My 2015 Octy Estate 1.6 TDI CR 110 DSG has done 62000 miles and my local friendly garage is now saying it needs a full set of shocks, both front and rear. I do 800 miles a week, 90% on motorways, the rest mostly over speedbumps through London. Apparently oil is leaking from them, and I've noticed it's not as stable on bends, so I'm inclined to believe them (I'm also a regular and have no reason to believe they're being dishonest). However, they're quoting me nearly £600 to supply and fit all four replacements, and claiming they have to use "main dealer" parts as their normal dealer doesn't offer after-market parts for such a new car (2015 isn't that new, is it? And what does "main dealer" mean anyway? hmm).

 

A quick Google turned up what looks to be replacement parts from Monroe at decent prices, but I'm not exactly knowledgeable when it comes to car mechanics, so thought I'd ask here. Is the price they're quoting reasonable, and is it worth me getting a second opinion?

Edited 27 March, 20197 yr by adeward
Typo 1.5 -> 1.6

Firstly there is no such thing as a 1.5tdi, possibly a 1.6tdi or 2.0tdi.

 

Secondly if all your shocks need replacing at 62k / 4 years, you need to ditch your friendly garage and go somewhere that are honest. Even kwikfit or F1 autocentres, they will check them FOC, don't tell them what your friendly garage said though in case it seeds their minds. At least a second opinion.

 

Are all the shockers really leaking oil excessively (not just misting)? I doubt it.

 

£600 including labour for all 4 isn't too excessive for genuine Skoda shocks, but then they may change only the one that's faulty. 

 

A repair carried out by a Skoda dealer with genuine parts carry a 2 year unlimited parts and labour warranty, does your friendly garage offer the same?

https://www.skoda-parts.com/spare-parts/Octavia-3/shock-absorber.html?strana=2

Edited 27 March, 20197 yr by xman

6 minutes ago, xman said:

Firstly there is no such thing as a 1.5tdi, possibly a 1.6tdi or 2.0tdi.

 

Sorry - my typo.

 

It seems unusual to me that at 60k after 3.5 years I’d be needing all new shocks, but then maybe driving every day through Hackney’s myriad of speedbumps is quite punishing? I’ll get a second opinion. Thanks for your thoughts.

That doesn't seem to wrong to me. At that age/mileage I wouldn't be changing individual shocks. At least in pairs across axles. Mine has done 55k and the rear shocks although not blown have seen much better days and one front is misting heavily. Bad roads and speed bumps both at home and work.

I'm taking the opportunity to upgrade to Bilstein b6. Cost about £500 plus £200 to fit along with an oil change. I'm supplying the shock as my garage can't get them quick enough through regular routes.

I'd agree with the above in getting a second opinion if able though.

Just a quick update: I took my car to another local garage (but outside London) and got a second opinion. Not only were my rear shocks fine, the cost to replace the front shocks was about half what I’d been quoted by the first garage.