Pickard1 0 Posted September 29, 2006 Ive just been looking around to get a service done in the Leicester area. Although this is where I'm from I have had the car serviced in various parts of the country for the last 3 years due to moving around from work and so dont know anywhere local. A local specialist that has been recommended to me by some people on the forum and a couple of C owners I have met while out and about want 210quid for a service, including plugs. I picked the mechanics brains about the G60 engine and he seemed to know what he was talking about. He was aware it had a supercharger (better than some places :lol: ) and seemed genuinely interested. I just thought 210 quid for a service from an independant was a little steep. I know you get what you pay for, and I am aware that the mechanical knowlege is probably greater than the spotty oiks at VW, but fundimentally (in my opinion) an independent should be cheaper. I called VW and it turns out that they would do the service for the same price, also including plugs. Obviously that is not an option but I think it indicates that the prices are a little steep. Looking back through my records other places I have used: Jabbasport 150.00 inc plugs (2003), awesome Gti 162.00 inc plugs (2005), PSI Tuning 150.00 inc plugs (2006). Anyway, the whole thing has got me considering wether i should just do it myself. I can change Oil, oil Filter and air filter and have before as an intermidiate step when I cant spare the time to get the car to the garage. Sorry for the rambling post, but what does everyone think. Do you bother with specialists? What do they charge? Should they be cheaper than VW? Is paying someone to service your car just a waste of money..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Niges16V 0 Posted September 29, 2006 I can't face paying good money for someone to change oil/plugs/grease the doors etc as I am perfectly capeable of doing it myself. I do however use specialists and a reputable garage for things that are too difficult for me - rear beam bushes, exhaust etc.. Basically, the C is getting a bit long in the tooth now so has gone beyond the VW service schedule so you are better off doing regular oil changes etc yourself and any other repairs you are happy with then get it down the garage when you haven't got a clue or can't be bothered. On cars this age maintenace is a constant thing and cannot be dealt with on a 12-18 month basis. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
davidwort 0 Posted September 29, 2006 if you don't want the mess and want to save a little time of your own time, why not buy the oil/filter and plugs and get a local independant garage to do the oil change, I'd imagine you'd be looking at about an hours labour, if they do the air filter and plugs or perhaps half an hour if they just do the oil, anything from 30-50 quid/hr plus the cost of your parts, IRO 40-50 quid from GSF etc... If you go to an independant VAG specialist they'll probably charge more per hour and be less inclined to fit parts you supply. Just don't go to a place that uses suction pipes to remove your old oil, saves them time but doesn't remove all the old stuff. Personally I like leaving my sump to drip for a couple of hours before putting the fresh stuff in :) but then my drive has plenty of oil stains on it :lol: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
