30K...Changing To Private Mechanic

[CDLehner]

Hello; NooB...please be gentle.

Just cracked 30k, and have decided to start taking my mk7 GTI to local, German specialist.

Few questions:

- Brake Flush or no? I've read yes, I've read no. Mechanic says VW has it at 40...but he thinks it's more time-based than mileage-based. Been 2 years. Estimate is ~$125

- "Oil Service", is ~$110. I know that's more than the dealer; but...is it about in-line, with what I should expect from a private shop?

- Anything else I should be looking at, at 30k...that I haven't mentioned?

Thanks,

 

[Shabba]

A dealer oil change here in Richmond is about $80 bucks. The brake flush is around $150 but I don't know how the cost of living stacks up here in VA to MD. FWIW.

 

[CDLehner]

Yeah; I want to say, it's about $80 at the dealer here too. So...I understand this private mechanic is more; but that's the price you pay, for specialized service...right.

I mean...any monkey, can change oil; yes. But if I want him on the other things; you pay a little more, for the basics? Just wanted to make sure, it didn't seem way out-of-line more.

 

[c72k]

^idk. That seems a bit high. I know a few Indy shops that would do oil change with either motul or Liqui Moly plus filter for $75-85. And they’re enthusiast oriented, not the $20 special recycled oil crap

 

[NeedSleep]

I'm in Southern California, where a VW dealer was looking for $120 (IIRC) for the 10k service last Fall.

I went to a VAG specialist nearby and paid $65. Oil was Motul.

Any other specialists in your area you could get quotes from?

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

 

[CDLehner]

I'm in Southern California, where a VW dealer was looking for $120 (IIRC) for the 10k service last Fall.

I went to a VAG specialist nearby and paid $65. Oil was Motul.

Any other specialists in your area you could get quotes from?

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

Not really; I'm lucky to have him...lol.

 

[adam1991]

Brake fluid is hygroscopic. Changing it is time based, not mileage based. Changing it is also absolutely necessary.

I know Honda specifies three years.

 

[CDLehner]

Brake fluid is hygroscopic. Changing it is time based, not mileage based. Changing it is also absolutely necessary.

I know Honda specifies three years.

Mechanic says VW has it at 40...but he thinks it's more time-based than mileage-based.

 

[Finglonga]

Brake fluid is hygroscopic. Changing it is time based, not mileage based. Changing it is also absolutely necessary.

I know Honda specifies three years.

No it isn't, there are cars driving around over 10+ years old that have never had a fluid change.

 

[adam1991]

That doesn't make it advisable at all.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic. If you like H2O as brake fluid, that's up to you.

 

[CDLehner]

^idk. That seems a bit high. I know a few Indy shops that would do oil change with either motul or Liqui Moly plus filter for $75-85. And they’re enthusiast oriented, not the $20 special recycled oil crap

Maybe I'm reading this wrong?

Does this estimate, look like more than just the 10k oil change to you? Certain inspections, that happen at 30??

 

[heiney9]

$110 seems high for an oil change. Will he allow you to bring your own oil. Before my mechanic (of 33 years) retired last year he'd let me bring my own oil I bought on sale and just charge me labor and for a filter. I saved a lot doing that.

I just got my MK7 oil changed at the dealer for $80 and some change. The most expensive part was the oil at $8.78/qt. x 6. I can do way better (like 1/2) buying it when it's on sale.

Yes, change the brake fluid as recommended in the owners manual. IIRC, 3 years after new and then every 2 years after that.

 

[heiney9]

Maybe I'm reading this wrong?

Does this estimate, look like more than just the 10k oil change to you? Certain inspections, that happen at 30??

I don't see a labor charge, just parts and shop supplies. Unless the $26.25 is labor. Sort of an odd number, but that could be a quarter hour. But that seems low. Most dealer shop rates I've seen are in the $120-150/hr range. My dealer charged $15 for labor.

 

[Shabba]

No it isn't, there are cars driving around over 10+ years old that have never had a fluid change.

It absolutely is. Any vehicle, 2 or 4 wheels, should have the fluid changed at regular intervals. Ever seen the inside of an OEM rubber brake hose after 10 years of the same fluid? Neither have I because they have usually burst open at that point, probably while high up on a cliff taking corners quickly. Seen it a thousand times.

 

[golfdave]

Changing the brake fluid is highly important as its hydroscopic...

from the official VW service book (workshop June 2017 ed) for the MK7 & MK7.5 Golf inc all versions

""for markets inside Europe 3yrs after first registration then every 2yrs....

for markets outside Europe every 2yrs"""...

all are Regardless of mileage...