Independent service centre - do you get itemised invoices ?

[YellowLemon]

When I (rarely) service my VW's at the dealer I always seem to get a comprehensive itemised invoice detailing all the parts used with part numbers, what was done, labour cost, GST etc.

However at the local VW specialist all I get is a bill with a single line saying "service carried out as per 75'000 specifications, $800"

Even though they tell me verbally exactly what is involved, there is no actual documentation of what they did so I have no idea what their "interpretation" of the schedule was, how do I know if fuel filter, air filter, cabin filter etc were changed, coolant was flushed, DSG filter replaced, or just DSG fluid etc etc.

What are your experiences with indy VW specialists, do you get dealer style comprehensive invoice, or some handwritten pen scrawl on a newsagent tax invoice notepad?

[Lucas_R]

The independant shop i used a few months back itemised both items he changed/serviced on my car, with details of the oils used etc.

I would not accept a simple "service completed as per book" line on my invoice. I would ask them to itemise what was replaced.

[YellowLemon]

I would not accept a simple "service completed as per book" line on my invoice.

Thank you for the feedback.

My experience was at a place that got a few thumbs up on this forum so I am bewildered too. I'd been taking my cars there for a few years without problems, except this time when I called for a quote they said I need an expensive 'DSG service' .... when I said my car is the old 6speed Aisin 09K auto they said 'yeah well the cost is the same because the Auto also needs new fluid'. Hmmm OK I though except standard Mobil ATF 3309 is much cheaper than the magic DSG fluid.

Anyway then when I got the invoice I realised that 'one line invoice' seems like a great way to hide not doing things, so I'm pretty sure they did SFA to the auto

Oh well, will try another place next time.

[Lucas_R]

^ yes you are right - regular auto trans fluid is much cheaper than the liquid gold that the DSG's require. I wouldn't expect a service for a regular auto trans (with filter etc) to cost even half of that for a DSG.

An itemised invoice is the proper way to do it - that way the service center is upfront and transparent about what has been done (allegedly anyway) to your car, and you as the customer has a full breakdown of work completed/parts used and the cost for each component.

Imaging doing your shopping at the supermarket and all you got on your receipt was "Groceries $148.40" with no breakdown of what you purchased.