Hi all,

Just wondering how many of you use dealers for service requirements? I had my Mk3 for a year now (its a 23 plate) and its now saying it wants an oil change and inspection.

Aware of the new digital service records, I figured Id get the dealer to do it - but was shocked by the ~£305 quote. For an oil change?!

And so I remembered why I never use dealers for servicing! Id have thought something approx 1/3 of that figure would have been fair.

Will most unaligned independent garages be able to update the digital service records?

Finally, when I had my old Mk2 I did ~20k a year and so every service I would replace all the filters etc, regardless what the book asked for.

My mileage now is much lower, ~5k a year - is it best just to stick to what the car asks for itself?

Thanks a lot for the input!

Hello

I use my local Skoda dealer for servicing. This is due to three reasons: 1) I have a really good local dealer - Willis Skoda in Ruislip, 2)I have a very reasonably priced two-year service plan and 3) the car is still under warranty (and to keep things simple I always keep a car in the dealer network for servicing etc while it's still under manufacturer warranty to avoid any arguments if something goes wrong with the car (then they can't blame it on non-genuine service parts or a service not carried out to spec).

Digital service records are not new - been a thing for well over a decade now for Skoda (and most car makes). No, an independent garage won't be able to update a Skoda digital service record. That's why having paperwork is important so you have proof that you've done a service outside the dealer network. Or, you can buy a service book and have them stamp it.

I agree that £305 inc VAT for an Oil and Filter change is a lot - are you sure that doesn't include brake fluid as well? I ask as I would expect an oil service to be nearer to £225-230 inc VAT and brake fluid done at the same time to be about £75.

The car should be serviced every 12 months or 10,000 miles - whichever comes first. As a low mileage driver, annual servicing becomes even more important as a car like a Superb (and a bigger engine) is designed to do regular runs which help keep everything moving and lubricated rather than be a city car.

Got mine dealer serviced for the first 4 years since I had purchased a 5 year extended warranty from new.

From March this year ( at 5 yrs old) have serviced myself - including buying, while looking and planning ahead: 20 litres of bulk Fuchs 0W20 - VW 508/509 spec oil, 4-5 years worth of oil filters, fuel and pollen filters. About 130 quid for the oil and not much over 100 for the filters.

Thats me set for a good few years for the price of one dealer oil change and “ inspection”.

Now its under my full control Ive also added a few little optional extras like an Eezibleed/Fumoto sump valve, stainless steel brake bleed nipples and an AGM battery.

Just need to assess when in future it will need cambelt doing and find the most suitable / cost effective expertise to handle that.

@ 2 years it is surely an Oil & Inspection service. But £305 for that and if the Pollen Filter is included is still ridiculous.

Year 3 is the Extended Scope.

Still not much extra there other than Brake fluid.

The Tech / Fitter might not even look at the Air Filter until year 6. Crazy lazy and money for old rope.

The cost of them doing a pollen or airfilter is ridiculous, parts prices.

Edited 6 May, 20251 yr by Ootohere

Depends where you are based... An independent should be able to do a service for about £150 and, contrary to the above info, many can update the digital service record...

Eg.

https://autohausdolby.co.uk/services-volkswagen-passenger-cars/

Go here

https://tools.skoda.co.uk/book-a-service-online/#/sk-data/osb

Out in your reg and select dealer, basic service should be £220 ish and Oosh that’s gone up!

If you DIY, just keep the receipts if next owner wants proof