Query to those on 3yr £250 Fixed Service Deal....

[percymon]

quick query...

..after 4 months of battling, and little assistance from VW CS, i appear to now be registered for the fixed price service deal i paid for when collecting the car back in December.


..the supplying dealer has given me a copy of the FPS registration document, with the car details and my details on it. They tell me this is all the papaerwork i should have for the service deal.

Can someone confirm that this is correct ?? - i'm suspicious that i should have some form of booklet/blurb to go with this single piece of A4 paper :confused:

Thanks

[markus_bms]

Percymon; I too have ordered this and i am yet to sort out the docs (I am to pickup the car next week). Have queried the dealership about how long it will take and all they can say is that its signed on the day and sent off to VW. VW finance seem to be the ones dealing with it. They did say that there is a number which when put on on VW system will indicate if this package is included. As its provided by VW finance I suspect this might be it..? Is there a number that impersonates the commission number perhaps..

[percymon]

Thanks for the reply.

I was due to sign the paperwork at car collection but it had the wrong name and address on it. I got the impression that the salesguy had other information which was to be handed to me with a copy of the paperwork. I have the paperwork with an agreement number on it (doesn't seem to bear any resemblence to the commission number), and it seems to be VW finance originated (rather than the dealership).

Be interested to hear if you get anything other than a copy of the signed agreement.

[markus_bms]

Sure will update you on how mine goes :) I'd just call up VW finance (i think i got through to them once using CS) and they'll tell you if you're on the list or not..

[Keithuk]

Well when I picked up my car they gave me two A4 sheets. One with all my details and the car details on which said FPS 36/30 £250 at the top and one sheet with all the terms and conditions on it. ;)

[percymon]

Well when I picked up my car they gave me two A4 sheets. One with all my details and the car details on which said FPS 36/30 £250 at the top and one sheet with all the terms and conditions on it. ;)

Keith. Many thanks, that's what i now have so hopefully no issues when I have my first service in a few months time.

[paul.mgrath]

When i got mine (nearly 12 months ago) i registered for the scheme. They gave me some paper i can't remember exactly what bit i got a letter in the post 2 weeks later confirming my registration onto the scheme and all the information of how to go about booking the car in for service etc. Long and short is that you should get something in the post in 2 weeks or so from pickin the car up.

[Keithuk]

I never got anything in the post. The first sheet comfirms all the details so I should need anything else. Perhaps the system has changed this year? ;)

[SebbyMK6]

I've never had anything through either.

[noonoo63]

Hi I eventually got what vw finance call a welcome pack after 4 months and two phone calls one to the dealer who said I was definately set up for it ( the £250 service plan ) and one to vw finance who said the same. Think you will all get something eventually but very frustrating being left in limbo I know

[percymon]

I'll be through my first service before they get off their asses if thats the case !

[lucid]

had the car nearly 2 months still haven't got mine either or a final invoice ..:confused:

[kabooooooom]

When did the £250 for 3 years off commence?

We picked our car up on August 1 last year and were offered several options that were too expensive to bother with but certainly not this one, which we would have jumped at.

Maybe its because we didn't take finance or have long life service intervals.

And is it possible to get on it now as the first service is due in 2500 miles?

[markus_bms]

Got mine setup at the dealers after an initial hash up. They had the wrong car details.. Filled in new form and then they fax it over apparently.
The form i have says it has to be done in 60 days..
its worthwhile calling up the dealer and VW CS to find if you can..who knows..they need the money!

[percymon]

When did the £250 for 3 years off commence?

We picked our car up on August 1 last year and were offered several options that were too expensive to bother with but certainly not this one, which we would have jumped at.

Maybe its because we didn't take finance or have long life service intervals.

And is it possible to get on it now as the first service is due in 2500 miles?


You needed to commence the service plan within a short period after collecting the car (30 days from recollection). I ordered my car on Sept 7th and the offer was part of the brochure/price lists i was sent prior to that.

Whether it was available in August i can't confirm, but i would have thought from at least mid August it was.

No link at all to any other offers or finance.

You xcan have time n distance or longlife options on the service plan, but obviously on longlife you run more risk of not getting the second service within the timeframe of the plan.

[lucid]

It is still available on the website now so maybe if you call them and it was available then, and you weren't offered it they could do it now for you?

[paul.mgrath]

Mine is supposed to be on time and distance. Done 10500 miles and no light come up. Gonna be 12 months old in June so will see what happens then!. I have looked in the service manual and apparantly its set up for time and distance.

Surely VW wouldn't have set it up for longlife service to try and get away with doing it only once.........Would they? Have also noticed that the brake fluid service is done after 3yrs as opposed to 2 years on my mk 5 and then interestingly enough changes to every 2 yrs after the first fluid change!

[percymon]

Mine is supposed to be on time and distance. Done 10500 miles and no light come up. Gonna be 12 months old in June so will see what happens then!. I have looked in the service manual and apparantly its set up for time and distance.

Surely VW wouldn't have set it up for longlife service to try and get away with doing it only once.........Would they? Have also noticed that the brake fluid service is done after 3yrs as opposed to 2 years on my mk 5 and then interestingly enough changes to every 2 yrs after the first fluid change!


you can find out the 'miles to service' by pressing the left hand button below the instrument dials (interllocking boxes symbol) - first press makes clock hour digit flash, second press is clock minutes, third displays the spanner symbol and miles to service

[paul.mgrath]

mmmm, not on mine i am afraid just toggles between hrs,mins then nothing. Then hrs mins nothing. I have the computer display and there is no option in there under service sub section.

[dataconn]

For the service scheme I need clarification the service work carried out would include the same items on its 10k, 20k & 30k services as the respective 1/2/3 year anniversary... i.e. if the car had done 30000 miles after two years, would it still get the brake fluid change?

