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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: NewbieGTIP on 04 March 2019, 10:55

Title: Service - what would you do?
Post by: NewbieGTIP on 04 March 2019, 10:55
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.
Title: Re: Service - what would you do?
Post by: dubber36 on 04 March 2019, 11:04
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.
Title: Re: Service - what would you do?
Post by: Jim_mk7.5 on 04 March 2019, 11:16
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?
Title: Re: Service - what would you do?
Post by: NewbieGTIP on 04 March 2019, 11:30
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.
Title: Re: Service - what would you do?
Post by: Snoopy on 04 March 2019, 11:32
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.
Title: Re: Service - what would you do?
Post by: Exonian on 04 March 2019, 16:18
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.
Title: Re: Service - what would you do?
Post by: NewbieGTIP on 04 March 2019, 17:11
Annoyingly I think your right, nearest one steering clear of Lookers is 30 miles away.... hope Pullman have a bit more knowledge.
Title: Re: Service - what would you do?
Post by: Philb280 on 04 March 2019, 18:42
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?
Title: Re: Service - what would you do?
Post by: Finglonga on 06 March 2019, 13:36
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.
Title: Re: Service - what would you do?
Post by: monsta on 06 March 2019, 16:15
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.
Title: Re: Service - what would you do?
Post by: watchdog on 06 March 2019, 16:39

If that was me and the car is still within warranty, i would be taking the car into the main dealer complaining about noise from the car and can they rectify same under warranty.  Offer to accompany one of their technicians on a test drive.  You may unfortunately have to take the car in more than once if its not remedied first time but its up to them to find the noise and remedy it... at no cost to you.
Title: Re: Service - what would you do?
Post by: Snoopy on 07 March 2019, 12:24
As you mention Lookers and Pulmans I guess your up here somewere. May I ask who the specialist you use is. Thanks.
Title: Re: Service - what would you do?
Post by: dereks on 07 March 2019, 15:36
I’ve booked my 63 plate in at the dealer.

I got it last year it’s already got 4 dealer stamps so was wanting to keep it that way for now as I tend not to keep my cars long!

They do a 3yo+ service for £179 so probably not much more than an indie I’m also getting the dsg oil change for £189 as a precaution the cars only done 26k so don’t want to wait any longer.
Title: Re: Service - what would you do?
Post by: NewbieGTIP on 07 March 2019, 17:43
Thanks for the responses guys, the noise does disappear more or less when I’m in eco or set to eco in individual which is good, it genuinely didn’t sound like a noise that could be caused by the soundaktor. I’ve booked it in to Pulman who are about 30 miles away but £66 less for the same service so least that covers the fuel and a nice excuse for a daft blast out. Always interesting to see what courtesy car I’ll get as well. Could be fun to drive an up!

Also in response to my specialist I use Vasstech, they have 3/4 sites now. I’ve used them since they started up.
Title: Re: Service - what would you do?
Post by: Snoopy on 08 March 2019, 19:25
Also in response to my specialist I use Vasstech, they have 3/4 sites now. I’ve used them since they started up.
Thanks for the info  :smiley: