Should I replace timing belt and water pump at 43,000 miles and 8 years old?- VW say no.

[Vinyl1210]

I think it’s a very detailed quote so you know EXACTLY what you’re getting. They obviously know the vans ( sorry not sure from your post if they are a VAG specialist), as they advise the crank seal. Also, in fairness they only lust 0.5 hrs for this as the belt is off already. I don’t feel that is ‘searching’ for extra work, that strikes me as a ‘look after the customer’ approach, so I’d be happy.
Really I guess it’s up to you, but if you are content with price, gel with the Indy, and like their approach and work go for it. You’ll be more a ‘customer’ than a number at a MD. You build a relationship and you’ll keep going back.

Just an anecdote about the quote. I’d be happy with them, mostly on the basis of that alone. As someone who works in the Electrical/Mechanical industry, for myself I’ve quoted with a 6 page detailed inventory, room by room, referring to plans as to what we’re installing and wiring. We were over £3k more than closest quote.

Our nearest competitor (price wise) sent a headed one page letter: (honestly, I’m not kidding).

‘To re-wire property as discussed £21,000’.

Luckily the customer understood they were going to get fleeced on ‘extras’ so went with us as we were so transparent.

Loads of great advice above in posts so go with your gut.

 

[Bigsidavies]

Yeah deffo get the crank oil seal done for the extra few quid. It's a no brainer as that job alone is the whole of the timing belt job again just to get to it. But......ask them how long they warrant that crank seal as some on here have had them fail prematurely after theyve been replaced. As above, the 2 year VW warranty is something to think about.
Also, if you have a full VW history and you still have a free service then I'd go down the VW route using the free service. It seems that if you need any sort of future goodwill from them that the spend history/loyalty/service history plays a part when reading various post on the forum.

 

[Kind of Blue]

That's a major service. I hope they reduced the labour time on the service part of the quote, seeing as the coolant part of the deal is being done along with the timing belt, and draining, flushing, refilling and bleeding is on its own a 0.7hr job.

Its pricy, but not unreasonable. They're using quality parts, and thats where the most of the money has gone. Mind you, if they're supplying the parts they'll have put their own 10% mark up on, which is normal.

From what I've seen in the 5 cylinder Volvo world where I also reside I wouldn't use Gates rubbish to hold by trousers up, much less keep my precious engine from grenading, so the choice of OE kit is sensible.

Just a thought to consider. Dealer labour rates are mad, but you get a 2 year warranty on OE parts they fit which you won't get at your indy specialist. Not a problem if they're diligent and stand by their workmanship, but theres always that 1 in a 1000 chance you could end up regretting it. Personally I'd take those odds, but it's worth mulling over.

Not sure if you are only suggesting his particular "indy specialist" or all "indi specialist"? My Independent VAG Specialist uses Genuine VW Parts. Not sure about warranty.

 

[Sasquatch]

Perhaps I didn't explain very well, for which I apologise.

To clarify - the 2 year genuine parts warranty only applies when fitted by a dealer. So now you can be sure.

 

[Greybeard]

4k miles a year is very low..... You might want to take it out more often or further.

You’re quite right as always, young man!

Hoping the next few months will bring big changes to both physical and mental well being.
Be good to put some faces to the names of various awesome members.
Andy