Is the oil used on the time and distance service regime the same as the oil used on the longlife regime?

[Keithuk]

When did the £250 for 3 years off commence?

And is it possible to get on it now as the first service is due in 2500 miles?
Well I ordered mine when I ordered the car on 19th September last year.

I was in the dealers a couple of months ago and I was reading some of the brochures. It was saying that the service plan included free MOTs for the life of the vehicle. I asked about this but they said that was the longlife service plan. They had a sign in the service reception says MOTs for £15 which isn't bad.

No your first service should be at 10k or 12 months which ever comes first. ;)

[percymon]

Just to add, this week i have finally received two A4 pieces of paper from VW Finance (they operate the service plan), one the terms and conditions and the other the confirmation of plan , plan number and car details.

Interestingly there is no specific mention of the brake fluid change, although there is reference to normal manufacturer service schedule. I guess if you hit 30k miles before the brake fluid change is due at 3 years then you lose out as the scheme finishes at 3yrs or 30k miles.

For those that dont have the paperwork, you should notify the dealer when booking the service that you are on the plan - they will then get authorisation from VWFS before commencing work.

[noonoo63]

You should recieve a seven page booklet from VW finance detailing the service plan . I waited four months for mine. See attachment for what booklet looks like

[danski]

Well, three months on and I received a letter from VW saying that all I have to do is book it in and tell them that its on the service plan. No booklet though.

[markus_bms]

Indeed; i called up VW finance asking where my paper work was and they said it could take 1-2 months.
Has anyone used the scheme as yet ? On the VW site it says that you'll get valeting and the like with a "normal service" -does this apply to this scheme too? It would be interesting to here ppls experiences of how this is actually applied at the various VW dealerships/********hips...:)

[percymon]

Indeed; i called up VW finance asking where my paper work was and they said it could take 1-2 months.
Has anyone used the scheme as yet ? On the VW site it says that you'll get valeting and the like with a "normal service" -does this apply to this scheme too? It would be interesting to here ppls experiences of how this is actually applied at the various VW dealerships/********hips...:)


I'm 2.2k miles from my service, so in theory a couple of months away.

I won't be asking for a valet - in fact i'll be telling their sponge monkeys not to touch anything they don't have to.

[percymon]

You should recieve a seven page booklet from VW finance detailing the service plan . I waited four months for mine. See attachment for what booklet looks like


I won't hold my breath then waiting

[Blackthorn]

Four months, is that all?

I got my car in mid September, and got the booklet through the post about two weeks ago!

[lucid]

Yep three months still no paperwork or invoice.... yawn.

[Keithuk]

Four months, is that all?

I got my car in mid September, and got the booklet through the post about two weeks ago!
Well are my calculations wrong?

If you had your car last September and you recieved your booklet two weeks ago to me thats more that four months or do you calculate it differently? ;)

[p3asa]

On the VW site it says that you'll get valeting and the like with a "normal service" -does this apply to this scheme too?


Any decent garage usually gives your car a clean and valet inside. Every garage I've used in the past certainly offered it to me. However I'm with percymon and will be telling them not to go near the car. In fact I'll be printing this out
(http://www.absolutesparkle.net/USERIMAGES/donotwashf.gif)

[Alabama978]

On the last attempt to fix my intermittent alarm which took two days I got the car back supposedly vacuumed and washed. I was in a hurry and drove off into rush hour traffic. In the heavy traffic I start looking around inside and find two dollops of dried mud on the side of the passenger seat :aargh4:

Does this mean the vw joyriders.... erm sorry mechanics test drive in fields now :confused:

[Keithuk]

I've had mine for four months now and I haven't had the service booklet posted yet, I shall have to ask about this when I next need to go in.

I was talking about servicing with a friend at work how used to work for a VW dealership. He says there should be a QG1 or QG2 on the sticker. The same should be on the sticker on the boot floor.

To find out which service interval your cat has then just open the service schedule book. On the first page there should be a sticker with the car details on it, VIN number engine code and transmission code. Then there are 7 rows of numbers and characters further down. On the third row mine shows 3 characters then a space, three more characters the QG1, then a space and three more blocks of three characters.

QG1 is the shorter 10,000 miles and the QG2 is longlife 20,000 miles service.

Now I've talked about these long service intervals on other VW forums. Just because it a longlife oil which is supposed to last for 20,000 miles doesn’t mean its any good for the long term life of the engine. One of the by products of combustion (petrol or diesel) is carbon that escapes past the piston rings. This carbon is being absorbed into oil, the oil is filtered but it still has impurities that are being pumped around the engine.

My old car had a 6,000 service interval and I only do 6,000 a year so it got changed each year. The cost of that Unipart oil was £15 for 5ltr. The cost of this VW oil is around £50 per 5ltr. So VW maybe trying the environmentally friendly but its costing you to help them. So at the Unipart price you can do 3 oil changes a year and still save some money, plus you will have a lot cleaner oil circulating.

The choice is yours? ;)

[VolksGolf]

Sorry to re start this year old thread but I thought its best to not start a new thread on the same topic and clutter the forum up.

My golf is due its first service (10,000 miles (in 7 months!!)) and its booked in with my usual servicing dealer. I have always had the computer scan printout of their diagnostic check and a reciept when I've previously paid for services on my old VW's. However, I have been told that as I am now on the service plan, I will only get my service book stamped.

Can I just ask if anyone on this 3 yr £250 plan has been told this or have I just spoken with a Jobsworth!

[lucid]

I just had my 1st service with this plan a few weeks ago. The service consisted of an oil change, and i got the service schedule stamped.

