60,000km service

[roshea]

Anyone know if Ultratune will service skodas and anyone have any experience with them? There's an ultratune very close to my house so highly convenient!

What part of Melbourne are you in, Harpoon? I'd definitely prefer to take my car to an independent VW specialist, and there are a few good ones around.

Also is it generally the best practice to service at the dealer whilst sill under warranty then go independent once warranty expires?

Hard to know, really. If something goes wrong just out of warranty, a dealer service record might help you get a "good will" repair done free / cheap.

[Antiplastix]

I don't think you can generalise all Ultratunes. They would be all independently run. There is probably good and bad.

[Harpoon]

60,000km service

Anyone know if Ultratune will service skodas and anyone have any experience with them? There's an ultratune very close to my house so highly convenient!

Also is it generally the best practice to service at the dealer whilst sill under warranty then go independent once warranty expires?

[brad]

I just had my 60,000km service, it was $245 form Preston Motors Epping. I had reported a clunking sound and vibrations in the DSG so they suggested I did a DSG service as well to hopefully fix the problem which was an extra $732, so it ended up being $977 and the problem is still there.

That's a good price. I can't quite see how they could do oil + filter, pollen filter, scan, brake check, tyre inspection & pressures, battery insp, plenum insp, door locks, underbody, suspension, steering, drivetrain & engine inspection, coolant test, etc for that money so it implies they may have just done a Standard Inspection service

The DSG isn't optional at 60,000km -it's mandatory unless you already pulled the trigger earlier (I would). Or is it a 7 speed?

Diesel or petrol?

How many years old is it?

[Umai Naa!!]

Only 1 Haldex oil is required for the Scout Not sure what version of the Haldex system they have, so it may or may not require a filter change.

[Skooter]

I was at the point of doing my own oils and filters, so frustrated have I been with the inability of any authorised dealerships to explain the $1k costs. I've since found a VERY experienced independent with years of experience on VW group cars; quote is $600, add $200 for 2 x Haldex oil and filters for the 4x4 Scout, full diagnostic - all gen parts (he even passes on some of his trade price savings), top quality oil (Motul).

He also said he won't change pollen and air filters if they look in top nick, which is highly likely, as the car has had a cruisy life, but I don't care either way. I just want to know that a mech with more experience than me with this car will be doing the work - otherwise I do it myself.

I'll report back once it's done and give feedback.

[Fireside]

$300 tops is BS unless he is using non-genuine parts, incorrect oil & doing his labour for about $50/hr.

I would run as fast as I can if an independant quoted that as he obviously isn't overly experienced about VWs. Ask these two questions: What brand of oil filter will you use? What spec oil will use? Answers: "Gen VW, Mahle or Hengst(sp?)"; "504/507"

For an experienced VW tech using OEM spec parts & proper oil the non-ripoff ball park is $450-$600.

You really need an itemised quote or provide a list of the work you want done so that you can compare apples with apples.

Some will include tyre rotation in a 60,000. Other include spark plugs ($25 each), brake fluid flush ($100-$200), pollen filter ($25), air filter ($25), fuel filter ($45) and as you implied, a DSG service might be needed if you have that transmission ($300??).

I just had my 60,000km service, it was $245 form Preston Motors Epping. I had reported a clunking sound and vibrations in the DSG so they suggested I did a DSG service as well to hopefully fix the problem which was an extra $732, so it ended up being $977 and the problem is still there.

[Umai Naa!!]

$600 for a manual MK6 GTI.

Includes fuel filter, spark plugs, and pollen filter on top of the basic oil and filter change. All genuine parts.

[brad]

$300 tops is BS unless he is using non-genuine parts, incorrect oil & doing his labour for about $50/hr.

I would run as fast as I can if an independant quoted that as he obviously isn't overly experienced about VWs. Ask these two questions: What brand of oil filter will you use? What spec oil will use? Answers: "Gen VW, Mahle or Hengst(sp?)"; "504/507"

For an experienced VW tech using OEM spec parts & proper oil the non-ripoff ball park is $450-$600.

