Servicing and Service History

[Nodz]

I know this topic has probably been done to death but its that time again where the car needs servicing but this year I'm questioning where to take it.

Normally its goes to VW, gets serviced,  the stamp in the book, job done. This time I'm questioning whether to take it to VW as usual or to an VAG specialist. Basically I don't really rate the service, keep questioning what they have actually done and personally I would take it to an indie but then I think of re sale. I know most on here and other enthusiasts would see JKM/AKS/PDT/Statlers/etc stamps and receipts and not even question it not being done at VW, but then I think Joe Bloggs would see it hasn't been done at VW and go off it. Also the car is over 7 years old now, I can understand taking it to VW for the forst 3/5 years if your gonna p/x it back to them for something newer as I have heard dealers knocking money off for non dealer history but on a 7year old motor it would be straight down the auction anyways.

Reason I've put this in random chat is basically to see what others think of FSH and Main dealer history and if its worth it on older cars when looking into resale values.

[welikeaps]

I agree with you and think you've come up with some sound points. What you need to ask yourself is: How many people looking to buy a 7 year old GTI would prefer full VWSH or a bit of both.

[swedishfireball]

I believe the people in the know accept that that main dealer stamp is usually worth less than that of an indy. I'm not speaking for all but VW Riverside are bloody expensive and don't give me as much confidence as my local specialist (VRS Northampton) who are enthusiasts, care about their work and understand I'm not rolling in money to pay for frankly ridiculous labour costs. When selling cars I try to express this to any potential buyer and wouldn't let them use 'It doesn't have full main dealer history' as a bargaining tool.

[sub39h]

when you sell it, will you targeting an enthusiast or an old punter? if you're planning on keeping the car long term, will the full main dealer history even make enough a difference to the resale value to justify the extra you're going to pay for the stamp?

[Lone_Par]

I'm having the same debate as there are at least independent VW garages up here in Aberdeen. However mine is less of a quandary as mine has a mixed history between the dealer and an Indy - didn't put me off buying the car and as i am planning to keep it for at least another 2 years (had it since April), I'd imagine that when I come to trade it in, it will be straight off to auction anyway.

[lewza]

Id like to see the general response to this.

My car is a 54 plate but it only has 53k miles on but full VW service history.

I can take it elsewhere for cheaper but with probably a much better job but agree that in future when come to sell the car it wont have the resale value if its not seen as VW.

[Nodz]

Well my dash is now telling me it needs a service in x amount of days. And I've had VW leave me a voicemail which isn't confidence inspiring, along the lines of "hi, calling about your golf and want to get it booked in for it's first service" the car is 7 years old.

The only reason I would go to VW is for the stamp, it's logged on their system (can be checked by potential buyers) and their nearer.

But I'm virtually convinced to go to a indie as need a few other bits doing and I don't really have confidence in VW's work where as I do where I'll be taking it

[Kregiel]

If you plan to sell the car which is more than 8 years old the selling price difference for full VW dealer history vs non dealer would be negligable. I would stick to garage which gives you more confidence

Paul

[sijac09]

Personally if you know a good VW specialist I would use them. I think FVWSH compared to VW specialist won't warrant the cost of going to VW instead of a VW specialist

[jonm]

I use a friend who happens to be a VW Specialist, Using OEM parts only.. TBH if I'm buying an older car (8+ yrs) then FVWSH isn't going to sway me... as long as it has FSH then it's fine... MHO

[zerolag]

Depends on the difference in cost.  Which service are you having done?

VW Dealers do the Major service for £259 (not sure about your R32 though, more plugs and all).

Sometimes it's nice to find a decent indy, as they are a lot more approachable in my experience, and often do small tasks for very little money if anything at all.

It's a shame since moving to VW I've yet to find a decent indy in my area... my local one is a grumpy sh*t and not much cheaper than the dealer; so that's where I go for the service.

[homesqueeze]

Mine goes to an independant these days. It's seven years old now and the stamp is really not going to matter anymore. As long as it has the correct maintenance and official parts used then it's not a problem.