I did get a printout though I am not sure it is the one you refer to.
This is called a "Visual Health Check"
consists of a check on:
Lights/electrics
External/Internal
Underbonnet
Brakes/Hubs
Underside
wheels/Tyres
Other Items

and checks the car for dents/scratches etc.

Each of the above categories has subcategories within it and brake pad wear and tyre wear is measured.

Hope this helps.

[Red D]

I picked my car up the end of Sept'10. Still hadn't received any confirmation paper work from VW by Feb'11 so popped back to the dealers to check if I had been registered with VW Finance for the Service Plan. Within a week I received my paperwork from VW Finance in the post (coincidence?).

I've no booklet though? However my Dad has the same plan on his Polo and he never had a booklet, and has not come across any queries when having his car serviced so may be you don't need it? As long as you are registered for the Service Plan then there shouldnt be a problem.

[lucid]

They told me there is no paperwork for it, its obviously just on their system. i never had any paperwork just told them I was on the plan when they called me to book a service when it was nearly a year old.

[VolksGolf]

Thanks for the replies.

Its the paperwork for the individual service I was after. I like to keep all the garage reciepts for completeness and have found it useful if needed for the future car value / insurance purposes etc. I would have thought they would have billed it showing the mileage, labour (even if 0) parts and given the customer a copy of this. I think people are more reassured by the dealer headed reciept rather than the service book stamp

The diagnostic printout I used to get was about 4 A4 pages long with various items showing as being checked normal even if no fault codes were logged.

I did recieve a letter saying the car is on the service plan about a month after I bought it and the letter was from VW Finance although I hadn't financed the car through them but I think they oversee this scheme (as discussed earlier in this thread.

[lucid]

The printout i mentioned does check all those things with a letter G meaning good next to each item checked. At the bottom it says Total price £ 0.00.

[Keithuk]

When I picked mine up they gave me an A4 sheet with all the service details and my details. Now this has been talked about before but users say it can take 3-4 months to get the official paperwork posted to you. I asked about this on previous visits and they didn't know the answer but they said they would find out which they never did.

When I had mine serviced in February I said I have the service plan and they said is that the monthly or full plan, I said I paid £250 when I ordered the car. I gave them my reg no and they looked it up on their database and all the details were on there. After they serviced it they didn't give me any details of what had been done. The service schedule was stamped, dated, mileage and signed so thats good enough for me.

[HHGTTG]

Sorry to re start this year old thread but I thought its best to not start a new thread on the same topic and clutter the forum up.

My golf is due its first service (10,000 miles (in 7 months!!)) and its booked in with my usual servicing dealer. I have always had the computer scan printout of their diagnostic check and a reciept when I've previously paid for services on my old VW's. However, I have been told that as I am now on the service plan, I will only get my service book stamped.

Can I just ask if anyone on this 3 yr £250 plan has been told this or have I just spoken with a Jobsworth!
God, you're lucky getting your service book stamped. The number of times I have had to go back and ask them to do this simple task.
Makes you wonder whether they have even serviced the car if they can't do the simplest of tasks. Utter prats most of these dealers are, to be honest.
Last year they hadn't even serviced the car when I went to collect it as they'd be side tracked by my request to update the software for the alarm problem. Utter numpties to quote Steve Allen

[WeegieBob]

I had mine serviced in November last year and it only came with the colour coded, tick box Visual Health Check sheet - no other documentation except for the service stamp, etc and a receipt for the cost of the insurance for the courtesy car.

WeegieBob. ;)

[Keithuk]

God, you're lucky getting your service book stamped. The number of times I have had to go back and ask them to do this simple task.
I left the service schedule on the seat just to remind them.

[HHGTTG]

I left the service schedule on the seat just to remind them.
Well of course I have done that, as leaving it out of sight would be even worse.

[percymon]

There is no information 'booklet' for the service plan any longer, and only a handful of people got them when it was first introduced.

I've had 2 services under the plan, and on neither occassion have i had paperwork after the service, other than a dealer specific sheet detailing any warranty work they've completed (handy if you hve course to use another dealer later). All the rest of the paperwork, check sheets, diagnostics prints etc is filed at my servicing dealership

[Blackthorn]

Initially all I got was the service book stamped, but I asked for an invoice as I agree it makes good sense when selling the car to have all the paperwork.

They said they don't normally provide an invoice as I'm not paying, but they were quite happy to print one out for me, made out to VW Finance. Presumably they get invoiced by the dealer.

[Rorry]

They said they don't normally provide an invoice as I'm not paying, but they were quite happy to print one out for me, made out to VW Finance. Presumably they get invoiced by the dealer.

How much did they charge VW Finance for the service?

[percymon]

If you scroll back through this thread i'm sure you'll find two posts of mine with the costs of the first and second services - i'm sure others have stated it too.

[VolksGolf]

How much did they charge VW Finance for the service?

I, too, would like to know how much the invoice was for as I've scrolled back and cannot find it. I'd imagine it's more than a third of £250

[Rorry]

I, too, would like to know how much the invoice was for as I've scrolled back and cannot find it.


Me neither. In fact Percymon statted that he didn't get any paperwork with his 1st & 2nd services so he wouldn't know.



I'd imagine it's more than a third of £250

I'd imagine it isn't. It's only a oil and filter change and some quick checks. OK, a dealer would charge anything from £1-£200 but it only costs them about £20 + time. On another forum a guy had a problem with his car and it transpired that the dealer had sent the car to Kwik-Fit for its "service".

I have a Mercedes on a full MB Service & maint plan and they would never give me the paperwork. There was a lot of hassle at the end (it ran for 6yrs) about what work had been done so they printed off all the invoices. They were billing MB about a third of the typical dealer prices, and they only did the minimum possible work.

[percymon]

Me neither. In fact Percymon statted that he didn't get any paperwork with his 1st & 2nd services so he wouldn't know.




