VW Dealer service or Indie?

tp89

Recently purchased a 2011 VW Passat CC. It is coming up to its next service interval. Currently has 112000 miles and was last serviced at 93000 miles and had cam belt, aux belt, tensioners and water pump changed at 84,000 miles. I am hoping it just needs the basics.

It has had main dealer service all its life in the UK before I bought it. Should I continue with this to make it more attractive when selling on or would a decent independent mechanic do the same job? Any recommendations? I am based in West Dublin.

Walter2016

5 years, 110k miles. Won't be any extra value in selling with dealer service.

Good independent would be my choice.

tp89

I am leaning towards that option myself tbh although some people have recommended the dealership.

I wouldn't know any independent mechanics around Dublin as I have just moved to the area so would grateful if anyone has anyone they have used before.

pburns

Indy all the way. I had a UK '11 A4 until recently & it never saw a main dealer in my 3.5 yrs with it. A lot of Dublin lads travel down to Daltons off M7 (Portlaoise/Abbeyleix rd)

boardsuser1

As mentioned Dalton's. George Dalton himself is on boards. give him a shout. then again he may see this himself as he is a regular on the motors thread.

mfceiling

As the 2 lads above have posted. Head down to abbeyleix, leave it with George or Tagdh and you'll be grand. Way cheaper than the main stealers and much nicer to deal with.

Stallingrad

If a larger service then Indy is the way to go, and George if very highly regarded. however if just oil, filter, brake fluid, etc I've found VW very competitive. You also get the latest software updates, mini valet and Roadside assist for 12 months. If VW flags anything major then you can head off to an Indy.

Another vote for george.
Yo can see all the VW prices on the sheehy motors website .

Toyotafanboi

Stallingrad wrote: »

If a larger service then Indy is the way to go, and George if very highly regarded. however if just oil, filter, brake fluid, etc I've found VW very competitive. You also get the latest software updates, mini valet and Roadside assist for 12 months. If VW flags anything major then you can head off to an Indy.

x2

Not saying a bad word about Daltons but for basic servicing VW dealers are reasonably competitive as main dealers go.

And the 12 months roadside assist with any VW service is a nice touch imo.

As Stallingrad will vouch for too, even if you are over 2 ywars out of warranty, if you have a full history, VW will hear you out for goodwill if something terrible happens. Thst may not apply to your car, being ex UK though.

GustavoFring

Don't discount Skoda or Seat garages either. Minor services are 99 in Seat when they do a deal - for manufacturer spec oils and often a loaner car that's not to be sniffed at. My own indie quoted me more than the main dealer for the same work...no loaner...twice the turnaround too.

But for anything out of the ordinary George goes out of his way to help people or solve a problem. Had some minor stuff done on my own car in the past and bought herselfs from him and zero issues.

Whats this about the Roadside assist?
I got a full service in frank keanes and never heard it mentioned?

bazz26

Nearly all the franchised brands offer that. It basically means if your car breaks down the roadside assistance company will come out and either get you going again or tow you to the nearest garage. Alot of insurance companies offer this too either inclusive of a policy or for a small additional premium. Of course the service naturally has conditions and exclusions.

Toyotafanboi

BrownFinger wrote: »

Whats this about the Roadside assist?
I got a full service in frank keanes and never heard it mentioned?

You get 12 months roadside assist with any service on any franchise vehicle over 36 months old. It's probably on your invoice.

Of course it's included on most insurance policies these days, but unless I do some manor damage i'd like to avoid using my insurers for absolutely anything as you know it will impact on premiums. I know ultimately it's not "free" free with the service, but it's a handy way to pick it up.

tanko

Leaving the car 19,000 miles between oil and filter changes is hardly a great idea?

Magellan Murphy

Massive hard on for George here.

tossy

Magellan Murphy wrote: »

Massive hard on for George here.

Have you told George ? It might get awkward. Although if you wear baggy pants when you are around him he'll never notice

tp89

Thanks for all the replies I will definitely look into Daltons going by the reviews here. Any other places in and around Dublin?

J.pilkington

No offense to daltons who I have used in the past and got a great service from but If it's just a basic oil and filter and you are coming from Dublin it's hard to justify a near 3hr return journey to laoise plus whatever waiting around time is required.

V Eight

Selling a car privately is hard work - so in my view do everything you can to help by getting all work done in the VW network - as long as it's not ridiculously more expensive it would be an advantage.........