Which non-vw independent mechanics do you use? (Sydney)

[mk5 golf]

2 things.

Was the part listed on the receipt?

What is the licence number of the repairer? - you have consumer rights if you wish to pursue them.

The part is listed on the receipt and there is a licence number as well. I was thinking of making a complaint through office of fair trading but the guy who checked my car after this job said if it was a filter with paper around, it would get dirty very quickly (even after 5km of driving when I asked) that I wouldn't be able to tell whether it was replaced. I am thinking I might just replace it anyway in case something else goes wrong because of this. I really feel bad.

[Johnbu]

I haven't changed the oil in my GTI yet, but i don't think you can change the filter without draining the oil.

In my opinion, this is what I expect most 15/45k minors services to be like in reality.

drain oil, check fluids, replace filter, top up oil. reset service light.

I doubt you can pursue it further. I suppose all you can do is find another place that you feel more comfortable with at the next big 60k service.

[fuzion]

seb @ euroautomotive in girraween (north parra area) 0410-541-322

damian/dave/jono @ jade auto in roseberry (east sydney) 9663-0427

and matt @ Camden GTI is already mentioned for western syd! campbelltown 0423 051737

[brad]

I haven't changed the oil in my GTI yet, but i don't think you can change the filter without draining the oil.
.

The oil filter housing & the sump are indpendant of each other. Changing the filter by itself shouldn't be an issue.

To the OP: The mech probably did the work but he must be a dummy to not put on a show for the new customer that is looking at his work.

I used to get in the poop all the time because my customers, who had about the same mechanical knowledge as you, couldn't understand how the work was done so quick. I started putting on a show for the onlookers & explained what I was doing & why - it would add 10 minutes to the job (which they paid for) and they would gain confidence in my abilities as a mechanic.

The guy has blown his opportunity to pick up a new customer, best you move on, stop crying & find another mechanic.

[mk5 golf]

I haven't changed the oil in my GTI yet, but i don't think you can change the filter without draining the oil.

In my opinion, this is what I expect most 15/45k minors services to be like in reality.

drain oil, check fluids, replace filter, top up oil. reset service light.

I doubt you can pursue it further. I suppose all you can do is find another place that you feel more comfortable with at the next big 60k service.

Yeah I will look into the ones suggested by members here for 60k service. Thanks.

seb @ euroautomotive in girraween (north parra area) 0410-541-322

damian/dave/jono @ jade auto in roseberry (east sydney) 9663-0427

and matt is already mentioned for outter western syd!

Thanks for the information fuzion.

The oil filter housing & the sump are indpendant of each other. Changing the filter by itself shouldn't be an issue.

To the OP: The mech probably did the work but he must be a dummy to not put on a show for the new customer that is looking at his work.

I used to get in the poop all the time because my customers, who had about the same mechanical knowledge as you, couldn't understand how the work was done so quick. I started putting on a show for the onlookers & explained what I was doing & why - it would add 10 minutes to the job (which they paid for) and they would gain confidence in my abilities as a mechanic.

The guy has blown his opportunity to pick up a new customer, best you move on, stop crying & find another mechanic.

Thanks for the advice. Will do that for next service.

[les88]

why didn't you take the car to a VW dealer for the service. If it was to save money the stress that you have put yourself thru ....enough said
les

[mk5 golf]

why didn't you take the car to a VW dealer for the service. If it was to save money the stress that you have put yourself thru ....enough said
les

As I mentioned in my initial post, the car was out of its factory warranty - it expired August last year and couldn't see the need of having it done at vw service.

[neil]

As I mentioned in my initial post, the car was out of its factory warranty - it expired August last year and couldn't see the need of having it done at vw service.

I'm no mechanic, but my advice to you is to take the advice from some of the
posters here on mechanics they have suggested.
I have heard these names mentioned numerous times over the years and
never heard a bad word about them.

Sounds like you have been stressing and that's a shame with your first
experience with a VW car. Get them to check for the problem and sort it
out as soon as possible and start enjoying your car.

[mk5 golf]

I'm no mechanic, but my advice to you is to take the advice from some of the
posters here on mechanics they have suggested.
I have heard these names mentioned numerous times over the years and
never heard a bad word about them.

Sounds like you have been stressing and that's a shame with your first
experience with a VW car. Get them to check for the problem and sort it
out as soon as possible and start enjoying your car.

Thanks for that neil. As I was reading through old threads I've also noticed that some of the mechanics have been mentioned consistently over the years. I will definitely go with one of them.

[Jmac]

I am efficient with my work, like to get the cars in and out as painlessly as I can for my customers and myself.
20 minutes seems like a record for a service on any Golf, tyre pressures including spare, lubing door parts, checking for fault codes, resetting the service indicator and testing.
I allow up to 1.25 hours for a normal 45,000 km service.
Cheers, Andrew

Agreed Andrew, way too quick, you got to check the thing over, when i was with VW they did a mystery shop every once in a while and they brought a Golf4 in with relatively low kss, so the tech never checked the brakes according to the kss. Vw fitted worn ones to the car and the brakes were ticked good on the inspection sheet, never assume. Egg on the face of the tech let me tell you. How can you have confidence that you checked it over , scanned for faults and cleaned any marks off etc.
Interesting
Jmac

[johnc]

I get Derek and Adam over at European Autotech to do my servicing (and modifications). Couldn't be happier.