VW or independent for service?

[Paralla]

After the dire experience I had the last time I had my TDI 170 serviced at West London VW I've decided to go independent for a service next week. I’m not really feeling the love for the car anymore, I just want the oil changed and the book stamped.

Last time I had my car serviced at the VW dealer I asked them to do two additional things other than the regular service and they couldn't manage either. I told them when I booked it in that I wanted the firmware of the RNS 510 updated and the boot bump stops replaced. When I collected it they told me I already had the latest maps and the bump stocks were not in stock. The ten minutes it took me to explain the difference between firmware and maps to the tech that serviced it meant the parts counter had closed and I couldn’t pick up a wheel nut cap that had gone missing. There were still staff at the parts counter but they refused to serve me. The opening times on the West London VW web site doesn’t mention that the parts counter closes 30 minutes before everything else. Frustrating.

I can't imagine an independent offering any worse service so thought I might as well save some money. A company called Service Stop is coming to my house to collect it, take it away, carry out a full service and bring it back the same day for £200 compared to £300 that West London VW wanted. I’ve asked for one additional item. The steering wheel is slightly off centre after a wheel alignment and I want it straightening. The VW online booking system was going to charge me an extra £75 to do this.

At what age/mileage do people give up on VW servicing? I know it does not affect the warranty but do people value a full complement of VW service stamps in the book rather than stamps from independents?

[rapido]

I paid £307 for my 40k major service + break fluid change from Birmingham VW. Service was excellent and the car was cleaned in and out. It might just be busy dealerships that aren't as good. To be fair I didn't ask for any extras so can't comment on what the service may have been like.

I anticipate I will keep the car for max of 2 more years so will continue paying for main dealer services so that it has a FVSH when I sell it. I'm not sure if it adds value to the car but I do think it makes a car more sellable, I for one look for this when purchasing a car.

When it comes to major stuff like clutch etc then I would go independent

[AaronMc]

Try get a price match from your dealer.

I wouldn't trust one of them places your using, especially someone else driving the car to the workshop, you don't know where its going, and what products are being used.

Would always use VW or a highly rated VAG Specialist.

[Ozmosis]

I have always used the main dealer for my servicing needs, to be honest. The guys at my local VW dealer are always friendly, especially the salesman who I ordered the car through. If he is there when I tale it in, he's always asking questions about the car etc, and always manages to sort me out a decent courtesy car if I have needed one.

I guess it just depends on the dealer and how many customers they have, as was mentioned earlier.

[Ryy]

Listers Worcester is where I go. Highly recommended. Courtesy car is always the best they can give you too. Plus Audi is next door if you fancy taking an S5 / TTRS out for a spin! lol.

[BunnyJen]

Try get a price match from your dealer.

I wouldn't trust one of them places your using, especially someone else driving the car to the workshop, you don't know where its going, and what products are being used.

Would always use VW or a highly rated VAG Specialist.

Yeah I think this is the main thing that would concern me. I wouldn't want someone else driving my car. I'd be terrified of them hammering it, or putting stone chips on it.

[Mark V]

I tend not to mix a fault issue and having a service together. One sort of compromises the other and I think its best to keep them separate...

[Cuprabob]

I'm of the view find a good one, whether it be a dealer or an indie, and stick with them and be loyal, even if they are not the cheapest. The more you build a relationshio with them, the more they will go out of their wsy ti help you. Trust is key.

It should also be noted VW will not give "goodwill" out of earranty for cars not serviced within the network plus there is also the chanve you'll miss out on updates.

[Paralla]

Cheers for the replies. Loosing out on the possibility of a goodwill fix from VW is something I hadn't considered. It's only done 16000 miles so hopefully it will be Ok for another year without needing anything major.

I will be trading it in for a Cayman or possibly a new Macan at the end of the year and I don't think a Porsche dealer will even look at the service book when they value it as a part exchange.

Before I part X it I will sell the custom Alpine sub and Alpine amp on here. It's been a fantastic upgrade for the Dyunaudio system.

[AaronMc]

I guess if your PX'ing it doesnt really matter, but your still best of trying to find a good independent to do it, and ask them to use, or supply your own genuine parts.

Goodwill is upto 6 years on VW's now, and a full VW history certainly is in your favour on decisions of goodwill.

How much of a difference does the Sub/Amp make to the dynaudio? Was thinking of doing the same for mine, although I do find the bass plenty as it is, but it just may give the speakers more of a chance at Mid/Treble if taking the bass of its back! I much prefer subtle quality bass, over sound deadening bass anyway.

[skippy]

I will be trading it in for a Cayman or possibly a new Macan at the end of the year and I don't think a Porsche dealer will even look at the service book when they value it as a part exchange.

I must admit, I did not know what a Macan was. Had to google it, I see it is another Porsche model. And I consider myself - well up on my car knowledge!

[Paralla]

I must admit, I did not know what a Macan was. Had to google it, I see it is another Porsche model. And I consider myself - well up on my car knowledge!

I've been working in Africa for the past couple of years and had intended to buy a Cayman for myself as a present when I move back to London full time but since I've been in Angola I have taken up kitesurfing and I don't think all the kit will fit in a Cayman so considering an alternative that's still a Porsche. The mid range Macan S with a 335hp 3.0L twin Turbo V6 seems like a goer.

[Cuprabob]

For me the MK2 Cayman is s beautiful car but the Macan does nothing for me.

[Paralla]

I got a confirmation email from Servicing Stop which told me where they were going to take my car for servicing. I googled it, looked at it on streetview, read a couple of reviews and have cancelled the service. They were going to take it to a very dodgy looking garrage in a railway arch 10 miles (an hour drive in Central London) away from me in Wanstead, East London. Booked into VW at Battersea.

[Mark V]

Good call!

[Paralla]

Going to test a Cayman on Thursday
http://www.porsche-code.com/PEFGCBN7" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Got an invite to the Launch night of the Porsche Macan on March 2 at West London Porsche
http://www.porsche.com/microsite/porsch ... =/PF9ZQH36" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Similarly specified Macan is a bit cheaper than a Cayman but a compact SUV is never going to feel as special as a mid engined sports car. What to do?