Service Costs

[Boattrainman]

Seem to be haunting the forum lately.

So after the recent successful software upgrade, I thought I would also use Frank Keane VW here in Dublin for a service. Bit of a mystery as the car is saying one due in 20 odd days, which would seem to indicate one was done after year one, when I bought the car last year it was saying service due in 400 odd days.

Two issues.

The service quote today was €397 plus VAT for the pollen filter (€20 and 5 mins) and brake fluid replacement and basic checks, with a full check of brakes, battery etc. being extra........not impressed at all. Has anyone used a cheaper option, with a garage that can reset the service indicator?

Also, is a full service actually needed after three years, my understanding it is every two years.

Rob

[sidehaas]

It is definitely every two years, unlimited mileage. The service indicator sometimes gets messed up by software updates. I'm going to have the same issue with it saying a service is due too early.

[Boattrainman]

Thanks sidehaas.

To be fair to the VW service guy, he did suggest the car may not need the inspection till next year, that said they had no record of any service done on the car (nothing on the electronic service record).

I'm in a bind on this one, not sure if the car has ever been serviced, plus the generic garages I spoke to are locked out of the software that changes the inspection due warning. I've had a thorough look at the car myself, tyres are holding up etc. but knowing next to nothing about regenerative braking and other unique functions, I don't know what to do at this stage other than suck up the main dealer cost.

Rob

[sidehaas]

Thanks sidehaas.

To be fair to the VW service guy, he did suggest the car may not need the inspection till next year, that said they had no record of any service done on the car (nothing on the electronic service record).

I'm in a bind on this one, not sure if the car has ever been serviced, plus the generic garages I spoke to are locked out of the software that changes the inspection due warning. I've had a thorough look at the car myself, tyres are holding up etc. but knowing next to nothing about regenerative braking and other unique functions, I don't know what to do at this stage other than suck up the main dealer cost.

Rob

Maybe phone another local dealer and see what price they can offer?
There have been deals on for service packages at various times.
If it has never been done and is overdue then I'd say it's worth doing soon.

[Boattrainman]

Roger that.

[TimF]

My own experience of trying other garages was a complete failure. Not one (other than a VW agent) was prepared to touch the car, even a company which advertised that they serviced electric vehicles. I'm hoping things will have changed by next year when the car's second service is due.

Note this only applies to servicing - even my local small garage is happy to do the MoT when it comes due.

[Boattrainman]

Thanks TimF.

[Boattrainman]

Update on the service issue.

The garage I bought the car from (non VW dealership, Dublin) have assured me that after an upgrade to their diagnostic equipment and software, they can service the car AND reset the service indicator. Costs will be much lower than the €400 plus VAT from the VW main dealer.

Booked in for September, will update at that stage.

Rob

[vanb]

Update on the service issue.

The garage I bought the car from (non VW dealership, Dublin) have assured me that after an upgrade to their diagnostic equipment and software, they can service the car AND reset the service indicator. Costs will be much lower than the €400 plus VAT from the VW main dealer.

Booked in for September, will update at that stage.

Rob

Look forward to the update in September and whether they will be able to reset the service indicator.

[Boattrainman]

Hi Folks,

All good news, the service was carried out today, including the pollen filter, draining of a sample of the brake fluid (no water, so no replacement), inspection of brakes, tyres etc. AND updated the service indicator.

Cost was €235 incl VAT. Got a paper copy of the invoice for the record.

For those here in Dublin Ireland they are Caffrey Motors in Terenure Village, a family run Suzuki dealership. Really impressed with Gerry and the team, will be returning for the next service.

Rob

[RichyJ91]

I've not read through the other comments above mine, but if it helps to know, sometimes they get it wrong. My 3 year old ID3 went in for it's MOT this week, having had it's 1st service last year. The dash warning was saying the service was due alongside the MOT, but they said that was an error and reset it for me ahead of it's 2nd service next year. Easy fix for them. I've just paid for the service plan at £297 which will cover next years service, MOT etc.

[TimF]

Our ID3 goes in for its first MoT next week, at our local garage. The VW dealer contacted me by phone, text and email about "your car's maintenance". They weren't happy that a) I wasn't going to take it to them for the MoT, b) that I pointed out an MoT is not "maintenance".

I'm hoping that in another 12 months it will be possible to have the service done other than by a VW dealership - IMO the standard charge is far higher than it should be for what is said to be done.

[Boattrainman]

Hi TimF,

The whole servicing issue is a bit baffling to me.

My ID3 had no record of any servicing (digital or paper) despite being an ex-demonstrstor. Hence I was keen to get this done properly, but not for the VW cost.

There was zero fuss at Caffrey Motors, and no issue with a reset of the service record, despite hearing that this is a major prob for most generic garages. I doubt your local garage can update the online service record, so a paper record/invoice is a good idea.

The car is due its first NCT (equivalent to an MOT) in Spring '25, looking forward to how that goes.

Overall, I think this is more VW shooting themselves in the foot on this, there is so much online info available now, having stupid stuff like a brake fluid change is just not a runner.

Then again, its prob minor stuff given they are looking at laying off 20k workers, VW have some massive problems at the moment.

Rob

[Bahalise]

Local independents are often cheaper and can reset the service indicator.
Mine usually says every 12 months or 10,000 to 12,000 miles.