I might not have the paperwork in my file, but i do have a set of eyes in my head !.

From the paperwork that i went through at the dealership at service time, as reported in my running report here...

http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=112428


to quote..

" 6. Booking the service using the fixed price service plan presented no difficulties - first service charge £134.64 +VAT ( £158) on the invoice, second was about £170 with the VAT so '3 years for £250 offer' is a worthwhile saving. "


So you have four options..

1. pay as you go servicing with your dealership
2. use the service plan and save yourself some money
3. take it to another garage outside of the dealer network. It'll cost you no less than a service plan and you end up with a car with a trade in value less if you'd used the service plan options and had the VW stamps
4. Service it yourself with oils and filters - no stamp, no diagnostic checks, no software updates, lower resale value, no chance of any goodwill from VW

We can argue long and hard about what the dealers actually do for their money, and what the real costs are. At the end of the day the service plan mimics the normal 9k mile VW service intervals and saves money against individual service menu pricing.

I have 3k miles to my third service, and the end of my service plan - if the next service is another ca £150 one then i'm more than happy with the fact i've paid £250 for the plan rather than £480 ish for 3 services.


Apologies if i led people astray thinking ''my costs'' were in this thread, as it transired i'd posted them in the running reports. Thank goodness the forum has a perfectly good search function.

[VolksGolf]

Thanks for the figures, sorry I missed them.

It really is a good deal when you look at the figures. Will ask for a copy of their dealer invoice for my records (if the dealer will give them)

[Keithuk]

Nicely put percymon (David) I couldn't agree more.

[Rorry]

" 6. Booking the service using the fixed price service plan presented no difficulties - first service charge £134.64 +VAT ( £158) on the invoice, second was about £170 with the VAT so '3 years for £250 offer' is a worthwhile saving. "



Thanks. It's a somewhat moot point, as you can't access the prices yourself, but VAG won't be paying the dealership the prices you saw on the invoices.

[percymon]

Thanks. It's a somewhat moot point, as you can't access the prices yourself, but VAG won't be paying the dealership the prices you saw on the invoices.

maybe not, but at the end of the day i paid £250 out of my back pocket, which is far better than £480 if i'd paid the invoices as separate service bills. The prices on those invoices match whats displayed in the dealership so i have no reason to believe they inflate charges for the benefit of my viewing, and to justify the existence of the service plan. What deal VWFS have with the dealer network i can't imagine - all i know is i get the same service with the same oil, parts etc, its all documented on the workshop schedules, worksheets and none of the paperwork is hidden from me. I have no more reason to suspect VW dealers skip on servicing and attention to detail than any other garage, franchised or non franchised.

Believe me, i am as sceptical a customer as anyone when it comes to garages - i don;t trust them, and they hate my interest and insight when it comes to my dealings with them :approve:.

[Rorry]

maybe not, but at the end of the day i paid £250 out of my back pocket, which is far better than £480 if i'd paid the invoices as separate service bills.

Absolutely. The irritating thing is that £250 is the "real" price. £480 is the inflated, "let's charge what we can get away with because people are scared and think they have to use a franchise dealer" price.

[markus_bms]

Just had my car done yesterday. Told them to only rinse the car as i didn't want any paint damage. Also asked for a copy of invoice sent to VW finance. Got no for both; they didn't want to ruin my paint apparently! Oil filter changed as its now black and idiots have overfilled coolant tank. Also asked if they'd do a transmission oil change but the answer was a no...

However, did get the left over screen fluid bottle which i thought was a nice touch :) Must mean they are definitely "profiteering" from the deal and are charging VW finance appropriately.

As long as car runs as it should fine by me :)


Absolutely. The irritating thing is that £250 is the "real" price. £480 is the inflated, "let's charge what we can get away with because people are scared and think they have to use a franchise dealer" price.

[Keithuk]

I see the service plan has gone up to £299 now?

http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/#/new/golf-gti-vi/which-model/compare/service/

[dcdick]

Percymon said

Believe me, i am as sceptical a customer as anyone when it comes to garages - i don;t trust them, and they hate my interest and insight when it comes to my dealings with them .

I have the same relationship with my dealer these days, they don't like me because I kicked a fuss up & "jumped" the queue for my Golf (they told me I was lucky to get that model) & I in turn don't like them as they think they are the only ones who know anything about vehicles.
It didn't use to be like this (certainly not as bad anyway)

I'm pleased now that I am on a 3 year "contract hire" as I very nearly bought the car outright last year. The future value will have to be very financially attractive for me to complete the purchase in 2 years time. :(

Looks like it will be 2 years (time as opposed to distance) for the first service at around 14,000 miles & I'm getting uneasy about that as the oil is quite dark compared to when it was "fresh". The engine is also "tappety" at tick over when standing outside the car (but still very quiet inside) with a bit of a "clatter" when first starting for a second or so.

Makes you wonder what VAG's business "model" is all about these days :confused: smiling faces & cups of coffee in the front of the dealerships, but dismissive attitudes to real service & care.

These are just my experiences with my local supplying dealer, but I can see from these forums I am not alone.

****

[VolksGolf]

Had car serviced. No invoice as expected and did get the tick box visual check sheet with tyre thread etc on it. Service book stamped, car hoovered and washed (although my service booklet has oily finger prints on the cover now!) zero charged (was expecting wiper blades or similar chargeable items)

[Keithuk]

Just try another dealer ****.


zero charged (was expecting wiper blades or similar chargeable items)
So you were expecting the wiper blades to be worn out and changed on a 2011 motor?

VW fit wiper blades and bulbs free of charge thats if you buy them of the dealer.

http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/volkswagen-world/news/188

There are two service plans which I found out letter the basic one which is now £299 and the extended one where you get free MOTs for the life of the car.

