how much for your first service/15k?

[ozgti]

Just got mine back. $550 with Amex surcharge!

[MariusGT]

$550 for a 15k service?!!

While I understand the oil used is not a run o the mill $30 flask... How that pricing is established I'll never understand.

Yes I know some dealers offer loan cars and maybe a cup of tea while you wait for some paperwork to be filled out- but it's just plain rude to rip off your client base.

I rang several local dealers when I was looking into my first service and was quoted $400+ from all of them. The independent I HAD been using for several years I flicked because they tacked on a $20 charge for window washer fluid!!! WTF!?

Yes I know after spending 30k on a car why skimp on servicing? I used to service my mk4 (fluid/filter changes, even changed the brake discs at the front and pads all round once!! W help from brother in law...) I just think some people charge waaay to much. There can't be that many numb nuts out there who keep bringing their cars back to be bent over can there?

[brad]

Just got mine back. $550 with Amex surcharge!

What, did they give you a lap dance as well?

$550 for a 15,000? Please name & shame this Ned Kelly of a dealer.

[dave_r]

What, did they give you a lap dance as well?

LOL. From memory, Barloworld GW charged almost that much for the yearly services I had done on my parents MK5 Golf and I didn't get a lap dance either. Please name this lap dancing dealer

I got quoted about $220-250 for the 7500km oil change on the Polo which is a ****ing joke. I thought Ford and Nissan were rip offs. Haven't got around to ringing the local independent specialists yet.

[Mountainman]

My Golf cost $60 more than my Forester at the same VW/Subaru dealer in the same workshop for the same basic oil/filter service. Oil and labour cost more and then that adds to extra GST.

[prise]

It a simple case of supply and demand. VW sales have increased significantly since the Mk6 came out and the AUD to Euro exchange rate firmed. I've read that this has been the best year for VW in Australia since 1963 and the service centres near me seem to be busy all the time so there's no incentive for them to compete against each other. Mind you if they jack up the prices too far, word will get out that the car is expensive to service and that will hurt sales at the bottom end of the product range - VW Australia take note.

As for what we can do about it - that depends on what your plans are for the car. If you're keeping the car longer term, a good independant can be a good option. If you have it on a lease or are getting rid of it after 3 years then the dealer stamp in the book is more important than $100 a year saved on the service.

[Corey_R]

As for what we can do about it - that depends on what your plans are for the car. If you're keeping the car longer term, a good independant can be a good option. If you have it on a lease or are getting rid of it after 3 years then the dealer stamp in the book is more important than $100 a year saved on the service.

This is something very important for people to note down! Potential purchasers, even dealers, would have no idea who some random independant is, and this could negatively affect your trade-in/resale. So having your car serviced at a dealer is important. But then, if you're keeping the car for ten years, service it wherever you want as long as they have the required equipment, information, and skill

[Syd118TSI]

...and as long as your factory warranty is not impaired in any way.

[brad]

...and as long as your factory warranty is not impaired in any way.

this is all you need to maintain warranty

as long as they have the required equipment, information, and skill

[MkVIGTI]

Just got mine back. $550 with Amex surcharge!

I thought the first service is only meant to be $300-400? Maybe I should ring around before bringing my car in for my 1st service. Is there any problem in using a different VW dealer than the one I purchased from?

[Corey_R]

Is there any problem in using a different VW dealer than the one I purchased from?

As per the comments directly above, you don't even have to use a VW dealer!

[xblode]

Got my 15K GTI service @ Essendon yesterday. $398 which included $22 for a courtesy car.

[DeeViouS]

got my first service done over the weekend for $395 at VW Liverpool. i think im gonna have to look for a vw specialist for my next service... hopefully it'll be abit cheaper..

[REXman]

got my first service done over the weekend for $395 at VW Liverpool. i think im gonna have to look for a vw specialist for my next service... hopefully it'll be abit cheaper..

Hey that's not cheap! What car?

I am blown away by this thread and how much servicing costs.. For these luxury cars! I mean they are just small hatches

[Transporter]

Hey that's not cheap! What car?

I am blown away by this thread and how much servicing costs.. For these luxury cars! I mean they are just small hatches

How much the other dealers charge? I mean, the dealers of other brands of the small hatches!

Also remember that;
The VW specifies using synthetic oil in engine, many (most) other brands don't. That means they can use $3.00/L engine oil in you brand new car. I don't know if I would want that. I see too many engines filled up with sludge to the brim, sadly they done as low as 45,000km.