VW Polo Service 105k Km - Thoughts/Advice

jjslozb on 13/09/2022 - 19:04
Last edited 14/09/2022 - 01:21 by 1 other user

Hi all,

Just took my 2010 VW Polo to a 3rd party brand specialist for a major service. Total was $2100.

Here's the service receipt:
https://ibb.co/CvKtTsD
https://ibb.co/dPPJ0bM

I'm very new to auto service and repairs - anyone more experienced able to comment if this was a fair deal?

Other things to note:
1. The work listed in the receipt didn't exactly match what the mechanic ticked off in service schedule logbook ie. fuel filter, air filter, brake fluid renewals were not ticked. Should I take this as a major concern or just a recording issue?
2. Prior to work being done, had a couple of calls with the mechanic to discuss what was needed. Was told both the 105k service(timing belt replacement) and the 120k major service(air and fuel filter, brake fluid replacement etc.) was due. To make up for miscommunication errors on their end, they agreed to the discounted price of $2100. However, receipt only lists labour for the 105k service. Again, should I take this as more of a recording issue or is this indicative that the 120k service wasn't completely done?

Will call them up again to clarify all of this of course, but wanted to run this by more experienced members here to hear your thoughts.

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks in advance!

Automotive Volkswagen Polo

Comments

  • spackbace on 13/09/2022 - 19:08
    +3

    Forced regen on DPF for $340?
    That's expensive

    • Drakesy on 13/09/2022 - 19:23
      +1

      Yeah, pretty much just telling a code reader to sit at 3000 revs for 15 mins/ half an hour..
      Rough.

      But i guess it is euro so they see you coming.

      Timing belt replacement seems pretty reasonable, my sportage came to around that.
      It does look like they charged you twice for the timing belt (with the $340 service kit w/pump - did you need a pump?) thats a bit rich.

      Also weird how they replaced your coolant bottle, was the car leaking coolant?
      And yeah the replace spark plugs -wtf on a diesel.

      • jjslozb on 13/09/2022 - 20:15

        Ah unfortunate but good to know, how much is reasonable for a regen usually?

        Yeah they mentioned the timing belt came in a set w the water pump and because they found the coolant bottle was old and leaking on the serpentine belt, they offered to replace the all of this together for $1250. Is the timing belt the only part that gets replaced usually?

  • Keplaffintech on 13/09/2022 - 19:09
    +2

    Looks like a admin error on both points. The work listed was air / fuel filter + brake fluid flush, so that's essentially the 120k service they just recorded it as the 105k.

    Go back to them to have them tick the logbook or just tick it yourself.

    • jjslozb on 13/09/2022 - 20:08

      Ok, good to know the 120k service was done as that was a big part of the discount.

      Will do cheers!

  • brendanm on 13/09/2022 - 19:20
    +4

    That's expensive. Lol at the "replace spark plugs" on a diesel.

    Also lol at removing the "charcoal canister".

    Did you have a dpf light on?

    • jjslozb on 13/09/2022 - 20:12

      Yeah DPF light was on and they said it needed a regen before any other issues could be diagnosed unfortunately, wasn’t aware it was overpriced.

      Yeah lol they mentioned there’s no spark plugs during the call so not sure why they added that in. Assuming “charcoal canister” isn’t a thing either?

      • brendanm on 13/09/2022 - 20:22
        +1

        Charcoal canister is another petrol thing. You need to remove the fuel filter to do the timing belt, not the charcoal canister.

        Did they find out why it's not doing regens by itself? Do you do extremely short runs? VW have some of the best dpf management of anyone, so if you aren't doing 2km runs, then you likely have an issue that is affecting regen.

        For them to do the regen, is simply turning on forced regen with a scantool, then holding down the brake and throttle pedal for 20-30 minutes. $350 is a bit ridiculous.

        Water pumps are replaced every time with these things, as the timing belt runs the water pump, and they generally won't make it to the next water pump change. It's also usually due for a coolant change at this point anyway, so it all just gets sorted at once.

        • jjslozb on 13/09/2022 - 21:00

          Ok got it.

          No, they didn’t mention, just that a lot of soot had built up possibly due to length of time since last service. Will definitely ask about it when I call up. Yes, I sometimes do short runs during the week to save time, is it better to drive around longer for the sake of avoiding this?

          Ok, sounds likes the timing belt/pump/coolant job was reasonable. Shame about the overpriced regen, since they’re a pretty reputable shop and had good reviews regarding pricing.

          • brendanm on 13/09/2022 - 21:06

            @jjslozb: What do you class as short? A few short runs a week generally won't cause an issue.

