I have just been to my local Skoda dealer for a sump plug and washer for his 2017 Octavia S. I rang this morning and was told the plug was £4.75 plus VAT. I thought this was a bit pricey but then thought at least it will be the correct part. I also assumed the plug came with the washer. When I went to the dealer to pick it up, the parts chap said it was £11 something. I said no - you told me it was £4.75 plus VAT. He then said the washer was sold separately and was £4.50 plus VAT. I said I was not prepared to pay that for a simple washer. He went away and I had a look around the showroom whilst I was there. He came back with just the sump plug and an invoice for £4.75 plus VAT. I said this is useless without the washer isn't it? He said yes that's right. So I said I don't want it and he walked off.

Just how can a dealer justify charging so much for a simple bolt and washer? I'm off to my local car parts shop and will avoid the dealer as much as I can.

Just re-checked my figures. The cost of the sump plug was £4.95 + VAT. The cost of the washer was around the same. The total cost on the invoice was £11.40 for what is essentially a bolt and a washer. Totally outrageous

A. Plan in advance and shop around.

B. The washer isn't a simple steel or copper washer. It's a 'crush' washer designed to form a perfect seal and prevent leaks.

Overpriced? Maybe but cheaper than topping up with litres of oil or worse...

2 hours ago, nbramwel said:

Just re-checked my figures. The cost of the sump plug was £4.95 + VAT. The cost of the washer was around the same. The total cost on the invoice was £11.40 for what is essentially a bolt and a washer. Totally outrageous

Try GSF.

I think its less the dealers and more the whole manufacture to supply chain and related distriution. I dont thi k dealers are making excessive profits on part sales. They are captive as are the cnsumers who want to buy genuine marked parts.

But as said by others you can shop around and find equivalents. If its just a copper crush washer elring do them. If the sump bolt is in good condition, re use!!

The plastic plug for the plastic sumps on tge 2 litres are now also over £10 i believe!!

I agree with you that the prices are often way too high, but thats not always because of the dealer.

Looks about right for a retail price for a genuine item. Here's another supplier for comparison. https://skodapartsdirect.co.uk/product/skoda-2012-2024-sump-plug-washer/

At the end of the day, you're buying 2 small items as a retail customer, so, in the nicest possible way, they've got no reason to want to do you a favour on pricing. If it takes 15 minutes to take your order, process it, go fetch it and charge your card, that's probably £4 worth of wages and NI they've paid the parts lad before anything else.

The only way to really save money on small stuff like this is buy a few online or with something else and have them on the shelf for when you want them. Even then, I'd question how much of a saving you really make. I've got a rack full of sump plugs, washers, nuts, trim clips, bleed nipples, bulbs, standard fuses, micro fuses, maxifuses..... Yeah, it's a lifesaver when I need one, but I bet I've got a few hundred quid of outlay sat there waiting for the day I might need it.

Edited 11 September, 202511 Sep by StevesTruck