[VolksGolf]

My wiper blades are ok so far - 11 MY but supplied 9/10 - but I've read on this forum someothers have had some of these changed if only to make a charge.

[Red 2]

Our recently delivered Golf has the service plan and the dealer set the servicing regime to time/distance so " we could get the maximum number of services possible".

First time he had actually put the customer first but not complaining.

[HHGTTG]

I usually replace my blades every 12 months or even less but on this current car haven't done so and frankly they don't need replacing, although might in July when it will be two year's old.

[Keithuk]

Our recently delivered Golf has the service plan and the dealer set the servicing regime to time/distance so " we could get the maximum number of services possible".
It doesn't matter if you are on time/distance or longlife you still need a service once a year so you still get 3 years service.

Can you please put your car spec in your sig then we know what we are talking about in other threads?

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a121/KStanier/offtopic.gif
Wiper blades should last 3 years at least it all depends how you look after them. Providing the cleaning edge is good its just a matter of cleaning them with methylated spirits (http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=methylated%20spirits&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbo=u&tbs=shop:1&source=og&sa=N&tab=wf) and the screen. People change them because it just smears thats because there is traffic film/oil on the screen.

[Red 2]

But don't long life service set cars generally run longer between services? Our last Golf and current Audi generally got/ get circa 17k / 14-18 months between services before service interval display lit up. All depends on nature of use I suppose.

Interesting that Audi (A4,petrol) after recent software update during service actually started at 9k til next oil change and is INCREASING as it is used, currently at 11900 after 2k since service! Oh the mysteries of VW Group servicing regimes.

Ho hum, back on thread, happy for VW to do 3 services in 3 years if they want to.

[Keithuk]

Even the longlife interval is 20k or 1 year which ever comes first.

I'm told that VW have an oil sensor which checks the quality of the oil and therefore extends the mileage if the oil is still good, I don't believe that.

[dcdick]

Even the longlife interval is 20k or 1 year which ever comes first.

I'm told that VW have an oil sensor which checks the quality of the oil and therefore extends the mileage if the oil is still good, I don't believe that.

Hmm, dealer told me 20k/2 years.
Like you I don't believe the oil sensor story.
Oil does deteriorate more with short stop/start types of journey which is the norm with low annual mileages.
Suppose I'll find out in a few weeks if the service light puts in an appearance on the dash :confused:

****

[Berisford]

Even the longlife interval is 20k or 1 year which ever comes first.

I'm told that VW have an oil sensor which checks the quality of the oil and therefore extends the mileage if the oil is still good, I don't believe that.


I have a VW Transporter, coming up for 7 years old, on the 'longlife' service regime. It's only had 3 services so far and they've been at the 2 year limit every time. I'm quite sure the next time the service light will appear is going to be 2nd week in May next year, 2012.

Further I copy from the current Golf brochure;


With the LongLife Service the vehicle can cover anywhere
between 10,000† and a maximum of 18,000† miles or 24 months
(whichever is soonest) between oil changes. Inspection service
is typically in the third year of ownership and thereafter every
second year, for vehicles with an approximate annual mileage
of 10,000 miles.

[Red 2]

Yup, our last couple of Golfs and aforesaid Audi doing about 12k/annum were all were allowed by service interval display to go beyond 1 year on long life regime, all in accordance with what the manual said re driving style etc. If you only do relatively small mileages, a long life servicing regime is not however recommended. Audi on 37k/3 years has just had its second long life service.

Have been told by dealer that Audi sensor (and I presume therefore VW one as they have common engines etc.) does check oil quality and system monitors driving style. Audi service display gives you mileage and days to next service and oil change and on reset I was circa 480 days with 15-17k expected.

But as long as everyone is happy and the cars get their FSH, all is well with the world.

[Keithuk]

Ok I stand corrected a longlife service is 20k or 24 months so if you had the 3 year service plan you would only get one service.

I don't care what you say but 20k is too long for oil I know they use fully synthetic oils (for the price of it it should last the life of the engine) but its the same $hit being pumped around and the filters aren't good enough to filter everything.

You guys can please yourself when you have it serviced because it doesn't really matter to you because you don't keep your cars that long.

[Red 2]

With greatest respect, we have our cars serviced on the basis that we want the option to run them on to 5 yrs+ and the dealerships are instructed to do whatever is required to keep them in top condition. And we are lucky enough to know a senior 'insider' in a VW Group dealership who also advises us what is needed without any 'BS'.

So far, everything required has been exactly in line with VAG recommendatiions and diagnostics show the engines' performance in our cars not showing any degradation.

But, like has been said before, the long life servicing regime is not suitable for low mileage stop start . If that was the life of our cars, then dealers and we would be looking at fixed intervals.

Keeping religiously to VAG servicing requirements isn't a sign of owners who don't care about their cars....but each to their own.

Getting dangerously back on thread, we are certainly not however complaining about getting 3 services for our latest Golf. If that is what VW/dealer wants to do, fine, certainly won't hurt.

[WeegieBob]

Keeping religiously to VAG servicing requirements isn't a sign of owners who don't care about their cars....but each to their own.

I agree - I stick to the servicing schedule exactly as required by the manufacturer for two reasons -

1. I believe they do actually know what they are talking about (most of the time) and I want to look after my car as well as I can regardless if I keep it 3 or 30 years.

2. I won't give them any opportunity to wriggle out of their warranty guarantees by applying my own (or any other persons) interpretation of their rules.

But as you say ....... "each to their own."

WeegieBob. ;)

[Rorry]

Our recently supplied 1.4 Twist is on 10Kmile or 12mths service intervals. And, yes, the package is £299 now (or free if you take VW Finance).

