Audi A3 Service + Timing belt £720

decsdad

Hi All,
Bit of a moan really, our 2008 Audi A3 1.9tdi is nearing 75K and also needs its 4th service in 500 miles, so we are looking at a bill of £720.
This is of course from our friendly Audi dealer.
Until now we have had it serviced there to save any hassle with warranty issues, which we needed a new dual mass flywheel and clutch on. Also they do free MOT's which we got earlier in the year.(I know they do it to get any repair business, but if it passes without any then its free)


Would this be much cheaper elsewhere, small independant garage perhaps, would they use audi parts or lesser quality parts ?
Should we just bite the bullet and cough up for audi service history etc

We plan on changing the car next year(or whenever they bring out the 5 door A1) will probably sell privately when the time comes.

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks

Ranger8

Get it done at Audi dealer for a full MD service history, will hopefully pay dividends when you come to sell private.

marlot

I'd try ringing a few dealers for a price - try skoda and seat dealers too.

Trebor16

Try some VW/Audi independents as well. It would be an interesting comparison with the Audi dealer costs. Try some of the Audi forums for info on good indi's.

wookie66

I personally use Halfords AutoCentre in West Ealing they are brilliant for servicing my Audi A3 (X reg) and Honda Civic

However I am aware that quality will vary from one outfit to another but the chap who is the manager at my autocentre is a diamond geezer and will not try to carry out unnecesary work

Audi dealers (stealers) will always remain expensive due to their high hourly labour rate and plush showroom overheads which will be factored into your repair costs

In my personal view best to avoid where possible but its up to each individual to decide

RichGold

Ask on https://www.Audifans.net in the A3/TT forum section.Someone will know somewhere local to you that they can recommend.

vax2002

Loyalty cost, they know you are likely to use the same garage, up goes the bill, by around £300 looking at this .

decsdad

Ok, Will have a look at the forum mentioned.
Did phone around, £100 cheaper at an independant garage. So trying to decide if the £100 is worth it.(it does mean no more free MOT's)
The £720 is audi matching an audi specialist garage. Would've been more.

Thanks

gilbert_and_sullivan

For the sake of £100 saving on a £720 bill i'd be inclined to let Audi do this, especially where a cambelt is needed, back up in the event of failure.

mcjordi

ask audi if they will match the the £100 cheaper one.. barter with them..

decsdad

They will only match authorised Audi dealers or repairers, and £720 is them matching the cheapest Audi approved repairer. I will just go with them I think and drink as much of their latte's as I can while there.
Thanks