Kudos to Volkscare VIC- GTI 105k service

[Johnbu]

Just got back my GTI from Volkscare in Boronia after a 105k major service. You hear about the horror jobs, but not enough about the good workshops.

Boris owns Volkscare and works on your car himself, and IMO does a good job. Good to know the person who owns the business works on your car as he has a vested interest to ensure the car is serviced properly.

I also supplied all the parts & oil myself- mainly sourced directly from ECS USA and from Euro Revolution in Sydney.

Next time, I'll just source everything from Seb at Euro Revolution as his prices are very reasonable and he is local. The reason I got most of the parts from ECS was I was ordering parts for my BMW so was looking at a hefty shipping bill anyway, a few more parts for my GTI didn't increase shipping much. Fortunately got it before the Aust Dollar tanked.

Parts were mostly genuine VAG. However I did switch to a HEPU metal water pump and used OEM filters and Continental serpentine belt.

Here was what was done: 105k Major service, spark plugs, filters, timing belt kit, waterpump, coolant, serpentine belt, fuel cam follower and diverter valve.

The total labour was $565 + GST (Major service was $195. Timing belt, waterpump and serpentine belt was $275. Cam follower & DV was $95), plus another $60+GST for coolant and sundries. So all up pretty reasonable.

The only thing I can complain about is paying for brake cleaner @ $13, I'm pretty sure it's unnecessary. I know they also like to use additions to your engine and fuel tank so I requested no additives this service as I don't believe it's beneficial (I use good quality oil and BP Ultimate 9. At least they don't charge for oil disposal separately.

I switched over to Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40. It's only VW 502.00/505.00 approved, but should be ok for 15k service intervals. I'll see if the thicker oil helps with consumption. Mine was burning 1L every 4-5000km with 5w30 VW504/507 oil.

Here is my old fuel cam follower. After 105k it was in pretty good condition, I'm not sure if it needed to be replaced, but I suppose it's cheap insurance to change it earlier rather than when it's worn.

[Johnbu]

[Fanaki]

Thanks for the write up JB
I'm looking for a new mechanic so it's nice to read a good news story.

[BeigeJet]

+1

I've been getting my Jetta serviced by Boris for a few years now.

The Jetta seems to run nice and sweet after every service he has done.

Just recently he helped out when the 'emissions garage' warning came up. He diagnosed in a few minutes and showed me the part that needed replacing, out of a Passat he had done that same week.

Since having Volkscare service the car I'm only burning around 200ml of oil between services. And fuel consumption still averages 5.8l/100 around town! In a few months he'll be doing the 210,000km service for me

Cheers

[cheddo7]

They were great to deal with for my 90k service.

[Johnbu]

Fanaki, I have no hesitation recommending him, even better he is 10mins from home.

The only negative is they use oil and fuel additives, which they don't quote when booking but charge for unless you request not to use. Also no car wash or clean. I get a wash and clean from my Volvo specialist (but I'm sure I'm paying for it in some way or other lol).

Beigejet, as good as he is, I doubt has fixed the oil consumption issue. Maybe a different oil was what it took, hence why I'm trailing a slightly thicker oil.

Cheddo, start saving up for the 105k service. Or at least consider changing a few more items not specified in the log book. See above.

[milldinho]

1L every 4-5000km isn't bad

[Water Boy]

Boris is a top bloke and very very honest! He has gone out of his way to help me many times!

[Johnbu]

1L every 4-5000km isn't bad

Isn't good either. Use to only top it once between services when new, now its 2-3 times which gets annoying.

First car I've owned which would burn oil.

[aSimpleLife]

The only thing I can complain about is paying for brake cleaner @ $13, I'm pretty sure it's unnecessary. I know they also like to use additions to your engine and fuel tank so I requested no additives this service as I don't believe it's beneficial.

Was hoping I could ask you a question relating to this. Based on this thread and others, I went and got a checkup from Boris at Volkscare for my 2010 T5 LWB Transporter. I am also seriously considering changing to him from my long time family mechanic who hates VW's and after every service he's got me worrying about all the things that "could" go wrong and "how" much they will cost.
My question is though, if Boris is such a good and honest mechanic, why does he try to push unnecessary additives onto customers? It just doesn't seem to fit with him being honest. If he is so good and experienced with VW's, wouldn't you just accept all the suggestions he makes?

I would just like to place my business in his hands and trust that everything he does is in mine and my vehicles best interests. I want to trust him. It just doesn't feel right to me to be questioning his judgement on things like additives. But now that you've mentioned it, I don't think I can stop myself. Don't see how it's going to improve our relationship though
I am not totally ignorant about vehicles, but maybe it's just that I am much less knowledgeable than yourself?
If he is just trying to make extra money out of each service, I'd rather pay him the extra anyway without the additives.
This sort of thing happens in my industry too and it's something I make a point of "never" doing to my customers.

Thanks very much for the thread too.