Service is NOT done by dealership, Good or Bad?

[betasoot]

Hi there,

I have mk6 golf 118tis and just got the 45000 kms service done by a local garage not dealership. i like to ask the opinions.

I bought oil and filter from the dealership in Glen, the cost is: castrol professional oil $88 and VW filter $38. Then took my car to a local garage, who charged me $30 for the labour and stamped. Of course did not get car wash and a big smile.
But the total is $160.

My idea was not just trying saving $200, is more about why we have to pay so much for doing such a simple job.

I may be wrong, the negative thing i can think of is when i am selling it the buyer would feel less confident.

Thanks for sharing.

[Bug_racer]

you did an oil and filter change not a service .....

[betasoot]

what's the difference?

[Whitegti11]

I prefer independent servicing for two reasons. Firstly they are almost always cheaper and secondly they offer you independent advice regarding faults with your car which should be fixed under warranty. I'm not saying that dealerships are corrupt but your independent mechanic is more likely to point out slight oil leak and suggest you get it fixed under warranty whereas the dealer might overlook it and not think its worth fixing. Kind of holds the dealer more accountable.

[Ryan_R]

I alternate between dealer and garage, the dealer checks for other things and there might be software updates. If you want to save some money you could buy your own approved oil cheaper elsewhere and ask the service guys to use that.

[Finance_Analyst]

I think what you paid for the oil filter was too much - I got a genuine one for my GTI for $28 (which I thought was steep compared to my old man's beema 335i which was $24). And I got Shell Helix Ultra 504 at $66 (on sale though, RRP $7. Unless the 118TSI uses different oil and filter?

[Whitegti11]

I alternate between dealer and garage, the dealer checks for other things and there might be software updates. If you want to save some money you could buy your own approved oil cheaper elsewhere and ask the service guys to use that.

I think alternating is a good idea, think I will definitely get my 60k service done at dealer with the DSG service.

[sbowden]

Dig deeper than just your wallet

Before you can choose which is the best service option (Dealer or Independent) you need to consider how long you'll keep the vehicle, how many K's you'll do, whether you will sell privately or trade it in on your next car, whether you'll be buying another VW, and finally your tax position on the way through.

If you're keeping the vehicle for less than 4 years, especially if you'll be selling within the manufacturers 3yr warranty, and intending to sell privately to maximise your sale price, then it's likely the second-hand VW buyer will place a value-premium on the dealer-serviced car with its full book history and dealer stamps.

If you're trading the same-age vehicle, that premium is slightly lessened because the VW dealer can reassure potential purchasers with their own "120 point inspection" or warranty. Other non-VW dealer same to a lesser degree. So the extra dough spent on dealer services is somewhat diluted.

If you're selling the car at 5+ years then the market is unlikely to pay a premium for the dealer-serviced car unless it has very low k's for its age. Lower K cars attract a more critical buyer who may pay a premium for the dealer stamps. I've seen this a lot when fathers are buying for daughters who are going to be living some distance away (etc)...the cash is tight, but they still want the daughter to be problem-free.

Add to this your tax position (can you claim 60-70% or so of your vehicle costs) and the picture may just be swayed toward dealer servicing a bit more.

Both alternatives have their advantages, but it isn't just a matter of who is cheaper up front.

PS, I'm not a dealer, don't work for a dealer, am not related to one!!...but have been in and around the car industry for many many years

[betasoot]

Before you can choose which is the best service option (Dealer or Independent) you need to consider how long you'll keep the vehicle, how many K's you'll do, whether you will sell privately or trade it in on your next car, whether you'll be buying another VW, and finally your tax position on the way through.

If you're keeping the vehicle for less than 4 years, especially if you'll be selling within the manufacturers 3yr warranty, and intending to sell privately to maximise your sale price, then it's likely the second-hand VW buyer will place a value-premium on the dealer-serviced car with its full book history and dealer stamps.

If you're trading the same-age vehicle, that premium is slightly lessened because the VW dealer can reassure potential purchasers with their own "120 point inspection" or warranty. Other non-VW dealer same to a lesser degree. So the extra dough spent on dealer services is somewhat diluted.

If you're selling the car at 5+ years then the market is unlikely to pay a premium for the dealer-serviced car unless it has very low k's for its age. Lower K cars attract a more critical buyer who may pay a premium for the dealer stamps. I've seen this a lot when fathers are buying for daughters who are going to be living some distance away (etc)...the cash is tight, but they still want the daughter to be problem-free.

Add to this your tax position (can you claim 60-70% or so of your vehicle costs) and the picture may just be swayed toward dealer servicing a bit more.

Both alternatives have their advantages, but it isn't just a matter of who is cheaper up front.

PS, I'm not a dealer, don't work for a dealer, am not related to one!!...but have been in and around the car industry for many many years

Very helpful, Thanks!!