Is a main dealer service worth it in my current position?

dcouponzzzz

Hi there,

So my current position is I have a 3 year old VW Scirocco, due for it's first MOT and 'major' service next month. Its done 24,000 miles, and according to the service book will need an oil change, pollen filter, and brake fluid change. It's not on a service plan or using longlife oil that I know of. I'll look more in to the oil when I get a chance.

I know having a main dealer service history is a selling point, but I don't know what kind of difference it will make, and was hoping to tap in to your guy's expertise here.

They've quoted £375 for the above jobs (service only, I will have the council perform the MOT for £45). Considering the vehicle is out of warranty as of next month, and that I'll likely sell it within the next 2-3 years, is it worth paying the extra? Will I actually see a positive return in the re-sale value in 2-3 years?

Apologies if I've missed any key details you'd need to help, please let me know if I have.

Thanks in advance

a.turner

How do you intend to sell it?

dcouponzzzz

a.turner wrote: »

How do you intend to sell it?

That'll depend on the situation at the time. I don't mind selling privately, and if my circumstances allow it I will. If not, it'll be a trade-in.

oscarward

Ask the question how often does a dealer look at a service history of a car coming in part exchange when doing a deal?

Same question when selling privately.

wgl2014

On a relatively new car I would stick with main dealer servicing. One benefit is an easier to sell (if not more valuable) car, another is the likelihood of some goodwill if there's a mechanical issue out of warranty.

loskie

find a decent non franchised VW specialist and use them, they will likely do a better job as well as being cheaper and more honest too.

peter12345678910

These are nice looking cars, and they will probably bleed the brake fluid for that cost and not take any short cuts, better quality oem oil for such an expensive car it can add a selling point.

Of course you can get it cheaper with cheaper oil and brake fluid that your local garage buys in bulk, and maybe they will not bleed the brake fluid.

Spending more money on car care does not really extend the life of the car whether newish or very old, but it may...and may not....car land is a very maybe kind of land, better to use the 375 to fix a car fault....maybe?

Norman_Castle

How much will you save by going elsewhere? 3 year old car worth 10k? I would use the dealer.

chrisw

wgl2014 wrote: »

On a relatively new car I would stick with main dealer servicing. One benefit is an easier to sell (if not more valuable) car, another is the likelihood of some goodwill if there's a mechanical issue out of warranty.

I've had 10 grands worth of goodwill payments when my Volvo was 5 years old because it had a full Volvo service history. (Engine and clutch failure.)

Penelopa.Pitstop

Do the service before end of warranty, in case some work comes up and it could be done under warranty.

foxy-stoat

Get it serviced at the main dealer, it will help you sell in a few years time over one with patchy history.