Servicing for 2010 GTI

[markwid]

Even if it's only done 10,000kms in 2 years?

It's up to you but going for 2 years without servicing is dodgy and likely to break manufacturer's warranty.

Put it this way, doing such low km in 2 years likely means lots of short trips (starts/stops). A GTI is also likely to be driven hard.
So...not a good thing for the car. But if you want to try your luck and can get massive discount...???

[MovieDude]

It's up to you but going for 2 years without servicing is dodgy and likely to break manufacturer's warranty.

Put it this way, doing such low km in 2 years likely means lots of short trips (starts/stops). A GTI is also likely to be driven hard.
So...not a good thing for the car. But if you want to try your luck and can get massive discount...???

My Octavia came all setup for LL servicing - it's actually "up to" 30,000km/2yrs & there are sensors in the engine that will pull the service forward. I'm assuming it looks at how many starts you do, how hot the engine gets & I think the engine sensor is either a simple color monitor (measuring suspended solids) or an orifice measuring pressure differential (viscosity breakdown).

I drive under absolutely ideal conditions (long trips cruising at 100kmh) and I've had the oil analysed (tested like new) & despite all that I still wouldn't exceed 15,000km as the oil comes out filthy (which is good) and my fuel economy deteriorates in the last few thousand km before the service.

The Long Life servicing regime is aimed at fleet buyers that only intend to keep their cars 3 years & really don't care what happens beyond that. For a private owner that might want a long term vehicle, I'd stick with a maximum of 15k/12 months using 504/507 oils and halve that if you drive under any of the listed severe conditions.

If the car your looking at has had 30,000km intervals then walk away

All good advice and Brad you need to get out more
The seller has got back to me and has advised me that VW say that the cars are built for a 24-month/30,000km service interval but this is reduced (by half) for Australia and a sticker/note is sent out to new owners. The service schedule makes no mention of this so owners not in the know would wait 24 months. VW also commented that as long as the car is serviced now (it's exactly 2 years old) at a VW dealer then the warranty would be honoured.
Decisions decisions.

[Umai Naa!!]

Just to reitterate;

The service intervals for the Australian market for both VW and Skoda passenger vehicles are 15,000klms OR 12 months. Whichever comes first.

We do not have long-life/30,000klm intervals in this market.

[Diesel_vert]

Have you seen the service records? At the very least, the oil & oil filter should have been changed during the last 12 months.

If it hasn't, you have the opportunity to ask for a discount as the car hasn't been maintained in accordance with the local service schedule (who cares what the service regime is in Europe - we're not in Europe).

And on top of that, get the seller to throw in a free 24-month/30,000km service (about $600 worth).

Get it cheap or walk away.

[MovieDude]

Just to reitterate;

The service intervals for the Australian market for both VW and Skoda passenger vehicles are 15,000klms OR 12 months. Whichever comes first.

We do not have long-life/30,000klm intervals in this market.

Thanks. What would you say about cars that have been 'serviced' at 5,000kms? Are these just oil changes and do they need to have been done by VW?

---------- Post added at 02:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:31 PM ----------

Have you seen the service records? At the very least, the oil & oil filter should have been changed during the last 12 months.

If it hasn't, you have the opportunity to ask for a discount as the car hasn't been maintained in accordance with the local service schedule (who cares what the service regime is in Europe - we're not in Europe).

And on top of that, get the seller to throw in a free 24-month/30,000km service (about $600 worth).

Get it cheap or walk away.

The seller confirms that it hasn't been serviced at all in 2 years. He is open to offers.

[Diesel_vert]

What would you say about cars that have been 'serviced' at 5,000kms? Are these just oil changes and do they need to have been done by VW?

Pointless money grabs by the dealer that will only benefit future buyers (like yourself).

Half intervals of 7500 km/6 months are sufficient. And only oil & oil filter changes at that.

[MovieDude]

OK a noob question ... is the 15,000kms/12-month service the big one where a lot more than just the oil and filter get changed?

[Diesel_vert]

OK a noob question ... is the 15,000kms/12-month service the big one where a lot more than just the oil and filter get changed?

Minor service is at 15000 km/12 months.

Major service is at 30000 km/24 months.


The 7500 km/6 month oil change (I really wouldn't do anything else) is not compulsory and completely up to the owner.

[brad]

All good advice and Brad you need to get out more
The seller has got back to me and has advised me that VW say that the cars are built for a 24-month/30,000km service interval but this is reduced (by half) for Australia and a sticker/note is sent out to new owners. The service schedule makes no mention of this so owners not in the know would wait 24 months. VW also commented that as long as the car is serviced now (it's exactly 2 years old) at a VW dealer then the warranty would be honoured.
Decisions decisions.

The owner is talking rubbish.

The Australian market does not support & never has supported Long Life service regime & it isn't a fixed 30,000km/2yrs. Did the seller get VWs statement in writing?

Personally, I don't care if you buy it or not but if you ask a question, you'll get non-biased answers here whereas the seller has a vested interest to tell you good news.

Yep I need to get out more.

BTW: the European environment is very different to AUS. I used to buy airport GSE & the Euro stuff had to have so many mods to make it reliable here - mainly dust issues in the cooling system.

[MovieDude]

Chill pal. I appreciate your comments and suggestions and you certainly have helped me to make an informed decision. I have another to test on Saturday but have all but discounted this car.