Volkswagen Golf repairs - fair price??

[JackFrost]

A friend of mine recently took his Golf into a garage as the cruise control developed a fault, and they've quoted him a tad under 300 quid to replace the switch, saying the centre console and airbag need to come out for the repair to happen.

 

They've then told him he may need a new steering column as well and if so it'll take the total bill to over a £1k

 

I'm not sure on the age of the Golf but I think it's fairly new

 

Does this sound reasonable price-wise to any mechanics on here?

[JackanorySFC]

Sounds like a lot to me, recently my gearbox, off side drive shaft and clutch all blew up in spectacular fashion on my 2007 Audi A3. After getting quotes of approx £2k I found a gearbox with a year warranty and 30k miles for £500 delivered, a drive shaft for £60 brand new and delivered (was quoted £180 before) and paid £150 for the clutch. The labour was a bloke that came out to mine recommended by a pal at Silverlake, he did it all in 6 hours charging £30 an hour.

 

From what you've described it should be no where near as complicated as what I had done so I'd suggest your friend gets a 2nd opinion.

[swannymere]

I'd ask for a quote from a official VW garage, also might be worth tapping up VW UK for a contribution if the cars under 4 years old.

[The9]

Sounds like a lot to me, recently my gearbox, off side drive shaft and clutch all blew up in spectacular fashion on my 2007 Audi A3. After getting quotes of approx £2k I found a gearbox with a year warranty and 30k miles for £500 delivered, a drive shaft for £60 brand new and delivered (was quoted £180 before) and paid £150 for the clutch. The labour was a bloke that came out to mine recommended by a pal at Silverlake, he did it all in 6 hours charging £30 an hour.

 

From what you've described it should be no where near as complicated as what I had done so I'd suggest your friend gets a 2nd opinion.

 

I've got a 2005 A3 (goatee beard style, same as the 2007), and my RNS-E Sat Nav (DVD still plays CDs, won't show maps) and aircon are busted.

 

VW mechanic I know said the compressor has gone on the air con, as it holds the gas and doesn't leak but doesn't cool, and I'm wondering where to get those kind of parts / labour.

[swannymere]

I've got a 2005 A3 (goatee beard style, same as the 2007), and my RNS-E Sat Nav (DVD still plays CDs, won't show maps) and aircon are busted.

 

VW mechanic I know said the compressor has gone on the air con, as it holds the gas and doesn't leak but doesn't cool, and I'm wondering where to get those kind of parts / labour.

 

I'd imagine it would be expensive, its usually a dashboard out job although i'm not sure 100%, the compressor will be £300+ for a new one. I reckon about £600+ all in easily. Join an Audi forum as they'll put you in touch with a local specialist who will probably know any shortcuts to fitting which will save you money. With regards tot he stereo/satnav do you have any map discs?

[egg]

No idea for the price for both enquiries, but try Monks at North Baddesley. No less knowledgable than the main dealers and much, much cheaper.

[JackFrost]

Found out a little more info.

 

It's a 56 reg Golf that he's taken to a VW dealer, and apparently the steering wheel sensor is now also failing as well.

 

Myself and a couple of other people are suggesting he gets a second opinion

[BadgerBadger]

Stay away from VW dealers - rip off central, my passat drivers door had dropped and they wanted to replace the hinges plus 4 hours labour at £70 an hour, took it to Independent in Chandlers Ford and they took the car in there and then, returned 10 mins later with the job done for £25!!

Independent may not be as cheap as a back street garage but they really know their stuff for VAG cars, top chaps and one of the guys running it is a Saints fan

[Alanh]

The cruise control switch on my 06 Golf has also failed. I was quoted £175 to replace by the local VAG garage. The cruise control switch is on the indicator stalk and the price was basically supply and fitting of a new stalk. No mention of steering column issues like your mate though.