Major service bill shock

**mindfriction** · 22-01-2016, 01:40 PM

So I booked in my 2012 Passat TDI for it's 60k service, after getting an estimate from my local dealer service department (VW Waverly) of about $1200. A few hours after checking the car in I get a call stating stating I need new front discs and pads $757, new battery $571 and they suggested an aircon clean $99, all in addition to the major servicing cost of $1200!

Is this situation normal?

**Martin** · 22-01-2016, 01:47 PM

Front brake rotors and pads, at 60k, probably
At that price you could have had some upgraded aftermarket rotors

The battery looks expensive

**Lucas_R** · 22-01-2016, 03:27 PM

Outrageously overpriced battery. $150-200 would get you a good quality battery from somewhere like Battery World or similar. I had to replace the battery in my 2010 GTI Golf about 18 months ago and it cost me $170.

As mentioned by Martin, you could have sourced aftermarket brake disks and pads for around half that price, but then you'd have to either install them yourself or pay a mechanic to do it. Would have been a good opportunity to replace the pads with an aftermarket low dust option too.

But that's how dealerships operate - you are paying top dollar for both parts and labour. Perhaps find yourself a reputable independant VW specialist (there are several scattered around Melb) and enjoy both the savings and the increased quality of work.

**nat225** · 22-01-2016, 03:46 PM

may be they are selling u entry level lithium car battery?

$300 will get u agm battery.

**VW Convert** · 22-01-2016, 03:54 PM

Originally Posted by Lucas_R

Outrageously overpriced battery. $150-200 would get you a good quality battery from somewhere like Battery World or similar. I had to replace the battery in my 2010 GTI Golf about 18 months ago and it cost me $170.

Is it possible the vehicle has engine stop/start and therefore one of those hideously priced batteries? Either way, I agree it's an outrageous price.

Cheers

George

**Hillbilly** · 22-01-2016, 06:11 PM

Well mine has the expensive Varta for stop start and Battery World quoted me $800

Whether its true or not I dont know Just reporting the fact of what I was told. My 60,000k service was only a bit over $800 and I supplied the engine oil myself The DSG was done as well

Brakes etc didnt need done as car had only done 20,000 at the time but 4 years old

**martinp** · 23-01-2016, 12:02 AM

Wow brakes at 60,000kms is bad. I've done nearly 160,000 kms and still original.
I would be getting a second opinion. Try volkshome in thomastown. They are very reasonable.
I have not been to a dealer for a while now as the basic service was getting to 600-900$$ so I now get them done for just over $300.

**Hillbilly** · 23-01-2016, 07:12 AM

Originally Posted by martinp

Wow brakes at 60,000kms is bad. I've done nearly 160,000 kms and still original.
I would be getting a second opinion. Try volkshome in thomastown. They are very reasonable.
I have not been to a dealer for a while now as the basic service was getting to 600-900$$ so I now get them done for just over $300.

Good luck with getting a service including the DSG for that as the oil for mine cost $299.95 on its own

**dinot81** · 23-01-2016, 11:42 AM

Regarding the battery, have a look on eBay, found someone in QLD selling Varta Silverline AGM for $397 incl postage. 760 CCA starting power. I think anything above that price is way too much.

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**Hillbilly** · 23-01-2016, 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by dinot81

Regarding the battery, have a look on eBay, found someone in QLD selling Varta Silverline AGM for $397 incl postage. 760 CCA starting power. I think anything above that price is way too much.

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My Varta battery has the following on it

VARTA AGM

7P0915105

68Ah 380 A DIN

680 EN/SAE

BEM Code 7P0915105