2012 TDI - 130k service and repair costs? Am I paying too much?

So Cal Treg · Jun 15, 2023

Apologies ahead of time if this isn't the right subforum for this post.

Just brought in my 2012 TDI for a 130k service interval at my local indy shop, plus I wanted to do a full fluid flush of all the various fluids.

Am I paying too much? And before someone chimes in with a "the cheapest way is to DIY!", unfortunately no... I can change out the engine and cabin air filters, but I'm going to leave it to the professionals with the right tools to do anything involving fluids, etc.

Here's the breakdown:

SaVAGeSoot · Jun 15, 2023

Which differential is that?

ValveCoverGasket · Jun 15, 2023

thinking of the hours here, if theyre charging ~$150-200/hr, plus materials, its really probably not that far off the mark

theres a lot of fluids to change.

is there a time and material breakdown for each one?
i dont think its that far off the mark in any case...

So Cal Treg · Jun 15, 2023

ValveCoverGasket said:
thinking of the hours here, if theyre charging ~$150-200/hr, plus materials, its really probably not that far off the mark

theres a lot of fluids to change.

is there a time and material breakdown for each one?
i dont think its that far off the mark in any case...

Yes, I have it for a few of them. Here's a sample:

So Cal Treg · Jun 15, 2023

SaVAGeSoot said:
Which differential is that?

front i believe

ValveCoverGasket · Jun 15, 2023

yeah, call it 2-2.5hr of labor
that doesnt seem off to me. again assuming their labor rate is something in the 150-200 range.

the diffs and transfer case are much quicker, do you have a labor breakdown for those?

also id have them do both diffs ...

SaVAGeSoot · Jun 15, 2023

ValveCoverGasket said:
also id have them do both diffs

☝

So Cal Treg · Jun 15, 2023

Thanks for the info - I'll make sure to check with them on the diffs. I don't have the breakdown of the labor for that service item - the car is at the shop right now, so it's still an estimate.

ValveCoverGasket · Jun 15, 2023

either way, not a huge deal. just have them do both diffs. but that all seems totally reasonable to me.

So Cal Treg · Jun 15, 2023

ValveCoverGasket said:
either way, not a huge deal. just have them do both diffs. but that all seems totally reasonable to me.

ok, good to know. it's sometimes hard to stomach the cost of the preventative maintenance stuff, but i keep telling myself it will save me thousands more in the long-run!

casioqv · Jun 15, 2023

Actually seems too low to me if they are using quality fluids... I would want to know what fluids they are using. For example, it cost me almost $300 to change my own transmission fluid at home using OEM VW fluid, and it's not a quick job to clean everything well, top off at proper temp, etc. It costs me about $150 to change my own oil with Mobil 1 ESP. I usually buy kits from idparts.com which come with fluids and all of the replacement parts needed.

Unless you are a car nerd with really strong opinions on lubricants, using OEM fluids is the way to go, especially for the transfer case and differentials where there isn't much fluid required anyways.

chewblekka · Jun 15, 2023

ValveCoverGasket said:
thinking of the hours here, if theyre charging ~$150-200/hr, plus materials, its really probably not that far off the mark

I agree, seems pretty decent for a dealer. We’re currently at $229/hr and going to $250 in the fall.

So Cal Treg · Jun 15, 2023

chewblekka said:
I agree, seems pretty decent for a dealer. We’re currently at $229/hr and going to $250 in the fall.

I took it to an independent shop, I'm sure the dealer is much more expensive!

So Cal Treg · Jun 15, 2023

casioqv said:
Actually seems too low to me if they are using quality fluids... I would want to know what fluids they are using. For example, it cost me almost $300 to change my own transmission fluid at home using OEM VW fluid, and it's not a quick job to clean everything well, top off at proper temp, etc. It costs me about $150 to change my own oil with Mobil 1 ESP. I usually buy kits from idparts.com which come with fluids and all of the replacement parts needed.

Unless you are a car nerd with really strong opinions on lubricants, using OEM fluids is the way to go, especially for the transfer case and differentials where there isn't much fluid required anyways.

Good point on the fluids, I'll ask. I've taken it to this shop before though and these guys seem to be honest (especially after reading everyone's feedback here), but i imagine they are using quality fluids.

So Cal Treg · Jun 15, 2023

So Cal Treg said:
Good point on the fluids, I'll ask. I've taken it to this shop before though and these guys seem to be honest (especially after reading everyone's feedback here), but i imagine they are using quality fluids.

Just checked with the shop and they use Liqui Moly brand lubricants for the whole shop, so it's good quality.

volkswagens-for-life · Jun 20, 2023

Price seems about on par for what I'd expect. I'd make sure every single fluid conforms to the requirement of VAG though - they are quite specific in what they command.

Don't forget to do a tranny relearn now that you have new fluids also.

JoshC · Jun 21, 2023

Seems fair I recently paid 1500 for both diffs, transfer case, transmission and changing fuel filter. So seems reasonable.

chewblekka · Jun 21, 2023

$1500 for some fluids?! Jeez that’s another trip to cancun for me.

JoshC · Jun 21, 2023

Vehicle was originally from philly/jersey was used during winter, I knew those bolts were going to be rusted and not fun. Not really an issue in texas. So for me pick up 2 days of overtime and not have to worry about breaking bolts, easy choice. And oh how bolts snapped 6 total.

Weekev · Jun 22, 2023

chewblekka said:
I agree, seems pretty decent for a dealer. We’re currently at $229/hr and going to $250 in the fall.

They have quoted 0.3 hours (18 minutes) for the brake fluid drain and charged $120. That equates to $400/hr.

2012 TDI - 130k service and repair costs? Am I paying too much?

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