40k Service coming up on Golf Mark 5 GT TDi

[Mr Savage]

Hello again all!

So since buying my car i've done around 7k miles in it already and it was at 35k when I bought it. I do a lot of miles on my commute and so I know that in another 3k it'll be time for a service, which will be in a couple of months. So I looked on Volkswagens website and almost fainted. They say the 40k service should be a major service with a cambelt/tensioner/waterpump change, an air con full service AND a replacement of the front brake pads and disks. Of course I have no idea of what the guy had done on the last service but if he followed the recommendations i'm guessing it was basically just an oil change.

So am I going to have to bite the bullet on this one? It works out as around a £1,000 service  which is definitely the most expensive service i've ever had, haha. Also has anyone got any experience with VW's fixed price servicing? Isit any good or should I just take it to my local independant garage for a cheaper deal? 

Cheers guys, please soften it down for me!

Mr Savage,

Oh also! I might aswell put this in here too instead of making another thread. I've noticed that when I get in my car after it's been sat a while when driving normally the car makes a dump valve like sound everytime I take my foot off the accelerator to change gear but it seems to disappear when the cars warmed up. Is this need for concern and something to add to the bill?  Performance doesn't seem affected at all so I don't think it's a leak or split in any of the hoses?

[Seanl]

Wouldn't skimp on cambelt, tensioner and water pump tbh mate, but does the a/c need re-gassing? and are the disks and pads worn to the point of needing, or soon to need changing? Have a proper look at the service book and whats involved in the 40k service. I think you'll find most things are 'Inspect' anyway. 

[Mr Savage]

Wouldn't skimp on cambelt, tensioner and water pump tbh mate, but does the a/c need re-gassing? and are the disks and pads worn to the point of needing, or soon to need changing? Have a proper look at the service book and whats involved in the 40k service. I think you'll find most things are 'Inspect' anyway. 

Yeah that's true. Was just a shock when I was adding up how much it's gonna cost me!