, Indium Grey, Arts Velour, 90% tints, Brescia’s

Gone but not forgotten - 2012 Mk6 GTI, Manual, Carbon Grey, Leather, RNS510 Nav, Bi-xenons, Glendale’s, Lux Pack, Cruise

Offline KieranD79

  • Not said much yet
  • **
  • Posts: 29
Re: Should I switch to an independent specialist for servicing?
« Reply #6 on: 27 August 2021, 16:32 »
So... it's booked in next week.  Leaving it with them for a couple of days while I'm away.

Just out of curiosity I asked the main dealer to quote me for supply and fitting of a new inlet manifold... £945+!  Then you'd have the major service on top of that at £345 and a brake fluid change at £69.  So over £1300!!!

My local indie is doing it all for around £700 using the same VW parts!  :smiley:
2019 Mk7.5 GTI PP, DSG, Indium Grey, Arts Velour, 90% tints, Brescia’s

Gone but not forgotten - 2012 Mk6 GTI, Manual, Carbon Grey, Leather, RNS510 Nav, Bi-xenons, Glendale’s, Lux Pack, Cruise