Where to go for service in Melbourne?

[warhead]

My GT TSI (manual transmission) is due for its first service in about 5-6 weeks and I'm looking around for a place to service it.

Originally bought at Barloworld in Glen Waverly but they're a bit far to get to (40 odd mins away).

I'm looking for a decent (and cheap hehe) place around the city area or north melbourne area.

Does anyone know how much I should expect to pay? I'll probably have about 8000km on the clock.

First VW, first car and to top it off, relatively new to Melbourne as well so I'm not too sure about these things.

Thanks

[STV4SYT]

They are all much the same, will hear good and bad about all service centres. Just go for the one that is most convenient and least hassle for you, eg time that suits you, courtesy car. i think your closest one is Essendon vw, which funnily enough isnt even in Essendon but Moonee Ponds, which is closer for you anyway.

[jb747]

You could give Volkspower in Burwood a go.

[Mixer]

I don't know about the service centre specifically but Don who is the dealer principal at Essendon is a top bloke, I would have bought my car there but I managed to skip the waiting list at Werribee.

[wokwn]

The service quality at Camberwell is superb but they are expensive and keep doing a 4 wheel alignment every service. I've had three services with them and they did an alignment (at $90) each time. I'm not a rally driver so it seems completley uneccesary to me. Maybe one day I'll remember to tell them not to do it before I drop the car off.

[warhead]

How much did you pay for service there (camberwell) wokwn?

[wokwn]

How much did you pay for service there (camberwell) wokwn?

15,000 was $443

I'm quite confused as to the servicing intervals but don't want to hijack this thread.

[blutopless2]

service intervals are 15000.
I would shop around or go to wherever is most convenient for you and most importantly that they look after you.
there is always someone who has a horror story from a dealership.
I have found that you only find out how good they are when you have trouble with the car and want something done about it.

[wokwn]

My confusion relates to what is required and what is dealer-money-making.

I had a service done at 7,500 (that appeared to have all the items in the 15,000 service e.e oil, filter, check lots of stuff). The dealer wrote in the logbook that the next service was to be at 15,000. The engine computer had next service at 22,500* as did the Castrol sticker they stuck on the windscreen.

So I got the next service at 22,500 (actually 21,800). The service is shown on the docket as the 15,000/1yr service. The service guy said that it was late and I need to stick to the K's and bring it back in at 30,000 for that service which will include a brake fluid change and some other stuff. The computer says service at 37,000ish* or 374 days and the new Castrol sticker on the windscreen says a similar number (along with a smiley face and the words 'thank you'.) The log book has next service due at 30,000.

My concern is that if I don't bring it in at 30,000 (i.e. in 8,000 k's) I will jeaopardise my warranty.

---
*Display actually says service in #k's but the number keeps going down (of course) so I wrote it as 'service at'.

[OilBurna]

booked in next Wed @ Essendon VW for 15000km service. Will let u know how I go.. Est cost is $381... ouch... Will wait while they do it..

[jdd]

My understanding is that the normal service interval is every 15,000km/12 months, whichever occurs first.
The dealer I bought mine from (Camberwell) said they recommend an oil change at 7,500km although it was not compulsory. They then said to continue on with the 15,000 30,000 etc services as normal.
The only time where they recommend servicing every 7,500 with the exception of the first couple is when/if the car is driven in extreme conditions, this includes many short trips where the engine never reaches operating temp.

[wokwn]

Thanks JDD, that makes sense.

Does anyone know what the 30,000 costs for a TDI?

I'll guess and say $650

[OilBurna]

had 15,000km service done today at essendon vw they are only 10 mins from the city ie Moonee Ponds. you can catch a tram back if you like. Cost was $379 (they stated $381) up front so can't complain, and includes a free wash if you so desire and a coffee. No complaints from me, took them about 2 hours. They also do a full safety check (saw them doing part of it) and scan to see if any fault codes logged. They mentioned you can come back any time for a free oil top up if required. Overall would reccomend.

[warhead]

had 15,000km service done today at essendon vw they are only 10 mins from the city ie Moonee Ponds. you can catch a tram back if you like. Cost was $379 (they stated $381) up front so can't complain, and includes a free wash if you so desire and a coffee. No complaints from me, took them about 2 hours. They also do a full safety check (saw them doing part of it) and scan to see if any fault codes logged. They mentioned you can come back any time for a free oil top up if required. Overall would reccomend.

Did you also buy the car from them?

[OilBurna]

no rex gorell in geelong bit far for a service though