Big service quote, am I being ripped off?

[banksey88]

Hi,

Dropped my van off at a VW specialist garage today for service tomorrow. They’ve just given me a call and said they have had a look around my van and have listed a lot of additional work that needs doing, see breakdown below:

-Radiator leaking, needs replacing - £806
-Rear springs broken - £586 (£100 cheaper for aftermarket)
-Engine mount gone - £117
-EGR pipes need replacing - £435
-Cam belt & water pump due for change - £699
-Brake fluid replace - £79
-Full-service - £449

All in all totalling: £3,171

We’ve had this van for 5 years and haven’t really had to spend much on it, although the did get the cam belt & water pump done in 2021. We have serviced the van twice since, last done 2 years ago and believe that was just an interim service.

Are these prices what you would expect to pay, this is a VW specialist garage (not VW directly).

Thanks.

(Edit: should have said the van is 66 plate (2016))

 

[jimc91]

How many miles have you done since water pump and cam belt was changed?

 

[banksey88]

How many miles have you done since water pump and cam belt was changed?

I would say probably 25-30k since last change. I believe the interval is 60k miles or 4 years whichever is sooner?

 

[jimc91]

It changed, 140.000 miles and no time limit

 

[jimc91]

I’d expect to see photos of the broken spring, leaking radiator as well

 

[jimc91]

Did they say why the egr pipes need changing, are they leaking

 

[jimc91]

How old is the van?

 

[JOG]

You’re being stiffed!

Firstly, no recognition is being given to engine being opened up for one job reducing the cost of another job. The quote for changing the springs seems steeper.

 

[banksey88]

It changed, 140.000 miles and no time limit

Really, is that applicable for 2016 T6?

 

[jimc91]

Really, is that applicable for 2016 T6?

That’s the new guidance

 

[banksey88]

Did they say why the egr pipes need changing, are they leaking

Van is 2016 (66 plate).

They say leaking soot from EGR pipes.

Radiators probably is leaking because the coolant level was low a few weeks ago.

 

[Bigsidavies]

I’d say the only correct thing there might be the brake fluid price and probably the full service isn’t too steep.
I had all 4 springs replaced recently with uprated ones at CRS and a couple of front top mounts and it was a little over £400 all in.
The rears are so quick to swap as the damper doesn’t go through the centre of them. I’d say price of 2 springs plus max 1 hour labour.
Have you been losing coolant? I’d think you’d know if your radiator was leaking. How often do you do a fluid check?
I’d just collect it from them and take it somewhere else.
Or get them to do the service and brake fluid change and tell them you’ll do the rest yourself.

 

[Chippie1]

Did they even ask if cambelts been changed?
I had egr pipe replaced on last van for not much over £250 if I remember rightly and a full service for just over £300 using all genuine parts from my local indie
I’d be picking van up and moving on for another inspection and quote

 

[banksey88]

I’d say the only correct thing there might be the brake fluid price and probably the full service isn’t too steep.
I had all 4 springs replaced recently with uprated ones at CRS and a couple of front top mounts and it was a little over £400 all in.
The rears are so quick to swap as the damper doesn’t go through the centre of them. I’d say price of 2 springs plus max 1 hour labour.
Have you been losing coolant? I’d think you’d know if your radiator was leaking. How often do you do a fluid check?
I’d just collect it from them and take it somewhere else.
Or get them to do the service and brake fluid change and tell them you’ll do the rest yourself.

Thanks for advising, yes have been losing coolant but not excessively. I’ve only topped it up twice in the last year.

They are a reputable garage and a VW specialist, I know a few people who use them. Will be abit disappointed if they are ripping me off.

 

[banksey88]

Did they even ask if cambelts been changed?
I had egr pipe replaced on last van for not much over £250 if I remember rightly and a full service for just over £300 using all genuine parts from my local indie
I’d be picking van up and moving on for another inspection and quote

With the EGR pipes I think he said £435 is worse case scenario, can’t remember the reasoning why it might be cheaper as I was in shock from the list of work needed.

They did the cam belt change back in 2021, they said needs changing every 60k or 4-5 years whichever comes sooner.

 

[Sasquatch]

OE patter rear springs are about £60 apiece.

The labour to replace my springs was £126inc VAT.

Even if all this work genuinely needs doing the prices are a bit cheeky.

 

[whodat]

????
I was charged over £200 for brake fluid change (T6.1 at a VW dealership).
Thought cambelt looked a reasonable price.
What the hell is a 'full service' if that doesn't include brakes/cambelt?

 

[Nickdaw]

Just had a cambelt, water pump, auxiliary belt and an oil and filter change, all genuine parts at my local garage.
£280 for parts
£250 for labour
I admit I got the parts myself from TPS

 

[banksey88]

OE patter rear springs are about £60 apiece.

The labour to replace my springs was £126inc VAT.

Even if all this work genuinely needs doing the prices are a bit cheeky.

So talking about £246 to replace the rear springs?

Sounds abit overpriced like you say.

 

[Chippie1]

With the EGR pipes I think he said £435 is worse case scenario, can’t remember the reasoning why it might be cheaper as I was in shock from the list of work needed.

They did the cam belt change back in 2021, they said needs changing every 60k or 4-5 years whichever comes sooner.

Any reputable garage must know vw have dramatically changed there guidelines on cambelt servicing