McQueen77
Banned
I know there has been a few other stray threads about this, but here is another regardless.
Called around and got a few quotes on 40k miles service today. Spoke with a very reputable independent audi/vw shop in Pasadena, run by two guys who were Audi master techs for 10+ years before starting their own shop. I wanted to know (3) things:
1. What is recommended for 40k service on Mk6 GTI?
Answer: Oil/filter change, tire rotation, top off all fluids, visual inspection of all listed parts/components per owner's manual, fuel filter change. He said that even though the manual says new plugs at 60k, he said esp. if you are tuned that 40k plugs is good preventative maintenance. When I asked about coil packs replaced at 40k he just said "why? there is no need as these were upgraded for the TSI engine.
2. How much for the whole service? (MT no DSG service)
Answer: $500 if spark plug replacement was included.
3. Can I change the oil/filter myself as well as the plugs and just bring it to you guys to change the fuel filter, rotate the tires and inspect everything?
Answer: "Yes, if you have basic-intermediate mechanical knowhow you can do all that. Bring it in and we'll replace the filter, inspect everything, top off fluids etc. and rotate tires for $150 parts/labor incl. So basically $60 for the filter and $90 for an hours labor.
Then I called the dealer.....
I was told the following: (bare in mind, I should have hung up when the head of the service dept. asked me 'what engine do I have' in my GTI)
Fuel Filter does not have to be replaced and that they add a fuel system additive and do a 'flush'. (BS Meter already going off).. What the hell is he talking about? "Thats weird, my owner's manual says to replace the fuel filter at 40k." I said. "Well sir, you must be looking at a different maintenance schedule because that is not necessary on the GTI." What?! When I mentioned changing the plugs early I was told that was "totally unnecessary" and that they "wouldn't do it". In the end I was quoted at $317 for what basically amounts to a glamorized oil change. Jesus.
Jesus Christ.
So, to summarize, the dealer is basically useless unless you are going in for warranty work. The techs I'm sure are totally competent but why do the service reps have to be such morons? Otherwise, stay away. They don't seem to believe in preventative maintenance and apparently, don't like to follow the owner's manual. Maybe because if you ignore preventative maintenance, your car will just take a shit and then they can rail you for any repairs.
-------------------
All that being said, it confirmed the following:
1. after my 30k service I will never set foot in the dealer unless it is for warranty work but will go to them for no maintenance whatsoever. Interestingly, their labor rates are no different than the indie mechanic I spoke to, they just don't seem to know what the hell they are talking about.
2. you can do 90% of the 40k mile service yourself if you have an IQ above 80 and a few tools. If you want to go big, you can do 100% of the maintenance yourself. Just take some video or pictures and save receipts.
3. if you have an IQ above 80 and half of a sunday afternoon to kill, you can do 90% of the 40k service and pay a little over $100 for the rest of it.
4. Parts don't cost more at the dealer. I got a quote from the dealer on 4 plugs and 4 coils and it came out to $189 - Less than ECS Tuning's 'ignition service' pack which goes for $209 + shipping I think.
Hope this was useful.
Called around and got a few quotes on 40k miles service today. Spoke with a very reputable independent audi/vw shop in Pasadena, run by two guys who were Audi master techs for 10+ years before starting their own shop. I wanted to know (3) things:
1. What is recommended for 40k service on Mk6 GTI?
Answer: Oil/filter change, tire rotation, top off all fluids, visual inspection of all listed parts/components per owner's manual, fuel filter change. He said that even though the manual says new plugs at 60k, he said esp. if you are tuned that 40k plugs is good preventative maintenance. When I asked about coil packs replaced at 40k he just said "why? there is no need as these were upgraded for the TSI engine.
2. How much for the whole service? (MT no DSG service)
Answer: $500 if spark plug replacement was included.
3. Can I change the oil/filter myself as well as the plugs and just bring it to you guys to change the fuel filter, rotate the tires and inspect everything?
Answer: "Yes, if you have basic-intermediate mechanical knowhow you can do all that. Bring it in and we'll replace the filter, inspect everything, top off fluids etc. and rotate tires for $150 parts/labor incl. So basically $60 for the filter and $90 for an hours labor.
Then I called the dealer.....
I was told the following: (bare in mind, I should have hung up when the head of the service dept. asked me 'what engine do I have' in my GTI)
Fuel Filter does not have to be replaced and that they add a fuel system additive and do a 'flush'. (BS Meter already going off).. What the hell is he talking about? "Thats weird, my owner's manual says to replace the fuel filter at 40k." I said. "Well sir, you must be looking at a different maintenance schedule because that is not necessary on the GTI." What?! When I mentioned changing the plugs early I was told that was "totally unnecessary" and that they "wouldn't do it". In the end I was quoted at $317 for what basically amounts to a glamorized oil change. Jesus.
Jesus Christ.
So, to summarize, the dealer is basically useless unless you are going in for warranty work. The techs I'm sure are totally competent but why do the service reps have to be such morons? Otherwise, stay away. They don't seem to believe in preventative maintenance and apparently, don't like to follow the owner's manual. Maybe because if you ignore preventative maintenance, your car will just take a shit and then they can rail you for any repairs.
-------------------
All that being said, it confirmed the following:
1. after my 30k service I will never set foot in the dealer unless it is for warranty work but will go to them for no maintenance whatsoever. Interestingly, their labor rates are no different than the indie mechanic I spoke to, they just don't seem to know what the hell they are talking about.
2. you can do 90% of the 40k mile service yourself if you have an IQ above 80 and a few tools. If you want to go big, you can do 100% of the maintenance yourself. Just take some video or pictures and save receipts.
3. if you have an IQ above 80 and half of a sunday afternoon to kill, you can do 90% of the 40k service and pay a little over $100 for the rest of it.
4. Parts don't cost more at the dealer. I got a quote from the dealer on 4 plugs and 4 coils and it came out to $189 - Less than ECS Tuning's 'ignition service' pack which goes for $209 + shipping I think.
Hope this was useful.
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