Servicing - Dealer or DIY?

[Loofer]

that seems to be one of the increasing problems now, it is hard to keep a service history when the servicing is done by yourself, BUT it is often to a higher standard than any garage, purely because you do it with time, love and car, not for the sake of money...

i always keep full receipts for everything i buy, even if its a wheel nut, dealers wont appreciate this, but if i ever sell to a private buyer, they can appreciate the care that the car has been given :Blush2:

I'm going to go slightly off topic now (maybe it should be a new thread) and see what people think about servicing the car yourself (even basic oil change) or getting it serviced from a garage in terms of resale value and weather you would be inclined to purchase a car that had no 'stamped service history' but the seller had a dossier of reciepts.

I recently had a discussion with a friend who also owns a Bora TDi. He does his servicing himself where as I got mine done from a local garage. I told him I primarily got it done for the sake of a service stamp as it helps retain value.

Am I (and others) just paying a premium for the priviledge of a stamp in the book? Yes the garages know what they're doing better than most of us but does that mean they will take extra care?

[Eshrules]

i've started a new thread for you about this one....

as per my quote above, i feel you are indeed paying a premium, simply for the sake of a stamp.

on an official line, most dealerships and businesses will reduce your cars value substantially without a fsh (stamped book)

whereas, selling privatley,i would have no quarms whatsoever about buying from a DIY who keeps every reciept conceivable, that to me shows someone who cares about their car....

ill also let you into a 'not so secret' secret... a lot of garages tick the wrong boxes when filling in a service book, for example, my golf had a supposed 'oil service' before i came to me, although the garage ticked the 'inspection service' box which contains a whole lot more besides a general oil change and i am under no illusion that everything that ought to have been done, wasnt, i am doubtful as to whether the oil had even been changed:o

[Ben]

my golf is due for service very soon. I have an extended warranty. i'll be supplying my own oil (it's the correct spec, lots of research) to keep the costs down. was thinking of using an independant to keep the costs down further. How would their stamp in the book affect the VWSH or warranty or resale value?

Would it be even cheaper to buy the parts, air and pollen filter, oil filter etc off the dealer than get them off the independant, as they'd just go to the dealer in any case.

[MalcQV]

Difficult question. I think it depends on the age, type of car and what you are paying. I think a car over 5/6 years old a dealer service history may help sell it but I don't think you get any more for it.

Myself I would look for receipts if the car has been DIY serviced.
For example I have an old car a pal has the same old car. He DIY services it and receipts everything whereas I get a local specialist to do it. I believe both cars to be looked after very well. We both love the cars no doubt there. I intend to sell mine is less than two years hopefully for an upgrade. I think in this instant the service history by a specialist will help me sell it, but don't think it makes the car worth more though.

One last thing to consider. A car I bought many years ago from a main dealer had a FSH. I told the salesman I wished to maintain the car myself. He said "No problem, just bring the service book in and we will stamp it up". Now I don't know if that was a ploy to make me buy the car I assume it was. However does make you wonder when you see those stamped up dealer books.

Of course you never know if all them receipts for service parts that the owner has are genuine. Buying a 2nd hand car has its problems :o

[Captain Answer]

I've got a stamp :beerchug:

[Loofer]

ill also let you into a 'not so secret' secret... a lot of garages tick the wrong boxes when filling in a service book

tru' say..
The last service I had at my local garage, the chap stamped my book and I just ticked the boxes (in front of him). I could have ticked some additional boxes once I walked away.

I think if I make the transition to 'self-service' then hopefully I will be more inclined to change the oil every 6k miles or so rather than wait 12 months (or longer as I've used LongLife oil). I do about 20k miles a year so that 12months comes round quick.

My last car (1996 Rover 220 SDi 130K miles) was serviced (oil change + filters) by a 'back street' garage for £10 labour + parts! I was more inclined to do it regularly.

I think as car buyers we (generally speaking) can be very complacent when checking the Service History/Aftercare of a potential car. People tend to prefer the 'convenience' of flicking through a Service book and seeing all the stamps at the correct dates/mileage.

For many people, FSH basically means an upto date stamped service book and thats it. There's no expectation of reciepts/invoices.

[Loofer]

When I say 'self-service' I mean oil/filter change or Lubrication Service. I wouldn't feel confident doing a full service and checking all the parts (even the brakes).

I've never changed the oil before and don't even know if I have the correct tools. I can do it in theory... I think ...(can't we all):o

[mluton]

When i had my last service done, they forgot to stamp the book. As above i went back to the dealer, he stamped the book. And i ticked all the boxes when i got home.

[Captain Answer]

When I say 'self-service' I mean oil/filter change or Lubrication Service. I wouldn't feel confident doing a full service and checking all the parts (even the brakes).

