Ouch £1K Plus Service Bill

Bakie · 09-08-2007, 19:35

I need my head examined.

I took my 2003 52 plate TDi Octavia to my the dealer I have used since I purchased it just over 3 years ago.

It has just reached 51k and needed a middle service and I knew the pads all round and front disks probably needed changing.

The dealer contacted me this afternoon to confirm the brakes needed replacing as did the front disks (getting steering wheel wobble when braking from motor way speeds) but he also advised changing the cam belt as they are recommended to be replaced every 75K miles or 4 years which ever is reached first.

The total for this work will be around about £900.00 + the chancellors bit over a 1k in total.

It's too late for me to do anything about this now but I think that now the car is out of warranty there is no real reason to take it to a main dealer anymore for servicing.

I was wondering if any one out there could recommend a good independent service establishment near to me. I live near Leatherhead in Surrey, so if you know of anyone please let me know so I can make a note of their details for the next time I need a service or any other work.

Thanks

A poorer but still contented Skoda driver.

devonutopia · 09-08-2007, 19:42

If out of warranty can really use any garage to do basic stuff. My mate does all the work on mine now. What's the point when you're getting the same service but much cheaper?

mdk1 · 09-08-2007, 19:49

Ouch! that must of hurt!!
You could always try a run down the A3 to JKM in Portsmouth, heard they are pretty good

**VRStu** · 09-08-2007, 20:05

I'd second JKM if you don't mind the trip.

predator · 09-08-2007, 20:09

I agree JKM and there only a hour away from you depending on how you drive ofcourse

Bakie · 09-08-2007, 20:34

Thanks for your responses and sympathetic comments, I'm getting over the shock now and plotting which bank I will be robbing tomorrow before I go to pick it up.

I'll look up JKM, I'd be happy to drive there if it meant saving a small fortune.

I forgot to mention that the dealer lent me a new Fabia to use while they have mine, well I say lent more like hired as they charge for loan cars but it's a new 1.4TDI and I have to say that although it's not for me it is very nice to drive, it feels very big inside for a small car but I do prefer my Octavia.

I'll note JKM but if anyone knows anywhere closer to me please let me know.

Cheers all

**VRStu** · 09-08-2007, 21:15

JKM are forum sponsors so you'll find a link either in their own sub forum or as one of the random banner adds.

Bakie · 09-08-2007, 21:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by VRStu

JKM are forum sponsors so you'll find a link either in their own sub forum or as one of the random banner adds.

I just checked their web site and dropped them an email explaining my tale of woe and asking if they know of any one nearer to me will wait to see what they say.

I'm not against going to them but if it's for a service I'm not looking at an hours wait it could be ages and if they were to find big issues which meant they couldn't get it fixed on the day I'm slightly stuck for getting home again.

**VRStu** · 09-08-2007, 21:26

It's always worth giving them a call and you get to speak to the lovely Kate.

Bigw2069 · 09-08-2007, 21:30

How about DIY for the brakes, that would save you a few pennies and its not the hardest of jobs if you are comfortable holding a spanner.

Just a guess but average 15-20 quid a disk and 20 quid a set of pads, 10 quid for a wind back tool from halfords.

Just a thought

EddyH · 09-08-2007, 23:11

Make sure you get the waterpump done with the cambelt.

Bakie · 10-08-2007, 08:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by EddyH

Make sure you get the waterpump done with the cambelt.

Water pump! should that need replacing then? oh no more expense....

what's with the water pumps? I've read that they are a point of failure on this site but I also read that they are more robust on the diesel engines...

I suppose while the cam belt is off it's sensible to replace it but if it's not in need of replacement surely there's no point. Although knowing my luck it'll go after I get it back and I'll have all that expense again.

May call the dealer to ask them to check it and replace if necessary.

Thanks for the tip.

Bigw2069 · 10-08-2007, 09:34

Its worth it mate. The standard one has a plastic impeller and this becomes brittle and can break off and flow through the engine causing some bother,

you can replace it with a metal version

Pic stolen from Tom

see the full thread here: http://www.briskoda.net/forums/gener...olo+water+pump

Timo · 10-08-2007, 09:36

Got SJB in Basingstoke if you are too far away from Portsmouth. I always use him.

