Vindis in Woolpit are closing down. Can anyone recommend an alternative for servicing and warranty work?

Maybe it's too far for you, but when I lived down that way I found ALS in Ely very good. Much better than Vindis in Cambridge.

yep, another vote for ALS. They're less than a half hour away from Vindis (Woolpit) so it depending on where you live it might not be too far / maybe even closer. New Skoda dealer has opened in Ipswich as well. Else, you've got Colchester and couple in Norfolk (but I can't remember locations)

Where about in Suffolk do you live?

I've used Underwoods in Colchester (near the A12) for some warrenty work recently, seem pretty good. Not had a service there yet so cant comment on pricing.

As mentioned above theres a new dealer in Ipswich, Bristo's which from the address (for servicing) looks to be on the west side of ipswich, as you come in from Hadleigh.

I've heard that Vindis of Woolpit are not now closing at the end of March, they are remaining with Skoda as an authorised repairer.

I've heard that Vindis of Woolpit are not now closing at the end of March, they are remaining with Skoda as an authorised repairer.

As such they can still service your car as before and also carry out warranty work. The only difference is they wont sell new Skodas from Skoda UK. Thats not to say you couldnt get one from them though. My local dealer switched to "authorised repairer" status and you could still buy new cars from them as they sourced them for you.

Vindis woolpit were closing totally as their lease has ran out. The general manager was hoping to still offer servicing work by arranging collection of customer vehicles. However if they stay open I am not a fan of Vindus and may consider using another. The new dealer in Ipswich is in the current Renualt garage off woodbridge rd (i think). Unsure if they are sharing with the renault garage or will be soley Skoda. There is also an authorised repairer next to the BMW garage in Ipswich but can't remember the name. Being VAG unsure if Volkswagen can service and still keep the warranty - if so Barnards at Stowmarket are very good. If not it is Ely, Attlebourgh or Norwich depnding where you are from and how close they are.

Bigo

Skoda Ipswich is currently branded as both skoda and renault, the showroom is basically split down the middle as it the outdoors display. They have a roomster and fabia estate and a couple of others (wasn't really paying much attention) on display in the showroom. And, yes its on Woodbridge Road.

The one near the BMW garage is called Cattermoles, who are a Daihatsu dealer. When I've spoken to them before they said they ordered all their skoda parts from Vindis of Woolpit - so not sure who they will be using from now on.

Car can be serviced at any VAT registered garage using OEM (or equivalent) parts for the warranty to remain valid.

Bigo

Car can be serviced at any VAT registered garage using OEM (or equivalent) parts for the warranty to remain valid.

Intersting Comment, I wasn't aware of that. Do they need vag com to re set the service indicator? We have a garage across the road from us which belongs to our director - VAT registered and very good but do not have any diaognostic equipment.

Went into ipswich today and drove past Skoda Ipswich saw a roomster and red ocy VRS - will be worth a phone call when a service is due. Can only be an improvment from woolpit!

I thought catermoles used to be the skoda dealer in ipswich??

The service indicator can be reset from a button combination inside the car without the need for vag-com or VAG software. Its in the user manual somewhere.

Cattermoles used to be a dealership, but they lost it due to them not upgrading their showroom when Skoda relaunched. They still sell used Skoda's and are a authorised repairer I believe.

If the service indicator is reset using the dashpod button, the car will switch to fixed service intervals. To keep it on variable, you will need VCDS (VAGCOM). When my mechanic services my car, I just plug my laptop in afterwards to reset it. He has one of those handheld diagnostic devices which can reset variable service intervals, but on the Octavia at least, it appeared to set the milage counters too low by a factor of 10.

I know ALS in Ely has been recommended already but I'll 2nd/3rd their recommendation. A good team with a friendly approach. I was in there today getting my temp sensor changed.

The only authorised Skoda repairers in Suffolk are Vindis of Woolpit and Bristos on the Hadleigh road industrial estate.

this message from vindis of woolpit WE ARE NOT CLOSEING.problem some people may have expierenced with service dept has been resolved

Edited 9 April, 200917 yr by nick ellis

this message from vindis of woolpit WE ARE NOT CLOSEING

Damn it.... oh and closing is spelt without an 'e' :P

As an aside, I noticed your advertisement board attached to the trailer along the A14 (west bound) was missing at the start of the week, then it appeared again yesterday, and now its missing again....

Nick, can you clear up exactly what is happening with your Woolpit site then?