Disappointing service from dealership

[jwastrel]

Hey all,

I recently got my car serviced at an "official" VW service centre. Whilst checking the fluids I noticed that they swapped my dipstick. The one that came with the car had a yellow handle. Now its red. I'm concerned that if the wrong one has been put back in my car, checking the oil will be inaccurate. I'm also concerned at what other parts might have been "swapped".

Is it normal for a workshop to do this? I wouldn't think so. In addition, they put my car through their autowash, which swirled the paintwork, and put a scratch on the roof. I also noticed a tiny dent in the side of the car, which I don't think was there before the service. All up, it seems like a very careless job was done on the car. Of course I complained, but no one has got back to me yet. I would have thought that with the recent DSG debacle VGA would have tried to lift their game. Obviously not.

Regardless, my car is out of warranty now, so I'm looking for an alternative place to get it serviced.

Does anyone rate VW Village in Kensington?

Thanks

JW

[grtuned]

VGA has nothing to do with the clowns that work at dealerships. Post a pic of the dipstick.

[team_v]

The dipstick may have been replaced as there was an issue where the plastic moulding would corrode and break off sinking hte metal dipstick rod into the pipe.

Best bet is to ask your dealership about it.

[Lucas_R]

The dipstick should be a redish/orange colour - so if it was yellow it may have been the wrong one (perhaps they noticed it was the wrong one and changed it).

As for scratching the car - never let the dealers wash you car.

Plenty of other places in Sydney to get your car serviced - just depends where you live/work and whether the places are conveniently located to you or not.

[brad]

Does anyone rate VW Village in Kensington?

Thanks

JW

My mate gets his POlo done there. My mate is mechanically competant & a bit anal, so if he's happy they must be pretty good.

Sucks about the other stuff - have you taken it up with the dealer or are you only sharing with us?

[jwastrel]

thanks for the replies guys - I spoke with the dealer representatives when i got my car back - they always do a phone back to see if you were satisfied. I wasn't satisfied with the scratchy car wash obviously, and let them know, but heard nothing back from them. I'm getting the car cut back and rebuffed with some other panel work, so I've let that go.

Only noticed the dipstick the other day, and am investigating it all with the dealers now. Apparently all VW dipsticks should be orange, not red or yellow. Will check at home - maybe it just got very greasy during the service and lost its bright colour. Who knows?

[jwastrel]

ok - took it in to the dealers. Apparently these things change colour over time, as they are made of bakerlite, and absorb the heat and oil. Mine was actually a browny red colour. Took a look at another GTI's dipstick - same brown colour.

Weird, as I always remember it being a lot brighter orange. Regardless, the dipstick was the same length as the other GTI's and the same colour, so it must be the right one.

[ParaBul]

I once had to buy an aftermarket dipstick - the factory one didn't reach the oil.

[gerhard]

I once had to buy an aftermarket dipstick - the factory one didn't reach the oil.

Would have been easier to put more oil in........

[grtuned]

Would have been easier to put more oil in........

Ha ha ha. I remember once a lady had come into the workshop as the engine was blowing smoke. I'd asked her when did it start to occur? She replied only since I put in oil! I said how much did you need to put in? She replied until it was at the top if the cap. Classic still gets laughs when I talk about the stupid things people see or do.