[Impala]

So, both services will include an oil change while the 2nd service also includes changing the dust/pollen filter with an optional Air Con service (£95). Neither include brake fluid change ( that's at 3 years old, then every 2 years after that), so I don't really know what else is in the second service but it is certainly more than the first.

My dealer paid for the first 2 services so I don't know the cost of those (other than the AC which I had to pay for). I've just had my 3rd service and MOT which came to a total of £298 (£184 for the service + £69 for the brake fluid + £45 for MOT). That makes you 2nd service at £295 seem an awful lot, so I'd ask if the AC is included.

Also, be aware that VW recommend replacing the timng/cam belt when the car reaches 5 years old and my dealer told me the cost is £550 at today's prices and that would be on top of the annual service and MOT !!!

 

[Impala]

I've just done a Google search for 'volkswagen fixed price service' ... volkswagen fixed price service - Google Search

and it seems my dealer's prices are very competitive and are less than or the same as those found by the above search.

Note: most of the search results show minor/major service costs, brake fluid, air con, MOT, cambelt etc. so they are well worth a look for comparison.

The good news for @Bellasdad is that most list the major (2nd) service at over £350 but excluding air con.

As for what's included ...

 

[Impala]

It can only get worse with inflation heading to 10%

 

[Impala]

I took out a service plan when I bought the car which cost £16 a month for 2 years and covers the first 2 services , it doesn't seem that bad from what i'me reading on here !

Agreed ... but some people manage to get the dealer to provide a complimentary service package as part of the 'deal' when ordering a car. In practice this is better/cheaper for the dealer than giving a 'discount', although they often make that up through the PX valuation.

 

[Impala]

Aircon service was an extra cost which I declined.

I posted previously that I included the aircon with my second service to ensure there would be no problems with warranty if the aircon developed a fault during my third year. Apparently the aircon 'gas' includes lubricants for internals and preserves hoses, so not having it replaced at the recommended point could possibly cause operational problems which then wouldn't have warranty cover.

 

[Impala]

How can they turn down a warranty repair on the aircon. If the aircon recharge service is an option. Yes if you don’t have the engine oil changed at 12 months 9000miles they can refuse to pay for engine damage. But an item they can’t be bothered to specify the service interval in miles years how can they say you didn’t do what they didn’t tell you to do in an official service booklet etc??

It's in the same category as brake fluid changes which are recommended at 3 years and then every 2 years after that, and like AC it is optional and is not included in the basic service (in the UK anyway). For aircon, there are 2 levels of service recommended every 2 years - one is basically cleaning filters (and topping up ?), while the more expensive is a complete fluid/gas change. Brake fluid and AC are time related and not dependent on mileage. The exact details can be found on the VW web site under the pages for owners/service.

The point is that many/most cars will continue beyond these recommended service intervals, but the associated risks will increase as the time interval increases. Once a car is out of warranty, or for people considering replacing their car in the near future, delaying or ignoring these items is quite common practice - less so for the brakes as that becomes a safety risk to life and limb for drivers their passengers/family and for other road users or pedestrians.

But during the warranty period, if the recommended service work is not carried out by a VW authorised agent, the warranty will become null and void for those items or anything which depends on them. This is common practice with any sort of warranty for most goods.

 

[Impala]

VW UK are pushing a 'new' All-in service plan for cars between 3 and 6 years old. Rather than type the details, I've pasted in are a couple of screenshots with the prices, based on 2 years service/All-in, taken from the VW UK web site. Much of the claimed 'saving' is the cost of 2 years warranty, but as with all extended warranties, I expect a lot of items will not be covered.