HOOOJ SPEND???

[N-Wales_vr6]

Got a 94 Vr6 thats just hit 65k and runs sweet but using a lot of oil,up to a litre a month! heads been weeping for a while now but reckon on a head gasket seal and valve seals too! Was quoted 500 by local specialist if thats all it needs but head may need skimming too when they take the head off!
     Local VW dealership want a grand to do the same job so before i say go ahead to specialist:
   
 Have heard non vag seals can be crap so use only oe parts?

 Timing chain recommended replace at 70k so do at same time?
 
 Service is due in April is that uneccessary expense after heads been done this month as i shall continue to use dealership for servicing so would it just need plugs and a tune as it will have had new oil?

Any help or advice would be gratefully received before i sell some body parts to pay for this!!!

[winstonb]

for my 2ps worth, id go with the indie garage but insist on VAG seals and gaskets (thats assuming they dont use them anyway).  I done a 1.5 golf head many moons ago and recall the local VAG shop was quite reasonable for basic parts like this, same price as G&S for the head gasket i think.

and while its in get everything else done, probably charge less in labour to do things while they're there.

[N-Wales_vr6]

Cheers winstonb for your reply, was wondering if the indie garage would think i was being awkward if i asked for vag parts but rang them and they said okay!

I must say im overwhelmed by the response from everyone on here, maybe if i wanted to know WHERE the ashtray was or what air freshner to use i would have had more replies.

Isnt the internet great people?