Edo

Hi

We have a 2 years old Volkswagen Jetta that we recently brought from Ontario which we have always taken to the dealership for servicing in order to maintain the warranty since we bought it. But the dealership has recently increased the service charges and it is kind of suspicious when they tell us that the car needs changing this, that and the other, even though it is a brand new car and only has 40k on the clock, every time we take the car to them.

So I am coming to you guys to get an advice on how we can get our car serviced for less money without compromising on the quality of the servicing and without damaging the warranty contract with VW. Sorry we are new to this, but are there any other places who have the same competence/credentials to service your car per the manufacturer's requirements for German cars?

Any suggestions would be highly appreciated.

PS. The car is currently located in Edmonton.

Oakvillian

I've never heard of a manufacturer insisting on main dealer maintenance in order to honour a warranty. "Free" servicing, perhaps, if that's part of the incentive from the manufacturer or dealer to get you in the car in the first place. But beyond that, it shouldn't matter where you get it maintained. So long as you produce some sort of evidence that the car has been looked after (even a receipt from a place like Mr Lube should be sufficient...) then there's no basis for VW to get upset. Any service operation will have a schedule of checks and time/mileage based replacement recommendations for all major vehicle brands. I think you may be overthinking this...

On edit: what sort of things is VW suggesting you replace? Beyond the obvious filters, etc. Even if you want to continue to get work done at a Volkswagen dealer, there's no harm in getting a second opinion on whether the work's really necessary. Again, any half-decent mechanic with a diagnostic reader and a 2-post lift will be able to reassure you whether you're being ripped off or not.

MarkG

When we bought our Subaru, they said the only thing they really cared about for the warranty was the oil change. Unless you didn't do something that was the direct cause of a later fault.

I've actually been surprised by how little 'extra' work the dealers here have suggested we do. It all seemed reasonable to me (air filters now and again, etc). I think the Civic has cost about $800 total in six years, most of that for a new battery and block heater when they failed.

bc2015

We bought a service plan off the dealer when we bought the car - includes all servicing and labour/parts for 2 years. I think it cost $900.

haggis88

there's a couple of german vehicle specialists in Edmonton that come highly rated on the forums

check 780tuners.com, sure they'll have reviews and recommendations on there!

JonboyE

In the Lower Mainland there are a number of independent mechanics that specialize in VW/Audi. They are usually much cheaper than main dealers. I am sure there must be some in Edmonton.

Edit: beaten by Haggis88.

MarylandNed

If you're getting bad vibes about a repair shop, you're probably right. Find somewhere else to take your car to for service.

A lot of people think that you have to go to the dealer for service to avoid invalidating the warranty. It's just not true. If you want to stick with VW, find another VW dealer in your area. Otherwise ask around and get some recommendations for other licensed repair shops. It doesn't have to be VW. However, make sure that you keep service records so that you can prove what work has been done.

dbd33

As someone who suffered with VW servicing from 2007 to 2014, when the VW rusted through and fell apart, I'd just like to say what a joy it now is to have the replacement car, a Ford, serviced. I no longer have to pay to have the pieces that fell off since the last service reinstalled, I can say "yes, I'll replace the marginally worn filter" without checking first asking how much it costs. And, best of all, the Ford dealer keeps commonly used components; filters, fluids, bulbs and the like, on site - the car isn't disabled for days for the lack of a part needed each time it goes in for service.

I suggest that, unless you're very rich and have a fair amount of spare time on your hands, a VW is just too fragile and expensive to run to be practical in Canada. A Jetta's not an interesting car anyway, can't you swap it for it for something with managable costs, a Focus maybe?

Edo

Exactly my thought. But my OH wanted to get a Jetta and since she is a woman her purchase decisions can easily be influenced by how she perceives a brand

JonboyE

Come on, you are the man. You have the incisive, logical mind. You are supposed to protect the little woman from all that kind of crap. If companies are allowed to market brands to weaker female minds the world will go to hell in a handcart in no time at all.