I have just purchased a 2001 GTI that is covered by the original manufacturers warranty until September 2004, and a used car warranty up until August 2005.
The car is due a service and MOT, so I have booked it into my local VW delaership to have it all done together. I am also having the BBS alloys changed due to the usual corrosion problems. If any problems arise, at least I will be covered by the warranty.
I am basically concerned that the car will not come back out in the same condition as it went in. You hear so many cases where the car has been damaged (scratched, dented) when you get it back, or even thrashed if they take it out for a post service test drive.
I have been told the service, wheel change and MOT will take 2.5 -3 hours. I am considering cancelling the courtesy car, and waiting on-site until the work is done.
I know the car is three years old, but it is new to me and I want to keep it that way.
What do you think? Do you wait while your car is being serviced, or am I worrying too much? Do dealers take the car out for a post service test drive (is this usual practice?)
I look forward to hearing your views
VW servicing advice
thrashing?
Easiest way to see whether your car has been thrashed post service, is to mark the accelerator pedal underneath the arm with white chalk. If you then find chalk on the accelerator stop or the carpet, then you know they've floored it! 
Otherwise, knocks and bangs take a few days to sort out so it's unlikely they could hide this in a sort service interval of 2-3 hours. I think you're worring too much about this bit.
Otherwise, knocks and bangs take a few days to sort out so it's unlikely they could hide this in a sort service interval of 2-3 hours. I think you're worring too much about this bit.Hmm...I totally understand your dilemma but you can't worry about it too much, just give it a good look over before you hand them your keys so you already know what knocks and scratches are already there and then do the same when you come to collect but do it in the forecourt, check all bits work and hopefully you shouldn't have any problems.
I've told them each time I go in not to wash my car, the last time they did it I'm sure scratches appeared on the rear wing...
I've told them each time I go in not to wash my car, the last time they did it I'm sure scratches appeared on the rear wing...
I also understand your concern.
If you have to service it at VW to keep the warrenty valid then you don't have much choice, except you can pick which dealer you take it back to. It would be neat if there was a site where people could post their experiences with various retailers so we know which to avoid.
VW will most likely look after your car much better than some independant garage. What you can also do except for the chalk thing is try and leave your car with only a bit of petrol in and keep a note of the mileage. If its in the red they probably wont take it for an extended test drive.
Also take your CD changer out, a body repair shop blew a speaker from playing my cds too loud (feckers).
If you have to service it at VW to keep the warrenty valid then you don't have much choice, except you can pick which dealer you take it back to. It would be neat if there was a site where people could post their experiences with various retailers so we know which to avoid.
VW will most likely look after your car much better than some independant garage. What you can also do except for the chalk thing is try and leave your car with only a bit of petrol in and keep a note of the mileage. If its in the red they probably wont take it for an extended test drive.
Also take your CD changer out, a body repair shop blew a speaker from playing my cds too loud (feckers).