Dealership service

[H Rafiq]

Just had an email re service this year for my Leon Cupra 280. I need engine oil n filter change, pollen filter and brake fluid change. That’s about it. I can do the oil n filter n pollen filter myself, but brake fluid I’ll go to my independent. The prices Seat are quoting for this work are almost double that of my independent! Why?

 

[CosmicBlue]

Why? Because those fancy looking showrooms, dealer workshops, investments in tools, equipment and constant training to Brand standards plus paying the staff more than a local garage can offer in order to retain them - costs a lot of money.

I heard of a dealer charging £300/hour for labour alone recently.

 

[tracktoy]

Why? Because those fancy looking showrooms, dealer workshops, investments in tools, equipment and constant training to Brand standards plus paying the staff more than a local garage can offer in order to retain them - costs a lot of money.

I heard of a dealer charging £300/hour for labour alone recently.

Do the dealers set the price for work or is this set by Seat,

I am not disagreeing with you but my Local Vag Specialist also does stuff a lot cheaper than Seat Garage and they also spend a lot of money on all the things you mention but they work on the practice of giving customers great service from buying second hand motors through to servicing and in my case non standard modification. That way they get customer loyalty and they must pay good as they have a very low turnover of staff.

 

[CosmicBlue]

The dealer normally decides the labour rate for themselves - the nearer you get to London the higher it seems to be. There is an exception to this when there are fixed price service plans in play - some franchises pump these through the Warranty system.

VAG independents are always better value than a dealer, many have links to the VAG systems so your service records stay up to date too. The independents tend to be less sniffy about modifications too - indeed my local (Vastec in Warwick) have fitted mods for me on past vehicles.

 

[H Rafiq]

And, a lot of independents let you source your own parts, liquids etc. n they fit/use em. I was struggling with a DCC shock adapter recently. Out of stock. Managed find one (the whole loom actually) on a breaking Cupra, and my independent agreed to fit it for me.

 

[Metalogic]

Depending on how old your car is, getting the car serviced at a SEAT dealer can work out a lot cheaper if you sign-up to one of their service plans: https://customer.vwfs.co.uk/service-plans/seat.html