Servicing confusion...

[phazer]

One question you should ask is does this affect the warranty period. I don't know if VW do this but Vauxhall give you the mandated 1 year warranty. Years two and three are done as goodwill based on you servicing within the main dealer network (it gets really complicated placing a claim if you don't).

The first year is to satisfy the legal requirement. The rest is up to their own terms.

[itavaltalainen]

My car was over a year old when I had a shock absorber replaced under warranty, 2 weeks after it was serviced in an independent garage (lease company's choice). Had no issues with VW UK approving it.

[Mark V GTD]

Two years is mandatory - the third year is a bonus...

[JohnH]

I have had the first service done 2 weeks ago. They will only change the oil and filter + a general inspection (brake pads, tyres, etc) + wash/vacuum/polish.

if I were you I'd avoid the free wash. last time they did mine it looked like they'd used a brillo pad.  to be fair, they did admit fault and sorted it out.

...until the next time, when they ignored the "do not wash" sign on the dash and we went through the same process again.

trust me - wash the car yourself: it avoids so much hassle...

[GeoBog]

I know all the horror stories of dealers messing up the cars when washing but I have a good relationship with my local dealer and they did a brilliant job, the car looked like new until the rain this week.

[mcmaddy]

If you like and value your car tell any dealer to not wash it. If your not bothered and couldn't care less let them do it. It's like these lazy idiots at supermarkets who let Jonny foreigner wash the car with a sponge that's been dropped on the floor and using dirty s4itty water that's been used on every car in the car park.

[Mohsin]

How old is the car?

It's currently 15 months old.

[Mohsin]

All done. So yeah, just an oil/oil filter change and an inspection. All as expected. Tyres on 5mm front and 4mm rear and brake pads still have 85% life left.

Yep, they did wash it but as mentioned, they are an independent specialist garage I trust and have a history with and they washed it just fine

Regarding warranty - I have been told there is no issues whatsoever with getting it done at an independent, as long as genuine/approved parts are used.

[phazer]

Two years is mandatory - the third year is a bonus...

Yep quite right, the EU rules forced it Still the point may be valid for that all important third year.

[phazer]

Regarding warranty - I have been told there is no issues whatsoever with getting it done at an independent, as long as genuine/approved parts are used.

This is true for the legally required warranty period. Approved/Genuine parts at a VAT registered garage/business are the requirements.

The additional year(s) granted by the manufacturer are at their discretion. Whether VW care about independent servicing for the last year is the question I don't know the answer to but you should probably check if you plan on using non dealers for your servicing.