40k service

Yes.

Quite possibly.

Not as much as you'd expect. My local mechanic can get parts cheaper than I can buy them for. He doesn't charge a markup on parts, so the only time I ever take parts to him is when I've bought unobtainium used parts or where they're main dealer supplied only.

Garages normally load the price of the parts so that the labour looks cheaper, if you provide your own parts expect the labour cost to increase.

How do you know that they do "good work" eh?

You can ask. Some places will, some won't. But check what the parts cost.

Actually explaining that you're broke and want the work done may prove helpful.

The price of the parts.

How much does your local VW dealer want? It's useful to talk to many garages, not just one or two.

Is there anybody else you could ask?

A friend recommended them to me and I showed me what they did and look fantastic.

I don't really know anyone else to ask.

Will call some more garages on Monday.

Many thanks for the reply and help. :-)

I think claims direct are waiting for your call......

Not always. My local mechanic charges trade prices for parts so it's actually cheaper for him to get stuff like oil filters etc. than it is for me to buy them.

I think their is a pretty good chance they will tell you to get stuffed, or alternatively they will do the service on their standard labour rate, which may work out more expensive than the price quoted. The price garages quote for servicing takes account of the fact that they will be making a pretty good profit on the parts.