So, having known I was on variable servicing, I expected the service indicator to start warning me of an impending service.

However, it pinged on on Friday, saying 700 miles to go (with my wife driving). I then drove it and it had dropped to 500 miles (having covered 20 miles!).

My question is, while trying to get it booked in for a service, I know dealers always find it hard to squeeze a car in that week. My wife will be commuting this week (adding 500 miles), so how much of a risk is going over the service interval by a bit?

We will book it in this week, but I am anticipating a delay before a dealer can get it in and there is the added complication of dropping off/picking up the car - I am angling for collection and delivery, with courtesy car, but I bet that adds another delay.

Any thoughts?

I should add, it has done approx 16500 miles in 20 months. Oil is fine.

I wouldnt worry to much about it, the mileage countdown is just as variable as the interval to service. Just book it in a time thats convenient to you, a few miles overdue is not a problem.

As Manny says don't worry, miles are about right for a variable, me I would switch to fixed service as I don't like the idea of what 16-20k does to the filter.

Well it got done Friday - as the car is due to be changed soon (I finally got Mrs PDIBK out to work - the kids are going feral, but the extra income covers the repair bills...) I wont change the service plan.

It sailed through, £153 - £95 for service, £24 for oil and £7 for parts (filter and sump plug).

Well it got done Friday - as the car is due to be changed soon (I finally got Mrs PDIBK out to work - the kids are going feral, but the extra income covers the repair bills...) I wont change the service plan.

It sailed through, £153 - £95 for service, £24 for oil and £7 for parts (filter and sump plug).

Where did you get that done, that sounds like a fixed service with non gen parts at that price, check the oil is 507 spec and if it isn't do not run it past 10k if you still have it then, 9k is the correct change time iirc, or was it a mate rate deal?

Blade's Skoda Bristol. I didn't even think (could be a schoolboy error)...I do rather hope I have a Skoda filter (or VAG at least) and sump plug and the right oil!! I think the receipt is at home - my wife took it in.

I thought £153 was reasonable/normal for a service - any more and I would have been a bit suspicious.

Supurbia - do you think a variable service should be more costly?

I'll check receipt and service book later.

Also, not to be too blase, but if they used the wrong bits and oil and there were mechanical problems later, surely it'd be there fault???

Their error (if any) will only show up several thousands of miles down the line and by that time it would be hard to point the finger. I was issued with the wrong oil by a Skoda dealer in Fife and it was the low cost of the oil on the invoice that prompted me to query what had been supplied. Skoda do not want to have to foot the bill and listen to angry consumers who have had DPF failure unneccessarly and have the dealer blame the drivers driving habits and they walk innocently away while you condemn the car and the manufacturer.

We all know that car dealers and their workshops can tell huge porky pies when the **** hits the fan!!!

Edited 5 April, 201115 yr by G.K.

Blade's Skoda Bristol. I didn't even think (could be a schoolboy error)...I do rather hope I have a Skoda filter (or VAG at least) and sump plug and the right oil!! I think the receipt is at home - my wife took it in.

I thought £153 was reasonable/normal for a service - any more and I would have been a bit suspicious.

Supurbia - do you think a variable service should be more costly?

I'll check receipt and service book later.

Variable service for your car is £230 - £260, they haven't used 507 oil if you paid £153, unless it was a special offer at the time, sounds like you have 505.01 in it now.

Just noticed your's is a Greenline, no DPF on that I believe, you should check with them which oil grade they used though as I believe 505.01 is a 9k drop, and 506.01 is the variable oil for your car, and what miles do you have on the clock?

Edited 5 April, 201115 yr by Supurbia

This is beginning to sound like a conversation my Dad would try and have with me - don't get me wrong, I'm a technical bloke, but as I said, an element of laziness has crept into my car ownership.

Having heard horror stories of £50 oil changes, I should have been more alert, but now I know I WILL do something about it. Of course, if a mistake has been made, I will push to have it rectified at their cost, not mine!

It now has 17500 miles and increasing daily (my wife commutes to the train station). I may ring them now...

They used Castrol long life 5/30 as recommend for vehicle - they discount the oil by charging for actual cost based on the bulk purchase (enormous drum). Real cost should have been £64 for oil (4.3 litres).

so, hopefully that's ok. It was a standard first variable service.