1st oil + Inspection Service

[Whaty]

Advice please.

 

My car is on a variable service schedule and is booked in for it's 1st Oil and Inspection Service (according to display the Oil due in 1k and the Inspection in 2k so thought it easier to have them both done at the same time?), I've done approx. 18,000 miles.

 

My question is, what should I expect to pay for this 'combined' service? The dealer has quoted approx. £360 inc Parts, Labour & VAT. I thought this sounded a little steep but having never owned a Superb before, I had nothing to compare it with.

 

I'd appreciate your comments.

 

Terry

[xman]

Rip off

[BriskodaJeff]

Hi Terry. A slightly fuller agreement with xman.

 

Skoda servicing seems to be a bit of a black art. FWIW my first service was carried out after 10k miles as the seller (a different dealer) changed the interval from variable to fixed without asking me. My local dealer did the oil service, sent me a video of them checking the tyres on the ramp and reset both oil and inspection service notifications. They also sent me an email saying they had conducted a "complimentary vehicle health check" covering tyres, alignment, exhaust and some other stuff. Total cost £179, which I was happy with. 

 

But I have no idea what the relationship between the inspection service and this complimentary vehicle health check is. They seem to cover the same or similar things. I remember there used to be a major and minor service, but I thought Skoda had moved away from that.

 

My advice would be to shop around - the price you have been quoted seems high to me.

[DCC]

My 1st variable service carried out in June this year cost about £249, Main Skoda Agent..... It was called a major service.

I waited for the service to be carried out..... oil/filter change, pollen filter, removed wheels, inspection, incuding tyres....Engine cover not removed for inspection (190 TDI), no software updates carried out. Checked with VCDS before service and there were 5 errors recorded, they did not mention them nor were they cleared... all non critical. I asked when paying for service if there were any errors, response ... non noted.

 

 Total time in the workshop 34 minutes. Verified by tracker and dual camera system. Camera system has parking mode and records any movement seen when ignition off.
Kept me waiting for an extra 30 minutes, from tracking the car was sitting in their car park for this time. Road test was up and down their car park.

 

[Adrian55555]

The time your car was waiting was prob waiting for valeters to wash your car. There is usually a queue and can only do so much.  

[adamjackdrew]

I'm yet to have mine serviced - only got it in May (16-play Mk III L&K 2.0TDI 4x4 DSG - now there's a mouthful...), but I already know where it's heading for its servicing.  This may sound snobby, but I'm not overly fussed on cost - workmanship and reliability is what I'm after - if I know my car is being taken care of by technicians who (a) know what they're doing and (b) take pride in their work, then surely it's worth it? 

 

I've dealt with the Platinum group of companies for many years and will be dealing with Platinum Skoda in Bath for all my Skoda needs (already been and had the window switch replaced, and an airlock worked out of the cooling loop).  The service guy I deal with I went to school with and he used to work at the Vauxhall branch of Platinum I used when I had my Corsa, Astras and Insignia.  

 

I'm intrigued as to what people say the costs are - I see they range quite a bit, so it'll be good to know what's included at each cost.  Sorry - not thread hijacking at all just interested.

 

Ad

[Adrian55555]

Main dealers should be working off of skoda's fixed price servicing....  159 or 279

 

[freelunch]

My dealer charged me £169 for my first service. I said, "Your website says £159." They dropped the price accordingly.

[Ootohere]

^^^ It did say 'on fixed service intervals' and 3 to 10 year old cars.

But then at 2 years they are doing very little, supplying only the Oil & Filter & Sump Plug and maybe topping up fluids, and maybe fitting a Pollen Filter.

http://skoda.co.uk/finance-and-offers/service-and-maintenance/simply-fixed 

Edited 16 August, 2018 by Offski

[Adrian55555]

2 hours ago, Offski said:

^^^ It did say 'on fixed service intervals' and 3 to 10 year old cars.

