General cost of repairs

[indulis]

Hi,

I am tossing up between a Skoda Octavia RS and Mazda 6 diesel wagons. I like the Skoda better (a little bit), but am concerned about the cost of post-warranty repairs for VAG cars. As the Skoda Octavia is built on Golf/Jetta, but is too new in Oz to have a history of non-warranty repairs, I thought I'd ask Golf/Jetta owners.

Just to note, one of the reasons for a move from my current Renault Laguna II is the insane cost of parts from Renault, linked to "designed for hardest repair" mentality (i.e. can't buy new engine cover gaskets for $20, have to buy them integrated into a new cover for $250, 1.5 hours to replace headlights by removing bumper bar, etc). A simple repair- replace air con belt plus fix 2 x small oil leaks was almost $2000 in parts!

So, though I like the Skoda I am wary of another euro car that becomes a cash devouring monster 6 months out of warranty.

Mazda is offering 4 years warranty at the moment too. If I could buy another 1-2 years factory warranty from VAG it'd help me feel a bit more secure too.

Anyway, what is the experience with parts and other costs once a VW is out of warranty?

[gerhard]

I can't help much with the cost of VAG out of warranty, but I wouldn't be too sure the Mazda will be cheap.

I needed a temperature sensor for my daughter's 121 bubble 1.3 litre, and the price was $130

I finished up getting the part from the US for $US20.00 plus freight (combined with some Isuzu parts for the Jackaroo).

Mazda parts are probably more likely to be available from Repco et al in the future, but maybe not for the low volume diesel engines?

Extended Warranty is definitely the go if you can get it on the Skoda as on the VWs.

[gregozedobe]

The Skoda comes with 3 years/unlimited mileage warranty, and (like VW) you can buy a further two years of factory warranty (not to be confused with "dealer" warranty). Parts prices seem to be similar to VW, or slightly cheaper (not that I've need much so far). ]

I love my Octy (like all the Octy owners I've met so far).

[Golf Loon]

Most Skoda parts are from the VW Parts bin, so are tried and tested and available for more than one kind of car.

If you needed a cartain part, you would have the option of getting it from VW or Audi if it proved hard to source or expensive.

I`d buy the Octavia in a heartbeat.

[vw poster]

The Skoda comes with 3 years/unlimited mileage warranty, and (like VW) you can buy a further two years of factory warranty (not to be confused with "dealer" warranty). Parts prices seem to be similar to VW, or slightly cheaper (not that I've need much so far). ]

I love my Octy (like all the Octy owners I've met so far).

In fact VWA offer an Extended 3 year factory warranty please see at
http://www.volkswagen.com.au/vwcms/m...arranties.html

[gregozedobe]

My bad (from the Oz Skoda site) :

Is an extended warranty available? 30/06/2008 11:15:14 AM
An extended three-year warranty option is coming soon. for more information keep checking our website or contact your local dealer.

[indulis]

In the fine print "VM Australia is acting as an agent of Allianz in offering this insurance". So no big deal to not get it, just another 3rd party warranty extension, just happens to be offered by VW.

[gerhard]

In the fine print "VM Australia is acting as an agent of Allianz in offering this insurance". So no big deal to not get it, just another 3rd party warranty extension, just happens to be offered by VW.

No big deal to not get it - perhaps true, until your aircon lunches itself, or your DSG mechatronic goes out.

The original question was about the cost of repairs, so clearly the OP thinks an expensive repair IS a big deal.

[HiTorque]

Hi,

I am tossing up between a Skoda Octavia RS and Mazda 6 diesel wagons.
Anyway, what is the experience with parts and other costs once a VW is out of warranty?

You won't win in any of these two. EGR parts replacement in mkV 2.0TDI - nearly $2,000 including labor. I was thinking about French cars, like C5, but will end up with Holden Commodore instead - the cheapest to repair!