Inspection by authorized workshop or independent garage?

Hello,

According to the indicator, my G4 TDI PD Variant is due for its inspection in 600 km. I have already had one inspection done at a certified workshop. The warranty has expired because it turned 2 years old in October.

Okay, so here's the translation:

'What do you think about getting the upcoming inspection done at an independent workshop? I've already gathered some information. I was told that the independent workshop can enter the service information in the service booklet and that they work strictly according to Volkswagen's specifications. However, the mobility guarantee might be at risk, although this issue hasn't been fully clarified yet. Apparently, Volkswagen has filed an objection to the new regulations. The mobility guarantee is very important to me. Just recently, the mass airflow sensor failed for the second time.' I immediately received a rental car (a Passat station wagon, because I have two dogs) and a total of 70% goodwill compensation.

Do you know if it's okay to have the inspection done at an independent workshop without any issues, or will it void the mobility guarantee and possibly even the warranty claims?

What if the regulation doesn't come into effect until later, meaning the mobility guarantee is no longer valid, and I had the work done by an independent workshop? Does that not apply to me, or am I just unlucky?

Best regards.

Marco.

Search function!

Okay, I'm ready. Please provide the German text you want me to translate.

The VW Mobility Guarantee is only available in conjunction with service performed at a VW dealership, unless an independent workshop offers a similar service.

I had read the article, but I was specifically interested in the mobility guarantee and its practical application. I was wondering if anyone might have heard something about it recently. But you did give me an answer.

I'm not really sure how to weigh the pros and cons. Thank you in any case!
CYA.

Marco.

@mt-broker

Consider this: what cost savings do you achieve by using an independent workshop, and how much does a membership in an automobile club or a roadside assistance service cost, which offers the same benefits as the manufacturer's mobility guarantee?

When it comes to parts like LMM (lambda sensors) or window lifter brackets, the service performed on the car is of very minor importance. These parts are not typically recorded or 'maintained' during routine service.

I will go back to doing everything myself once the warranty period is over. While my dealer makes a very competent impression, the workshop prices are simply outrageous.

'By the way, I once worked as a mechanic in an independent workshop. We would get cars that were no longer covered by the manufacturer's warranty, often with 5 or 6 inspections already done at the dealership, but they had never followed the manufacturer's maintenance plan. Things like checking the transmission fluid, lubricating the cables, greasing the flaps and hinges, and other small details are long gone. Forgetting to change the timing belt or filters is completely normal. Adjusting the valve clearance? What's the point? One dealer even brought a car with defective headlights and a broken brake cylinder to the TÜV (German technical inspection). They have their own brake testing equipment, and the car was actually there because of the brakes. It's insane... of course, it didn't pass the inspection.'n....

moral: the workshop with the best reputation wins. It doesn't matter what logo is on the door...

CU Gremlin.

Yes, you're probably right. A few weeks ago, my trunk wouldn't open while I was out and about. I went to a VW workshop nearby and wanted to have it fixed. They said the linkage was loose and they would have to take everything apart. The estimate was 200€. So, I drove on and, with the help of a 'Golf IV DIY' book, I repaired it in 5 minutes. That's all about the prices...

mt-broker wrote:

I had read the article, but I was specifically interested in the mobility guarantee and its practical application. I was wondering if anyone might have heard something about it. But you did give me an answer. I'm not really sure how to weigh the pros and cons. Thank you in any case!

Hi Marco,

Okay, if you're only concerned about the mobility guarantee, I'd suggest checking with your insurance company to see what it costs. (I completely agree with Gremlin's opinion on this.) My insurance company charges around 15 euros for a protection plan with similar benefits to the VAG Mobigarantie. You'll likely save that 15 euros during a workshop visit, especially if you go to an independent garage. Well, that seems to be about even so far.
Of course, a roadside assistance membership from an automobile club goes much further in terms of coverage (but it is also somewhat more expensive).
I'm not going to judge here whether the quality of one option is better or worse than the other. You can fail with either one! I've only recently found a VW workshop that's willing to look for faults, because I suspect the problem isn't a lack of knowledge.

By the way, regarding specialized tools: I manage a small body shop from my computer system. Even that shop is equipped with a Gutmann OBD tester, which can test and adjust almost any car. Even in that regard, independent workshops aren't necessarily worse.

Brand/Type-Specific Knowledge: The Gutmann tester service package includes an extensive database where you can query standard errors and even repair instructions (partially online). Therefore, this should not be a problem for a reputable independent repair shop. Every workshop can access the most important data through various external channels.



P.S.: When the Gutmann tester was introduced, the painter secretly enrolled me in the training, and immediately a G VI TDI 110PS was selected as the vehicle for testing. I had a lot of fun "helping" the Gutmann people introduce the best possible errors into the Golf. As a farewell, he asked me if I was from VW and said it had been a lot of fun for him.

hello
"Meanwhile, there are many workshop chains that offer a mobility guarantee along with the inspection. For example, 1A. Has anyone had any experience with these?"

What exactly does this mobility guarantee offer? I've never dealt with this before, and I've never needed to use it.

Best regards, WarLord.

Hello,

Here's an excerpt from Volkswagen:

'Always feel safe and be guaranteed mobility.' Whether you're on your way to work or traveling in Europe, with the mobility guarantee, very little can happen to you quickly.

'It's an extension of the new car warranty and is valid until the next scheduled service. It's renewed with each service. Older vehicles can participate in the program with any service appointment.' 'A whole lifetime of cars.'

'The warranty includes, among other things, basic services such as roadside assistance at home and on the road, a towing service to the nearest Volkswagen partner, a replacement vehicle for up to 3 days, or a hotel stay including accommodation for accompanying persons.' 'In addition, a variety of supplementary services are available to you, such as towing and recovery after an accident (without a cost limit), vehicle collection in the event of driver incapacitation, vehicle transport in the event of a vehicle breakdown, and onward or return travel in the event of a breakdown, accident, theft, or total loss.'

I recently reviewed my ADAC Plus benefits, and it offers the same coverage. I hadn't thought about it much, but I actually use the ADAC several times a year, mostly for legal protection matters. I can highly recommend it. I don't know of a better traffic law legal insurance, and I've had many. Regardless, I won't be taking my car to VW for its inspection because I'm already covered to the same extent by the ADAC. Sometimes, you don't realize all the good things you have!

Best regards.

Marco.

It doesn't look like I need something like that. So far, both machines are running without any problems and will be serviced over the Christmas period.

Best regards, WarLord.