Full VW service vs Third party

[Edrush]

Hello all

I'm currently due a major service for my 06 GTI, the first one since I bought it. The previous services have all been VW stamped and last service had a cam belt change. When I first bought the car, I believed it meant something to have full VW and therefore more attractive to me. 

However, after speaking to a few people, there have been varying views on what approach is best for a car like mine. An R32 owner friend reckons 3rd party is best for performance cars because you can choose recommended garages that deal specifically with performance cars. On the other hand, keeping a full VW service could retain some value to the car, although I dont plan to sell it any time soon - but then again I heard VW dealers can be poor value\workmanship

So, what are the GTI expert views on this? I am pretty new not only to GTI world, but car world in general  :embarassed:

Also, are there any good rescources to find recommened service centres? I have used the search on this forum but it doesnt come up with anything for London in the last 365 days, so not sure how often places are recommened here. It would be good to see maybe an up to date review centre for garages

[mvb]

Welcome aboard Edrush,

With the steelers service sitiation (in my opinion), its basically a way for you to say "i've looked after the car" to any possible new owner as a lot of people who don't know about cars see the dealership service history as a sign the car is a good car

If you get the service done by a reputable garage I myself believe this is more than suitable, but on the flipside people love to see the dealership stamp. 


I also live in london, but as london is a massive place could you advise which corner as i'm sure you would want a garage nearby or within a reasonable distance to yourself.

[2007GTI]

+1 to what mvb said.

also in my experience yes its good to have dealer stamps, esp when selling to numptys in the future, its the first they look at, and fair enough.  but the older the car gets, the less it matters I would say, after 6-7 years or so the car will have devalued considerably and people will buy on condition more it having lifetime VW service.

saying that mine is 6 years old this year, im first owner and its still only got 27k on it!

Although I have kept to VW for servicing since new, and also in and around london, i've used various dealers for mine and my sisters cars. I have to say some are crap and some are excellent.  but it goes without saying, they ALL want to make profit out of you, so get everything in writing, including the quote for a service, and get everything stamped up and keep invoices. Its good to have the backing of VW, however VW customer service are about as useful as a chocolate teapot, as the dealers are franchises and behave how they want.

[Edrush]

Cheers Chaps\Chapettes

Well at the moment I can see Major service costs £256 fixed cost from VW. Having not had to service a car before, not sure if thats a good deal or not. Good thing though is that they list all the things they are spposed to do, so I might just take that list and get quotes from garages. I guess, it would be nice to keep up those VW stamps but it seems these Stealers have such a bad rep, but surely not every stealer can be the same - or am I just too naive.

By the way, I'm from South West London (Twickenham), really hard to find a good rescource for service reviews -worried that I could take it somewhere worse than VW that use 3rd rate components. Just want nothing but the best for my baby 

[2007GTI]

I have used twickenham before and they are ok.  like any company theres good and bad staff/technicians and everyone will tell you something different just to get you in or out the door with minimum hassle.

like I said, get a written quote.

 

[samhain1]

I used independent vw Audi garage who have latest vag com facilities and only use approved parts; they are still cheaper than stealers and it's a stamp in the book and a receipt of all the parts changed which are vw parts so all ok

[MK4_20VT]

I have always had good value from my local VW

Basic service for £86 cannot compain.  As Awesome GTI want £120 so for me it's my local VW.

Though as long as the car I was going to buy had a full service history (not VW) I would not be put off, like most people we just want to be assured the car has recieved regular services


Jay