Main Dealer Car Servicing

[Just_Incredible]

I've got a 2020 2.0 TDI FR Black edition and its done 97,000.

According to the main dealer, I'll need the cam belt & DSG oil replaced (and might as well get the water pump done at the same time)

The quote comes to around £1400, which includes the standard servicing. Does this sound about right, or am I better off going to an independent Garage? Does anyone have any garage recommendations within the Greater London/Hertfordshire area?

 

[SouthernSeat]

I would at least get a quote from an independent. Main dealer labour rates are crazy!

 

[H Rafiq]

I’ve had some jobs done by the main dealer, and some by my independent garage in the past. Just depends on price. The car had full service history with Seat when I bought it in 2022 too (2015 Leon Cupra) .

 

[Pinky]

£1400 !!
Jesus. Seat dealer timing belt + wp service was about £500 on my 1st one.

 

[LeylandVCDS]

Have a read of THIS - and make your own mind up! This is a thread I posted last year.

 

[MJ]

You're going to find good and bad in main dealerships and independents. I come across the work of both on a daily basis, have worked for both and let me tell you - just because a business claims to be "better than the dealer", doesn't validate that claim. I mean, look at that garbage that Halfords were spouting last year - "dealer or no dealer". Problem cars like the ones that Halfords can't fix are my bread and butter, usually nothing mind blowing either.

That said, both dealers and independents have offerings that appeal to different people in different ways, in this climate, that tends to boil down to cost.

One thing I will say though, is that ADS is one of the best independent VWG specialists about. Dave and Frank (now "retired") have built a fantastic business.

 

[G.P]

TBH I don't consider that overly expensive from a dealer. From an independent you trust I'd not expect to save to much due to their costs employing good techs/equipment, I'm sure your find cheaper places but would you trust them..

 

[Mr Pig]

My experience is that a good independent is not that much cheaper than a dealer. Yes, you'll always find a cheaper garage but going with the cheapest quote for anything is rarely a good idea. When I got my cambelt done a decent independent was slightly cheaper than the dealer but I went with the dealer for one reason. They gave you a five-year warranty on it.

Most of that quote is the belt. For some reason the prices for those has gone up a lot over the last few years, I don't know why. Would I get it done? Yes. VW have changed the advice on cambelts to inspection only rather than change at five-years. I spoke to a dealer about it and he said himself he didn't think it was a good idea. He said you're pretty safe going a year or so so over the five years but he's seen quite a few belts fail at seven years.

The DSG oil is very important. While generally reliable, neglected oil changes are a known factor in failure and repairs are not cheap. If you plan on keeping the car I'd get both of these items done if they are due.