            • jjslozb on 13/09/2022 - 21:15

              @brendanm: Within 3km to the gym/grocers during the week. Happy to drive around or keep the engine running if it’s better for the car though

  • knasty on 13/09/2022 - 20:59
    +1

    When you have 'Diesel particulate filter' and 'Replace spark plugs' in the same service report you really need to question the legitimacy of the whole process. I'd be asking for written explanation with your starting point that you have been charged for items which were clearly not applicable to your vehicle.

    • jjslozb on 13/09/2022 - 21:07

      Yeah definitely got more doubts now. I’d be willing to chalk it up to those items just being part of their default entry recording, but sounds like I got skinned on the regen regardless.

      Is a written explanation possible/reasonable given I’ve already paid in full and collected the car?

      • knasty on 13/09/2022 - 21:12
        +1

        If you gently make the point thjat you'll get fair trading involved unless you get a satisfactory outcome I reckon they'll play ball since, unequivocally, the invoice they have given you is invalid regarding the work done.

        • jjslozb on 13/09/2022 - 21:18

          Ok will try it when I call them back and provide an update. Should I demand some money back in this case?

  • Boioioioi on 13/09/2022 - 21:12
    +1

    Even the servicing seems stupid expensive. $260 for a service, you'd expect that to include oil no? Thats more than a dealership would charge. Then $80 on top for oil? damn

    • jjslozb on 13/09/2022 - 21:32

      Yeah, crazy thing is they went ahead and changed the oil without authorisation after performing the regen because the head mechanic said it was part of the 120k service that was due anyway. We talked it over and they said they’d include all the 120k service jobs in the $2100 to make up for the error. Didn’t realise it was already overpriced.

  • phaol7ta on 13/09/2022 - 21:16
    +1

    oh mate, my mechanic will cost a max $1200 for those jobs. I am surprised that they still charge you for the parts on top of the $260 regular service fee.

    • jjslozb on 13/09/2022 - 21:35

      Oh man, any chance they’re around Melbourne?

      Yeah, they quoted the 105k service at $1400 and the 120k service at $1230 and regen at $340. So I thought I was getting a discount at $2100 total.

  • pegaxs on 13/09/2022 - 21:44
    +2

    Forced regen… $340 (fropanity) me, they saw you coming.

    And this, kids, is why you don’t buy diesel cars and drive them 5km to and from work in city traffic, no matter how cool, Euro and chic the car is.

    And $2100 for a 12yo Polo? That almost makes it an economical write off. It would almost be 50% of the replacement cost of the car.

    • jjslozb on 13/09/2022 - 22:13

      Yeah would have gone for a Mazda or Toyota initially but was offered this one at $3k a few years back so it seemed like a good deal.

      Definitely was asking myself if servicing a car this old would be worth it, but read that it could be more economical to keep it and service as needed
      till end of life(devil you know etc.) versus selling and buying a replacement. Wasn’t aware that my quote was so overpriced though. Lesson learned indeed.

  • USER DC on 13/09/2022 - 21:50
    +1

    Yes there's to avoid expensive as*hole mechanics, and mechanics are well known for such robbery.

    I'd say this is about at least 2-4x more expensive than a reasonable good mechanic.

    • jjslozb on 13/09/2022 - 22:21

      Yeah weird thing is they were recommended, reviewed highly, said to be reasonable in pricing etc. Plus I got quoted even higher from 5 other places so I thought I was getting a good deal.

  • JIMB0 on 14/09/2022 - 07:46

    They forgot to charge you for the spark plugs.

  • ShannonN on 15/09/2022 - 21:03
    +1

    I think given your total lack of car knowledge you'd have been better served to ask about the service items prior to getting it done? you can always get a quote for a 100k service without actually booking it in, this mob sounds dodgy as all F%%$#

  • eciuj on 16/09/2022 - 11:08
    +1

    Looks overpriced. I assume I'm reading this correctly, and everything except the 'Parts' section is just labour… $1335 for labour?!

  • ywpn on 19/09/2022 - 11:41
    +1

    I've never owned a diesel, so I've no idea what that $340 item is, but my ignorant/armchair analysis/not-a-mechanic-view says for all the services done, nothing else seems out of the ordinary.
    Maybe you could have wiggled up to $100 off parts and labour (e.g., supplying your own oil, DIY the pollen filter, air filter, and spark plugs).
    Timing belt replacements can be up to $2000 (so I've heard) but no idea specifically for a Polo. IIRC, yonks ago my 2000 Commodore timing belt replacement was $800.

    For all I know, I also could be paying more than expected for my car servicing.

    Best bet - call another mechanic and see what they quote you.

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