Servicing - costs, schedules and VWCV plans

[TrevorK]

Dare I ask how much does a cambelt replacement cost? And what else should be replaced/ checked whilst replacing the belt?

Check the VW fixed price on line, ring your local VW specialist and see how much cheaper they are….
VW should match the quote, but may not if they’re too busy.
Water pump is always suggested, and maybe a new auxiliary belt every 5 years.
There are threads which cover both.

 

[roadtripper]

VAG DPF lite (free to check if it works for you): VAG DPF lite - Apps on Google Play

VAG DPF (not free but not expensive):

VAG DPF - Apps on Google Play

DPF particulate filter status of your TDI VW Audi Seat Skoda (see engine list)

play.google.com

Needs an ELM type OBDII device in the OBD port, I use a WiFi based one as I had it but Bluetooth may be more convenient:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vgate-Scanner-Interface-Adapter-Diagnostics/dp/B01CG0XWDI

 

[simker]

I've had the 20% offer come through and a phone call from the local VW van centre. I have a 72 plate that's done 1k miles. Should I be taking it to the manufacturer for service etc, what's the benefits. I have only ever had bad experiences with the dealers ie ford or Peugeot on my cars, they always come back with unnecessary repairs or faults and sometimes in a worse state than when they went in. Now I use other service locations which I trust.

 

[roadtripper]

I've had the 20% offer come through and a phone call from the local VW van centre. I have a 72 plate that's done 1k miles. Should I be taking it to the manufacturer for service etc, what's the benefits. I have only ever had bad experiences with the dealers ie ford or Peugeot on my cars, they always come back with unnecessary repairs or faults and sometimes in a worse state than when they went in. Now I use other service locations which I trust.

Depends how much you value the warranty side of it, you have remaining factory warranty on a 72 plate (I assume you have the standard 3 years) and that's the strongest warranty you are going to get. You also have VW Assist to recover you and jump the queue (if needed) to get the van fixed.

Having it serviced by a good independent who uses appropriate parts and maintains the online service record shouldn't invalidate the warranty but it does open a further angle for them to not honour it. And there are a few threads around that suggest some dealers are starting from a point of "we didn't service it so it's up to you to argue the work carried out/modifications don't impact the warranty". And VW Assist have no agency over an independent either, honestly I'm not even sure if they'd recover you to one.

 

[Curlynot]

Thanks. Dare I ask how much does a cambelt replacement cost? And what else should be replaced/ checked whilst replacing the belt?

This was on a Golf 1.5 Evo last year and cost £850 for an oil/filter service, brake fluid, auxiliary drive belt, cambelt kit and MOT. All genuine parts and added to the VW service register.

I think main dealer prices were around £1000 for belt alone and their mileage range for price matching means my local indie is just outside their area, but then like I said above they've taken cars to him to sort out!

I have a feeling that in the recent shake up of service intervals the 5 year cambelt age change has now been dropped on this engine!!

The belt on this engine doesn't drive the water pump so nothing else needs to be changed.

 

[Bav]

Thanks for the info.

Just to clarify, when you say...

The belt on this engine doesn't drive the water pump so nothing else needs to be changed.

...are you're referring to the Golf engine or the T6.1 engine?

 

[Curlynot]

Thanks for the info.

Just to clarify, when you say...

...are you're referring to the Golf engine or the T6.1 engine?

Yes it was the Golf engine, totally different design to the Transporter engine so not really relevant to this thread