I'm not sure how Skoda dealers can justify £70 for a couple of minutes work though? It's not like the diagnostic equipment, software updates, and franchise fees (or whatever they're called) cost so much that they need it - plus a diagnostic actually has the potential to bring work which means profit. I think it's just a case of trying to maximise the amount of money they screw out of customers versus the level of complaints they get about the cost - that's the only reason the price is not £80 or £120.

i work at a Renault dealership, and we charge similar amounts, and yes really, the costs of running a dealership ARE that high

i also think with a bit of persuasion you could have got the dealership to lose some of that diagnostic cost if you had the work done with them, this is another reason, as already mentioned, that dealer diagnostics are so pricey

people expect to get a diagnosis for £20 and then go fix it themselves, or get a mate or whatever to do it, however you wouldnt be at the dealers if the equipment at the local garage could do what the equipment the dealers have can do, and it costs huge amounts of money to be able to run a dealership, being able to use the brand name, specialist tools etc

i also think with a bit of persuasion you could have got the dealership to lose some of that diagnostic cost if you had the work done with them, this is another reason, as already mentioned, that dealer diagnostics are so pricey

people expect to get a diagnosis for £20 and then go fix it themselves, or get a mate or whatever to do it, however you wouldnt be at the dealers if the equipment at the local garage could do what the equipment the dealers have can do, and it costs huge amounts of money to be able to run a dealership, being able to use the brand name, specialist tools etc

I spoke to the manager on Thursday and explained that I wasn't happy with being charged so much. He explained that this was the standard price for a diagnostic. He also offered me half price labour if I decide to let them carry out the repair work. (this would only be because I've been going there for a few years and have put a few £'s there way.)

Not sure what to do. Should I let them carry out the repair or just get my mechanic, who is a VAG specialist to carry it out. My original plan was for the Skoda dealer to do the repair work, but after the diagnostic charge I'm having second thoughts.

J

Half price labour? That's prob gonna cover most of the diagnostic fee anyway isn't it?!

Matt

Half price labour? That's prob gonna cover most of the diagnostic fee anyway isn't it?!

Matt

No it won't. Diagnostic fee is £70 inc vat. One hour's labour is £60. So:

Diagnostic: £70 inc vat

Part: £150 inc vat

Labour to fit part:£60 - £ 30 inc vat

Total: £250.

So that diagnostic is still costing me £40 which is still expensive in my mind, plus they want another £210 to fix it. :S I think they should knock off the diagnostic fee altogether.

J

Ah, well if nothing else I *think* that's a decent rate for a main dealer. However, i'v not been to a dealer for ages, this is maybe a reason to find a decent independent, much more "flexibility".

Matt