24 Month Old Lease - How to and should I Avoid 2nd Service?

[Noz85]

Just looking for some advice on this subject. It's cropped up a few times in the last couple of weeks in the leasing thread.

I've just completed the first year in my Golf GTI. Covered just over 8k (contrated to 10k p/a).

There is no sign of a service light as of yet, and off the top of my head I can't remember if I'm on an annual service schedule or 2 yearly service schedule, but I am going to assume its annual.

So how is the 2nd service dodge done? Delay the first service and then that in turn delays the 2nd service until after you have completed your contract and returned the vehicle?

[Sheepshanks]

Noz85 said:

I've just completed the first year in my Golf GTI. Covered just over 8k (contrated to 10k p/a).

There is no sign of a service light as of yet, and off the top of my head I can't remember if I'm on an annual service schedule or 2 yearly service schedule, but I am going to assume its annual.

Perhaps I'm missing something but if it's more than a year old and it hasn't asked for a service, why would you assume it's on annual servicing?

They come out of the factory set for flexible (longlife) servicing and leased cars should be left on that, although some dealers may change them at PDI. I've got the opposite issue - purchased car that was left on flexible.

Absolute max period is 2yrs or around 20K miles. In practice it'll be somewhat less than this based on type of use.

[Noz85]

Sheepshanks said:

Perhaps I'm missing something but if it's more than a year old and it hasn't asked for a service, why would you assume it's on annual servicing?

They come out of the factory set for flexible (longlife) servicing and leased cars should be left on that, although some dealers may change them at PDI. I've got the opposite issue - purchased car that was left on flexible.

Absolute max period is 2yrs or around 20K miles. In practice it'll be somewhat less than this based on type of use.

This is where the 'hand it back a month early' technique comes in I suppose.

Thanks for your reply. I should probably call VWFS and get them to confirm the service schedule.

[fourstardan]

You buy a GTI and can't afford a service?

[Noz85]

fourstardan said:

You buy a GTI and can't afford a service?

I have LEASED a GTI and would rather avoid the service rather than pay for a service on a car that I hand back the following week. Trying to save money pal.

[AlwynMike]

Is there not a button on the dash or stalk that you can cycle to show time and miles to next service?
I run 3 VAG cars and they all have this facility, although they differ in how to get the info.

[S9JTO]

Check via the car menus or contact VW directly and find out if it's on long life or not. If it isn't then get it serviced soon and ask them to set it to long life, that's what I did when I leased.