I've never changed the oil before and don't even know if I have the correct tools. I can do it in theory... I think ...(can't we all):o

i'd rather do my own and know they've been done to a high degree rather than some of the horror stories you read about garages both dealer and private

[angel18082005]

in my opinion i think it looks better when you come to sell the car if it has a regular service stamp - preferably from the same garage or dealer all the way through. I think the car sells better, maybe even to the extent where it adds a few hundred on the price of the car. Also helps if you have all receipts and mots etc. I think no one can do a full vw/audi service better than a vw/audi dealer - although i do believe from my experience that they replace rather than repair anything.

What does everyone else think?

[Eshrules]

I think no one can do a full vw/audi service better than a vw/audi dealer -

id strongly disagree. to VW you are little more than a number, i've had several experiences of 'vw customer service' and its less than perfect, a lot less. there are 101 independants out there that would leave VW dealers standing in regards to workmanships, they care about what you think as they cherish their reputation. the same goes for DIY services, very rarely will a owner leave something 'as is' they will always go that extra mile, great care is (in the majority) taken with servicing your own car, with the added advantage that with you doing it yourself and managing to lower costs, you're more likely to do it more often. for instance, i change my oil every 6k regardless of timing. you wouldnt do this with a dealer because of the cost involved. there is also the 'preventative' servicing, ie replacing well known faulty parts, before they become faulty, not many dealers would think to suggest this, nor would they do it half of the time until the part is actually faulty.

i'd say a car around 3/4 years old needs a good service stamp book, anything older than that and i dont think it would make a great deal of difference, if you keep all reciepts for all the bits you buy, that in itself, shows a high level of care for the car.;)

besides, i dont trust garages. full stop. i've yet to find one which actually does everything to my high expecting standards, doing it myself/with brother helps to ensure everything meets my standards :D

[angel18082005]

there is also the 'preventative' servicing, ie replacing well known faulty parts, before they become faulty, not many dealers would think to suggest this, nor would they do it half of the time until the part is actually faulty.

i'd say a car around 3/4 years old needs a good service stamp book, anything older than that and i dont think it would make a great deal of difference, if you keep all reciepts for all the bits you buy, that in itself, shows a high level of care for the car.;)

besides, i dont trust garages. full stop. i've yet to find one which actually does everything to my high expecting standards, doing it myself/with brother helps to ensure everything meets my standards :D

Very good points there - i think it is mainly down to the area you live and what kinda service you can get around you and your personal opinion on how things should be done and maintained

[MalcQV]

Very good points there - i think it is mainly down to the area you live and what kinda service you can get around you and your personal opinion on how things should be done and maintained

....and if you have the time to do it yourself.

[angel18082005]

....and if you have the time to do it yourself.

very true also ... ;)

[dov]

i go diy you can do more with the money yourself .full service filters all 4cambelt good oil no cheap 45 gallon drum stuff for about the same price as some garages charge for a oil and filter change done by the t boy. after a motor hits 5 years old does a stamp really matter more done each service is better than less done.

[MalcQV]

i go diy you can do more with the money yourself .full service filters all 4cambelt good oil no cheap 45 gallon drum stuff for about the same price as some garages charge for a oil and filter change done by the t boy. after a motor hits 5 years old does a stamp really matter more done each service is better than less done.

Funny you should say that. Just booked my Passat in for a service (nearly 56k) and was quite surprised at the cost £204.43 appx. Fantastic I thought until I looked up what an "Inspection Service" is :D:-


Change oil & filter
Check Front brake Discs and Pads for wear
Check Rear Brake linings
Check Tyres and pressures
Check Battery level
Check vee belts
Top up windscreen washer bottle
Check brake fluid level
Check washers/wipers
Check Lights and horn
Lubricate door hinges
Check steering, suspension
Check gearbox oil level
Replace pollen filter *
Check Exhaust system*on 2000 model year onwards

[cbrpaul]

I go DIY without a doubt ,

I know its done and done right !!!

I keep every single receipt too , i even sign and date the service book myself !!

Ive got a full VW service history up till i bought it , and the funny thing is , its states the cambelt was changed at every service every year !!! NOWAY was this done ,

Cambelt change is the area that needs to be right though !!! Im not sure if I will do this myself or pay a non dealer garage to do it, get it wrong and its night night !! if i had the right locking tools I would do it myself , so may look into getting some !!


Also it showed the pollen filter was re-newed 12 months ago on the receipt , ive checked it and there is noway on earth it was done , on the sharan it involves removing the whole wiper motor system !!!

, but it is done now , by me , and done properly !!!!

[MalcQV]

Also it showed the pollen filter was re-newed 12 months ago on the receipt , ive checked it and there is noway on earth it was done , on the sharan it involves removing the whole wiper motor system !!!

, but it is done now , by me , and done properly !!!!

