Service plans worth it?

bob_summers · May 17, 2022

Have checked over a few threads but the VW plans in other markets seem to work differently.
Basic level plan here is 18eur/month (ie GBP180/year) for servicing and recovery.

Fwiw - my current 2008 T5 gets oil and filters on a yearly basis as I never reach the 15000km interval, although these days it usually wants a wheel bearing or brake disks too.

What's the typical yearly service cost on a new Cali based on 18k miles per year?

ArunAlec · May 18, 2022

bob_summers said:
Have checked over a few threads but the VW plans in other markets seem to work differently.
Basic level plan here is 18eur/month (ie GBP180/year) for servicing and recovery.

Fwiw - my current 2008 T5 gets oil and filters on a yearly basis as I never reach the 15000km interval, although these days it usually wants a wheel bearing or brake disks too.

What's the typical yearly service cost on a new Cali based on 18k miles per year?

@WelshGas does 20k a year so should be able to give you an estimate.
If you don’t already have recovery cover, the £180 per year for service and recovery sounds pretty good. I have a ”multi car“ recovery so the VW deal is not that attractive but I did opt for a VW service plan (no recovery) and that was a good deal.

WelshGas · May 18, 2022

bob_summers said:
Have checked over a few threads but the VW plans in other markets seem to work differently.
Basic level plan here is 18eur/month (ie GBP180/year) for servicing and recovery.

Fwiw - my current 2008 T5 gets oil and filters on a yearly basis as I never reach the 15000km interval, although these days it usually wants a wheel bearing or brake disks too.

What's the typical yearly service cost on a new Cali based on 18k miles per year?

2nd Year + 40,000 mile Service

Yesterday I had my 2nd Annual Service at 40,000 miles. I have a 180 BiTurbo 4Motion. Because of the time interval, 24 months, and milage certain things other that an Engine Oil and Filters change needed to be done. DSG, Haldex coupling and AirCon. The service was undertaken at South Hereford...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

3 Year / 60,000 mile Service

Well today was the day. 1st MOT, Service basically an oil change but also the Service Campaign replacement of a belt tensioner, Brake/Clutch hydraulic fluid change, General end of Warranty Check and a Spare rear number plate. £264 inc VAT. Also confirmed that brake pads were just under 50% worn...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

4 years and 77,000 mile Service

Well, an expensive day but expected and planned for. My California 180 SE is now 4 yrs old and has completed 77,000 miles. It went into South Hereford VW yesterday for a very, very large service. I was given a brand new LWB T6, 102 manual. Drove very well, quit pokey but it was empty and only a...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

What these Service Plans conveniently miss out are things like Brake Fluid change, DSG and Haldex oil changes etc: which are time/milage based.

Considering the milage I do, now on 110,000 + I’m quite happy with my Dealership.

bob_summers · May 18, 2022

WelshGas said:
2nd Year + 40,000 mile Service

Yesterday I had my 2nd Annual Service at 40,000 miles. I have a 180 BiTurbo 4Motion. Because of the time interval, 24 months, and milage certain things other that an Engine Oil and Filters change needed to be done. DSG, Haldex coupling and AirCon. The service was undertaken at South Hereford...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

3 Year / 60,000 mile Service

Well today was the day. 1st MOT, Service basically an oil change but also the Service Campaign replacement of a belt tensioner, Brake/Clutch hydraulic fluid change, General end of Warranty Check and a Spare rear number plate. £264 inc VAT. Also confirmed that brake pads were just under 50% worn...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

4 years and 77,000 mile Service

Well, an expensive day but expected and planned for. My California 180 SE is now 4 yrs old and has completed 77,000 miles. It went into South Hereford VW yesterday for a very, very large service. I was given a brand new LWB T6, 102 manual. Drove very well, quit pokey but it was empty and only a...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

What these Service Plans conveniently miss out are things like Brake Fluid change, DSG and Haldex oil changes etc: which are time/milage based.

Considering the milage I do, now on 110,000 + I’m quite happy with my Dealership.

Excellent, very useful indeed thanks.

As I said, each market seems different. The 180GBP annual cost gets you the "VW Long Drive Standard" plan - which (and I haven't read the small print yet) covers:

oil change ("Flexible", whatever that means)
wiper fluid
plugs/heaters
filters - pollen, diesel, air
oil & filter DSG
oil change Haldex
brake fluid change
exhaust gas check
light adjust
"rear drum brake cleaning" (haha fairly sure T6.1 has disks, must be a generic text)
"grease roof" (is this a thing?)

Also includes breakdown cover and substitute vehicle, although my insurance covers that anyway.

Based on @WelshGas 's GBP700+ 20k service, this now seems good value? Smells fishy, maybe need to chat to the dealer about it.

bob_summers · May 18, 2022

(Haldex not applicable in my case with 2wd)

Corradobrit · May 18, 2022

bob_summers said:
(Haldex not applicable in my case with 2wd)

If that plan includes DSG filter and oil change its a bargain. My Audi S4 B8.5 required a DSG service every 35K miles and cost around $US600+.

bob_summers · May 18, 2022

Corradobrit said:
If that plan includes DSG filter and oil change its a bargain. My Audi S4 B8.5 required a DSG service every 35K miles and cost around $US600+.

I suspect it's too good to be true? I'm wondering if you end up tied into the deal for X years, I dunno. Need to sit down with the dealer.

Jim2007 · May 18, 2022

Had my DSG and Haldex done this week at a service specialist, £179 for the DSG and £149 for the Haldex.

Perfectos · May 18, 2022

Jim2007 said:
Had my DSG and Haldex done this week at a service specialist, £179 for the DSG and £149 for the Haldex.

Can you share the Specialists details please

bob_summers · May 18, 2022

Forgot to mention, the first year is free too (although service costs should be zero in first year, surely?)
Going with the family to look at the van on Saturday, so will try and clear it up then.

WelshGas · May 18, 2022

bob_summers said:
Forgot to mention, the first year is free too (although service costs should be zero in first year, surely?)
Going with the family to look at the van on Saturday, so will try and clear it up then.

If it is on the VW Long life Service then 2 yrs for Inspection Service and the Oil change + filter would be a maximum of 2 yrs/20,000 miles or When the oil sensor decides an oil change is required which basically depends on driving style/types of tripes long or small and milage.

Jim2007 · May 18, 2022

Perfectos said:
Can you share the Specialists details please

Sunset Repair and Service,
Parcel Terrace
Derby:

https://www.sunset-derby.co.uk/

As an indication of their credibility they informed me, before I informed them, that the Haldex filter would be removed and cleaned as a matter of course.

Impressed with them. They can also update your VAG electonic service record.

£149 for an oil change service. £499 for timing belt and water pump.

Perfectos · May 18, 2022

Jim2007 said:
Sunset Repair and Service,
Parcel Terrace
Derby:

https://www.sunset-derby.co.uk/

As an indication of their credibility they informed me, before I informed them, that the Haldex filter would be removed and cleaned as a matter of course.

Impressed with them. They can also update your VAG electonic service record.

£149 for an oil change service. £499 for timing belt and water pump.

Thanks for that , I’m sure you’ve helped more than you’ll ever know.

Good indie specialists are hard to find and help keep VW main dealers honest via price match promise from VW.