Bakie · 10-08-2007, 10:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigw2069

Its worth it mate. The standard one has a plastic impeller and this becomes brittle and can break off and flow through the engine causing some bother,

you can replace it with a metal version

Pic stolen from Tom

see the full thread here: http://www.briskoda.net/forums/gener...olo+water+pump

thats enough to convince me, I have spoken to the dealer this morning they will inspect the water pump after they get the cam belt off and call me if they think it needs replacing. I may call them again and ask them to replace anyway what the hell eh I'm already skint cos of it a bit more wont make much difference.

If the mine has the plastic impeller then they may as well change it now rather than put it back and then have to go through another large bill to replace it and I am thinking that buy taking the old one out it may weaken it and it will then fail shortly after I get it back.

Expensive business this car owning lark innit?

Bakie · 10-08-2007, 10:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timo

Got SJB in Basingstoke if you are too far away from Portsmouth. I always use him.

Cheers thats closer for me, will look them up.

Thanks

Bakie · 10-08-2007, 10:51

Just called my dealer and told them to replace the water pump, they confirmed that the new one will be the one with metal impellers and for what it costs to replace now it's worth it as it could save me another £400 bill in the future.

I just wont be able to afford to run it for a few months now good job I get 55 to a gallon...

RichB86 · 10-08-2007, 12:48

AMD in bicester arnt to far away form Surrey also ive not been there but always heard good things about them.

gcr31463 · 11-08-2007, 10:25

A good way of finding a decent indie,
is ask local taxi drivers where they go.
They need their cars back on the road pronto,
so garages that deal with mini-cab firms
generally don't do that ....
"oooooh, if I were you, I'd get x or y done"
unless it really needs to be done.

just my 2p worth
cheers ... darren

ibolden · 12-08-2007, 11:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timo

Got SJB in Basingstoke if you are too far away from Portsmouth. I always use him.

I can second that, i used him and received fantastic service

Bakie · 13-08-2007, 12:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by gcr31463

A good way of finding a decent indie,
is ask local taxi drivers where they go.
They need their cars back on the road pronto,
so garages that deal with mini-cab firms
generally don't do that ....
"oooooh, if I were you, I'd get x or y done"
unless it really needs to be done.

just my 2p worth
cheers ... darren

Darren,

Thanks for the tip, there's a minicab rank near my office which has some Octavia's parked up will have a chat with them.

As for only getting done what I need I did think about it, the service is required and the brake pads and disks on front need replacing so no choices there really but the cambelt and water pump could have been left and I may have been OK but I'm not a gambling man and didn't much fancy the prospect of a £4K plus bill for a new engine which knowing my luck when it comes to cars would most be the most likely outcome.

It's a hefty bill I face I know that and I may have been able to save money doing the brakes myself but I've heard that replacing pads on rear wheels is tricky when it comes to setting the handbrake up again also the ABS is an unknown to me I've never changed brakes or shoes on cars with ABS before so wasn't sure what additional know how I'd need and seeing as the brakes are a fairly important part of the car I wasn't prepared to take any risks doing them myself.

I am thinking of getting it re-mapped though I've contacted More-BHP.com and am condsidering it but I need to recoup from the service bill first.

gcr31463 · 13-08-2007, 19:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bakie

Darren,

Thanks for the tip, there's a minicab rank near my office which has some Octavia's parked up will have a chat with them.

As for only getting done what I need I did think about it, the service is required and the brake pads and disks on front need replacing so no choices there really but the cambelt and water pump could have been left and I may have been OK but I'm not a gambling man and didn't much fancy the prospect of a £4K plus bill for a new engine which knowing my luck when it comes to cars would most be the most likely outcome.

