Why do some Volkswagen dealers charge more for servicing than others?

I bought a new Volkswagen Golf 1.4TSI in 2009 and the first three years' servicing was covered by a Service Plan. When I called the dealer to book my next service and MoT, I was quoted a price of £429....

I think that older cars can be much better value than newer cars.

Concerning recent correspondence about Jaguar XFs, diesels are more economical but by a very small margin when you consider the cost of fuel and diesel maintenance costs. I get 35mpg on a long run and...

Why aren't Volkswagen customers told about timing belt changes when they buy a Golf or Polo?

I am writing to thank you for the reply you gave to CS of Woodstock recently relating the changing of a camshaft belt on a Volkswagen Golf. My wife owns a Polo which is six years old and has a mileage...

I recommend paying extra for a roof service on Volkswagen's Eos.

After writing to you last year I was concerned about buying my Volkswagen EOS 1.4TSI. However, I am delighted with it and have no regrets. The short-term inconvenience of some winter condensation is more...

Can you recommend a warranty plan for our 3-year-old Skoda Yeti?

We bought our Yeti 1.8TSI 4WD new in September 2010 and have been absolutely delighted with it. We bought a Monthly Service Plan at £15.57 per month to cover the first three services. I requested a schedule...

Does my 2008 Volkswagen Golf have a belt cam or a chain cam, and how should it be maintained?

Several years ago I purchased a 2008 Golf Plus 1.4 TSI. When I purchased the car I was adamant that I wanted a chain cam system as a result of the problems with belt cams. The Volkswagen dealer assured...

I'd like to buy a new Skoda Octavia, but does the cam belt really need changing every four years?

The new Octavia is getting acclaim in all the reviews I have seen, but few have tested or commented on the 1.4 TSI 140PS petrol unit which I am thinking of buying to replace my 2007/57 2.0 Mazda 6. Quizzing...

I suggest that people should use dedicated independent specialist garages for repairs and mechanical work.

JB of Alton, the independent garage owner, is quite wrong in his comments. I can prove my point easily and confirm that what you wrote is right. We have local independent garages who serve the local community...

Why does the brake fluid need changing in my Peugeot 407 SW?

I have owned a Peugeot 407 HDI 140 SW for four years and I thoroughly enjoy the car. Servicing has always been done by the excellent local Peugeot agent. I took it in today for 50,000 interim service;...

Will I invalidate my warranty by having my Renault serviced at an independent garage?

My local Renault dealership closed in Weston Super Mare so the nearest dealer is in Bristol. Will I invalidate the 5-year warranty I have with Renault if the car is serviced at a small local garage in...