My own Mercedes will run for 2yrs between services, although MB have changed that and moved to 12mth max on newer models - much to the annoyance of low mileage owners. Fully synth oil is absolutely fine for that period, although I would probably want to change it earlier if the car only ever did very short journeys as condensation can contaminate the oil and it becomes corrosive.

To be honest, the least number of times the dealers get to mess with the car the better in my view. I wish cars were sealed for life - most manufacturers are very good, only to have their dealers destroy their reputation.

[Rorry]

... Also asked for a copy of invoice sent to VW finance. Got no for both;
....
However, did get the left over screen fluid bottle which i thought was a nice touch :) Must mean they are definitely "profiteering" from the deal and are charging VW finance appropriately.


Had ours serviced today. I was surprised when the Service Advisor asked if I wanted a copy of the invoice and I said 'yes'. I expected the prices to be all zero'd out but it was complete and the invoice total was.....£68! The SA said ' it's not much less than we charge under the fixed price service menu'. Hmmm...well, that's £139 so it's exacty half.

I'm bemused why they don't offer (at least of asked) prices like this directly - they could bump them up a bit and they still be cheaper than VWs service package costs and they'd make a bit more money than they get from VW.

[Brian566]

Hi I eventually got what vw finance call a welcome pack after 4 months and two phone calls one to the dealer who said I was definately set up for it ( the £250 service plan ) and one to vw finance who said the same. Think you will all get something eventually but very frustrating being left in limbo I know

I to was waiting but told there was no problem as car was registered. Paper Wok came through about two months after buying car
So dont worry it will come through

[lucid]

Hmmm I'm just about to book my 2nd service as its now due, I never got any paperwork on this and its now 2 years since i got the car. Didn't get charged last year though all went ok.
Question though...I got 2 cards from the dealer re reminding me of due service, 1 was the normal service and the other was "air conditioning service".

Can someone please confirm that this is also included free in the 3 year service plan i purchased back in 2010 when i bought the car?

[iallen1@btinter]

i dont think its much kop they do as little as possible, even though mines got 3 years free servicing on my last car they recommended brake fluid after two years when i mentioned this they said it hadnt done the mileage what a load of BS it says after 2 years, if its that good then why cant you pay for 3 seperate services and it still come to 250

[Keithuk]

The sticker on my door says 3 years for brake fluid change then every 2 years after. I will ask them on my next 3 year service, if it doesn't come under the 3 year service plan they can stuff it.

[paul.mgrath]

Mines just had its 3rd and last service today.. Air con not included in the package and i don't think they did anything with the brake fluid.

Should feel lucky really as took it to my local VW dealer and they refused to do it as it had done 31,000 miles. So had to take it to the garage i bought it from!!

Going off topic asked them about the mk7 and they said there should be an announcement by July!! Current wait for a mk6 is 2-3 months

[noonoo63]

The brake fluid change is definately part of the 3 year service deal. I would get it independantly checked and if it has not been done take it up with VW direct.
At my second year service in November 2011 the service agent mentioned that the next service would include the brake fluid change and of course the MOT.

[noonoo63]

Air con is not included in the 3 year service plan but VW as well as the dealer do inform you that it is recommended to get the air con serviced after two years .Think the cost is 70 odd pounds. I declined their kind offer as mine is still icy cold lol.

[Rorry]

Air con is not included in the 3 year service plan but VW as well as the dealer do inform you that it is recommended to get the air con serviced after two years .Think the cost is 70 odd pounds. I declined their kind offer as mine is still icy cold lol.

This is such a scam by the dealers. On our last car I was informed in a very serious voice that the car was "overdue for its air conditioning service". I asked how it can overdue for something that isn't in the service schedule?

Their response was that it's not in the scedule as not all cars have a/c! I bet more have a/c than have spark plugs or deisel fuel filters but they put those in the schedule.

[chody]

my nephew is a service manager and he hates the why the bossed pressure the service staff into trying to sell the a/c service as he agrees it is totally unnecessary every 2 years, although putting a aerosol refresher throughit is a good idea to kill off the bacteria that builds up

[percymon]

The brake fluid change is definately part of the 3 year service deal.


Only if you get to the third annual service as part of the scheme - if you hit three services based on mileage in less than 3 years then you DONT get the brake fluid change as the car isn't old enough to warrant it. Either way the service plan does save you money compared to individual menu servicing.

[Rorry]

Only if you get to the third annual service as part of the scheme - if you hit three services based on mileage in less than 3 years then you DONT get the brake fluid change as the car isn't old enough to warrant it.


Oh...that's sneaky! They really ought to do it with the service or else let you come back at 3yrs to have it done. Arguably a 'duty of care' thing - if you had the 3rd service say 3mths early, then that means the car is not likely to have its brake fluid changed until the next service, which could be cracking on for 4 years.



Either way the service plan does save you money compared to individual menu servicing.

Well, only because, as I mentioned a few posts back, the dealers wouldn't dream of giving the general public the same rates as they charge VW. If they did, then it would be cheaper to PAYG than use the plan.

[lucid]

Just had mine in for the 2nd service this morning, will be ready sometime tomorrow as needed a warranty part being sourced in the morning. New scirocco as a loaner. No mention of any charge that I'm aware of re that. Dealer parts vary in price even when very close. For example 2 vw badged wipers at 1 dealer over £32 at another £26. Same parts available on amazon for £16.

When enquiring about year 3 of the service and the MOT they checked and it wasn't included (the cost) - in some plans they have had it was but not in the £250 one purchased in 2010.

But the light at the end of the tunnel was that the agent told me that VW was committed to absorbing the cost of the 1st MOT, thus the MOT cost will be free after all :-)

So will have to get the service done a little early so if any problems are identified they can be remedied within the warranty period.

