My 1998 golf is due an oil change. Do I take it to the VW dealership where it will cost me about £80 or do I take it to a chain like Kwit Fit or similar where it costs less. Which in your past experience is better? Why the difference in prices?
Thanks
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If your VW dealer is anything like mine (in Marbella) where I took my Fabia for it\'s BIG service they will charge rip off prices for the oil! I paid just over 12 Euros plus 16% IVA (VAT)per litre! That\'s more than £9.75 per litre. I reckon a \"quick fit\" chain is OK providing YOU specify the oil and make sure that the filter is the EXACT equivalent of the VW item.
Roger.
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Difference in price - because they can, basically. It's marketing - people are willing to pay a premium, up to a certain point, because fVWsh makes resale easier and keeps the warranty valid.
However your car is now 5-6 years old and beyond the point where an a full VW history will either be expected or economically viable. I would probably try and find a one make specialist in your local area who uses genuine VW parts and does a lot of work on them, frequently with ex-franchise mechanics who may earn more in the smaller operations, and use them for all the car's servicing.
It's unlikely that you'll be able to use a fast fit chain and choose what oil and filter you get. Their pricing systems and management structures don't allow for a lot of variation. That's not to say that all non-OE parts are bad, and if the oil grade matches then it's not necessarily a bad idea (particularly National's £15 10W40 offer) but don't expect flexibility.
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£80 - for an oil change! I thought Honda were steep at £40.
If it's still in warranty you're probably best to pay up, if not then get it done elsewhere - e.g. a VW specialist.
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My 1998 golf is due an oil change. Do I take it to the VW dealership where it will cost me about £80 or do I take it to a chain like Kwit Fit or similar where it costs less. Which in your past experience is better? Why the difference in prices? Thanks
why is a burger at fast food macdonalds is so much cheaper than at the made to order ritz?
why is a fast fit cheaper than a posh dealership using plush a reception manned by armani suited people?
how much is oil change at kwikfit?
their website has beeen down for 6 weeks or so.
hope their service is better.
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National will fit a decent filter and fill with semi-synth for £15, so you could do it five times as often and still be better off!
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Just make sure any aftermarket filter has a non return valve fitted, otherwise the few quid you save will be more than negated by the excess wear and tear every morning when you start your engine and there are several seconds of running without lubrication. With a NRV filter the oil circulates much more quickly as it does not all drain to the sump when stopped.
Eurocarparts or GSFcarparts sell genuine VW filters for £3 to £6 so not worth skimping on, even if you take one the the aforementioned places above. I am unsure if Coopers filters include a NRV.
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"unsure if Coopers filters include a NRV"
They do. That's what National fitted to mine last time.
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£15 - Sound like a good deal to me then.
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I actually quite like changing my own oil, but it's hard to justify when the alternative is to catch up on my reading in National's waiting room and spend less money!
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I too like changing my own oil as there is no way any mechanic is going to take the same amount of care (unecessary as it may be)as I do when doing the job. Being able to do the job for less than National charges, while using a better quality oil(full synth), is just icing on the cake.
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