I am getting a few quotes from VAT registered garages near to me, who will use manufactures servicing guidelines for my 2nd (20,000 mile) service on my Skoda Rapid Sport. I have found what I think is a very good price at £139.00, some £60.00 off the £199.00 the local Skoda garage are offering! I paid Skoda £149.00 for my 1st service!! So I'm not really willing to let them service my car again for those kind of prices.

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Has anyone else gone down this route? I've been told it wont affect my warranty etc.

I have found what I think is a very good price at £139.00, some £60.00 off the £199.00 the local Skoda garage are offering!

Dealer servicess are two kind... minor (£ 139) and major (£ 259). Both are including body report

I don't think so, you found a good price from third party garage...

 

A minor service includes:

• Oil & filter change (fully synthetic oil)
• Vehicle inspection test and report*
• Full vehicle road test**
• Vehicle & software enhancements from ŠKODA’s database
• Replacement pollen filter †
• Diagnostic check including report
• Re-set service interval display
• Wash and vacuum
• ŠKODA stamp in service book

 

A major service includes:

• Everything from a minor service
• Replacement air filter †
• Spark plugs † (petrol engine) or fuel filter † (diesel engine)
• Remove wheels and check brakes
• Check/ adjust tension of all drive belts
• Check/ replenish gearbox oil (where applicable)
• Check/ replenish final drive oil (where applicable)
• Check suspension system
• Check heating/ aircon operation

 

Go back to your VAT registred garages and ask what are included in service... Don't be suprised... :P

I am getting a few quotes from VAT registered garages near to me, who will use manufactures servicing guidelines for my 2nd (20,000 mile) service on my Skoda Rapid Sport. I have found what I think is a very good price at £139.00, some £60.00 off the £199.00 the local Skoda garage are offering! I paid Skoda £149.00 for my 1st service!! So I'm not really willing to let them service my car again for those kind of prices.

'

Has anyone else gone down this route? I've been told it wont affect my warranty etc.

You have been told correctly. Under EU Block Exemption regulations you cannot be forced to service your car only with a main dealer (thank god).

As long as the indi garage you use is VAT registered, is a legitimate garage, uses OE-quality parts and services to the manufacturer schedule, your warranty will remain intact and your pocket will still have some money in it post-service.

As long as the indi garage you use is VAT registered, is a legitimate garage, uses OE-quality parts and services to the manufacturer schedule, your warranty will remain intact and your pocket will still have some money in it post-service.

You missed a tiny bit... body inspection report. If you don't servicing car at a dealer you should go just for a body report... If you don't you will lose warranty for all car body...

So, what if your car will be rusty... somehow...

Why don't you go back to your Skoda dealer, tell them the price you have from the independent dealer and ask them to better it or at least match it.  I regularly do this and the Skoda dealer has always matched the independent price on the basis they don't want to lose my business.  Tell them not to valet the car (this will save them some time and money) and do this yourself.  Also tell them you don't want the litre of oil they provide (if your dealer does this).  You have nothing to lose.  At the end of the day, you need to protect your interests.  Business is business.