Independent garage - Full Service History, would it put you off?

[reserves]

Hey,

Looking at a 2019 California T6.

Gentlemen, who owned it lived pretty much in the middle of nowhere. Therefore, he got his local independent garage to service it every year on time.

However, it’s never been serviced by Vw or as far as I can tell looked at by Vw since new.

Would just put you off buying it at all. Is it anything I should be concerned with?

I’m not sure if it bothers me to be honest but also when I come to sell it, I wouldn’t want it to be a sticking point.

It’s out of VW warranty now.

 

[sticky1]

Manufacturers have to allow third parties to service their vehicles, there was an EU law to ensure it didn’t impact your warranty.
I suspect that it will have been well maintained by an independent who takes their time and probably has years of experience.
What you maybe missing are software updates but easily solved by taking for VW service.

 

[Oscarthebeddie]

Do a bit of homework on the independent garage, my local VW specialist is way better than my local main agent who I would not let near my pride and joy at any cost

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

If the service schedule was followed and you have the history then all is good, finding a trustworthy local independent is far better than a mainstream schister

 

[flying banana]

I've serviced mine myself for 8 years. I know what oil etc in the engine. I don't worry about someone asking about it when I sell. I'll say I did it myself because vw garages employ pricks who don't know how to do an oil change. Independent all day

 

[JuanVecino2023]

Independents are mostly far better than main dealers who employ parts installers not engineers.

That said, a main dealer (or main dealer until warranty runs out, then noted independent), will command a premium over an unknown local garage.

It may not be mechanically superior, but main dealer tends to carry cachet sadly.

 

[capt kirk]

After several false starts with vw agent, i now only use independent, cheaper and much better service

 

[owen_h]

For at least the last 6 years I have taken mine to Independent garages. Initially to one setup by 2 people from a VW main dealer and now to one who specialises in VW Transporters (and Porsche at another site). As long as the garage has the latest diagnostic equipment and any specialised tools you tend to get more of a mechanic rather than fitter service. Had some non standard work done (rust preventative work and changing the shocks) which probably couldn't be done by a main dealer.

 

[willwander]

Probably best to stick with VW until the warranty runs out as they can use it as an excuse to wriggle out if it doesn’t have a full dealer service record.

 

[flying banana]

I don't like garages that suck the oil out rather than draining it either. If they do that everytime over 5 years, how much crap is getting left in the sump?

 

[The Merle]

Hey,

Looking at a 2019 California T6.

Gentlemen, who owned it lived pretty much in the middle of nowhere. Therefore, he got his local independent garage to service it every year on time.

However, it’s never been serviced by Vw or as far as I can tell looked at by Vw since new.

Would just put you off buying it at all. Is it anything I should be concerned with?

I’m not sure if it bothers me to be honest but also when I come to sell it, I wouldn’t want it to be a sticking point.

It’s out of VW warranty now.

If it’s a good price I wouldn’t let that put you off, main thing is to check it over or pay for someone to

 

[Craig Gilbert]

Hey,

Looking at a 2019 California T6.

Gentlemen, who owned it lived pretty much in the middle of nowhere. Therefore, he got his local independent garage to service it every year on time.

However, it’s never been serviced by Vw or as far as I can tell looked at by Vw since new.

Would just put you off buying it at all. Is it anything I should be concerned with?

I’m not sure if it bothers me to be honest but also when I come to sell it, I wouldn’t want it to be a sticking point.

It’s out of VW warranty now.

My vw centre in Poole is like a conveyer belt, take mine to my local garage and they take time over it and look after you.

 

[calikev]

I think any future purchaser who has any idea about vw will know they are worse than any other garage for either not doing what they say they are going too or charging for something they haven’t done. So many stories about things like oil caps being left off etc. I put a new set of wiper blades on before my mot you guesses it it needed a new set when I quoted it and explained what I had done they admitted the mechanic had made a mistake. Funny that. I would rather buy a vehicle that’s been looked after by a decent honest garage .

