I'm sure this must have been discussed previously but I don't recall and can't find a relevant thread. So apologies for starting a new thread - maybe someone remembers a previous version that covers this topic.

My 170 Yeti has just hit the 12000 mile mark (after about 14 months) and I'd like to get it serviced - because that's what I'd like to do. I think it's on variable servicing. I did originally ask for fixed but IIRC the Oil Temp reading didn't show on fixed and so I had it set back to variable. (I think that's the right way round!) Talking to my friendly local dealer, it seems that the fixed and variable services are different protocols, with different prices and with the variable - perhaps not surprisingly - being about £50 more. I hadn't appreciated this distinction, not a big deal but it does prompt a couple of comments:

First, a major element of the variable being more costly is that much more expensive oil ('long life') is apparently used. Anyone else encountered this?

Second, it does seem to be raising some uncertainty at the dealership that I want to leave the servicing set to variable but actually have it serviced at eg 12K intervals. They want to reset the interval to fixed if they do a 'fixed' service but I'm happy to leave it at variable and just remember that 24K will be my next milestone. Comments?

First, a major element of the variable being more costly is that much more expensive oil ('long life') is apparently used. Anyone else encountered this?

On any car with a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter), such as yours, long life oil must be used irrespective of whether you are on fixed or variable servicing.

The oil must be to standard VW 507.

You can buy VW507.00 oils at several online places. One Ebay Seller (Skoda Dealership in Notts) has it for about.£38 for 5 litres post free for instance.

You could supply that to your dealer and save yourself £25-£30 on the service cost?

The oil for CR DPF diesel engines is the same for both time & distance (up to 1 year or 9500 miles) and variable service (up to 2 years or when your told by the computer); must meet VW507 00.

From comments other posters have made, it concerns me how little dealers appear to know :S

If your Monster was set to T&D it would have been going mad around 9500 miles asking for a service as mine is doing now (booked in week tomorrow). As I do a lot of 'up and down dale' I use this regime. Variable more suits motorway fleet drivers doing regular high miles, in my opinion (retired aero engine fitter).

Prices charged by dealers vary widely, my local place will charge you over £150 for an oil change others have paid less than £100. Due to the high costs round here I've gone for one of those two year servicing plans.

Cannot see anything wrong with your idea by the way; effectively your running variable but choosing to bring it in for service approximately 6000 miles early.

Regards,

TP

My car has came set to variable servicing, I was thinking of asking my local dealer to change it to fixed when the car was in getting the S/wheel re-aligned however I changed my mind and have left it as it is. I will know just do an oil change myself around 10k miles, if I can't get to the oil filter I'll just suck the oil out via an oil extractor pump.

I enquired about the service plans but was quoted stupid money for it.

I agree with your philosophy. I'm on variable but when mine comes up to 10/12000 miles I'll see where I am with the variable service indicator and if it still has far to go I'll get my local very rural one man garage (very highly qualified/skilled)to do an oil/filter change - I will supply oil and filter. This applies particularly (in my instinctive opinion) for the first service. I'm not too bothered about leaving the rest for a dealer service at the indicated mileage. My local garage (situated 100 yards from my house) can also have a quick lookaround to check for any obviousl early defects. Like you said - that's what I want to do and can see no harm in it.

One Ebay Seller (Skoda Dealership in Notts) has it for about. £38 for 5 litres post free for instance.

I've just bought some of this...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320818355099

5 litres of Shell Helix Ultra (VW 507.00) for £29.99 delivered.