But then at 2 years they are doing very little, supplying only the Oil & Filter & Sump Plug and maybe topping up fluids, and maybe fitting a Pollen Filter.

http://skoda.co.uk/finance-and-offers/service-and-maintenance/simply-fixed 

Iol my bad.... I never read the small print.... Guess i should do really. 

[Hedgecutter]

14 hours ago, adamjackdrew said:

I'm yet to have mine serviced - only got it in May (16-play Mk III L&K 2.0TDI 4x4 DSG - now there's a mouthful...), but I already know where it's heading for its servicing.  This may sound snobby, but I'm not overly fussed on cost - workmanship and reliability is what I'm after - if I know my car is being taken care of by technicians who (a) know what they're doing and (b) take pride in their work, then surely it's worth it? 

 

I've dealt with the Platinum group of companies for many years and will be dealing with Platinum Skoda in Bath for all my Skoda needs (already been and had the window switch replaced, and an airlock worked out of the cooling loop).  The service guy I deal with I went to school with and he used to work at the Vauxhall branch of Platinum I used when I had my Corsa, Astras and Insignia.  

 

I'm intrigued as to what people say the costs are - I see they range quite a bit, so it'll be good to know what's included at each cost.  Sorry - not thread hijacking at all just interested.

 

Ad

You should be worrying about if Skoda staff have the skill to diagnose and fix issues without reading codes,  not the price. My 4x4 began to whine from the rear diff during the warranty period; I was informed nothing was wrong with it at least 5 times at different services. Finally, I visited an independent VAG specialist, as they were cheaper for the cambelt change (£700+) and they immediately diagnosed a differential issue, despite it having the correct dealer oil service. Replacement cost new £2900 +vat.

They don't clean the mesh filter in the haldex unit when they change the oil, and are only trained to read ecu codes, so which ever way you look at it, your car is being worked on by fitters, not mechanics, most of whom have come from Halfords or Quick fit.

Don't be fooled by the videos and car washing, because if your car has a serious issue, they won't be able to trace it, and even if they can, they will fob you off well past your warranty. Servicing by Meadens of Brockenhurst,  and then Truscotts of Helston. Good car, ruined by terrible dealer network,  second time out of two new VAG cars that this has happened,  hope it doesn't happen to you people. 

[Booshakker]

I had mine serviced last month at an independent. 9500 miles on the clock, used Skoda parts for oil change cost me £102 Inc Vat.

Happy with that.

 

He also services all of the local after hours NHS Doctor Skoda Octavias too..

[Whaty]

Thanks for all the replies, I do appreciate your comments.

 

I contacted a Skoda dealer near to where I work yesterday and they quoted £160... I clarified that this would cover both the 1st Oil and 1st Inspection Services and the guy said yes. He went on to say they would reset the display and I should be good for another 18k.

 

It was the supplying dealer who quoted £360, don't think they'll be the supplying dealer when I come to replace the car.!

 

In truth, as others have said, there doesn't appear to be much to this service, Oil, Oil Filter, Pollen Filter, check over and top up the fluids as required...

 

Anyway, booked in for the 29th so I'll let you know.

 

Thanks again,

Terry

[Muff]

Adam.

 

I live in downtown Trow vegas and Platinum Bath would have been my first choice however speaking from past experience (unresolved rear parking sensor problem on my old Fabia) I can't say I have a lot of faith in their abilities as mechanics: fitters may be another matter. If your 1st service is due soon I would be interested to see how you get on.

[Whaty]

Okay, car went into RRG Skoda in Bolton on Wednesday. They dropped me off at work (their car not mine), did a combined 1st Oil and Inspection service, sent me a nice little video, reset the service indicators, £160 all in. Where on earth the supplying dealer got "that'll be £360 and I've applied a little discount" I've no idea.... In truth I think £160 for what is essentially an Oil & Filter change is a bit steep but, given some of the comments on this thread I'm okay with it.

 

Thanks again for all the replies.