It's a hefty bill I face I know that and I may have been able to save money doing the brakes myself but I've heard that replacing pads on rear wheels is tricky when it comes to setting the handbrake up again also the ABS is an unknown to me I've never changed brakes or shoes on cars with ABS before so wasn't sure what additional know how I'd need and seeing as the brakes are a fairly important part of the car I wasn't prepared to take any risks doing them myself.

I am thinking of getting it re-mapped though I've contacted More-BHP.com and am condsidering it but I need to recoup from the service bill first.

Yeah, I know what you mean ...
My TDI recently had it's 120k service.
So thats both a 40k service & a 60k cambelt & tensioner & water pump.
I certainly wouldn't suggest skipping those.

I was thinking more along the lines of garages that are part of
large chains, where, they'll have monthly targets of selling x or y.
They often intice trade with a "free check of ..."
then inevitably find something wrong.

A decent indie, should hopefully, spot problems,
& give honest advice. It's just finding one that's the hard bit.

cheers ... darren

smokeysmoo · 13-08-2007, 20:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bakie

I need my head examined.

I took my 2003 52 plate TDi Octavia to my the dealer I have used since I purchased it just over 3 years ago.

It has just reached 51k and needed a middle service and I knew the pads all round and front disks probably needed changing.

The dealer contacted me this afternoon to confirm the brakes needed replacing as did the front disks (getting steering wheel wobble when braking from motor way speeds) but he also advised changing the cam belt as they are recommended to be replaced every 75K miles or 4 years which ever is reached first.

The total for this work will be around about £900.00 + the chancellors bit over a 1k in total.

It's too late for me to do anything about this now but I think that now the car is out of warranty there is no real reason to take it to a main dealer anymore for servicing.

I was wondering if any one out there could recommend a good independent service establishment near to me. I live near Leatherhead in Surrey, so if you know of anyone please let me know so I can make a note of their details for the next time I need a service or any other work.

Thanks

A poorer but still contented Skoda driver.

For the record. Following the block exemption ruling a couple of years back, you no longer need to use a main dealer for any work, even from day 1. As long as the garage you use is VAT registered, and they fit genuine parts, then your warranty is 100% intact.
So you could buy a brand new car, and unless you had a warranty issue, you need never go back to the main dealer ever again! Not everyone knows this, but I think the government brought the ruling in to stop the stealers strangle hold on us poor motorists. That said, the bloody government have done 7uck all else for us!
Anyway, hope this information helps a few of you out there.

Bakie · 14-08-2007, 12:49

I picked my car up this morning and was pleasantly surprised to find that the dealer had discounted the repair bill for me it was still over £1k but only just as opposed to almost £1200 which was the total with VAT.

The print out of the work done / parts replaced is two pages so it had a shed load done to it.

New Cam Belt
New Water Pump
New Disks front and rear
New Pads Front and Rear
Variable 20K service
New Coolant Temp Sensor
lots of other bits covered under the Service itself
Oh yes and the kitchen sink.....

Thanks to all who posted responses/advice here it was appreciated, I'm still poor but a little happier. And still very happy with my dealer too they do offer a good service and they're always very helpful. (Withams Skoda, Hersham Surrey)

Cheers

09-08-2007, 19:35	#1
Bakie Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: South East Posts: 80 Thanks: 26 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Ouch £1K Plus Service Bill I need my head examined. I took my 2003 52 plate TDi Octavia to my the dealer I have used since I purchased it just over 3 years ago. It has just reached 51k and needed a middle service and I knew the pads all round and front disks probably needed changing. The dealer contacted me this afternoon to confirm the brakes needed replacing as did the front disks (getting steering wheel wobble when braking from motor way speeds) but he also advised changing the cam belt as they are recommended to be replaced every 75K miles or 4 years which ever is reached first. The total for this work will be around about £900.00 + the chancellors bit over a 1k in total. It's too late for me to do anything about this now but I think that now the car is out of warranty there is no real reason to take it to a main dealer anymore for servicing. I was wondering if any one out there could recommend a good independent service establishment near to me. I live near Leatherhead in Surrey, so if you know of anyone please let me know so I can make a note of their details for the next time I need a service or any other work. Thanks A poorer but still contented Skoda driver. __________________ Impossible? No It Isn't! Grahame

