[vaibhavyagnik]

Hello fellow forum members,
I bought a used 2016 Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI DSG in july of 2022. The car had run 1.28L KM at the time of purchase. The car had done 8000 km since its last service and was mostly sitting idle. Since the 1 year service interval had crossed, I got the car serviced at FNG with Liqui Moly Top Tec 4100 which complies with VW505 01 standard and recommended as per manual.
After the service, I could feel a noticeable difference in the vibration of the car. The car has been running great at I have driven the car 13000 Km since I purchased it. The engine is still smooth as it was just after the service.

The car is about to be due for its next service for which I am confused if I should go with Skoda or FNG again.

Pros for FNG
1. I can again opt for Liqui Moly Top Tec 4100
2. I can opt for OEM parts which are not critical. For example: AC cabin filter
3. Labour is considerably cheaper. This will offset the higher cost of Liqui moly oil

Cons for FNG
1. Not so professional. Torqueing to spec - What is that?
2. The service records will have to be maintained by me

Pros for Skoda
1. Professional - They will do everything to spec. I also get a warrantly for first 1000 Km related to the work that was done.
2. The service records will be well maintained and available for future reference

Cons for Skoda
1. The dealer is denying my request to use Liqui Moly Top tec 4100
2. Labour is considerably higher
3. I am afraid I will have to live with a rougher feeling engine.

What is your opinion on getting the car serviced at Skoda vs FNG?

[Turbohead]

For critical parts related to the engine like timing belt, water pump, alternator belt, EGR cooler pumps etc stick with the Skoda ASS. We had issues with procuring orginal EGR cooler pumps in the past from the FNG. Finally the FNG himself suggested going to the service centre. Although a good FNG will do the timing belt replacement, I'd still recommend the service center for peace of mind.

For regular service and aftermarket parts like suspension, brakes etc you can go to the FNG. You have a better control on the type of performance you can expect from these parts.

[hlohaan]

I've owned a skoda laura 2012 2.0 TDI DSG for about 8 years and driven it for about 1.3L kms.
I've had my car serviced at other good brand workshops, very small third party workshops and ofcourse at dealerships also.

The smoothness of liqui molly you observed, could be because there is a difference each time when an engine gets new oil. For some reason this difference in smoothness in German TDI (or maybe in diesel) engines it's very much pronounced. There is barely any difference in my honda city or Camry that I own too.
However having used liqui molly I'm not entirely convinced that it is a better oil than what authorised dealers use.
Given that, if you are aware of all the things that should be checked and replaced according to your service schedule and also there are no replacement of parts needed apart from filters and oil. FNG makes sense then.
But if you prefer not to be with the car and pe particular about things being done. Then Skoda dealership is a good choice which I'll recommend anyway.

[Yesterdaysnews]

Every time I have tried neighbourhood garages - however highly recommended, in the hopes of getting better service and saving a little money - I’ve always got myself burnt. They are quite a few horror stories regarding this in the forum as well!

I wish there were some really trustworthy and good mechanics that we could go to in Chennai for regular service and other jobs!

[thirdmainroad]

^ I second that! My father gave his car to a GoBumper garage for a suspension overhaul - they messed it up and I gave my car to a “reputed” workshop - Ignite, for rear brake overhaul and was never quite happy. Both expensive work, and both messed up. Have tried periodic service as well at local mechanics - and preferred the authorised service stations.

I am keen to try MyTvs though - have anyone done so?

[Turbohead]

Originally Posted by Yesterdaysnews

Every time I have tried neighbourhood garages - however highly recommended, in the hopes of getting better service and saving a little money - I’ve always got myself burnt. They are quite a few horror stories regarding this in the forum as well!

I wish there were some really trustworthy and good mechanics that we could go to in Chennai for regular service and other jobs!

You'll never get the quality of work done by professional mechanics following the text book outside such authorised service centres. I personally go to FNGs, along with many others, because the local ASS was literally a pain to deal with - they never rectified any concerns raised and always kept the car overnight or two to do a basic service.

If the local ASS is competent, nothing like it. You're definitely paying the premium for a proper work.

[DR1V3R]

I am looking to replace some parts of my Mk1 VRS. 127000 ish on ODO.
I originally planned to give it to ASS in Bangalore. I recently stumbled upon a video about "German Car Tech" who specializes in VAG models. Now I am confused.
Anyone here can help me choose? I dont mind if the servicing takes long.

Things to be done:
1. Brake vacuum hose replacement.
2. Ignition coil/Injector to be checked (engine feels jerky in idle, struggles to pass 2K rpm in the beginning. After maybe 3~5 kms back to normal) Repeats after every restart.
3. Truck lock actuator change.
4. Timing belt replacement probably (no idea when it was replaced).
5. Other surprises once the service advisor plugs in the OBD reader.

TIA

[shankar.balan]

Originally Posted by DR1V3R

I am looking to replace some parts of my Mk1 VRS. 127000 ish on ODO.
I originally planned to give it to ASS in Bangalore. I recently stumbled upon a video about "German Car Tech" who specializes in VAG models. Now I am confused.
Anyone here can help me choose? I dont mind if the servicing takes long.

TIA

Try Aeon Motor Works. Ive been using them since 2021 for my Mini Cooper S and have found them competent and most importantly, patient. They give me dedicated time and do not ‘brush me off’ the way typical garages do. I procure the parts from various sites or from BMW India. And sit there personally and get the jobs done on the Cooper side by side with the mechanics.
You can call Aniruddh the owner; +91 99457 18181
And you can give my reference.

You can call