New driver: servicing costs

[GingerJen]

I have a Polo 1.6CL (1998) which is now due for a service. As a new(ish) driver (I passed my test about 18 months ago) I have NO IDEA where to get this done (should I go for an approved VW garage or is that just the most costly route?) or roughly how much I can expect this to cost (so far I have been quoted �95+VAT for a basic service, �210+VAT for a full 'everything included' service). Any advice appreciated.

[Hammer]

It depends what you want to do with the car when you've finished with it.

If you plan on driving it for a bit and then selling it, it might be worth getting it done at a main dealer, particularly if you already have a service history from the previous owner.

Or, if you just want to drive it till it dies and then trash it, or if you plan on keeping it for a good few years (when it won't be worth too much anyway) then shop around and go to a local private garage.

�210 + VAT sounds a lot to me, but I've always gone for the local private garage route. Should cost well under �200 all in if you go that way.

[john91]

Hammer's right, �210 + VAT sounds too much, 9 months ago I paid �115 + VAT for a full service on a 2003 Skoda Fabia at a main agent, but do as much as you can yourself, my bill included �2 + Vat for topping up the windscreen washer.

[derekpara]

VW Main dealers are notoriously expensive and in my experience ( I have a Polo) not very good. I now use a VW specialist and there might be one in your local Yellow Pages. Mine is excellent. Your car should be serviced according to its mileage and age etc. For example, the brake fluid should be changed every two years irrespective of mileage. VWs do hold good secondhand values, especially with a full service history, so if yours does have this then it might be worth carrying on. Hammer gives good advice, but if you are not going down the service road I recommend you have the engine oil and filter changed every six months by Kwik Fit and let the MOT highlight things that may need attention. One more thing; get someone to have a look at the condition of the drive belt ( it can be seen from under the bonnet). It may need changing by now if it hasn't been done already.Finally, whenever I buy a secondhand car I always take it to Kwik Fit for a free brake check. Good luck and safe driving. Polos are nice little cars.

[Tim Baxter]

Additional to and not contra to any of the above, all cars can now be serviced by independents as long as they use bona fide manufacturer recommended parts.  They can also stamp the service book with no loss of maufacturer warranty.

[Cockney_si]

Ask around for a small local garage that can get it done for you, should be around �75 or so unless they find anything major wrong.  They should be able to stamp service books and stuff too.

Don't let VW dealers rip you off.  VW uk often don't give a monkeys about complaints either, I've got the Tshirt for their dangerous shenanagins.