09-08-2007, 19:42	#2
devonutopia Mongreller Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Exeter / Devon Posts: 30,077 Images: 5 Thanks: 76 Thanked 346 Times in 289 Posts	Re: Ouch £1K Plus Service Bill If out of warranty can really use any garage to do basic stuff. My mate does all the work on mine now. What's the point when you're getting the same service but much cheaper? __________________ Jason - Mongrel owner! WOOOOF! Grrrrr Custom Fabia Bonnet Lifter Kits - £45! Click Me. Cheesy bonnet lifter video to "raise me up" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMnGECEi5Oc See the mongrel's 260bhp Dyno Video!

09-08-2007, 19:49	#3
mdk1 go green Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Rochester, Kent Posts: 4,152 Thanks: 162 Thanked 132 Times in 116 Posts	Re: Ouch £1K Plus Service Bill Ouch! that must of hurt!! You could always try a run down the A3 to JKM in Portsmouth, heard they are pretty good __________________ Mike. Mine Skoda Roomster 3 TDI in matallic Anthracite Grey MKLJK Swmbo's Skoda Fabia 2.0I Elegance in Dark matallic Blue MKLJK

09-08-2007, 20:05	#4
VRStu Txt Spk Police Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 20,763 Thanks: 142 Thanked 987 Times in 884 Posts	Re: Ouch £1K Plus Service Bill I'd second JKM if you don't mind the trip. __________________ Stu Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2008 Audi S3 - Ibis White, Black Optics Pack, Privacy Glass, Auto Bi Xenon Headlights, Rain Sensing Wipers, Bose Sound System, Ipod Prep, GSM Phone Prep, Flat Bottom Multi Function Steering Wheel, Electric Folding Mirrors, Acoustic Parking, Cruise Control, Interior Light Pack, Non Smokers Pack. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - A Patio

09-08-2007, 20:09	#5
predator Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: portsmouth Posts: 120 Thanks: 3 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Ouch £1K Plus Service Bill I agree JKM and there only a hour away from you depending on how you drive ofcourse

09-08-2007, 20:34	#6
Bakie Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: South East Posts: 80 Thanks: 26 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Ouch £1K Plus Service Bill Thanks for your responses and sympathetic comments, I'm getting over the shock now and plotting which bank I will be robbing tomorrow before I go to pick it up. I'll look up JKM, I'd be happy to drive there if it meant saving a small fortune. I forgot to mention that the dealer lent me a new Fabia to use while they have mine, well I say lent more like hired as they charge for loan cars but it's a new 1.4TDI and I have to say that although it's not for me it is very nice to drive, it feels very big inside for a small car but I do prefer my Octavia. I'll note JKM but if anyone knows anywhere closer to me please let me know. Cheers all __________________ Impossible? No It Isn't! Grahame

09-08-2007, 21:15	#7
VRStu Txt Spk Police Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 20,763 Thanks: 142 Thanked 987 Times in 884 Posts	Re: Ouch £1K Plus Service Bill JKM are forum sponsors so you'll find a link either in their own sub forum or as one of the random banner adds. __________________ Stu Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2008 Audi S3 - Ibis White, Black Optics Pack, Privacy Glass, Auto Bi Xenon Headlights, Rain Sensing Wipers, Bose Sound System, Ipod Prep, GSM Phone Prep, Flat Bottom Multi Function Steering Wheel, Electric Folding Mirrors, Acoustic Parking, Cruise Control, Interior Light Pack, Non Smokers Pack. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - A Patio

09-08-2007, 21:26	#9
VRStu Txt Spk Police Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 20,763 Thanks: 142 Thanked 987 Times in 884 Posts	Re: Ouch £1K Plus Service Bill It's always worth giving them a call and you get to speak to the lovely Kate. __________________ Stu Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2008 Audi S3 - Ibis White, Black Optics Pack, Privacy Glass, Auto Bi Xenon Headlights, Rain Sensing Wipers, Bose Sound System, Ipod Prep, GSM Phone Prep, Flat Bottom Multi Function Steering Wheel, Electric Folding Mirrors, Acoustic Parking, Cruise Control, Interior Light Pack, Non Smokers Pack. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - A Patio

