Have I Been Ripped Off

Zak Flaps

Hi guys.

Apologies in advance, you probably have read tons of threads just like this!

I left my Seat Ateca (172) in for a service this morning to a main Dublin dealer where I purchased it in December 2019.

It has approx 45,000 kms on the clock. It's the first service I have gotten on it since I bought it. Probably a mistake by me.

After a visual vehicle check they sent the me an email with the following recommendations:

replace rear tyre (due to sidewall damage) €185

replace front and rear wipers (genuinely needed) €68

replace pollen filter €60

replace air filter €55

replace spark plugs €153

replace front brake pads and discs (scored on the inside) €516

replace rear brake pads €210

replace automatic brake holding switch (it had stopped working) €126

I don't know enough about cars to figure out if some of these things are usually needed on a car this "young" ! Or if these prices higher than usual. I'm hoping they replace everything with new parts and not pre used. I don't have a regular mechanic as I moved a few years ago and haven't had the need to bring the car to a garage, so I just went to the Seat dealership I purchased it from. I need the car quickly so I gave them the go-ahead to replace all. I realise a good independent mechanic could have done all this for cheaper but just looking for your opinions on this. Anything I need to ask the garage when I collect?

Thanks.

artanevilla

Very early for spark plugs and brake discs to be done. Tyre is a bit spicy as well and really you'd want to replace the opposite side at same time.

ofcork

Prices are off the wall 60 for a pollen filter and 55 for an air filter alone is ott not to mind the rest.

Working class heroes

Yes.

coylemj

One tyre for €185 seems excessive. I'd never buy tyres from a dealer, go to a tyre shop. Your dealer is probably sourcing the tyre from a guy around the corner and adding their margin to his.

topofthewind

Hi there,

At 45,000km it sounds like the car has been abused or at least driven very hard to need some of those items (unless it was nearly all town driving in traffic).

My 1.4tsi VAG petrol engine needed spark plugs at 60,000km. I imagine the Ateca has a similar engine?

At 87,000km, my car (Skoda Kodiaq) never had brake pads replaced. Discs should outlast several sets of pads.

However, if the pads were worn and not changed, they may have damaged the discs (there would have been quite a noise when braking).

The tyre change is a little expensive but main dealers are known for being pricey on tyres.

The filters sound reasonable to me.

In summary, only if the car got a lot of heavy wear from careless driving would these quoted items be necessary.

Masala

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118980007#Comment_118980007

....and when they say €185 for tyre - you don't see that another 1/2 hr of labour gets added on to put it on!! And ...some forget to mention that VAT is extra as well. I never buy tyres off a Garage... despite them asking for a signed waiver advising that they 'told me ' they were bad!!

TheWonderLlama

Car is 4.5 years old.

Nothing on that list stands out as unnecessary. Brakes and discs/pads are wearing a lot more quickly on cars these days since they stopped adding asbestos to the brakes.

Yes, its expensive, but that's what main dealers are these days.

Car is probably out of warranty so if you want, you could get an independent garage to do that work cheaper.

Parts might be a bit cheaper, but not much if genuine OEM parts are used.

You will save on labour.

dzer2

Google Mick's garage for part prices. Most tyre places will fit and balance tyres for approx 100 quid. Brake pads and discs should do 150k from new replacement ones not as much. Unless you are driving in a very dusty area the pollen filter shouldn't need doing. As the car is out of warranty I would look for a decent back street lad to do the work.

briangriffin

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058243328/have-i-been-ripped-off

Over €1300 for a 172 car, I have a similar type of car, the prices seem expensive especially the tyre but there must have been serious noise coming out of the front if it if the brake discs were worn, too late now but Frank Keane in liffey Valley do a video of what's wrong and needs replacing, and what work they have done, quality service and and have a set price per service, have you done much milage since you bought it seems like a lot of problems for a car just bought before covid hit, was it fully serviced when you bought it? Should have been id be raising that with the garage manager if you have very little mileage done,

TheWonderLlama

Main dealers will stick to the service schedule, which takes time as well as mileage into account.

So if the service schedule says replace filters after 2 years or 30k miles, they will do it on whichever condition is met first.

sparksfly

Looking at a service record for our 161 1.5 Ateca here which is done by a family member (BNM diesel mechanic)

Seat/VW Front Brake Disks x 2 E178, Bosch Front Pads E52, Bosch Rear Pads E47, UFI/VAG Air Filter E17.30, Mann Pollen Filter E39, Bosch Spark Plugs E40. Castrol 5W-30 E60, Bosch Oil Filter E12.

Including Labour total E732

User1998

The prices quoted are extremely high but this is to be expected when getting work done at the main dealer.

I would imagine that the majority of work didn’t need to be carried out either. At 45,000km I would be replacing the oil and air filter at a good independent garage.

I assume the car has recently passed its NCT?

Zak Flaps

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118980025#Comment_118980025

I don't drive the car hard. But it's all driving in city traffic.

My Ateca is 1.4 also.