[percymon]

Well, only because, as I mentioned a few posts back, the dealers wouldn't dream of giving the general public the same rates as they charge VW. If they did, then it would be cheaper to PAYG than use the plan.

I think its more a case of what VW HQ tell the delaerships they will receive in payment rather than the other way round. It ties motorists to the dealerships for servicing, getting feet through their doors, as opposed to customers going elsewhere for servicing.

[lucid]

I got a print out of the invoice for vw and also got the one for last year. 1st service was £76 second was £114.

[iallen1@btinter]

Its all B******T they told me brake fluid after two years and never mentioned the mileage until i said i was on the service plan then they said it hadnt done enough they just change the oil 3 times its a con they do as little as possible

[ross980]

My car is booked in for its 3rd service/1st MOT next week. I'm on the 3yr service plan and the dealer quoted an extra £100 for the air con re-gas and brake fluid change... I'm surprised the fluid change isn't included, I decided not to bother though as the air con is fine and the car has only done 15k miles.

[noonoo63]

My car is booked in for its 3rd service/1st MOT next week. I'm on the 3yr service plan and the dealer quoted an extra £100 for the air con re-gas and brake fluid change... I'm surprised the fluid change isn't included, I decided not to bother though as the air con is fine and the car has only done 15k miles.

The brake fluid change is included in the three year service plan though your low mileage might preclude it but in any case you should not be charged for it. Go back to your dealer and kick up a bit and check with/ report to VW. Air con service with my dealer is £76 but they do specials at £46 at various times during the year.

[Rhigour]

My car is booked in for its 3rd service/1st MOT next week. I'm on the 3yr service plan and the dealer quoted an extra £100 for the air con re-gas and brake fluid change... I'm surprised the fluid change isn't included, I decided not to bother though as the air con is fine and the car has only done 15k miles.
The air-con re-gas is a standard ploy, the service manager was most miffed when I told him no. Brake fluid I would not leave too long as the fluid does absorb moisture in time and heavy braking can cause the water to boil and brakes go spongy. Certainly if you are going abroad in the car to mountainous regions like the Alps or Pyrenees get the fluid done , altitude and long hard downhill descents can leave you with no footbrake.

[Rorry]

As said above, brake fluid change is included. A/C service is a scam - if it needed doing then it would be in the service schedule.

Are they charging for the MOT?

[ross980]

As said above, brake fluid change is included. A/C service is a scam - if it needed doing then it would be in the service schedule.

Are they charging for the MOT?

Yes, think they said it was £35.
I will definitely query the brake fluid change.

[ross980]

As said above, brake fluid change is included. A/C service is a scam - if it needed doing then it would be in the service schedule.

Are they charging for the MOT?
I've just picked the car up. The brake fluid change was included as people have stated above, though bizarrely so was the A/C service/re-gas (contrary to what I was told when I booked it in). The A/C worked fine before but I'm not complaining. The brakes were a bit on the sharp side following the fluid change but I'll get used to that.

MOT was £35, which it initially failed due to split wiper blades (£28), which is fair enough as I've been meaning to change them for a few weeks.

Paying for a service will come as a shock next year!

[Rorry]

Just had mine in for the 2nd service this morning, …

When enquiring about year 3 of the service and the MOT they checked and it wasn't included (the cost) - in some plans they have had it was but not in the £250 one purchased in 2010.

But the light at the end of the tunnel was that the agent told me that VW was committed to absorbing the cost of the 1st MOT, thus the MOT cost will be free after all :-)

So will have to get the service done a little early so if any problems are identified they can be remedied within the warranty period.


Had ours in today a couple of months early for its second service as we’ve hit the 10K mileage limit. I asked about MOT being included at 3yrs and the service advisor said it was – “because they do it instead of the brake fluid change”!

So there then ensued a few minutes or argument about the brake fluid change with the guy being absolutely adamant that it wouldn’t be included. I took the service manager’s name and said I’d take it up with him. Got home and the service advisor range and said it is included – but the MOT definitely isn’t. However I have a feeling we’re going to miss out here as the car is likely to get to 30K some way before 3yrs, and I’m pretty sure they’ll refuse to do the brake fluid if the car isn’t 3yrs old.


I got a print out of the invoice for vw and also got the one for last year. 1st service was £76 second was £114.

I got one for the first year (£68) but this time they said no. When I showed them a copy of the 1st invoice they were horrified I’d been given it. I’m not surprised really – I’m sure they don’t want that pricing being out in the open!

[iallen1@btinter]

I once paid for the 3 year servicing £250 i do low mileage and all they did was the oil everyear they refused to do any filters as they said i hadnt done enough mileage,
as for the brake fluid thats a joke theres no way of proving theyve done it unless your phsyically there, they do as little as possible i bet three seperate services comes to more than £250 and they will want to do filters etc its a rip off in my opinion

[Rorry]

When enquiring about year 3 of the service and the MOT they checked and it wasn't included (the cost) - in some plans they have had it was but not in the £250 one purchased in 2010.

But the light at the end of the tunnel was that the agent told me that VW was committed to absorbing the cost of the 1st MOT, thus the MOT cost will be free after all :-)


As ours is coming up to 3yrs now I wondered how many people have had success in getting the MOT done free?

[noonoo63]

As ours is coming up to 3yrs now I wondered how many people have had success in getting the MOT done free?
My car did have the brake fluid changed at 3 years with26000 miles on clock but mot was definately charged albeit dealership gave me a voucher for £20 towards it.

[Berisford]

They wouldn't budge on mine at 3rd service 2 years, 5 months, 27000miles. Coming up for service number 4 at 36000, 3 years 3 months. I've been offered the £299 deal. Though it seems steep for a 'special, 3 years and over' 1.6 service..............I'm going in this week to book it and I'm looking to have the DSG oil swapped for free inasmuch as there's a recall on in most countries as the oil is now considered to be at fault. I've not had any trouble but it's due at 40000 anyway, I don't see why I should pay. Anyone had this little £200 job done for free in recent weeks?

