VW Service rip off

A

archibald

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I obtained a quote for servicing my VW Jetta 1.9 Diesel 2004 model at 150 000 Km.
The quote was for R6008 with labour at R800 per hour.It includes replacing the timing belt (3 hours labour)
Incidently another VW outlet charges R570 per hour.
I will appreciate comments from members with regard to this blatant rip off.
 
Different places charging different amounts = ripoff?
±R800 per hour is actually pretty standard for dealerships
 
They charge that rate even if you want wiper blades installed. Go look for a better deal elsewhere at a private workshop.
 
Fox1 said:
They charge that rate even if you want wiper blades installed. Go look for a better deal elsewhere at a private workshop.
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BMW "charged" me R800 for wiper blades and R600 to fit them!
 
I cannot afford to send my car to the dealer for a service. I service myself, but a timing belt will go to a private service centre.
 
Merc charges R1500 per hour....

50K for timing charge service with the adjusters and everything.
 
R6000 including replacement of timing belt is not bad at all. You could do it at a general car Service place and get away for around R4500.
 
Lupus said:
Not for a 12 year old car. Also for a 12 year old car why are you still taking it to the dealers?
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That is the deeper question.

You pay for that fancy building and those fancy tiles floors and all the stuff that ultimately does NOTHING for your car.

OP : Where are you based? I have a very good guy in Cape Town that will do the cambelt change for R3500-R4500 and do it well.
 
Where are the different VW centers based?
R570 is absurdly cheap for a dealership in Jhb. Hell, I don't think independents charge so little.
 
The problem is you want dealer service and stamp at independent workshop prices. You pay the R800 an hour for that little stamp in your service book. If that doesn't bother you then go to a reputable independent service centre and you will pay a lot less.
 
More importantly, why do they want to replace the cambelt at 150 000 km? This should be done every 90 000 km or 120 000 km, depending on the model and engine.
 
Last edited:
dj_jyno said:
More importantly, why do they want to replace the cambelt at 150 000 km? This should be done every 90 000 km or 120 000 km, depending on the model and engine.
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Or every 5 years, whichever comes first.
 
Any RMI certified mechanic/workshop can stamp your book. You also have some recourse with the RMI should you pick up issues with an accredited mechanic/workshop. You can have a look at their site, http://www.rmi.org.za/ for more info.
 
archibald said:
I obtained a quote for servicing my VW Jetta 1.9 Diesel 2004 model at 150 000 Km.
The quote was for R6008 with labour at R800 per hour.It includes replacing the timing belt (3 hours labour)
Incidently another VW outlet charges R570 per hour.
I will appreciate comments from members with regard to this blatant rip off.
Click to expand...

I hope you didn't react like this at the dealership when they gave you the quote, as it sounds quite reasonable. Especially considering the timing belt work.
 
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