Seriously inflated dealer prices?
Discussion
I had my golf R32 serviced at VW last week, a minor service at £162 which I thought was just about O.K for a main dealer and the stamp that I get with it.
During the service they found that the O/S/F brake flexi hose was fitted incorrectly, and twisted. They told me that it was damaged from chafing and needed replacing, and would cost me £94 + VAT.
Been very busy with work the last few days so didn't have time to get it done, had my MOT done today and it failed on that point. The garage said that the hose was undamaged and 'as new' and could be refitted properly for £15 to pass the MOT.
I mean I expect to pay a bit more for main dealer work should I choose to, but although in comparison the difference between the two prices seriously takes the piss.
Anyone else had similar experiences where they've had work urgently recommended by a main dealer done FAR cheaper elsewhere?
Also on another point, my only advisory was "items removed from drivers vision" - an air freshener!!!
During the service they found that the O/S/F brake flexi hose was fitted incorrectly, and twisted. They told me that it was damaged from chafing and needed replacing, and would cost me £94 + VAT.
Been very busy with work the last few days so didn't have time to get it done, had my MOT done today and it failed on that point. The garage said that the hose was undamaged and 'as new' and could be refitted properly for £15 to pass the MOT.
I mean I expect to pay a bit more for main dealer work should I choose to, but although in comparison the difference between the two prices seriously takes the piss.
Anyone else had similar experiences where they've had work urgently recommended by a main dealer done FAR cheaper elsewhere?
Also on another point, my only advisory was "items removed from drivers vision" - an air freshener!!!
folos said:
I'm just curious why the second garage saw no need in replacing it (and charging me) and only refitted it for £15?
What would you have done if you were the business providing the service? (I'm speaking as a man who's been locked up for an event involving a failed brake repair)
folos said:
Also on another point, my only advisory was "items removed from drivers vision" - an air freshener!!!
I had this the other week for the TomTom holder. Very odd!I use a local place for my servicing/MOT etc. They pick it up & drop it off at no charge & just do the little jobs on the MOT (bulbs etc) that a main dealer would charge through the nose for.
I have never been in the position to own a car newer than 5 years old, i have never taken one near a main dealer, nor would I, I have had some with "full Dealer" History and personally, My opinion of the level of vehicle servcing is very poor.
A friend sent a Nissan Navara for a service with Nissan after it had been stood unused for 2 years (she had been living abroad) she got a bill for over 1k they never even changed the fuel filter, the next day after the service the fuel filter became blocked.
main dealers are just a bunch on monkeys, from salesmen to the so called mechanics,
A friend sent a Nissan Navara for a service with Nissan after it had been stood unused for 2 years (she had been living abroad) she got a bill for over 1k they never even changed the fuel filter, the next day after the service the fuel filter became blocked.
main dealers are just a bunch on monkeys, from salesmen to the so called mechanics,
So the garage was sayings the pipe was twisted and needed replacing? I suppose it depends on how old it is and how badly the pipe is twisted as rubber perishes and if twisted badly could lead to failure if it is put back to normal as the twist could brake down the fibres in then pipe. Would you want to risk brake failure in the event of an emergency stop?
That would be worth £90+
On the other hand someone looks at it and says "hey that's twisted, it needs untwisting and re-fitting". He may be right but what damage has been caused to the pipe by it being twisted? It could be none or it could be catastrophic. It may be fine in which case you may waste £50.
What would you prefer?
That would be worth £90+
On the other hand someone looks at it and says "hey that's twisted, it needs untwisting and re-fitting". He may be right but what damage has been caused to the pipe by it being twisted? It could be none or it could be catastrophic. It may be fine in which case you may waste £50.
What would you prefer?
Always avoid main dealers. The last time I visited one in 2003 it was to diagnose a ABS fault on an S40. Quoted £650 to replace the pump motor with no promises. Google search suggested the wiring in the conduit under the radiator was prone to corrosion. £100 later and the local independent had it sorted.
14-7 said:
So the garage was sayings the pipe was twisted and needed replacing? I suppose it depends on how old it is and how badly the pipe is twisted as rubber perishes and if twisted badly could lead to failure if it is put back to normal as the twist could brake down the fibres in then pipe. Would you want to risk brake failure in the event of an emergency stop?
That would be worth £90+
On the other hand someone looks at it and says "hey that's twisted, it needs untwisting and re-fitting". He may be right but what damage has been caused to the pipe by it being twisted? It could be none or it could be catastrophic. It may be fine in which case you may waste £50.
What would you prefer?
I've seen cars serviced and serviced a few myself, though I don't recall ever having an assistant in the car with the engine running, operating the brakes whilst the hydraulic system is inspected, though that's exactly what I have done/seen done on every MOT test that I've seen. I'd take the MOT testers view on the condition of the hose.That would be worth £90+
On the other hand someone looks at it and says "hey that's twisted, it needs untwisting and re-fitting". He may be right but what damage has been caused to the pipe by it being twisted? It could be none or it could be catastrophic. It may be fine in which case you may waste £50.
What would you prefer?
To add, it's a hose, that is a flexible hose and not a pipe, pipes are rigid and tend to permanently distort when twisted.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff