Approximate service costs and approx. parts cost

[wfdTamar]

$1600! That's why I do it myself. The parts are under $200-250 and it's not all that difficult. I'm gonna hate it when I'm too old to do it.

[wfdTamar]

Just got charged $115.50 (I think 1 hours worth) to bleed the brakes and clutch and another $115.50 to replace the Haldex clutch oil. Fluids & oils on top of that. The whole lot was $317.95.

I had actually replaced the brake fluid but thought my bleeding hadn't worked properly as the pedal felt spongy, but it felt exactly the same after they had done it, so I must have done ok. Maybe it was ok and didn't need to be done.

The brake/clutch bleeding ok, expensive, but within the realms of believable, but the Haldex is dead easy once you have the car on a hoist, maybe 15 minutes work. A simple drain, then refill job.

Despite me leaving a clear note in the car stating not to do anything else (due to them not following verbal requests previously) they washed it and put that horrible shiny tyre paint on. They obviously thought they were doing me a favour, but I would prefer to wash my own car, with care, than pay them $120 per hour to do it roughly. After a short drive found the front number plate hanging by one screw. I could easily have lost it with the $170 cover. They obviously knocked it off when washing and worse - didn't tell me. As it was it cost me $25 to fix it.

This is why I hate having anybody else work on my car. Don't get me started on wheel alignments and tyre fitting - the damage and lack of knowledge.

[gadget007a]

just had first service done on my15.5 RS Diesel, they did a full wheel balance, rotation, wheel alignment and all up it was $441
$90ish for the wheel alignment which seems high but the comprehensive report they gave i think was worth it. it detailed not only the wheel angles before and after but also gave weight distribution & shock absorber rebound test.

[brad]

The last couple of alignments I've had were $180 & $140 - $180 was back in 2006 and $140 was 2010.

$90 is quite reasonable if they are using modern alignment machines.

[Martin]

4 wheel alignment is commonly $150+

Unusual to get weight distribution as most shops don't have the gear to do it
Those that do normally charge $300 for corner weighting

[gadget007a]

4 wheel alignment is commonly $150+

Unusual to get weight distribution as most shops don't have the gear to do it
Those that do normally charge $300 for corner weighting

i was surprised when I collected the car, but the workshop is less than a year old, the report even had a webcam shot of the car on the equipment.

[Martin]

Yes, it's strange as without adjustable coil overs there is no opportunity to adjust the corner weights, hence it's pointless to measure

[donweather]

$150+? Is this a dealer price?

I get a 4 wheel alignment including rotation and balance for $80.

[brad]

$150+? Is this a dealer price?

I get a 4 wheel alignment including rotation and balance for $80.

Nope.

Heaseman's at Tempe or Spinning Wheel Tyres at Waterloo are both around the $140 mark. My last visit to Heasemans they charged $120 to put it on the machine & extra for every adjustment (but they will adjust things that you wouldn't think possible). They are both really good at alignments. I don't mind paying a premium when the job is done properly.

There are plenty of places that charge $80. I even know a few that charge $50. Start talking to the "technician" and you soon realise why they are cheap.

Maybe you are very lucky with your guy and he has a clue.

[donweather]

Maybe you are very lucky with your guy and he has a clue.

This is a regular customer price. Not walk in off the street. Touch wood they've been good so far for my last 4-5 alignments with no odd tyre wear showing. I get one done each time I get a tyre rotation (every 7500 kms or so).

And they picked up my toe was severely out when I got my eibachs installed (note I didn't tell them I'd made suspension changes before I went in for the alignment just to see how good they actually were).

[woofy]

I'm due for some new tyres and as far as I recall haven't had an alignment in 7yrs but have perfect wear and no issues. Anyone good in the southeast of Melb. I used to use tyre power in mitcham but they are gone.

[wfdTamar]

I've got my last two sets of tyres off eBay (from big sellers with real stores) for a lot less than I can get them locally. If you wait till there's one of ebay's regular 15 or 20% off deals it can be very cheap. For example my last lot 225/40-18 Continental SportsContact 5 - $189 each delivered to Tas (delivery for 4 was $120).

[dportaz]

Got my 90,000 service coming up soon for my 2010 RS Petrol...

Wondering what is due..? I remember on my GTI I did the Timing belt at 90,000 so wondering if I gotta do the same thing...

I got the timing belt from ECS tuning so might look into doing the same if required...

[Martin]

Got my 90,000 service coming up soon for my 2010 RS Petrol...

Wondering what is due..? I remember on my GTI I did the Timing belt at 90,000 so wondering if I gotta do the same thing...

I got the timing belt from ECS tuning so might look into doing the same if required...

The Octavia vRS (mk2) used the EA888 engine which has a chain driven cam - not a belt

If you have not had the inlet cleaned out now would be a good time

[woofy]

The Mk2 FL had the timing chain, the pre FLs still have a cam belt that is replaced along with the water pump at 105k/7yrs whichever comes first. Just had it done on mine.