Tyres for Life!

[hooba]

This type of offer is quite common in the USA, and you need to be sure that they don't skimp out on cheaper parts and supplies (like oil). Obviously they're doing it because as a commercial enterprise there is money it for them, and I'm sceptical of all "loyalty" type programs because they lock you in for a reason.

If you decide to go ahead with it, make sure you pop back and let us know how it went.

[lump_a_charcoal]

I am sceptical as well, I am trying to find the "catch", be it cheap parts, oil etc.

Will report back.

[Buller_Scott]

I don't want to rag on dealers of non vag brands in particular, but there is no way in hell I would trust an apprentice mechanic at ford or Holden to touch my vw. These cars are very particular when it comes to oils etc, and I can't see a Holden dealership stocking an array of vw specific lubricants just for their "bob Jane t marts spring service special" style for-the-clueless-masses-who-only-service-their-cars-every-other-year generic log book jobs

[walshydub]

If the 80k service is just an oil & filter change its all good, free tyres!

But if anything breaks or goes wrong with it take it to a VW specialist...

[lump_a_charcoal]

If the 80k service is just an oil & filter change its all good, free tyres!

But if anything breaks or goes wrong with it take it to a VW specialist...

This is what I will do I think.

[brad]

I just bought my mk5 gti from Sinclair Ford in Kingswood (near Penrith NSW), and was interested to hear of their promotion.

If I continue to have my car serviced there, they will replace the tyres for the same ones I have now (good Continentals) for free, plus each service will be a maximum price of $215, including parts.

The tyres will need doing by the time it is due for it's 80k service, so to me, this seems to be a good deal.

Is there anything the Ford guys won't be able to do that a VW place would be able to do?

There is no 80k service. It should be a 75k (minor) one. It might be worth going there once just to get the free tyres but dealers don't do anything for "free", so you must be paying for it somehow.

Here's a simple test. Ask the Service people what oil they will be using and what VW spec it complies with. The answer will be 504/507. Then ask them what brand of oil filter they will be using. It should be VW OEM or Hengst, Mann or Mahle.
Then ask how often the brake fluid should be flushed or get them to tell you what they'll do for the next 3 services & compare with the service manual in your glovebox.
Better still, ask how often you need to come back for service. The answer should be every 15,000km/12month unless you drive under "severe service conditions" (look in your service manual for definitions).

Can you see where this is going? I bet they want to treat your car like a Falcon or a Japanese car.

edit: Is your car DSG? I think DSG oil needs replacement at 75k. Ask them how many of them they have done & if they have the special tool & oil.

[noone]

That's all good for servicing, but how much for repairs? If your car us DSG, I'd be very wary...

[lump_a_charcoal]

It isn't DSG.

I would never get them to do repairs, only a minor service, once.

[Maverick]

They will fit the same ones that are on there.

I call BS, just looking at the figures tells you that this cannot be possible.

The tyres that are on there will cost around $400 EACH to replace. That's $1600 for each replacement which will be required every 20,000km to 40,000km so 1.5 to 3 years.

They're charging $215 for each service, the smaller services take around an hour whereas the larger ones can take six or more. Quality oil for the car will cost them around $50-100 to buy in (you can't use any oil in the car), plus filter costs (oil $30, air filter and pollen filter) and the list goes on. Even if they made $50 on a minor service it would take a hell of a lot of years to make enough to pay for the tyres.

Sounds like absolute rubbish to me and a waste of time for all concerned.

[lump_a_charcoal]

Well if it is BS, I won't get them to do it. No skin off my nose...