Skoda (VW?) Independent Service & Tune in Sydney

[Andres]

Hi all - we're now the proud owners of a 2012 Octavia vRS (petrol, 6MT).

I'm keen to get the car serviced in the near future, mainly just an oil change as I like to know what's in there. (It's ~ 10k from the next scheduled service).
Also thinking of a 'Stage 1' ECU tune at some point in the near future, so it would be good if the mechanic is capable of these.

I would like to develop a relationship with a decent mechanic as I'm a believer in return custom results in a better quality job (and 'ownership' over the work).

Who are some of the recommended mechanics in the Sydney inner-west areas?
Are VW specialists generally the way to go? (Don't imagine there's many Skoda specialists).
I've seen Exoticars in Paramatta come up a few times in the forum, but somewhere a tad closer would be nice.

Appreciate any suggestions!

[GTR27]

Camden GTI get a good wrap here also. Good to see you join us on this forum Andres! You will love your skoda, and enjoy many fun miles in it.

I've had a bluefin on my previous RS and it was decent - gave a good solid improvement to the performance, however I believer APR tunes are slightly better (more power). A downpipe make a good difference to these cars also. There are a few owners here with some substantial mods, so I assume they will pipe up and help you out (although, there is a tuning specific sub forum which probably already has the answers to your questions!)

VW specialists will have the knowledge required to service your skoda properly (mechanically identical).

[kamold]

Vwvillage are in Kensington. They do revo technik performance products.

[jettaboy]

+1 VW Village... George knows his stuff!

[Andres]

Hi GTR27 - funny seeing you here!

VW Village seems like a goer. Pretty close to my wife's workplace and a bit of googling seems to show positive responses.

[GTR27]

Yeah, I have ordered another skoda - really regret selling my RS as it is easily the best car I ever owned - especially as far as all round ability/every day usability went. I've had other cars that did individual things better (like performance, or the ESP, or brakes etc) but none that combined it all together in one package. A wagon is such a handy beast to have, I decided to get another one. A mid spec model this time, but if i'm honest, the wife drives the car 90% of the time, and its around town, so the 1.4L makes sense (and tbh, its a ripper of an engine!). Maybe later down the track i'll get another RS, but i'm actually hoping to jump straight to a M135i for my next car.....

EDIT: Maybe that helps with some reliability confidence? I put my money where my mouth is Sadly there are a lot of nay-sayers on forums around VAG cars, but its centred on a few engine/gearbox combos (but VW does have a habit of burning people in aus - just denying outright faults on those models). Overall they make fantastic cars.

[Mysticality]

Mines been serviced at Camden GTI since (I think) 90,000km... Its about to hit 195,000km

Its gotten to the stage where I can walk into the workshop, grab the VCDS cable and bugger off for 10min with it. They're good guys (and girl) and know what they're doing.

[Martin]

especially as far as all round ability/every day usability went.

That's what I think about the Octavia wagon also

The best place I've used for VAG servicing is these guys:
European Autotech Pty Limited
4/8 Taronga Place
Mona Vale NSW 2103
[p] 02 9979.4484
[f] 02 9979.4384
[e] derek@europeanautotech.com.au
[w] European Autotech: Audi Service Sydney | VW Service Sydney | Specialised Audi And VW Mechanics Sydney |Mona Vale