Service Centre Recommendations

[Sebast]

+2 for Derek ...

[jacs]

Not impressed with 15000km service by dealership.

Not a fan of going back to dealerships for servicing, but i thought it'd be nice to have the VW stamp at least once in the log book.
Anyway, after driving out of the service dept at Campbelltown, i pulled over just to have a quick check under the bonnet. To be honest, the oil on the dipstick didnt look as clean as i wouldve expected, but i put it down to my paranoia, so dismissed the thought.

After getting home and the car being parked for an hour or so, I noticed a small pool (about 7cm) of oil under the sump plug. Further inspection revealed that the sump plug was leaking so i tightened it a touch (It seemed tight enough), cleaned the surrounding area and went for a drive til the engine oil was hot again, returned home, looked underneath, leak was there again.

It was Saturday, so couldnt get it back til Monday morning, but over the weekend had a closer look under the bonnet, and suspected the oil filter hadnt been changed. The hose that runs over the top, has a spacer grommet that rests on the filter. This spacer had caused a dust/dirty mark on the filter as if it had been there for some time (the car was bought in sept 2011), i cant imagine this dust/dirty mark on a brand new filter. My assumption was that the oil i initially checked wasnt as clean, as it was mixed with what was left in the original filter (about 200ml at a guess), but like i said, no real proof, just lots of suspician.

On returning the car 1st thing Monday morning, i informed the tech behind the counter of the leak, and also mentioned that I suspected the filter had not been changed. He guarenteed me it had (as i knew he would). I also played the soft approach and said that its possible it was forgotten, an easy error to make, especially if you are busy !!

I waited an hour or so while they worked on the car (it was good they attended to it immediately!). Upon completion, they apologised, i drove out, and once again checked under the bonnet just down the street from the service dept., removing the dipstick revealed the oil was definately cleaner (wiped it on my fingers), the area around the sump plug was dry and not leaking, and the oil filter looked like a brand spanker. (either that or it was well cleaned)

I ummed & rrrrrd about writing this thread, but in the end its up to readers to make there minds up. Personally, i dont think i could go to a dealership again (Ive been bitten before) unless there's a waiting room with glass partioning the workshop, which i know some dealerships now have, but i'll most likely do my own, or go to one of the few VW specialists in Sydney or outer areas upon recommendation by someone.

[Enforcer001]

My GTi has been back to that dealership twice for warranty work, nothing but great service, cant complain, had the mechatronics unit fail in my dsg and the water pump fail on separate occasions, both times car was up and running in a week.

I called around all the other big dealers in sydney told me there was a 3 week wait.

[SilvrFoxX]

what a pain, I suggest you just don't take it to that VW service centre, pick another in your area.. I like the VW stamp too

[jacs]

My GTi has been back to that dealership twice for warranty work, nothing but great service, cant complain, had the mechatronics unit fail in my dsg and the water pump fail on separate occasions, both times car was up and running in a week.

I called around all the other big dealers in sydney told me there was a 3 week wait.

Great to hear, which dealer are we talking about?

[Enforcer001]

Paul Wakeling VW service Center, got my 60k service due in a few months will be calling and getting qoutes from there first.
Is that the same one you went too?

[jacs]

yes, it sure was......60k service includes dsg service right ?

[Ozram]

Not disputing you had a problem jacs. But Paul Wakeling's are in the process of moving the service department to a custom built separate facility next to the sales offices. Currently they are using the same cramped workshop as Holden, Mitsubishi, Hyundai etc.

I've had all of our servicing & warranty work done there for the last 3 years and can't really fault them TBH.

[Umai Naa!!]

Correct.

The 60,000klm service includes a DSG oil and filter change.

[Enforcer001]

Sure does, i consider myself lucky, when i had the mechatronics device in the DSG replaced they replaced all oils and filters ofcourse all under warranty, saving me a fair bit coming to the next service.

['fatboy']

Best servicing options in Melbourne

Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone can recommend a good service centre in Melbourne besides the usual dealerships? I'm only 2 yrs into our VW 118 TSI DSG golf ownership. Will warranty still be maintained if i go to a non dealer service agent?

thanks

[SilvrFoxX]

Warranty is in place as long as you comply with the manufacturers recommended service schedule by a registered service provider. Waarranty work itself will have to be done through a VW service centre if it is identified by a non VW servicing agent

[jacs]

Not disputing you had a problem jacs. But Paul Wakeling's are in the process of moving the service department to a custom built separate facility next to the sales offices. Currently they are using the same cramped workshop as Holden, Mitsubishi, Hyundai etc.

I've had all of our servicing & warranty work done there for the last 3 years and can't really fault them TBH.

Yes, i was told that (stand alone service centre), my local (Mcgraths VW at Kirrawee) has the same set up too......................looks impressive, i have the feeling it may be a VWA requirement for future service centres. Can only be an advantage to customers !

[jacs]

Warranty is in place as long as you comply with the manufacturers recommended service schedule by a registered service provider. Waarranty work itself will have to be done through a VW service centre if it is identified by a non VW servicing agent

"Registered service provider" !!!!............are you 100% certain?, i was under the impression that as long as the servicing was performed by a licenced mechanic, using genuine parts, the warranty is valid?

[SilvrFoxX]

"Registered service provider" !!!!............are you 100% certain?, i was under the impression that as long as the servicing was performed by a licenced mechanic, using genuine parts, the warranty is valid?

My bad.. you are correct , thats what I meant.. too long in IT