ECU update, Plug in computer, hit a button that says check and update firmware, just like any other item of computer firmware.

The people who need the degree are the people who write the firmware and the tools to update it not the mechanic in the workshop. There is a lot to be said for experience over a degree in many jobs.

Yup as I said pretty straight forward for the franchise dealer, your man down the road however doesn't have access to any updates tho! I refer to the IT requirements for problem solving, a spanner rarely gets a look in these days until the fault is diagnosed and if its nothing straight forward, that can be down to line chasing or pulse measurement, something an electrical engineer would only be capable of doing rather than the old school spanner merchant. The days of a little tweak here and there with a screwdriver are long gone due to the requirements of the modern engine systems.

I agree that experience has a lot to do with it for many jobs but the problem nowadays is that modern car electrical systems are TOTALLY different to cars even just 10 years old so unless you get continual training on said systems experience stands for nothing, its the same as saying that the shiny new plasma hung on your wall is basically the same as the old valve based TV you watched as a kid. It isnt and and should it go faulty, unless you have been continually trained to repair TV's a faulty plasma would be completely out of your skills and abilities unless it was something simple!

You've obviously never seen my local franchise dealer...even though I'm mates with the owner looks like a tin shed for a workshop...hardly state of the art.

I dont see expensive service prices benefitting the premises...Its merely a case like brand names. Your independant is your Tesco Value and your Skud dealer is your Finest range....if you see what I mean.

I will still grumble..lol

You've obviously never seen my local franchise dealer...even though I'm mates with the owner looks like a tin shed for a workshop...hardly state of the art.

And I think they hate me

How'd you manage that then Pix????

I still think one problem is that, on average, the "trade" reckon they are dealing with a majority who know nothing at all about cars, and care less. That is often when you pay through the nose.

Ever notice how they start talking differently to you when you show at least some kind of knowledge and give the impression you know what you are talking about? Same with any specialist subject.

Perhaps that is why one US survey found the most important feature to many car buyers was how many cup holders it had.

How'd you manage that then Pix????

Because I go in there quite confident and assertive I think. They are quite old fashioned and sometimes I swear I can see the tumbleweed roll past when I open the door

It's not really the pricing that bothers me, it's the fact that the prices vary from dealer to dealer for doing the same work and it's not a north/south divide either.

We have just got to be prepared to stick two fingers up to the more expensive ones and go elsewhere, if you can.

Jee-sus.

Reading through this thread has completely reassured me that I SHOULD ( and do ! ) service all my own cars.

I'm not in the habit of lining other peoples pockets. :thumbdwn:

Don't be scared by the " technical " side of it, thats what they want you to be like.

I still think one problem is that, on average, the "trade" reckon they are dealing with a majority who know nothing at all about cars, and care less. That is often when you pay through the nose.

Ever notice how they start talking differently to you when you show at least some kind of knowledge and give the impression you know what you are talking about? Same with any specialist subject.

Perhaps that is why one US survey found the most important feature to many car buyers was how many cup holders it had.

Yep, Totally, if you go in knowing about the cars they will often be far more accommodating than if you are not, which is quite handy

Also most of the local independents I know have VAG COM so can still do most of what a main dealer can do anyway.

Got mine back from it's first variable service, £175 as agreed. However the invoice says that I paid for longlife oil, but service book states that longlife oil for QG1 service plan "NOT USED"!

Spoke to Stealer, who has no idea what oil they used! Having to go back again as they "might have to drain the oil and change the filter again"!

I'm fine with the £175 for the service, but the standard of care is just dire! Moved from a previous stealer when they forgot to put fresh oil in SWMBO's fabia following draining the old stuff at service! Looks like I will have to find another one again!!

Spoke to Stealer, who has no idea what oil they used! Having to go back again as they "might have to drain the oil and change the filter again"!

That is pathetic. If you are going to pay that amount of money for something, you should at least expect them to know what they are talking about.

Makes you wonder how they actually service the car if they don't even know something basic, like oil.

I hope that you insist on a part refund for waisting your time, IF they have to drain it.