leaving the (in)security of the main stealer

[R32UK]

Lots of good points about going to an independent specialist....


But just remember to insist they use original stuff on your car, I went to a local one and he tried to sell me some naff oil and said it was roughly the same as the VW one. Put me off a little, but the service level was good that aside.

[ifti]

Can you supply your own oil etc for the service though?
How much would you supply?

[No Golf Clubs at all]

Thanks all for the comments, the independents costs are way cheaper than the main agent.

Still gathering all costs, will report on the savings I make,....I was considering just getting the main service done by the main dealer, thereby keeping the service integrity up.  But to be honest the two indies Ive talked to have impressed me way more than the one stop shop that is the Main Dealer.

I want to also get my ecu reflashed (long story about a revo trial and fall out with supplier)...will an independent be able to do that or will I have to face up to the inevitable and cross the threshold into Mordor?

[Caz]

Can you supply your own oil etc for the service though?
How much would you supply?

yes you can

[Caz]

Go to a trusted specialist ~ you're more likely to get better standard of service and save £00's in the process, maybe £000's over a period of a few years. I don't know how much VW charge, but Audi meain dealers want £90 p/h whereas most specialists charge around £45 p/h.

labour rates differ anyways, wherever in the country you are. Our labour rate here is £66 + vat..

[DJGTi]

My husband has never used a main dealer from new for his Scooby. It is common knowledge within the owners network that a reputable specialist does a far better job than a dealer. They use genuine parts and decent synthetic oil (the dealers use semi-synth magnatec ). He pays about £45/hr instead of £85ish, too.

I know that VWs are a bit different, in that they appeal to non car nerds as well as us , so convincing a prospective buyer that a non VW stamped book is fine could be a bit harder.

If you trust your dealer alternative, then I'd say go for it.

[Ed30DSG]

labour rates differ anyways, wherever in the country you are. Our labour rate here is £66 + vat..

Very true, some London Audi dealers want £120+VAT p/h!

BTW, I'm from Yorkshire originally and £20 p/h is £20 p/h!

For the record, I'm not condoning going elsewhere whilst the car is relatively new, but once the car is 3-4 years old, it should not affect your re-sale value by having specialist service stamps.

[Exonian]

As above, once the car is 3-4 years old even if you p/x'ed the thing in a main dealer they would probably only chuck it through the trade. You don't see many 'out of warranty' cars on forecourts these days unless it's something a bit special or a smaller dealer. So I wouldn't think having a non VW stamp in the book should do you too much harm financially at resale time. However it may be prudent to keep receipts for genuine VAG stuff you've fitted especially if you're selling privately.

£120 per hour though!!!! My solicitor doesn't charge much more than that and he's a bit better qualified than a VW fitter! I begrudge paying that upper class git over £120 per hour too though!!!!