VWs 'free servicing' offer
Discussion
So I picked up my Edition 30 Golf last spring and because I used the VW Finance deal (no I didn't pay in cash as I'm not a powerfully built multi company director) I was given a 'free servicing' deal.
When I bought the car I asked the dealer in no uncertain terms if I'd have to spend anything on the car. No everything is included came the answer. I also asked if it included all belts and chains. Yes came the answer.
So I was somewhat shocked when I I took my car in for it's 'free service' that I had to pay for it to have the brake fluid changed. "it's overdue mate" I was told by my local VW dealer. Today I've come home to find a letter telling me that I now have to pay £300 to have my cambelt changed. "it's not part of the plan" so I've been told.
Who should I take this up with? The VW franchise who sold me the car or go straight to VW UK? My only worry is that the documents I were sent after buying the car won't match what I was told at the time of the deal.
When I bought the car I asked the dealer in no uncertain terms if I'd have to spend anything on the car. No everything is included came the answer. I also asked if it included all belts and chains. Yes came the answer.
So I was somewhat shocked when I I took my car in for it's 'free service' that I had to pay for it to have the brake fluid changed. "it's overdue mate" I was told by my local VW dealer. Today I've come home to find a letter telling me that I now have to pay £300 to have my cambelt changed. "it's not part of the plan" so I've been told.
Who should I take this up with? The VW franchise who sold me the car or go straight to VW UK? My only worry is that the documents I were sent after buying the car won't match what I was told at the time of the deal.
Fox- said:
Rubbish - they are very much scheduled service items, thats why they have a time/mileage based change interval.
Then he needs to get his handbook out and show the dealer where it states that it's specifically part of it's 12k, 20k etc... recommended service schedule. Or the terms and conditions of the paperwork he got for the free servicing. Brake fluid changes on my Honda are recommended at 2 years, but do not form part of the 12,500 recommended service schedule.Edited by CatJ on Wednesday 22 February 20:26
CatJ said:
Fox- said:
Rubbish - they are very much scheduled service items, thats why they have a time/mileage based change interval.
Then he needs to get his handbook out and show the dealer where it states that it's specifically part of it's 12k, 20k etc... recommended service schedule. Or the terms and conditions of the paperwork he got for the free servicing. Brake fluid changes on my Honda are recommended at 2 years, but do not form part of the 12,500 recommended service schedule.Edited by CatJ on Wednesday 22 February 20:26
1) I was told in no uncertain terms by the sales man that I wouldn't have to spend anything on the car during the 2 years apart from consumables (tyres, brakes, wipers etc)
2) The car should have had the fluid changed during the pervious ownership, this should have been done by the main dealer before it was sold to me
The cambelt to me is just another piece of misinformation that I was given by the main dealer when buying the car
CatJ said:
theboyfold said:
No, and therein lies my main issue when taking this up with anybody
Is there anything like a sheet of paper from Volkswagen Finance? Only thing I can think of is to call the finance provider and ask them for a copy.I think the point with Cambelt and Brake fluid is they will be classed as "recommended" rather than compulsory like Oil change and inspection.
Bottom line, do you like the car? If so pay for the stuff that will keep it nice. (and help retain some value) If not, sell it on. Not worth getting into a tizz is it?
Bottom line, do you like the car? If so pay for the stuff that will keep it nice. (and help retain some value) If not, sell it on. Not worth getting into a tizz is it?
theboyfold said:
CatJ said:
Fox- said:
1) I was told in no uncertain terms by the sales man that I wouldn't have to spend anything on the car during the 2 years apart from consumables (tyres, brakes, wipers etc)
And that's their get out - belts and fluid are consumables. Unless you've got it in writing I'd suggest they will argue but you got to argue the point, preferably with the dealer.As for the fluid change if they sold you a fully serviced and inspected car then the argument is they are in breach of contract, ie failed to disclose, mis-informed you about or lied about a fact that would have made you not buy the car at that price.
