Author Topic: servicing a new car - dealer vs independent  (Read 531 times)

Offline candywhite12

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servicing a new car - dealer vs independent
« on: 17 August 2026, 08:33 »
like the title suggests.  Who do you trust more to do proper work and not overcharge?  My main concern with going independent, apart from the physical parts of the car which in my 25 year experience preferring an independent shop over dealership (due to costs and also convenience as to the time it takes to service the car), they are well equipped to maintain, do such garages now have access to all state of the art VAG software and can they perform all and every software update there is?  my 8.5 is due it's 15k service which is a pretty basic service, i'm torn between sticking with the tried and tested or switching back to the dealer.  I get the feeling that compared to previous models, all this digitalization might not allow independent shops to keep up with the dealers in terms of equipment and expertise.  Thoughts?
Current: GTI 8.5, Moonstone Gray, 5dr, Black Estorils 19''. pan, DCC
Wife's: mk8 TSI 1.5 RL, 5dr atlantic blue, DSG, Norfolk 17", pan s/r, leds
Son's: mk7.5 TSI 1.4 RL, 5dr tornado red, DSG, Singapore 17", pan s/r, leds
Before: mk6 GTI 5dr candy white, DSG, Monza Shadow 18", s/r, bi-Xenons, DCC
Even before that: mk5 GT 5dr tornado red, manual, s/r

Offline karlos

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Re: servicing a new car - dealer vs independent
« Reply #1 on: 17 August 2026, 10:42 »
With a tech-laden car like the 8.5 I'd be having it dealer serviced for at least the first couple of years of its life as no doubt it will need software updates.
2017 (67) GTI PP DSG. Tungsten Silver with DCC, Art Velours, Dynaudio, Climate Screen, Tints, Keyless, Rear Camera, Lane Assist, Seville wheels.

Offline joe6

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Re: servicing a new car - dealer vs independent
« Reply #2 on: 21 August 2026, 21:47 »
  My independent has  access to odis for software diagnostic, updates and repair but there is a charge they have to pay which  they pass on. Dealer software updates are supposed to be included with a service while under warranty.
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 candywhite12

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Re: servicing a new car - dealer vs independent
« Reply #3 on: 24 August 2026, 11:15 »
Update: my independent also has access to ODIS so i swiftly cancelled my visit to the dealers and scheduled my minor service with my guy, this will definitely keep costs substantially lower for the time being. 
Current: GTI 8.5, Moonstone Gray, 5dr, Black Estorils 19''. pan, DCC
Wife's: mk8 TSI 1.5 RL, 5dr atlantic blue, DSG, Norfolk 17", pan s/r, leds
Son's: mk7.5 TSI 1.4 RL, 5dr tornado red, DSG, Singapore 17", pan s/r, leds
Before: mk6 GTI 5dr candy white, DSG, Monza Shadow 18", s/r, bi-Xenons, DCC
Even before that: mk5 GT 5dr tornado red, manual, s/r