Hi all
I'm on my sixth Skoda, but this is my first time posting on the superb forum. I hope it’s okay to post this here, but I have a question on my car .. a superb 3 190 hp was in for a service and the dealer noticed that there was contamination to the coolant fluid and diagnosed a replacement heater matrix and all that goes along with that. When he told me the price, I was convinced that either he or I were having a stroke. I know it’s a labour intensive job, but all the same it sounded crazy.. can anyone recommend an independent Skoda/VAG specialist in North Dublin or surrounding areas please? Also a rough idea as to what it might cost either in Ireland, or the UK would be really appreciated

 

Thanks all, and have a great Christmas

Edited 13 December, 20232 yr by 09facelift

It's a well known problem so it should be relatively straightforward to quote for.

 

I have no detailed knowledge of them but have noticed a lot of taxis advertising MAD Motors in Santry who advertise as VAG specialists.  If they're used by taxi drivers, they're likely to be competitive on price so might be worth a call.  There's also Mulligan's Garage on the other side of the city in Synge Lane - again no direct experience of them.  A lot of people recommend Dalton's near Portlaoise but its a bit of a trek and while they've a good reputation and would likely be cheaper than a main dealership, they're not going to be rock bottom on price.  It'd be worth phoning a couple of the above for a rough quote to compare with the main dealer.

 

As far as costs are concerned, I've no idea but I know that it's labour-intensive and needs to be done properly as a lot of gunk can end up in the cooling circuit in the block itself.  If it's a quick job done cheap, you'll likely end up with the same issue sooner rather than later.  I've seen UK quotes of between £800 and £1200 so I'd assume something roughly similar here in Euros.

 

You should push for a goodwill contribution from Skoda Ireland as it's a well known problem caused by a design flaw.  The fact that you went to your dealer for servicing suggests that you may have a full Skoda service history which should be worth something in return.

I’m tired but surely you’d find the source of the contamination first?

 

Do you actually have any issues? This just reads as paying their Christmas bonus 😁

On 14/12/2023 at 08:19, Legacy said:

It's a well known problem so it should be relatively straightforward to quote for.

 

I have no detailed knowledge of them but have noticed a lot of taxis advertising MAD Motors in Santry who advertise as VAG specialists.  If they're used by taxi drivers, they're likely to be competitive on price so might be worth a call.  There's also Mulligan's Garage on the other side of the city in Synge Lane - again no direct experience of them.  A lot of people recommend Dalton's near Portlaoise but its a bit of a trek and while they've a good reputation and would likely be cheaper than a main dealership, they're not going to be rock bottom on price.  It'd be worth phoning a couple of the above for a rough quote to compare with the main dealer.

 

As far as costs are concerned, I've no idea but I know that it's labour-intensive and needs to be done properly as a lot of gunk can end up in the cooling circuit in the block itself.  If it's a quick job done cheap, you'll likely end up with the same issue sooner rather than later.  I've seen UK quotes of between £800 and £1200 so I'd assume something roughly similar here in Euros.

 

You should push for a goodwill contribution from Skoda Ireland as it's a well known problem caused by a design flaw.  The fact that you went to your dealer for servicing suggests that you may have a full Skoda service history which should be worth something in return.

Thanks so much for the recommendations and apologies for the delay in acknowledging.

 

I ended up trying MAD Motors in Santry and was really impressed. They were fantastic and i got the matrix, flush, timing belt and water pump done for just over 2/3 of what Skoda quoted me for just the matrix replacement. Am raging at that particular Skoda agent, that is an absolute disgrace. I am never going back to them.  As for MAD Motors, I'm recommending them to everyone!