Thoughts on a service other than by VW/Skoda dealer, 103TDI

[joel0407]

Hey guys,

I'm in Darwin and the 103TDI is due for the 30,000km service. The word about town id the local VW dealer is rubbish so I'm considering using a average joe mechanic. For an older vehicle, I usually wouldn't hesitate to use a non-dealer or specialized mechanic but new vehicles these days generally require specific software to update the vehicle, check faults, reset the service counter and stuff like that. Then there's the knowing the tricks of the vehicles because they work on the same things all the time and having access to the service manuals.

I'm open to suggestions to who I should use up here or opinions to why I should just go to the dealer even though they might be rubbish.

Another thing I don't like about dealers these days is the idea that many pump the oil out via the dip stick rather than undoing the sump plug and draining. I like the idea of any rubbish that might be heavy in the sump being able to run out.

The mechanic I have in mind are pretty reasonable guys. I'm reasonably mechanically minded and have rebuilt the odd motor. These guys are happy for me to hang around in the workshop and see what's going on. I have used these guys a couple of times before and they have been fantastic with my old Land Rover Discovery.

Happy Days

[harlie]

Hey Joel,
I'm anti dealer in a big way, however I will make 2 points.

1. They will at least use the correct oil.

2. if you purchased the car new, you have a much better chance of VWA fixing a failure after the warranty has ended if you have been serviced by the dealer.