Dealer service or trusted local mechanic

[Zaskar]

I have a new Transporter crewvan, due for its first 15000km service. Just wondering what the general consensus is. Should I take it to VW dealer and pay more, or take it to a local guy I know & trust?

If I take it to my local mechanic, there is a 'special' dealer 'extended protection plan' (that amounts to very little) that will be voided. What are your experiences?

[Sunny43.5]

I think you will find there are two camps here as the VW is new you would assume the dealer is the best but my past experience does not give me confidence to trust them totally . I suppose my main problems have been here in Brisbane that since we bought our first VW in 2000 the VW dealers in our area have changed repeatedly , we bought ours at Motorama VW then they ditched their VW franchise then it went to Western Star then to VW Commercials then Motorline VW then Highway VW . after this many changes in such a short time I lost all hope as we never developed any repoire with any of the dealers and then after a bad experience with Highway all hope was lost . I have since found a forum member/ VW technician here in Brisbane who I would place a lot more faith in . Out of interest what is the "special" you mention ? as I have just purchased a new T5 and we have not been told of any thing like you mention , naturally at this very early stage we cannot ascertain how good the new dealer we bought this one from is until something needs attention .