First service @ Norris VW - need opinions

[jaedencook]

Hi all, going in for my first service at Norris VW on the 20th, they've quoted me 400 for 14k service... Which I thought was ok?
Has anyone had dealings with them? I've heard horror stories about dealerships in general not changing oil etc to save money.

Maybe I should take pics before it goes in so that I have footing if I think they haven't changed oil (I'm assuming the new oil would be much lighter in colour)

[GTI JOE]

IMHO, and from my experience, I would stay away from dealership servicing, unless of course it's something to do with warranty issues. There must be a VW service workshop in your state. Although my Polo GTI is yet to arrive, I made some enquiries around Melbourne, and the general pricing seems to be around the $300 mark, which I think is just about right The business's I contacted used Liqui-Moly oil and do the servicing "by the book". I guess it's like trying to find an honest dentist, pretty difficult when you have to use the trust factor with these kinds of services

[JustCruisn]

Try German Autos at Geebung. You wont get messed around there.

[jaedencook]

The whole process makes me nervous but I'll do some ringing around.. I used to do it all myself with my old cars but you can't write that into the log book lol

[sVWatt]

The whole process makes me nervous but I'll do some ringing around.. I used to do it all myself with my old cars but you can't write that into the log book lol

Agree. I'm going with main dealer - Gerald Slaven here in Belconnen, ACT - especially with a 'new' model - I've gotta believe they know more than an independent (at least for the first couple of years).

do you think main dealer stamp in the book ads value to the resale ?

PS jaedencook - you got good taste in colours of cars

[GTI JOE]

Let me tell you, the more reputable VW workshops around the country will generally do the exact same if not better service to your car for a whole lot less. Dealer stamp doesn't count for anything these days, even if you trade your car in to the same dealer, IMHO. Purchasers want to see regular services (by the book) in the log book, IT DOES NOT NEED TO BE A DEALER STAMP

[Boon]

Went to Norris at kedron a few weeks ago to get a quote to replace my Cruise Control stalk. They told me they needed to book me in to get it checked first so I said ok. Came back next day, waited for 4 hours and got told something I already knew, got quoted $400 for the job and $100 for labour for their time to plug in their comp and check it out?!?!!?!?! WTH. Jmac has quoted me $175 for the cruise control and he had plugged in his computer too and didn't charge me anything for that. Bottom line, I'm never going back there again nor would I recommend anyone to.

[YellowLemon]

Dealer stamp doesn't count for anything these days, even if you trade your car in to the same dealer, IMHO.

I totally agree. If you end up trading your car in rather than selling it privately (just because it is so much easier) ... it will have been all for nothing.

Who are the best independent VW mechanics in Melbourne? Is there a forum thread with a list perhaps? Ta!

Oops found it: http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f12/

[GTI JOE]

Not really trying to promote or even name names, but Volkwerke in Greensborough have a great reputation Also, there is a thread relating to services at Recommended Repairers and Parts Suppliers

[jaedencook]

Well i decided to keep my appointment with Norris.. remembered this morning that I am also having them look at more rattles, noisy door seals and a whistle in the steering wheel on cold start.
Just for the first service anyway, then it can go elsewhere. Kinda disappointed in the amount of problems I'm having with this though