Capped Price Servicing

[woofy]

I asked repeatedly about a 1-1500km service when I got my Mk2 RS and was told no, leave the factory oil in until 15k service and no mid way one needed. First I've heard of a 7.5k service.

[brad]

Thanks for the schedule. I hadn't seen it. The cars only 18 months old. Is brake fluid really necessary yet?

Nope. First Brake Fluid change is 3 years & every 2 years after that.

Cabin filter is every 2 years but I'd recomend every 12 months. You can buy them online for <$20 and DIY.

[brad]

I was just told by a mobile mechanics that i've used before (Ex Audi 7yrs and ex VW) that I didn't need the 7500km "health check". Will let him and you guys know what they did for the $155...

Seems odd. Skoda have always said leave fill #1 in for 15,000km / 12 months.

I'd assume you didn't get much for your $155 - just lots of eyeballing. It's sounds like a dealer profit campaign and not a factory Skoda thing.

[chriskan]

I haven't heard about this health check either. My dealer (Richmond Skoda) and the service advisor at Richmond Audi (who do the servicing for Skoda) said they'll see me at the 1st service at 15k. I took it in for some warranty work 2 weeks ago and while it was there they did a few software updates (recalls) & checked fluid levels, which they said would normally be done at the 1st service, but that was more an opportunity since the car was booked in anyway.

[woofy]

Nope. First Brake Fluid change is 3 years & every 2 years after that.

Cabin filter is every 2 years but I'd recomend every 12 months. You can buy them online for <$20 and DIY.

Hmm I have a memory of the brake fluid being every 2yrs. We just had it done on the 6yr anniversary late last year and I do pretty much bang on 15k/12mths so the service is always the same time each year.

[brad]

Hmm I have a memory of the brake fluid being every 2yrs. We just had it done on the 6yr anniversary late last year and I do pretty much bang on 15k/12mths so the service is always the same time each year.

It was changed (possibly with the MQB platform?). I thought it a bizarre change as the first fluid change is actually the longest period of time anyway as it includes all the transport time from CZ & however long it sits on the forecourt, etc.

I assume it was done to reduce the TCOO for fleet buyers who usually change vehicles before the 3 years comes around.

Plus I'm sure dealerships won't be able to cope with 3yrs then every 2 years there-after - it's too radical. ;-p

have done a google & can't find where I read it, so take it with a grain of salt I guess.

[daMama]

Not sure if anyone has seen this article, or if there are any similarities re capped price servicing.

Kia promises refunds to customers over-charged for 'capped price' servicing - Business - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

[spud75]

I haven't heard about this health check either. My dealer (Richmond Skoda) and the service advisor at Richmond Audi (who do the servicing for Skoda) said they'll see me at the 1st service at 15k. I took it in for some warranty work 2 weeks ago and while it was there they did a few software updates (recalls) & checked fluid levels, which they said would normally be done at the 1st service, but that was more an opportunity since the car was booked in anyway.

I did an oil and filter change at 5k, but that was because I wanted to, not Skoda. It was done by an independent and used AUDI factory oil for the fill to ensure VW warranty compliance.

Peninsula Skoda were one of the first to bring in fixed price servicing for Skoda, as VW owners got it first and Sales Rep arc'd up and said what about Skoda customers. They based the servicing costs for the RS on the comparable golf model. eg My RS was paired to the servicing on a GTD.

[chriskan]

I think all dealers would cover themselves. Possibly Kia weren't very clear with the T&C's whilst advertising. Skoda reserves the right to "modify" their capped price servicing program at any time:

*Capped price servicing is available at participating ŠKODA dealers on New Octavia models (Model Year 2014 and subsequent model years) first sold by an authorised ŠKODA dealer on or after 1st November 2013. Capped price servicing applies to the first 6 standard scheduled services of your vehicle which are scheduled to occur at every 15,000 km/12 month interval (whichever occurs first). Exclusions and conditions apply. For details on pricing, items not included in the capped price and for full terms and conditions please see skoda.com.au/services/capped-price-service. ŠKODA Australia reserves the right to at any time modify or discontinue the Capped Price Servicing program.

[woofy]

Kia aren't actually too bad for parts and service, Hyundai are complete theives. Their pricing strategy is definitely made to grab back the cash via servicing. These days their cars are increasing in price as well and still not on par with some of the Japanese equivalents. They are getting close but not quite. My 2011 Santa Fe has a nice diesel engine and auto gearbox, but there are daily reminders I see that remind me why it was cheaper than a CX-9 or even my prior Mazda 6. The Skoda makes it seem really cheaply made by comparison so I try not to think about that.