Skoda timing belt replacement price & car service recommendation, Dublin

newirishman

So booked my car in via phone a few weeks ago for the timing belt replacement.
Went to the skoda.ie website, go to book a service.
You put in your reg number, below it says

You can then book a service either on this site or directly via a ŠKODA Dealer/Authorised Repairer.

I got quoted a price of € 395,00 - and clicking on the info box it tells the following:

ŠKODA advise as a guide having your timing belt replaced within 5 years of driving. As part of the pricing we include Timing tension pullies, a new water pump and coolant where applicable.

Called the dealership, agreed a date, and turned up this morning at the dealership (authorised Skoda dealer) and they tell me it is going to be €550.

I told the lady at the reception that this is not the price I was quoted on the website or over the phone, and showed her the price on the website.
She said essentially "grant" and I left the car there.

Couple of hours later I get the call that the car's ready, and the price is ok with 395 euro as they didn't have to replace the water pump, and THEREFORE only charge me the 395 euro. (not the 550)

Printed off the stuff from the website as I wanted to clarify what is quoted there. The guy then is having an argument with me that "oh no, the 395 doesn't include the water pump as it says 'where applicable' "
And when I said that's fine so if you don't need to replace the waterpump it won't be cheaper, more money to you, but you cannot charge me for the waterpump if it needs replacement.
He still insisted that the waterpump is never included.

Walked him through the wording again and he then suddenly he told me "oh the price is only valid if you book via the internet".
(Didn't have the screenshot of the first quote with me).
In any case, I just paid and left because to be honest, what's the point arguing.

Given that I had another Skoda dealership fixing tyres the wrong way round (which caused failing the NCT and was the reason why I am not going back to them), was wondering what's going on with the service departments here? Both in Dublin.
Based on this experience, I might just sell the car and change brand if you can't trust the authorised dealers service unit. I like they car though.

Anyone can recommend a place in Dublin that does good Skoda services, including updating the logbook?
Because that's just bad form overall.

i57dwun4yb1pt8

they are sh1t , what you expect ?

id go to daltons in portlaise for peace of mind .

punisher5112

That's nuts, water pump should definitely be changed at each belt change and coolant.

Suppose they had it in the terms of necessary.

Definitely find a good indy but I do wonder now you have it done will they stand over it if pump fails etc?.

colm_mcm

You need to complain to Skoda Ireland and say you asked for the pump to be done. Other option is complain to the dealership management.


Taking it to another garage will cost you the same again in terms of labour.

uck51js9zml2yt

Had a local indy in Cabra do belts and pumps on a Renault and Skoda. He always did the water pump.
Kind of guy who could be told to do whatever was needed with the knowledge he wouldn't rip me off.
Videoed all his work as proof it was done.
Never had to question anything he did.

Casati

colm_mcm wrote: »

You need to complain to Skoda Ireland and say you asked for the pump to be done. Other option is complain to the dealership management.


Taking it to another garage will cost you the same again in terms of labour.

Yes I would contact Skoda Ireland in this one too. In fairness 395 is cheap if it included the water pump, I doubt an Indy would be cheaper

Stallingrad

As a Skoda owner with water timing belt looming can you PM me the details of this dealership, so I can avoid them?

newirishman

Casati wrote: »

Yes I would contact Skoda Ireland in this one too. In fairness 395 is cheap if it included the water pump, I doubt an Indy would be cheaper

Cheers all.

To be honest I don’t care if it costs 395, 495, or 550 Euro. I have no idea how much work it is or what the parts cost.
As long as the price that is quoted and advertised is the price that I am getting charged.