I would suggest arguing on the failed to disclose/mis-informed points if the service book is fully signed up.
theboyfold said:
CatJ said:
Fox- said:
1) I was told in no uncertain terms by the sales man that I wouldn't have to spend anything on the car during the 2 years apart from consumables (tyres, brakes, wipers etc)
And that's their get out - belts and fluid are consumables. Unless you've got it in writing I'd suggest they will argue but you got to argue the point, preferably with the dealer.As for the fluid change if they sold you a fully serviced and inspected car then the argument is they are in breach of contract, ie failed to disclose, mis-informed you about or lied about a fact that would have made you not buy the car at that price.
I would suggest arguing on the failed to disclose/mis-informed points if the service book is fully signed up.
Rich_W said:
I think the point with Cambelt and Brake fluid is they will be classed as "recommended" rather than compulsory like Oil change and inspection.
Bottom line, do you like the car? If so pay for the stuff that will keep it nice. (and help retain some value) If not, sell it on. Not worth getting into a tizz is it?
I wouldn't say I was in a tizz! Bottom line, do you like the car? If so pay for the stuff that will keep it nice. (and help retain some value) If not, sell it on. Not worth getting into a tizz is it?
Do I like the car? It's ok, has it flaws. I wouldn't want to sell it as I would take far too much of a hit on it, so as the company is paying for it I might as well just carry on and see if I can fall for it. It's been nearly a year and it's not really gotten under my skin yet, it needs more power, but can only just handle what it has in the dry.
Crafty_ said:
Cambelt change in 2 years, have you done mega miles OP ?
Either way £300 is hardly the end of the world is it ?
It's coming up to 4 years old now, and if £300 isn't the end of the world I'll PM you my bank details and you can transfer the money across Either way £300 is hardly the end of the world is it ?
valverguy said:
Really boils my piss when some fat headed rich moron, comes into a thread and claims that "£300 isnt the end of the world" Try being middle class or below. £300 would pay my food bills for a month.. idiot
+ 1 although then again.. I wouldnt be driving around in a golf edition 30valverguy said:
Really boils my piss when some fat headed rich moron, comes into a thread and claims that "£300 isnt the end of the world" Try being middle class or below. £300 would pay my food bills for a month.. idiot
Work harder then Don't you know everyone here is a millionaire.More seriously, £300 every 4 years isn't "that" bad. Putting it on a Credit card makes it more manageable.
Ok, lets go over this.
You bought a brand new car, on finance. Golf ED30 was what ? £20k+ ? plus the interest payments, so what £25k maybe? ETA - based on a new car, lets say £18k inc. interest payments for s/h
Its cost you bugger all until now and needs £300 spent on it. Its not exactly a huge figure in comparison is it ? Not far off the price of a couple of tyres or maybe a pad & disc change.
I have to admit I'm slightly bemused by people spending large amounts of money on a car but then don't want to pay for its upkeep. Ok, I understand you got duped by some sales guy who was already mentally spending his commission but at the end of the day its an unexpected bill - they happen from time to time, its just part of car ownership.
You bought a brand new car, on finance. Golf ED30 was what ? £20k+ ? plus the interest payments, so what £25k maybe? ETA - based on a new car, lets say £18k inc. interest payments for s/h
Its cost you bugger all until now and needs £300 spent on it. Its not exactly a huge figure in comparison is it ? Not far off the price of a couple of tyres or maybe a pad & disc change.
I have to admit I'm slightly bemused by people spending large amounts of money on a car but then don't want to pay for its upkeep. Ok, I understand you got duped by some sales guy who was already mentally spending his commission but at the end of the day its an unexpected bill - they happen from time to time, its just part of car ownership.
valverguy said:
Really boils my piss when some fat headed rich moron, comes into a thread and claims that "£300 isnt the end of the world" Try being middle class or below. £300 would pay my food bills for a month.. idiot
I'm far from rich or middle class. I can appreciate £300 is a lot of money to some people, but those same people aren't swanning around in a car thats cost them £18-20k are they ?Edited by Crafty_ on Wednesday 22 February 23:09
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