Sean, I think that the policy is not a rip off and aids both budgeting and protecting from VW price rises. I also think that maybe you need to bear in mind that the majority of us can't buy oil from contacts at hugely reduced prices. I totted up the current prices of the included elements vs the cost of the policy for 3 years and it was near enough spot on. And it would pay for any any wear and tear items that wear out which is hard to quantify.
I have to strongly disagree.
Firstly, I never bought my cost price oil into the equation. All of my dealer quotes were based on them supplying all parts and lubes. OK, in some instances, I did manage to haggle down the price - but I think that is an accepted practice anyway - particularly as servicing need not be carried out at a franchised main dealer. Indeed, get a servicing quote from any nearby independent garage, such as a Bosch specialist, then take that to your local VW/Audi main stealer, and they will usually match the price.
Regarding the oil - OK, many of you know I get mine at trade prices. However, places like GSF, some web traders, and even the official parts counter at your local stealership will be able to offer some kind of discount compared to the full retail price as charged on the servicing invoice.
Also, the air con service is now part of the recommended maintenance program of the golf.
Are you sure? In my 2007 model year VW servicing book, and in my 2007 model year Audi servicing book - neither schedule even states air conditioning (other than the usual routine of checking hoses and other components for leaks). I say again, routine air conditioning servicing is a con, and is
not required.
The only time air con should need attention; if it was never properly factory filled (then that is a warranty, and not maintenance issue), if it was damaged by collision, if it had seized up through lack of use - and the most common cause - useless tw@ts like KwikFit doing air con services without replenishing the PAG lubricant.
Look at another way. Car air conditioning works exactly the same as a domestic refrigerator - when was the last time you had that re-gassed or serviced?
Obviously you don't have to have it done, but i wouldn't fancy your chances of an air con based warranty claim should it fail after you declined the service.
And how many car air-con systems do you know that have required warranty work? If air-con systems do need work, then it is usually around the 7-10 year timescale - and they arn't mileage dependent either.
That said, I wouldn't take the tyre option as it does not cover punctures and you can't choose your tyres. Plus you have to rely on VWs definition of fair wear. I therefore rate the service and maintenance option only.
ETTO
IMHO, you'd be better off putting your £30 into a savings account every month, and getting the interest for yourself. At the end of the day, these maintenance plans are simply just another way of making even more money from customers - if they wer'nt making money from them, they wouldn't be offering them in the first place.
