Go to Dealer for 40K Service?

The Volkswagen Dealer wants $600 to do the 40,000 mile service on my

2001 Jetta. This seems outrageous.

Is there any pressing reason to get this service done at Volkwagen? Would any decent mechanic be able to do the job just as well (and likely at a fraction of the cost)?

Reply to
DaveR
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Any good mechanic can do the job. Just save a statement so you have evidence that it was completed if there is any warrantee question.

Reply to
Joseph Meehan

Exactly what does this include? Some maintenance items can be expensive no matter where you go, because of the labor hours involved.

Reply to
Papa

Maybe it includes flushing the brake lines with DOT-4.

Reply to
Tom's VR6

Shop around other dealers and independents. Also, check that the "40,000 mile service" being quoted is that which is listed in the owner's manual (some shops throw in more things for additional revenue).

Any mechanic who can follow instructions from service manuals (regarding correct fluids to use, torque values for nuts and bolts, wear threshholds for inspection items, etc.) should be able to do the job properly. It may be better to use a VW-specialist shop (either dealer or independent) due to greater familiarity. But a lazy mechanic who is not familiar with the car and does not read the service manuals could cause more damage. So choose carefully.

Reply to
Timothy J. Lee

I was just quoted $445 last week for the 40k service, from a VW dealer. They claim that the services, sold separately, would total over $800. It's $90 just for the diagnostic analyzer.

Maybe get quotes from other dealers, their prices obviously vary.

Reply to
Brian Running

Check your owner's manual. Somehow I suspect the dealer has added a lot to the standard VW recommended service and you don't need that. Why would they do a diagnostic if there is no indication????

Reply to
Joseph Meehan

Maybe they don't -- here's the full story: I originally went in to the dealer to see if they could do the diagnostic without an appointment (answer: no) because my check engine light has been on. I also have a couple other odds and ends that need checking (rattling exhaust system heat shield, gear oil leak from tranny), and I noted that I am due for the 40k service. The service manager then explained that the 40k service costs $445, and added that the diagnostic alone costs $90, so I might as well just schedule the full 40k service. I took it to mean that they do the diagnostic as a matter of course with the 40k service, but I suppose it could mean that they'll throw one in with the 40k service if the check light's been on, otherwise, they won't. I guess the part that threw me the most was $90 for the diagnostic -- it's probably more comprehensive than Auto Zone's, but Auto Zone's is free and done any time without an appointment.

Reply to
Brian Running

Yea, that's a dealer for you.

Reply to
Joseph Meehan

depending where you're located you can get all of the OEM filters and parts from impexfap.com for a much better price than dealers sell them for. Looks like the DTC codes are checked automatically when they do the 40k mile service. Check if someone in your area has Vag Com (see ross-tech.com), I have a cable and can troubleshoot and error codes and get a good indication of the problem myself. My dealer actually takes my printout and corrects warrant issues like the coolant temp sensor problem that I had and covered it under warranty. (They won't connect their computer to my car since I have an aftermarket radio.)

Reply to
Albert Rondeau

That's about what I expected, and I would have gone for it. I brought my car in for the VX recall and also for a broken trunk lock (which cost me $150 to fix, another ripoff).

I looked at the list and most of it is checking things, changing filters. There's also a transmission fluid flush.

$95/hour for labor is the killer. This dealer charges $95 for them to even take your car into the service bay.

I hate dealers. Unfortunately I moved a few years ago and have to roll the dice on finding a good VW mechanic...

Reply to
DaveR

I found a small repair shop in my town that specializes in German cars. Their labor rate is $65 per hour, and parts can be purchased for a lot less than what dealers charge.

Reply to
Papa

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