Car Servicing Query 15 November 2022 at 11:13AM in Motoring 10 replies 224 views

ayers

Hello. 
Can anyone provide me with advise? I am thinking of buying a SEAT car that's approximately three years old and was planning on having it serviced at a SEAT garage when the service is due. However, the nearest SEAT garage is approximately 20 miles from my home address. I do have an Audi and Volkswagon garage near me so I was wondering if I could have it serviced at one of these as they are part of the same group and if the service will still be classed as a main dealer service? Secondly, is it more likely to be more expensive?
Thank you in advance.

Ebe_Scrooge

You don't need to use a main dealer at all.  Any mechanic who is vat-registered and who uses genuine OEM parts can service it without invalidating the warranty (is it still under warranty?).

There is the counter-argument to say that if you use a main dealer, they may be inclined to fix problems that fall outside of warranty as a gesture of good-will.  But the cost of labour charged by a main dealer will be much higher than that charged by a good independent, so you need to weigh up whether it's worth it for any potential good-will gesture that may or may not materialise.

ayers

Thanks. That's definitely given me something to consider.

Bigwheels1111

First I think I would be pushing for the 3rd years service to be included in the sale. If buying from a dealer.

I travel 40 ish miles to get my Peugeot serviced as is £900 for a 5 year service plan, years 6-10, £14.99 a month.

My local Peugeot wanted £1500 for the same plan.

After fuel etc I'm £80 - £90 a service better off.

Also call around as prices vary a lot.

Its only ones a year you would have to travel, its not so bad.

ayers

That is so true. 20 miles does not seem that far now. Thank you.

Flight3287462

Is it still within warranty?  If so stick to Seat (or VAG group) after which I would use a trusted local mechanic.

ayers

It comes with a six moths RAC Warranty.

ayers

It comes with a six month RAC Warranty.

Goudy

I would find a local VAG specialist, as it's 3 now the manufacturers warranty is over.

Most VAG specialists will tend to look after all the VW related brands and have the knowledge and equipment to look after them.

Ebe_Scrooge

Goudy said:

I would find a local VAG specialist, as it's 3 now the manufacturers warranty is over.

Most VAG specialists will tend to look after all the VW related brands and have the knowledge and equipment to look after them.

Although, routine servicing on any "ordinary" car is bread & butter to any half-decent mechanic (actually, the bulk of it is eminently DIY-able).  No need to pay for main dealer or even specialist prices.  Once the warranty has expired, I'd use a trusted indy any day of the week..

SaverRate

If your going to go to a SEAT/VW/Audi etc main dealer garage then go to SEAT. 
I took my wife's VW to an Audi main dealership for a service and they didnt do what was originally quoted for citing that they serviced it to Audi's specification which was actually alot less than a Volkswagen service. In the end after a heated conversation with the service advisor and a complaint to the head of business they completed it all as I had the original quote but I would never take it there again for these reasons. 

It may be worth finding the cheapest quote online for a service (that uses genuine parts ie. halfords) and ask if the SEAT main dealer will price match it. I have done this multiple times with Audi and VW which has always atleast halved their original quote.