Hello, 

 

My Octavia VRS TDi is due its first service in my ownership and looking for a reputable garage near Darlington to take it rather than a main dealers.

 

Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

thanks

Darren 

Independent has to be Vasstech used them for years with various vag cars. Mechanics are more than a match to dealers. Ruth is in the office and very helpful. If it’s main dealer Bristol Street Motors are ok, just keep in control of what they’re doing and limit them to basic servicing and warranty work. Vasstech for rest if not all. 

I also use VASSTECH. Cheaper than the main dealers and use genuine VW parts. 

The elephant in the room is ,with the demise of stamped service books, how can a full service record be overtly shown? MySkoda at least lists the main dealer services. 

Edited 12 January, 20197 yr by gregoir

Retain and present the service receipts if requested.

6 hours ago, gregoir said:

The elephant in the room is ,with the demise of stamped service books, how can a full service record be overtly shown? MySkoda at least lists the main dealer services. 

I bought a genuine Skoda service book. That, plus receipts/invoices  makes the history.

I believe the vag specialist I use has access to update the electronic service record as well.

1 hour ago, classic said:

I bought a genuine Skoda service book. That, plus receipts/invoices  makes the history.

I believe the vag specialist I use has access to update the electronic service record as well.

They definitely do. Had a few cars serviced outside dealerships while in warranty over many years without a problem whatsoever with any  warranty work. Although that was extremely rare with the cars we had.  I worked for Philips for many years issued with Vauxhall and Citroen company cars covering 50K + a year, they stopped using main dealers many years ago. Only for warranty work. We had alist of service centres, usually Halfords, AA and Lucas service centres  etc. Only thing is "some" say out of warranty the manufacturer might be sympathetic with a problem. Well not seen much evidence of that to be honest. I think Vasstech can access VAG service records. That is becoming the norm, I know BMW independents can. 

Old news about a VW Passat B5.5. Had expensive problems within a year of warranty expiring. As I'd a full main dealer service history I got a big discount on parts and labour. Convenience control module failed  at 3 1/4 yo due to water overflowing into the footwells from  blocked drains, which I argued should have been checked at services. Plus a leaking air cleaner condenser, due to arguably premature corrosion at 3 1/2 yo.

No big hassle or arguements.

So I do think main dealer history within the warranty gives leverage. Servicing outside warranty is a different matter.

I’ve used Vasstech the last couple of years, although it’s the one in Teesside Ind EST.

 

Can’t fault them. They gave me one of their own service books, which is of copy of the old VW type book.

They also supplied the new style print outs.

Edited 13 January, 20197 yr by Jon TDI

thanks very much guys! i will give them a ring!