Going to mark mine up as this is one of the things on the inspection service that is to be changed.

[cbrpaul]

Going to mark mine up as this is one of the things on the inspection service that is to be changed.

good idea m8 ;)

[paul20v]

i've started a new thread for you about this one....

as per my quote above, i feel you are indeed paying a premium, simply for the sake of a stamp.

on an official line, most dealerships and businesses will reduce your cars value substantially without a fsh (stamped book)

whereas, selling privatley,i would have no quarms whatsoever about buying from a DIY who keeps every reciept conceivable, that to me shows someone who cares about their car....

ill also let you into a 'not so secret' secret... a lot of garages tick the wrong boxes when filling in a service book, for example, my golf had a supposed 'oil service' before i came to me, although the garage ticked the 'inspection service' box which contains a whole lot more besides a general oil change and i am under no illusion that everything that ought to have been done, wasnt, i am doubtful as to whether the oil had even been changed:osteady were not all con merchants

[paul20v]

id strongly disagree. to VW you are little more than a number, i've had several experiences of 'vw customer service' and its less than perfect, a lot less. there are 101 independants out there that would leave VW dealers standing in regards to workmanships, they care about what you think as they cherish their reputation. the same goes for DIY services, very rarely will a owner leave something 'as is' they will always go that extra mile, great care is (in the majority) taken with servicing your own car, with the added advantage that with you doing it yourself and managing to lower costs, you're more likely to do it more often. for instance, i change my oil every 6k regardless of timing. you wouldnt do this with a dealer because of the cost involved. there is also the 'preventative' servicing, ie replacing well known faulty parts, before they become faulty, not many dealers would think to suggest this, nor would they do it half of the time until the part is actually faulty.

i'd say a car around 3/4 years old needs a good service stamp book, anything older than that and i dont think it would make a great deal of difference, if you keep all reciepts for all the bits you buy, that in itself, shows a high level of care for the car.;)

besides, i dont trust garages. full stop. i've yet to find one which actually does everything to my high expecting standards, doing it myself/with brother helps to ensure everything meets my standards :D
i agree with the dealers you are not more than a payment scheme and i dont think they are all as good as they should be i know of one billing customers for a fully qualified tech and they had an apprentise at work on it doh!

[Eshrules]

steady were not all con merchants

thats not actually the point i was making :Blush2:

greed, sadly, is one of the most prominent of sins, each and every one of us is guilty for this and after trying no less than 6 different garages in 9 months, i came to the conclusion that i will never be satisfied with the level of service offered by any garage.

i have high, expecting standards and the only person that can meet them is myself. there is not a single garage that i know of, that would care for my car as it were their own, it simply doesn't happen. too frequently, do i hear stories of cars being sent in with a fault, to be 'repaired', sent out afterwards with not only the 'repaired' fault still present, but a few more besides.

my best advice in regards to garages, is to go off word of mouth, mainly friends and family.:Blush:

[paul20v]

thats not actually the point i was making :Blush2:

greed, sadly, is one of the most prominent of sins, each and every one of us is guilty for this and after trying no less than 6 different garages in 9 months, i came to the conclusion that i will never be satisfied with the level of service offered by any garage.

i have high, expecting standards and the only person that can meet them is myself. there is not a single garage that i know of, that would care for my car as it were their own, it simply doesn't happen. too frequently, do i hear stories of cars being sent in with a fault, to be 'repaired', sent out afterwards with not only the 'repaired' fault still present, but a few more besides.

my best advice in regards to garages, is to go off word of mouth, mainly friends and family.:Blush:
fair enough mate but i do treat everyones car like my own we live in to small an area to do bad work :beerchug:

[Eshrules]

fair enough mate but i do treat everyones car like my own we live in to small an area to do bad work :beerchug:

that, then, is a crying shame as i could do with a guy like you in my area :(

[chrisvrscrx]

I have had nowt but bad experiences with ******** I had a Fiesta TDCi that went in for its service, I went to pick it up paid checked the oil and it had not been changed it was really black. I understand it may be a little black with the small amount left in and driving the car outside. I then made them change it in front of me, I drove 200 miles, checked it and it werent as black when I'd checked it when I came to collect it.

When my passat went in when I first started having trouble with it, I was waiting outside for my dad to pick me up. The mechanic took it for a 'test drive' it ragged the nuts out of it. I went mad and they said he was doing what the book says on a test drive, I asked them what the test was. He said to take the car upto 3,000 rpm he clearly never. And they never valeted the car like he said the do the £40 for the diagnostic included a wash and hoover he promised me a full valet but I aint had it done yet.

I do all my own work/servicing if I can. I have the use of a ramp in work and it comes in really useful when servicing we also have a waste oil faciltiy when I do a service I drop the oil first so that as much as possible can drain out while i'm lubing up etc :D.