[lucid]

As ours is coming up to 3yrs now I wondered how many people have had success in getting the MOT done free?

my 3rd service was done in February 2013 and I did get the 1st MOT done for free, oddly when I went they checked again and said it was definitely included in the plan. I had only done about 12000 miles back then, and without checking the service book can't remember whether they did a brake fluid change. Should they have done that then regardless of mileage?

One other thing, I remember that they said that the timing belt should be changed after 4 years, which is in about 3 months for me. But is that really necessary bearing in mind the car will have only done 16,000 by then as a 4 year old car.

[Berisford]

One other thing, I remember that they said that the timing belt should be changed after 4 years, which is in about 3 months for me. But is that really necessary bearing in mind the car will have only done 16,000 by then as a 4 year old car.



Similar dilemma here too lucid, though I'm looking at 40,000 in 4 years, even at the higher mileage I've covered doesn't seem reasonable to be replacing the belt @ £400. Problem is, if anything does go wrong the full service CV should help, it'd be my kinda luck to have the belt go bang @ 4 years 3 months!

4th service at around 40,000miles is an expensive time to be a Golf 1.6 DSG owner, what with £300 service, £400 belt and £180 DSG oil?

[noonoo63]

Similar dilemma here too lucid, though I'm looking at 40,000 in 4 years, even at the higher mileage I've covered doesn't seem reasonable to be replacing the belt @ £400. Problem is, if anything does go wrong the full service CV should help, it'd be my kinda luck to have the belt go bang @ 4 years 3 months!

4th service at around 40,000miles is an expensive time to be a Golf 1.6 DSG owner, what with £300 service, £400 belt and £180 DSG oil?
Took mine to an independant VW specialist for my 4th year major service and mot. He found the inner rear brake pads were worn but would probably pass test and would be okay for between 3 and 6 months, also cv boot was split on offside front wheel which would definately fail the car. Anyway told him to replace pads and cv joint with genuine parts, all in including mot fee £330. Hate to think what main dealer would have charged!!!:biglaugh:

[chody]

my a4 b6 water pump went at 42k and 5 years old so I would recommend getting the pump done with the timing belt and the tensioners also you dont need to get this done at the dealer you can save by going to a good indy and for peace of mind buy the kit from the dealers

[Keithuk]

Well if its anything like my 3 year service & MOT (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?141818-3-year-service-amp-MOT) I wouldn't trust dealers with a wheel barrow

[Rorry]

my 3rd service was done in February 2013 and I did get the 1st MOT done for free, oddly when I went they checked again and said it was definitely included in the plan. I had only done about 12000 miles back then, and without checking the service book can't remember whether they did a brake fluid change. Should they have done that then regardless of mileage?


VW say the brake fluid should be changed at 3yrs. I'm being told by VW themselves that it's not included in the service plan from March 2011, which is when we bought the car. Still arguing with them but it's like talking to a brick wall.



One other thing, I remember that they said that the timing belt should be changed after 4 years, which is in about 3 months for me. But is that really necessary bearing in mind the car will have only done 16,000 by then as a 4 year old car.

Seen comments in another recent thread that a dealer told a forum member that VW have dropped the age requirement and the cambelt change is now based on mileage only. Not seen anything official on that though. It does makes sense however - in other countries VW doesn't make the same "recommendation" to change the cambelt as VW UK does.

[Rorry]

VW say the brake fluid should be changed at 3yrs. I'm being told by VW themselves that it's not included in the service plan from March 2011, which is when we bought the car. Still arguing with them but it's like talking to a brick wall.


Well final email from VWFS (who handle the service packages) said there’s no way the brake fluid change is incorporated on the service plan we have and they wouldn’t authorise it . However they said that if the first MOT is done at the dealer who supplied the car, then the dealer will cover the cost. Hmmmm….

Anyway, took car in yesterday. It’s some way overdue for service by mileage (total is 30,900 but that’s about 1800 overdue from last service) and I was a bit nervous as the contract states all servicing must be complete by 30000 miles. The Service Advisor (SA) did come out to look at the car and saw the mileage and overage but dismissed it as an issue. Phew!

They said they would service the car and change the brake fluid. No suggestion it wasn’t included or that I should pay. I was asked to pay £49 for the MOT. I suggested it should be covered and they said no. Decided not to push it and the SA (unprompted) said he’d do it for £39. Overall I’m not unhappy with that. I even asked them supply and fit a new rear wiper. :D

I was surprised not to be asked about “servicing” the A/C – I noticed it was written on the job card but the service advisor didn’t mention it. Perhaps he could read my mind as I think “it’s overdue for a/c service” is a complete scam. Anyway, someone rang me later and asked if I’d like it done. I asked if there was a deal available and they straight off offered it for £40 which I agreed to as I was feeling magnanimous. :D

I had them look at the wheels which annoyingly are diamond cut on our Twist model. The SA said there’s no way they’ll be diamond cut but then was a bit surprised when I led him out to the car. J All the wheels centres have deteriorated and they changed those no problem, but I feel the wheel finish is breaking up around the centre holes too. The dealer thought not and wouldn’t take it further, but did say there’s a 4 year warranty on the wheels so I’ll see how they go.




Seen comments in another recent thread that a dealer told a forum member that VW have dropped the age requirement and the cambelt change is now based on mileage only. Not seen anything official on that though. It does makes sense however - in other countries VW doesn't make the same "recommendation" to change the cambelt as VW UK does.

I asked about this too and they’ve moved to 5 years on 2009 onwards cars unless very mileage. Dealer was keen to say they’re always up for a deal to get the job done.