VW "diagnostic" test

Gaz

My engine warning light was on, so I booked it in with VW Airside. They told me it would require a €175 diagnostic test.

Turns out the glow plug needed replacing. So a €30 part cost me €200 to fix.

Isnt this "diagnostic" test literally a two second job plugging in a cable and seeing what comes up on the screen ? I feel like I have been proper ripped off here. Just wondering am I missing something and its actually a more labour intensive job ?

Sam Russell

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058371317/vw-diagnostic-test

Go to an indy mechanic.

bazz26

The cost of the main diagnostic test is not directly related to the cost of the fix. It would still have cost you €175 to diagnose the issue even if the issue cost 5k to fix. The fact the fix was cheap is irrelevant.

I'm not saying €175 is a reasonable amount or not but I think your idea that it's a 2 second job plugging a cable in is a bit unrealistic. Diagnostic equipment and software costs money. The technician doing the diagnostic has to be trained and paid a wage. Your car also takes up space and a resource in a dealer's service lane costs time and money also. A main dealer isn't going to charge mate's rates for this work.

User1998

Independent mechanic might have charged €50 or so for diagnostic. Avoid main dealers in the future.

BrianD3

Someone has to pay for the Glass Palace - that person is you. When you engage a main dealer you're also indirectly dealing with gatekeepers and middlemen all of whom want their cut. E.g. VW is probably charging the garage heavily for licensing and updating diagnostic software.

But there are upsides to going to a main dealer if they can diagnose a problem quickly and without messing around. Many independent garages don't seem to have the skills or equipment to diagnose engine management problems with this resulting in a "computer says yes/no" or "bolt on diagnostics" approach and wasted time and money. Any indy that does have these skills is going to be out the door with work.

GavPJ

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122668572#Comment_122668572

When I was with Citroen, the monthly subscription for the diagnostic machine was

€2,000.

Not to buy the machine/laptop and software. Monthly license was €2,000. That's a lot

of diagnostic runs to get that back in 1 month!

GPoint

get an OBD scanner , OP and scan for errors your self . Must have for any VAG owner and for any brand in fact…

Dealers diagnostic is expensive I was quoted 250 once to check a Scoda

Dirty Nails

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122668572#Comment_122668572

Those garages didn't have much choice about the "glass palaces". It was the cause of lots of successful garages going to the wall. Thank the EU & block exemption for that one. Thing is though that the consumer isn't totally innocent in creating this either. Recent post here recently from a tyre kicker whining about not getting suitable refreshments while shopping for a car. Above nearly any business garages have huge overheads & often low profit margins.