15,000km Service Cost from Each Dealer Outlined

Hi,
I have a 2011 Mark 6 Golf and its due for its first service (15,000km).

I have a shop around and the Volkswagen Dealers in my area (Brisbane) quotes around $430 - $480. From what they told me, its just a filter and oil change + any firmware upgrade.

I called a few other garages and they will charge around $170 - $250 for filter and oil change. So my question is, is the firmware update necessary? Has anyone tried to find out if they actually have a firmware upgrade for a car that's less than 6 months old?

It seems a lot of money to spend... for someone to plug their computer to it and make no changes. I'm happy to pay for firmware upgrade. As long as it gets done. Not just a plain, plug in and check and nothing gets changed.

What's everyone's thoughts? Worthwhile? Your advice/help is much appreciated.

Regards,
Alison

What firmware update are you talking about?
Is it an ecu update or a stereo update?

I would go to an independent service provider (prestige and performance have my car next week, although Jmac form Alba european also gets a very good rep on the forums here) and ask if they can provide the ecu update (if one has occured)

If there's an important firmware upgrade VW will notify you, it will be free and can be done by any dealer.

There have been two so far on my '09 TDI.

I wouldn't let the possibility of one influence my choice of service provider.

There's no guarantee that there is or isn't a software update. It's just part of the general servicing checklist to check for any updates and install them if found. This could be for the ECU, DSG, or RNS510, maybe even the MDI (I don't know how thorough they are).

So far I've been getting the minor (15/45) services done at the expensive dealers to keep up to date, and then getting the major services done at an independent VW specialist.

This checking for updates doesn't cost the difference in price between their quote and other garages. VW just charge a lot more for parts and labour, etc. You could get all your services done at a garage (one that updates your log book and uses genuine VW OEM parts and doesn't void your warranty) and book in a time with VW to check for updates. They might charge about $60 for this (check with them though). It then becomes a question of time v. money.

Do what ever makes you feel right, however I just had my 15K service and did the whole independent v OEM service cost to value thought process and decided in the end to take it to VW. This was based on wanting those VW stamps in my service book, peace of mind, sleep at night sort of stuff.

Glad I did as they found an oil leak which required a new seal between the turbo and the engine which required parts and most of the day to repair. This cost me no more that the scheduled service fee.

Now sure everything might be fine for most but just keep in mind this is the first service, good oppotunity for the VW folk to go over your car and check that first year ownership ( which we have to all admit was pretty hard on the ol engine as we tested the limit) has not been too hard on the car post factory delivery.

Worth the bucks in my mind

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SilvrFoxX

Do what ever makes you feel right, however I just had my 15K service and did the whole independent v OEM service cost to value thought process and decided in the end to take it to VW. This was based on wanting those VW stamps in my service book, peace of mind, sleep at night sort of stuff.

Glad I did as they found an oil leak which required a new seal between the turbo and the engine which required parts and most of the day to repair. This cost me no more that the scheduled service fee.

Now sure everything might be fine for most but just keep in mind this is the first service, good oppotunity for the VW folk to go over your car and check that first year ownership ( which we have to all admit was pretty hard on the ol engine as we tested the limit) has not been too hard on the car post factory delivery.

Worth the bucks in my mind

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Alison -

I have rung around today as the dealer closest to me (northstar) wanted $486 for a 15k service. After some minor foaming at the mouth, I phoned norris (440) and highway south ($405) and finally garry crick up the coast (320)

Needless to say, I booked it in at gary crick. Happy to spend an hour of my time driving up and back from the coast to save $166.

Unreal...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by warped_foobie

Alison -

I have rung around today as the dealer closest to me (northstar) wanted $486 for a 15k service. After some minor foaming at the mouth, I phoned norris (440) and highway south ($405) and finally garry crick up the coast (320)

Needless to say, I booked it in at gary crick. Happy to spend an hour of my time driving up and back from the coast to save $166.

Unreal...

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Why not use Presitge and Performance or Alba European.

I ended up with $270 for the 1 year/15k service from P&P

Quote:

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Originally Posted by alibaba

Hi,
I have a 2011 Mark 6 Golf and its due for its first service (15,000km).

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Please...you spent 40+K on a car and want to go cheap on servicing it???

Around $400 at a dealer is about right. VW specialist probably charge around $300.

Thanks for the advice Fellas.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by alibaba

Thanks for the advice Fellas.

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My car is a 2011 Golf 118 TSI 7 speed auto,
15000 sevice today at Hunter Volkswagen at Maitland. Cost $321 , supprised with the lower cost as they appear to be a upmarket dealer.
I was advised when i dropped the car in that they would carry out a 37G7 transmission opdate.
I mentioned that there is an occasional slight shudder when going from first into second gear. When driving to home there was no change to the occasional shudder, it is still there.
I also advised that the compartment in front of the gear leaver was not always latching when closed. They have orded the part and will be replaced.

They have given a comprehensive list of work that was carried out, and i am very happy with the service,