£754 for 60k service from dealers- is this a reasonable price?

[swgti]

The price is from a dealer based in Edinburgh. Any recommendations for garages up this way?

My friend said the danger with going to a private garage is that they may not use VW parts or might not even change the timing belt if the old one still looks ok. Not really sure what to do to be honest.

Try these lot - http://www.gtiworld.co.uk/

A lot of independant specialists will only use OEM parts and as long as they've been recommended to you shopuld be ok.

[scotta]

The price is from a dealer based in Edinburgh. Any recommendations for garages up this way?

My friend said the danger with going to a private garage is that they may not use VW parts or might not even change the timing belt if the old one still looks ok. Not really sure what to do to be honest.

Try these lot - http://www.gtiworld.co.uk/

A lot of independant specialists will only use OEM parts and as long as they've been recommended to you shopuld be ok.

That lot are western vw the main dealer.

[dodds-gttdi]

The price is from a dealer based in Edinburgh. Any recommendations for garages up this way?

My friend said the danger with going to a private garage is that they may not use VW parts or might not even change the timing belt if the old one still looks ok. Not really sure what to do to be honest.

I'm from just outside Edinburgh and work in Loanhead. Autohaus have done me an excellent service over the last year I've used them. They were set up by two Audi specialists and now employ a couple of guys with experience in the VAG Group. They dabble a little in BMW, Range Rover and Porsche but have learnt their trade on VAg cars. Have a look at www.autohausedinburgh.co.uk for their details. Tell them Sandy from MacTaggart's send you. 

[richtung]

Ive used the dealers in the past for servicing and have a couple of points for you to consider:

For the service, does the dealer you got the quote from use Long Life oil? for mine (2007 ED30) VW manchester wanted to user normal oil and i had to pay extra for the to use LL oil (an extra £30 IIRC).

Does the service include spark plugs? Even though spark plugs are on the list of items covered in the major service, the dealers will only change the plugs as stated in the manual for your vehicle (i believe the plugs are quite expensive). I think its 60k for the GTI so yours will be due. However, i change mine every 2 years so would have to pay extra if i wanted to change them more frequently.

consider getting the timing belt and water pump from Dave at SERE motors - its a SEAT dealer so the parts are genuine VAG and come with the 2 year warranty. I saved £100 on the kit from Dave.

Rich

[Beattie]

Star Performance in Kirkcaldy

I'm going there on Saturday. Getting a major service done plus tracking, air con, haldex oil for rear diff and also remapped. £650 inc VAT. Cracking price.

[Frodo-anni]

When regarding cambelt i feel easier paying that little more to a dealer just incase somethings goes wrong.

I can only speak about my local dealer 'White Rose VW' in crosshills, they have always reduced the rates, gone out of there way to fit me in even when booked up for a few weeks. Example of this came on my mk4 when the aux belt tensioner failed on a saturday morning. Gave them a ring asking cost ect and when it could be done, reply.....' Drop it in now and i will fit it in and it will be ready for 1pm when we finish' 

They have fought my corner on many an out of warranty claim before, even when the window regs failed on the mk4 i paid about £90 for it to be fixed, day after they rang me, refunded the money and said we've done it good will and will chase VW HQ for the money, also can we have it back as we will do the otherside for you also!!.

It always pays to build up a good rapport with your dealer and ask for a price reduction!

[ashw831]

Midland vw just quoted me £490 for everything (belt, tensioners, water pump and minor service and full inspection with diagnostics report).
 Central vw and Audi then quoted me £480 for the same...