Main dealer car servicing

[scouser]

I have a vw and was just wondering does anyone know if the main dealers will haggle over servicing costs, just had a look on a few local vw dealer websites but it just states that it's fixed pricing. That might say it all really but just wondered what peoples experiences are .

[Trusty ian]

My condolences on having a VW. But that aside, most main dealers will usually match or better the fixed price quoted from another dealer not to far from you. I worked in a few dealerships( mechanic) and service advisers have generally been the ok to match or better the service. Then when they have you and your car in its a race to claw it back with extra work or extras like air con service, engine and fuel treatments, brake fluid changes. You get the picture. 🤑

[gl20]

I’m not sure about VW specifically but I know others in the VAG group definitely do.

[stecee]

Originally Posted by Trusty ian

My condolences on having a VW. But that aside, most main dealers will usually match or better the fixed price quoted from another dealer not to far from you. I worked in a few dealerships( mechanic) and service advisers have generally been the ok to match or better the service. Then when they have you and your car in its a race to claw it back with extra work or extras like air con service, engine and fuel treatments, brake fluid changes. You get the picture. 🤑

See more...

Can you explain why you say this? (In bold)

[disney20042012]

Originally Posted by stecee

Can you explain why you say this? (In bold)

See more...

Obviously no taste

[Trusty ian]

Originally Posted by stecee

Can you explain why you say this? (In bold)

See more...

I'm jesting with you. But having been a mechanic for 40 yrs I've seen the good and bad in most makes.

[MOUSEMARSH]

Originally Posted by scouser

I have a vw and was just wondering does anyone know if the main dealers will haggle over servicing costs, just had a look on a few local vw dealer websites but it just states that it's fixed pricing. That might say it all really but just wondered what peoples experiences are .

See more...

We have VW Golf, the main dealer price was horrendous so we found a VW authorised Independent service centre. Checked them out by just giving them reg number and asking them to confirm what the history was etc. They called me back and provided the full history of the vehicle, mileage at last service, when mot was due, what was required on the next service etc. Weve used them ever since and they are half the price.

[Pino_Spetzberg]

Originally Posted by scouser

I have a vw and was just wondering does anyone know if the main dealers will haggle over servicing costs, just had a look on a few local vw dealer websites but it just states that it's fixed pricing.

See more...

If you want or need to use an authorised main dealer for service, you've already looked at options within a reasonable distance, e-mail them and ask if they have any special offers.
Autumn promotions, Winter promotions, things like that can vary, depending on how busy they are.
Fixed price menu servicing, allows independents to undercut the published prices.
If you e-mail the independents, ask them to quote for exactly what you need.
VW Long Life oil and filter, DSG and filter, Haldex and filter, Dust & Pollen filter, Air Filter, spark plugs, brake fluid change, anti-freeze check, lubricating bonnet, boot, door arresters etc.
You can then contact your main dealer to ask if they will match the prices. Sometimes they won't match but will discount from fixed price menu.
In my experience unless you clarify exactly what VW (or AUDI) are going to do, they just do their schedule and tick boxes. Hence a £445 Major Service, won't touch Haldex or DSG for example.

In my opinion unless it's a special car (VW R or AUDI RS), I would use a trusted independent specialist for everything, and wouldn't go near a main dealer at all.

[scouser]

Originally Posted by Pino_Spetzberg

If you want or need to use an authorised main dealer for service, you've already looked at options within a reasonable distance, e-mail them and ask if they have any special offers.
Autumn promotions, Winter promotions, things like that can vary, depending on how busy they are.
Fixed price menu servicing, allows independents to undercut the published prices.
If you e-mail the independents, ask them to quote for exactly what you need.
VW Long Life oil and filter, DSG and filter, Haldex and filter, Dust & Pollen filter, Air Filter, spark plugs, brake fluid change, anti-freeze check, lubricating bonnet, boot, door arresters etc.
You can then contact your main dealer to ask if they will match the prices. Sometimes they won't match but will discount from fixed price menu.
In my experience unless you clarify exactly what VW (or AUDI) are going to do, they just do their schedule and tick boxes. Hence a £445 Major Service, won't touch Haldex or DSG for example.

In my opinion unless it's a special car (VW R or AUDI RS), I would use a trusted independent specialist for everything, and wouldn't go near a main dealer at all.

See more...

Thanks for all the info, there is apparently (after much research) a very good vw specialist not too far away so I will ring them tommorow morning for a quote.