There wasn't any noise when braking as far as I'm aware.

Thanks for your input.

Zak Flaps

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118980176#Comment_118980176

No noise coming out of the front that I could hear. These guys sent me a video also but it wasn't that clear what the guy was saying. It showed the disc etc but I wouldn't be able to tell if damaged or not. I'd say i've done 20kms since I purchased.It was fully serviced before I bought just over 2 years ago. Thanks for your input.

Zak Flaps

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118980272#Comment_118980272

Yes it passed the NCT around 6 months ago.

BrianD3

Somebody has to pay for main dealership glass palaces. It is a huge bill for basic work on a fresh car. These places are always looking to "upsell", brakes and wipers are the usual items. It's very likely that the scoring on the brake disks was minimal.

When did the car last pass its NCT? The test now includes an inspection of brakes to check for sufficient contact between disk and pad. Significant scoring, rusting or pitting will result in a fail even though the brakes will usually be fine to use.

45k kms is very small mileage. I've gotten 350k kms out of front brake pads and discs and no, they were neither asbestos nor excessively worn.

There's a good chance that at the next service, that main dealer will find scoring on the new front discs or, if they are a bit more clever with the upselling, on the rears.

Zak Flaps

Lesson learnt I suppose. I'll know for next time. Thanks all for replying.

Carpentry

Have I Been Ripped Off

oh yes you have

Zak Flaps

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118980391#Comment_118980391

Car passed NCT around 5 or 6 months ago.I'm collecting the car tomorrow. Will email the garage tonight with a lot of points made in this thread. Probably won't make a difference but i'll be sure to mention that I won't be using them again.

XsApollo

Ripped off , don’t think so.

the prices are the going rate for main dealer work I’d imagine,

being ripped off I would class as being scammed.

could you have got the work done for a hell of a lot less at an Indy mechanic?

Yes.

BrianD3

I wouldn't bother emailing them, this sort of thing is par for the course, all their competitors are at the same.

Nearly twenty years ago when my Laguna was under warranty, I would pay 200 euro for a glorified oil and filter change. 10w40 oil i.e cheap. Liffey Valley Renault (long gone) where the VW garage is now. A glass palace. Even with that they still attempted to upsell wipers to me - after I had already replaced them myself the previous week.

jmayo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118980046#Comment_118980046

It might be 4.5 years old, but it is 30k miles or so on the clock. (yeah yeah still think in terms of miles 🙂 )

That is very little unless it was being driven hard and using a lot of heavy braking.

You would have noticed the brakes bad for a while if there was major scoring of the disk.

I despair what is going to happen in the future when it will be all electric and you won't be able to do a thing unless it is taken to a main dealer who will have the correct software.

FintanMcluskey

No you weren't scammed.

A little bit more expensive than an independent mechanic, but that's main dealer prices.

However, best of look finding an Independent mechanic to do anything for you, they are hard to find.

topofthewind

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118980364#Comment_118980364

If there hasn’t been any noise from the front brakes, then after 45,000km I’d be wondering if you need new discs at all (if there hasn’t been any shudder or sound when braking).

The spark plugs might be due for changing because of age rather than mileage. You could ask them to leave them alone till the next service. I left mine at 60k and got them done at 75k with no problems.

You could ask them to leave the tyre alone and get a cheaper one fitted for under €100 (maybe change the pair while at it).

If you are getting discs replaced, I’d recommend getting the Seat branded ones as I had a bad experience with after market ones on an Octavia in the past.

The prices quoted sound normal for a main dealer to me.

The main issue is whether or not the brake work is necessary. If it is necessary, then I think you are not being ripped off (any more that the normal Irish level of being ripped off).

Eoinbmw

Report back on the tyre brand they put on id be interested to hear!

alan partridge aha

Got Octavia 2012 1.6 tdi recently serviced in skoda main dealer. Service price was OK but said I needed the items below changing.

They said they could order parts but I said nct was been done 2 days later and would see then. They said it wouldn't pass test. However it flew through it. Maybe they could be changed as they sent me a video of the check. I'll get it done at an Indy garage and it should be alot cheaper. Car drives fine though.

Price includes labour.

Front Suspension €361.47 Required: --/--/---- - Wishbone bushings perished. 2 rear bump stops

Rear Suspension €528.25 Required: --/--/---- - Control arm bushings perished

DaveyDave

My Golf is 4.5 years old with 55,000km on the clock and all my services have been with the main dealer. Aside from a rookie error mentioned below I've never had them try sell me anything.

€60 cabin filter, they're a €10-20 part and it's usually a 5 minute DIY job as it's just behind the glovebox.

Wipers, a set of Bosch should be around €40-50 normally online and couldn't be easier to fit, it's literally a button.

Spark plugs likely replaced due to it being the major service interval, my Golf had them done last year.

Tyres are always expensive in a dealer. Best to go to a reputable tyre shop but that price is something I'd expect from a high performance tyre for a 19" wheel. Is it just one? Should be replaced in a set for both sides.

