Local Garage or Main Dealer

[chrisb72]

My car is due for a Cambelt change and MOT.

I got a quote of £399 + £54 from my local Audi Dealer and a quote of £288 + £39 from a good local garage.

Is it worth spending the extra £126 for Audi servicing?

The car has mixed service history most of which has been done by an Audi specialist by the previous owner. I recently had the brakes done by Audi under their fixed pricing scheme.

Any thoughts?

 

[S3 AUO]

IMHO I don't think that the audi stamp is worth the £126 extra, as long as the car has actually been serviced by someone who has the knowledge, and tbh they will prob do a better job then audi themselves

Having an Audi FSH isn't something that I would personally look for, as long as the work has been done and the car has been looked after which one can see if you were to sell in the future.

Just my 2cent

 

[Lings]

Are Audi doing the water pump at the same time ?

 

[chrisb72]

Are Audi doing the water pump at the same time ?

There has been no mention of this. As far as I know it's just a Cambelt change. How important is it to change the water pump? Seem to remember it being done on an old TT of mine to help with a cooling system problem I had at the time.

At the moment I'm just trying to keep my costs as low as possible without cutting any big corners!

 

[macpdm]

Im paying £285 inc vat for the cambelt, waterpump etc this is with an independant VAG specialist who really know their stuff.A good independant are worth their weight in gold.

I was told Audi only do the cambelt and nothing else unless you specifically request it.

 

[Wizza]

Looking at that price Audi will change the waterpump but I highly recommended you either go there or a VAG specialist rather than just any old garage if you want to be sure of decent work

 

[chrisb72]

Thanks for your opinions guys.

I am going to ask a few more questions at both garages and see who is offering what for their quotes.

Do I need the water pump doing or is it just recommended at the same time due to the position i.e. the labour?

 

[One Spoke]

When I checked recently with Audi, the fixed price cambelt change did not include the water pump!

Generally, it's recommended to change the pump at the same time as the cambelt because the new belt and tensioner can (not sure how likely it is though?) cause a change in tension in the pump bearing and cause it to fail, resulting in the same labour cost again to replace the pump. That's what I've read in several places anyway.

For what it's worth, I changed the pump at the same time for peace of mind.

 

[Wizza]

It's definitely recommended that you change them

 

[Chappy]

I've had a lot of work done at a local'ish' VAG specialist. re-aligned subframe, 4 wheel laser alignment etc, saved over £200 from going to my main dealer.