Hello all,

 

My Fabia is 4 years old this year... bought it last year so had already been serviced.

 

This April it will need an oil service & spark plugs changing. I normally like to work on my cars myself, I feel I can do a better job (especially down to past experiences) than a dealer or garage... the only issue to me there will be no dealer/garage service stamp.

 

So my question is, when I come to sell the car and the work has been carried out by myself (engine services only, I'll get a garage to do things like coolant and brake fluid changes) do you think this will damage part ex value due to no service stamps from dealer? In my opinion as long as receipts are kept, and the work carried out is noted in service book with mileage noted I can't see an issue, as that is service history. I won't be voiding warranty as I don't have it.

 

I've been arguing this out in my mind for a while, just want to know anyone's opinion to this.

 

Thanks in advance!

If in the UK, it'll put many future buyers off and probably lower the value of your car more than the money you save.

If the car is a 'keeper until it dies', get your spanners out.

1 hour ago, abaxas said:

If in the UK, it'll put many future buyers off and probably lower the value of your car more than the money you save.

If the car is a 'keeper until it dies', get your spanners out.

 

The car is a keeper definitely until it's around 10 years old... what about then? Would it still make a big difference in value?

Does it matter as it'll not really be worth much :P

 

If you keep good records and receipts it'll count for a lot in ten years when it's potential new owner is kicking tyres and trying to knock you down in price. (That's if the government hasn't forced us all into a scrappage scheme and electric cars by then!)

Thanks guys, I think i've made my decision and will do it myself.

Maybe even consider changing the brake fluid yourself as its not rocket science - and all other brake associated tasks.  Coolant, if you have a belt driven cam shaft, the belt should be changed at around the 5 year point, maybe get the water pump changed at the same time and the coolant will be replaced then.

On 06/02/2019 at 18:15, rum4mo said:

Maybe even consider changing the brake fluid yourself as its not rocket science - and all other brake associated tasks.  Coolant, if you have a belt driven cam shaft, the belt should be changed at around the 5 year point, maybe get the water pump changed at the same time and the coolant will be replaced then.

takes me back to my Mk 2 which when, I think, 4 years old had a cam belt change as it was recommended 'by Skoda'. Car had only done about 16k miles from new with me and when i asked the dealer if they checked the dates on any cam belts in stock, they gave me a funny look...so i asked them if they threw new belts away if over 4 years old; another funny look.  Seem to remember that this is recommended by Skoda(UK) who are not part of Skoda the car manufacturer. Recommendations vary by country. My Mark 3 will be 3 years old in April and I'll be looking for a trusted independent!

My last service was done by the local dealer who charged me more than the menu pricing on Skoda's website and didn't do all the task on the list. Only found out too late but don't assume that all Skoda dealers can be trusted especially if you're keeping the car. Paying them might give you a false sense of security.

Funny that you should mention that as someone on the SEAT forum, who seems to live in Egypt posted this:-

 

"Hello guys i already bought an oem timing belt from vw store and i fitted it in my 6l ibiza after that i see the box there was an expire date on the box the date was 8-2014
So i asked some people and there was to opinions
one of them that it doesn't matter the life time for the belt is 5 years starts from the day of installation and the expire date because of if i use the belt in the second day After manufacturing
And the second opinion is i can't use it and i shoud replace it and it's like the tyres "

 

Now I have always expected that all VW Group dealerships are supposed to check their stock and send all "lifed" item to specialist auctions - and some of us accidentally pay what we think is a good price to buy that stuff - did that once with a touch up paint pack from VW bought it for an August 2015 Polo in 2015, went to use it in late 2018 and the paint was almost solid - then worked out after buying a new one from a VW dealer that the first one bought in late 2015 had a use by date of 03/05!!