09-08-2007, 21:30	#10
Bigw2069 Moderator Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Rosyth,Scotland Posts: 5,639 Thanks: 211 Thanked 230 Times in 191 Posts	Re: Ouch £1K Plus Service Bill How about DIY for the brakes, that would save you a few pennies and its not the hardest of jobs if you are comfortable holding a spanner. Just a guess but average 15-20 quid a disk and 20 quid a set of pads, 10 quid for a wind back tool from halfords. Just a thought __________________

09-08-2007, 23:11	#11
EddyH Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: West Yorkshire Posts: 4,902 Thanks: 41 Thanked 26 Times in 26 Posts	Re: Ouch £1K Plus Service Bill Make sure you get the waterpump done with the cambelt. __________________ EddyH Audi A6 Avant 2.7 TDI Audi A3 2.0 TDI Sport

10-08-2007, 09:34	#13
Bigw2069 Moderator Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Rosyth,Scotland Posts: 5,639 Thanks: 211 Thanked 230 Times in 191 Posts	Re: Ouch £1K Plus Service Bill Its worth it mate. The standard one has a plastic impeller and this becomes brittle and can break off and flow through the engine causing some bother, you can replace it with a metal version Pic stolen from Tom see the full thread here: http://www.briskoda.net/forums/gener...olo+water+pump __________________ Last edited by Bigw2069; 10-08-2007 at 09:52.

10-08-2007, 09:36	#14
Timo Briskodian Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 393 Thanks: 9 Thanked 8 Times in 8 Posts	Re: Ouch £1K Plus Service Bill Got SJB in Basingstoke if you are too far away from Portsmouth. I always use him.

10-08-2007, 10:51	#17
Bakie Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: South East Posts: 80 Thanks: 26 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Ouch £1K Plus Service Bill Just called my dealer and told them to replace the water pump, they confirmed that the new one will be the one with metal impellers and for what it costs to replace now it's worth it as it could save me another £400 bill in the future. I just wont be able to afford to run it for a few months now good job I get 55 to a gallon... __________________ Impossible? No It Isn't! Grahame

10-08-2007, 12:48	#18
RichB86 Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Oxfordshire Posts: 876 Thanks: 37 Thanked 31 Times in 30 Posts	Re: Ouch £1K Plus Service Bill AMD in bicester arnt to far away form Surrey also ive not been there but always heard good things about them. __________________ Must Go Faster

11-08-2007, 10:25	#19
gcr31463 Briskodian Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 746 Thanks: 20 Thanked 24 Times in 23 Posts	Re: Ouch £1K Plus Service Bill A good way of finding a decent indie, is ask local taxi drivers where they go. They need their cars back on the road pronto, so garages that deal with mini-cab firms generally don't do that .... "oooooh, if I were you, I'd get x or y done" unless it really needs to be done. just my 2p worth cheers ... darren __________________ Octy II 2.0 (?Turbo?)DI Plus some RWD stuff. Next trip from Scunthorpe & Doncaster http://briskoda.net/midlands-skoda-m...26-oct/125071/

14-08-2007, 12:49	#24
Bakie Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: South East Posts: 80 Thanks: 26 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Ouch £1K Plus Service Bill I picked my car up this morning and was pleasantly surprised to find that the dealer had discounted the repair bill for me it was still over £1k but only just as opposed to almost £1200 which was the total with VAT. The print out of the work done / parts replaced is two pages so it had a shed load done to it. New Cam Belt New Water Pump New Disks front and rear New Pads Front and Rear Variable 20K service New Coolant Temp Sensor lots of other bits covered under the Service itself Oh yes and the kitchen sink..... Thanks to all who posted responses/advice here it was appreciated, I'm still poor but a little happier. And still very happy with my dealer too they do offer a good service and they're always very helpful. (Withams Skoda, Hersham Surrey) Cheers __________________ Impossible? No It Isn't! Grahame

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