Independant Audi Garage - Leeds

[NickHodgson]

I've a 55 plate A4 2.0 TDI and it's due for it's first service - approx 18,500 miles.

I've contacted Audi Wakefield and they've quoted £280

I then rang the Independant VW-Audi Centre in Leeds and they advised approx £200, less if it doesn't need a pollen filter.

Obviously I'm steering towards the cheaper quote, the only potential issues I can see are:

1) Will this affect my waranty - the guy at IVC advised it wouldn't, but not sure where to get an un-biased answer from (although I'm sure he's telling the truth).

2) They use Miller branded oil rather than Castrol. Again according to the guy at AVC this is as good as or better than Castrol, but as I'm not an expert on oil, I'm not sure whether this statement is true.

Please can anyone help regarding this?

Thanks

Nick

[AntW]

it won't effect warranty, there was a law passed that stopped the dealership monopoly on servicing in warranty period (ie: the threat that getting it serviced at an independent would invalidate your warranty)

Millers oil is fine, I use it in mine, they are always raving on about it in Audi driver magazine as well.

Pollen filter costs about £14, and if you see how much crap they collect after 16k miles then its worth changing

[NickHodgson]

Thanks for the really helpful reply. I'll get it booked in and report on what the garage was like.

I had a quick peek at your photos on Flickr, look good!

Cheers

Nick

[Isoproturon]

Do a Google search on "block exemption" and this should give you some more background.

[bells0]

Audi Bradford did my 1st service and changed a rear blown bulb for £220 all in.

[Insurance Jon]

ironic as they are the same group as wakefield.

[Nelson_R32]

If the difference is only £80 I would go for the Dealer service. Main reasons;

1) Most Centres won't trade in a vehicle if its not Audi Serviced from new/give you a lower trade in

2) If selling used most people will see it as you saving on the servicing costs of the car in a negative way. I certainly wouldn't buy a used Audi if the first 3 Services were carried out by an Independant.

3) The Dealer will carry out any software updates your car requires while it is there. In fact I bet you £50 right now that your car needs the 2.0TDi Engine Software update.

Basically, you'll make the £80.00 back easily when you come to sell it.

[AntW]

[ QUOTE ]

... the 2.0TDi Engine Software update.

[/ QUOTE ]

What does the update do Nelson?

[MarskeBear]

Try jo at harrogate audi, they were excellent and are happy to mrice match/haggle ect.

[NickHodgson]

Well, I ended up getting it serviced at the Independant, I really don't think the £80 is going to be a big deal when it comes to selling it, realistically garages give you bottom dollar regardless of the condition, etc.

However, thanks for all of the comments, it's really useful to have a balance on which to make a decision.

Nelson, what's the software update and should this be covered by warranty? I need to get it in to the audi garage as I've got some water in my front fogs and I'm hoping this will be covered by the warranty, so if the update is warranty then I'll get it done at the same time.