Brakes is an odd one. My last service they said I needed rear pads. Confused, as my fronts haven't been done after 55,000km, I told them this so they said that's not right and double checked. The rear pads have less thickness in general and the service lad though they were due a replacement. I'd have thought it's unusually to need new pads and discs at 45k.

Working class heroes

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118980432#Comment_118980432

Ergo, all main dealers are rip offs.

Working class heroes

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118980501#Comment_118980501

Nonsense.

FintanMcluskey

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118982591#Comment_118982591

Thats a good point 🙄

FintanMcluskey

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118982581#Comment_118982581

Main dealers are a considered rip off by people who have absolutely no clue whatsoever of the economics of running such a business.

BrianD3

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118981600#Comment_118981600

Rear disc brakes can have a harder life than the fronts. They get wet and dirty and stay like than longer due to much less heat and possibly being more shielded from the drying airflow. Result is rust, abrasion, scoring, and sometimes sticking. The additional complications of the handbrake and its self adjusters don't help.

I've come to the conclusion based on experience that drum brakes are a better setup for the rear of a non performance road car.

Working class heroes

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118982658#Comment_118982658

ok Mr. Main dealer.....

Macdarack

Go to a country Garage and you'll half the bill ,that's even if half that stuff needs to be done .

DaveyDave

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118982893#Comment_118982893

And they're using OEM parts, right?

LIGHTNING

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118983234#Comment_118983234

I really hope for 60e for a OEM pollen filter that is has the ability to filter out Nuclear/Biological hazards 🤣

cpoh1

My advise to people who covet main dealer stamps for service history: get your basic services done at the dealers and any major out of scope stuff like brakes or suspension at a good independent.

tanko

Main stealer rides yet another unsuspecting customer/victim sideways, well i never, wonders will never cease.

Stay away from the thieving liars OP, it’s not difficult to find a good independent mechanic despite what some gougers in the motor trade would have you think.

Titzon Toast

Proper Main Stealer prices those alright.

Is the car still under warranty?

Casati

In order to avoid these massive service costs I would always recommend buying service packs- you can buy one for that car for about €550 quid direct from Seat which will cover your next three services, inc all filters, a brake fluid change and spark plug change.

Dealers I find will try to money grab when they can, they are famous for requesting new disc's when not needed and a Cork Seat dealer told me I needed a new key (at a cost of over €200 quid) as it wouldn't work after a battery change they had carried out - when I got it home I checked and they had put the wrong battery in it, key is still perfect two years later. Mostly stuff you can buy outside the dealer such as wipers and tyres are going to be much cheaper elsewhere- plus I find the local tyre lad won't sell you something you won't need.

If you have a serious failure out of warranty, having full main dealer service history can pay dividends in looking for good-will warranty repair so I would now personally avoid the back lane lads (and find they aren't cheaper than the service packs anyway)

Henry Ford III

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118980272#Comment_118980272

What makes you imagine that?

bladespin

Absolutely crazy prices there, main dealer or not.

BronsonTB

OP - In general Yes esp if Labour is extra on top of your quoted prices.

Comparing some of the item costs to Micks Garage (excludes labour)

replace front and rear wipers (genuinely needed) €68 - Micks Garage - 32(f) + 12 (r)

replace pollen filter €60 - Micks Garage - 23

replace air filter €55 - Micks Garage - 24

replace front brake pads and discs (scored on the inside) €516 - Micks Garage - 50 pads / 75 discs

replace rear brake pads €210 - Micks Garage - 50

The Continental Op

Now here's a thing. Imagine you just bought a second hand car from a main steeler and the salesman tells you that car has just had a full service can you imagine them doing anything other than the absolute minimum of oil and filter?

awec

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118988063#Comment_118988063

The prices he has been quoted will be inclusive of labour.

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118987406#Comment_118987406

The car only has 45,000km and has just passed its NCT. And main dealers are notorious for suggesting repairs that aren’t necessary.

awec

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118980093#Comment_118980093

Brake pads and discs should do 150k out the factory?

I don't think so.

Mick's Garage prices are of no consequence to the op unless he is competent enough to do the work himself. Otherwise it's like arguing with a restaurant that you won't pay a tenner for their burger cause you saw a pack of 4 in Tesco for 2.99.

cpoh1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118988384#Comment_118988384

It shines an even brighter light on the labour chargers.

Rear pads are a 30min job for an accomplished mechanic, and OEM rear pads from Seat over the counter are unlikely to cost much more than the micksgarage price quoted. €210 does not represent value for what you are getting.

The Continental Op

OP what I find a little strange is that you don't mention Oil and Oil Filter? So either they wern't doing that or your list is on top of the standard bare minimum Oil and Filter change. So at those prices I'd guess there is an extra €120 to add on for an oil and filter change.

Zak Flaps

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118988420#Comment_118988420

Ah that makes more sense. I was wondering why it was so much cheaper.

I wouldn't have a clue how to do any of these things myself.