You really need an itemised quote or provide a list of the work you want done so that you can compare apples with apples.

Some will include tyre rotation in a 60,000. Other include spark plugs ($25 each), brake fluid flush ($100-$200), pollen filter ($25), air filter ($25), fuel filter ($45) and as you implied, a DSG service might be needed if you have that transmission ($300??).

[george023]

Hi all,

I was just searching the forum for advice and comparisons on 60,000kms service on a Mk6 Golf GTI, where my actual odometer is on 53,000kms. Got quoted $1395, then when I pushed back they asked if I had a DSG or manual, then petrol or diesel. Quote then came down to $1100. I checked with an independent mechanic who has done other cars in the past and he said $300 tops. Does anyone else find these outrageous quotes for spark plugs, oil changes, air filters and the like an obscene slap in the face?

[brad]

Thanks for the tips on the VCDS, Brad. Any idea what level would be required for basic diagnostic? They offer about 4 different packs in ascending order of price. I can run the Mac in Windows so would probably just use the laptop. Not going to be plugged in very often, hopefully.

i have no idea - best you ask them.

I have a can-bus unit. A mate gave it to me when he sold his R32.


The diesel area is probably the best place to talk about remaps & provents. I think you'll find it's a thumbs up to both.

[brad]

nope, the vw dealerships here in canberra do not sell skodas - the skoda dealership does.
canberra has just the 1 skoda dealership - lennock skoda.

the vw dealership is a few doors down, with the vw service centre next to it.
there r many other vw dealerships & service centres around canberra.

But it's Lennock VW that services Skoda isn't it?

[Skooter]

Would that be because the VW dealership sells Skoda as well?

"We don't have the Skoda files on our diagnostic machines because you have to pay for the files. "

Yep, pretty much the story I got from Bayford Epping. And pretty bloody weak as well.

If someone from one of these flash 'service centres' could explain how your $980 disappears (when the VW joint 500m away does the same work on essentially the same car for $300 less), I'd probably fork out the loot and keep my hands clean.

I might be a dolt when it comes to CPUs and DPF filters, but I know modern engines have oil and they have drain plugs and filters and filler caps, and aren't that diff from a bloody HR Holden (they even still have dipsticks)! And I know it don't take no genius to drain the oil and feed in some good new stuff (yep 507.00). Check pad and disc thickness? The computer tells you when they're low if you can't use a micrometer! Rotate the tyres? Check the lights? The service biz thrives on more than a little bit of smoke and mirrors, thinketh I.

Thanks for the tips on the VCDS, Brad. Any idea what level would be required for basic diagnostic? They offer about 4 different packs in ascending order of price. I can run the Mac in Windows so would probably just use the laptop. Not going to be plugged in very often, hopefully.

My next post will be asking about the pros and cons of remapping a TDI and whether a Provent 200 will ease the strain on the DPF filter (or is removal of that thing the best option?!).

[dArK5HaD0w]

Would that be because the VW dealership sells Skoda as well?

nope, the vw dealerships here in canberra do not sell skodas - the skoda dealership does.
canberra has just the 1 skoda dealership - lennock skoda.

the vw dealership is a few doors down, with the vw service centre next to it.
there r many other vw dealerships & service centres around canberra.

[brad]

that's not true.
there r many vw service centres that service skodas, in australia. i don't know of any dedicated "Skoda only" service centres.
in canberra for example - the vw service centre does all the dealer servicing & warranty.

Would that be because the VW dealership sells Skoda as well?

The dealer I bought my Skoda from in 2007 started as Skoda. 9 months later he got a VW franchise. 9 months later he dumped Skoda and suddenly "We are no longer able to provide computer diagnostics or warranty service for Skoda. Please go elsewhere."

I've rung a few Audi & VW dealers before I stopped using the factory service network. Consistently "We don't have the Skoda files on our diagnostic machines because you have to pay for the files. Sorry, we can't do warranty either. Sorry, we can't look up the correct part numbers for the spare parts."