 

[Jimmmy]

Ours has been serviced independently from new.
Based on many stories from this forum (and my previous experience with VW dealerships), I wouldn't choose any other way. Confidence in the workmanship is key.

 

[Black Forest]

Are there any jobs that absolutely, definitely must and can only be done by VW as opposed to an independent?

Something software related maybe? I ask as we have a great VW specialist indie here who we work with and trust... Does our still under warranty (1 year remaining) Cali have to go to a franchised dealer?

 

[WelshGas]

Are there any jobs that absolutely, definitely must and can only be done by VW as opposed to an independent?

Something software related maybe? I ask as we have a great VW specialist indie here who we work with and trust... Does our still under warranty (1 year remaining) Cali have to go to a franchised dealer?

No, as long as they are VAT registered and use genuine parts then the warranty will be intact, BUT unless they sign upto using the VW computer system they won't have access to Software updates that aren't OTA and cannot update the VW computer service record etc held on your vehicle.

 

[Black Forest]

Thanks WG,

I guess if I keep the Internet Connect subscription thing up to date, that will take care of software updates?

 

[WelshGas]

Thanks WG,

I guess if I keep the Internet Connect subscription thing up to date, that will take care of software updates?

The OTA updates - Yes.

I suppose their could be an Update that cannot be OTA but only a remote possibility.

 

[ivan & jill]

If the VW Commercial vehicles system is the same as the VW cars group, then some independent garages can update the online service record if they have a login account to the VW database. They can only print out work which they have carried out. So if you want a full service history then you still have to ask a VW dealership for one.

 

[gatvol]

Independents can be much better than main dealers. Arguably they have to work harder as they do not have a natural source of business (new car buyers going back for services and warranty work).

Why not visit the independent garage to make your own assessment of it ?

 

[Tall Andrew]

Oem Main Dealers will often perform a number of “quiet” recalls during the service which will have been missed. You shouldn’t worry about it but make sure you take the vehicle to a dealer and have them check if any recalls were missed.

That shouldn’t cost anything they should just check the chassis number against recall list.

Like was said before it may have also missed some software updates. You should also get that checked although that would require the dealer to connect to your car and scan it which won’t be free.

You can buy the software updates and install them with Odis engineering yourself.

As said above independent and competent individuals can very easily service these vehicles to a high standard. My only concern is that the service routine for the 4 wheels drive and DSG gearbox is performed correctly. When I looked at the receipts from my main dealer they changed and checked the gearbox oil and transfer box oil constantly.

Good luck with the van I am sure it will be great. 2019 was a good year to buy. The twin turbo motor was finally fixed and it’s a t6 not t6.1 so should be a fair bit cheaper than a t6.1 of almost the same age.

 

[Stow]

If the VW Commercial vehicles system is the same as the VW cars group, then some independent garages can update the online service record if they have a login account to the VW database. They can only print out work which they have carried out. So if you want a full service history then you still have to ask a VW dealership for one.

My independent garage was able to update the online service record, and it also highlighted how the VW dealer hadn't done it after the previous service! Says it all really.

 

[Juzza]

Are there any jobs that absolutely, definitely must and can only be done by VW as opposed to an independent?

Something software related maybe? I ask as we have a great VW specialist indie here who we work with and trust... Does our still under warranty (1 year remaining) Cali have to go to a franchised dealer?

What software changes are you referring to. I have a 2017 ocean and I’ve always taken it to an independent. Will I need software updating?

 

[JuanVecino2023]

My vw centre in Poole is like a conveyer belt, take mine to my local garage and they take time over it and look after you.

Most overrated dealer I have ever experienced.

I have no idea why people on here rave about them. So average at best from sales to handover to service. 3/10 would be generous.

 

[WelshGas]

What software changes are you referring to. I have a 2017 ocean and I’ve always taken it to an independent. Will I need software updating?

Unless your Independent has access to the VW Computer system you will have to ask a Dealership to check your VIN for available updates.