4th year service (non dealer)

[stevengeelan]

My 4th year service is due next month. However I am not going to use the dealership closest to me after a bad experience with them recently.

I've been recommended a local garage by my uncle. What are your views on using a non dealer, non specialist garage? Would I be better to find a VAG specialist in my area?

What work is required for the 4th year service? (Cambelt has been changed last month by main dealer)

[TrickGTI]

I work at a private garage non dealer and i onislty think apart from the cup of tea and a nice smile from the good looking secretary quality of work is no different plus big saveings on labour costs with the independant. But finding one that wont rip you off is a risk you take where as main dealers should be people you can trust. i would say if your uncle has said they are ok then go for it. 

[TrickGTI]

The State of a workshop can say alot for those who work there... if there is rubbish and stuff slung everywhere then chances are they wont be as carefull with your car as you might like.   

[No Golf Clubs at all]

I did the same. Was vw all the way but tbh Arnold Clark VW were very poor in terms of service both mechanical and customer. They showed very little interest and almost contempt for me and my car. I took her to an Indy and got personal service and a chunk of money off together with a great service and the satisfaction that the big boys didn't get my hard earned. It may make a difference to some buyers when you come to sell though. As you'll imagine some people will want the "comfort" of having the vw main dealer stamps. Makes no real odds past 4th year IMHO as long as it's been serviced properly by a specialist and not the local back street garage. 

[stevengeelan]

So you think I should take it to a VAG specialist then? The garage my uncle recommended is just a local garage that don't specialise in any kind of car.

Do you know what is needed for the 4th year service? I think its one of the bigger ones. Im also due a brake fluid change according to the sticker the dealer put in my window at my last service. Is this correct?

[Ed30DSG]

If your car was within warranty then you should stick to a VAG specialist, however for something as basic as a service then I would see no problem with doing that. Go check them out for yourself first though.

For faults / major work you would probably need to take it to a specialst who has the right diagnostic equipment / tools.

[AlanD]

I have given up on dealers and use a VAG Spec place (the owner also has a MK5 GTI ). I wouldnt even consider taking my car to anything but a dealer or VAG Spec garage.

[Gene Hunt.]

I'm lucky with mine.My mate is a techie with VW so mine gets serviced for beer money & get the main dealer stamp.

[AlanD]

I'm lucky with mine.My mate is a techie with VW so mine gets serviced for beer money & get the main dealer stamp.

Theres just not need for that now is there, b@stard !

[stevengeelan]

From what I understand the 4th year service should be the following;

Vehicle system test,
Engine Oil and oil filter changed,
Dust and pollen filter changed,
Brake fluid service

Can anyone confirm that this is correct?

I will also ask for the longlife oil to be used.

I'm lucky with mine.My mate is a techie with VW so mine gets serviced for beer money & get the main dealer stamp.

Theres just not need for that now is there, b@stard !

Very unfair 

I don't know of any VAG specialists in my area the only ones I know of are in Glasgow (which is about an hour drive without traffic)