Dealer Servicing = Disappointing

[Smead]

Dealer Servicing = Disappointing

You'd have to check with your leasing company to see if they are happy if you go to an independent. I can't see any problems though

[Yao]

I'm also with Smartleasing but haven't yet done my 15k service - due early next year. From memory, Smartleasing allows you to decide who you want to service your car. They just have to call Smartleasing first for approval to proceed. It was one of the things I was interested in as I wanted the flexibility to choose where I service my car.

[dArK5HaD0w]

as others have mentioned vw canberra centre in belconnen or tuggernong.
they r a busy mob - so u'll have to book well in advance!!

lennock skoda does not do the servicing - its lennock vw that does the servicing, hence why we take it to the vw service centre.

i don't know if they've actually rotated my tyres during servicing. haven't checked/noticed.
maybe i should from now on.

[ox518]

as others have mentioned vw canberra centre in belconnen or tuggernong.
they r a busy mob - so u'll have to book well in advance!!

lennock skoda does not do the servicing - its lennock vw that does the servicing, hence why we take it to the vw service centre.

i don't know if they've actually rotated my tyres during servicing. haven't checked/noticed.
maybe i should from now on.

I don't mind if lennock VW does the service as long as they do the job properly. Even for Lennock, I booked my service 3 weeks in advance...

[BlackSuperb]

Dealer Servicing = Disappointing

Doesn't your lease company pay for the service? My lease company specifies the vehicle must be serviced at a network dealer. I get to chose the dealer though.

If your lease deal is the same as mine, then the lease company would take an interest in being billed for work not done.

[Rooboy]

My leasing company provides a Caltex starcard. So long as the service centre accepts starcard, and most VAG centres I've seen do, no problems. They just call starcard for pre approval and the work is done with the benefit to me of trade pricing on parts

[K1W1]

They just call starcard for pre approval and the work is done with the benefit to me of trade pricing on parts

What actually happens is that the leasing company tells the dealer straight up that they are only prepared to pay $x for the service and if the dealer will not agree to that then they cannot do the work. The result is that because the dealer is being short changed on what they would normally get for a service they cut corners and skimp wherever they can. The "benefit" to the driver of the car is negligible at best and not a benefit at all at worst.

[Rooboy]

What actually happens is that the leasing company tells the dealer straight up that they are only prepared to pay $x for the service and if the dealer will not agree to that then they cannot do the work. The result is that because the dealer is being short changed on what they would normally get for a service they cut corners and skimp wherever they can. The "benefit" to the driver of the car is negligible at best and not a benefit at all at worst.

If that were completely true then no dealer would accept the starcard lol. Why would you sign up to it to be screwed over?

[K1W1]

If that were completely true then no dealer would accept the starcard lol. Why would you sign up to it to be screwed over?

Perception of increased business based on the sales pitch and a fear that they will somehow miss out if they don't. Many do sign up and then after a reasonably short period cease to accept the cards. It works for some dealers but doesn't for an awful lot.

[Turtl]

They just ripped you off. Typcial really. Next you'll need brake pads and rotors. Tell 'em get nicked and provide measurement proof of the disc wear and pad remaining - directly compare with new parts.

My advice, get a wheel alignment every 15,000kms from a specialist wheel alignment and suspension specialist (eg. Penrith Wholesale Suspensions), make sure your tyre pressures are 3-4 psi higher than recommended setting, replace air with Nitrogen, and NEVER rotate tyres. I'm get at least 120,000kms+ from a back set of tyres, and that's with a lot of towing. Fronts, I get 30,000kms and I'm fine with that as it's diesel with lots of torque, and I typically flog the crapper out it anyway.

But, it means I'm getting about 30,000kms more for the same amount of tyres worn...if they rotate each service cycle.

[Antiplastix]

Replace air with Nitrogen ??? Oh and dont forget to add snake oil to the sump.

[donweather]

replace air with Nitrogen

OMG.....the % of Nitrogen in air is already 78%!!!! So the tyre places that tell you to put 100% nitrogen in your tyres (and they charge you $10 per tyre) as it has all these wonderful magical powers/benefits don't tell you that you're only getting an additional 22% of nitrogen compared to what you get for free at the petrol station tyre inflator!!!!

[BlackSuperb]

Dealer Servicing = Disappointing

Large aircraft use 100% nitrogen in their tyres.

[Mysticality]

Large aircraft use 100% nitrogen in their tyres.

Skoda Octavia [does not =] large aircraft.
... Skoda Superb, maybe!

[joel0407]

I'm get at least 120,000kms+ from a back set of tyres

Do you get much sparkes from the steel belts?

Just jokes. I have got similar Km from 4x4 tyres.

Happy Days.