 

Terry

[Adrian55555]

160 isnt bad tbf.... If thats inclusive of VAT, majority of it will be the price of the oil! 

[Whaty]

@Adrian55555 That price does include VAT and the oil accounted for around £40 + VAT from memory....

[Adrian55555]

Yeah so not bad at all at 160 imo...  Labour rate will be around 80-90 pounds per hour mark at a guess.  

[Ootohere]

Charge £12-13 a litre for VW504 /507 or £17 for VW508 /509 then it does look like a lot on an invoice.  But then that is some mark up for bulk bought oil then the VAT ~ 20%

considering what a customer can buy it in litre containers not at a VW Group Dealership.

 

This averaging of Fixed Servicing costs no mater how much engine oil is used, or filters or plugs replaced is a total con really.

Good value for those getting the larger quantity of Oil and the Spark Plugs, a joke on a small engine with 2.8 litres of oil and 3 spark plugs, or even a diesel.

http://skoda.co.uk/finance-and-offers/service-and-maintenance/simply-fixed 

[skidpan]

On 16/08/2018 at 12:32, Whaty said:

My car is on a variable service schedule and is booked in for it's 1st Oil and Inspection Service (according to display the Oil due in 1k and the Inspection in 2k so thought it easier to have them both done at the same time?), I've done approx. 18,000 miles.

 

My question is, what should I expect to pay for this 'combined' service? The dealer has quoted approx. £360 inc Parts, Labour & VAT. I thought this sounded a little steep but having never owned a Superb before, I had nothing to compare it with.

 

Its like I have always said, variable servicing saves you no money, all it saves is a visit to the garage. If I was a high miler like I used to be variable servicing would be attractive but VAG say it not suitable for low mileage users. The OP does not say how old the car is.

 

I choose to have ours in fixed servicing (like the Leon before it) and paid £270 up front for the first 2 services. That covers me for 2 years or 20,000 miles approx. So after 20,000 miles my car will have cost about £90 less to service than yours but I will have had an extra oil/filter change.

 

 

[Whaty]

Had a quick look at the invoice, it doesn't specify what oil they've used but it cost £39.95+VAT. I did ask the service receptionist and supposedly they have used 'long life' oil, in answer to my question they actually said... "yes, with the car being on variable servicing we use long life oil.".  They've reset the service interval and it's currently suggesting the next service will be due in 19k miles.

 

Skidpan. The car is 16 months old and is on a 2yr contract, at the time of the service it had done 18260 miles. All things being equal the next service will be due in around 18,000 miles but I'll have returned the car by then so, this should be the only service I pay for in 2yrs and 27,000 miles ownership (lease-ship  ). Had I been on a fixed service interval would it not require a service every 10k / 12 months and therefore, I would have to pay for at least two services?

 

I was never offered such a beneficial service plan, £270 for two services does sound very good, but still £110 more than I hope I will need to pay...

[Ootohere]

The correct oil is VW507 for the 2.0TDI so the VW 504 / 507 is 5w 30 FS LL as used by VW Group Dealerships and none VW Group Dealerships.

 

(New vehicles are leaving the factory now with VW 508 / 509, so 0w 20 FS LL.)

[skidpan]

18 minutes ago, Whaty said:

I was never offered such a beneficial service plan, £270 for two services does sound very good,

 

Standard Skoda plan. Available to any owner providing 1) you take it out before the car is a year old and 2) the car is on fixed servicing. Will be taking the same plan out on the Fabia before its a year old.

 

But its not as good as the plan we had on the Seat Leon. That was £10.50 a month for 34 months and it covered the first 3 services. Like the Skoda one it had to be on fixed servicing but the Seat one had to be taken out before the car was delivered. Seat obviously realised that it was too good, now its 18 payments of £22.99 a month for a 2 year plan, total £413.62. Makes the Skoda one look cheap.

 

All these are VAG plans and can be used at any dealer. Dealer plans are way too risky.