service due advice please

[nickp34]

The 4th service is due soon and the Polo (2005 1.4 SE) has only done just over 15,000 miles so I am not sure if it needs all the things doing that should be done at a 4th service. The service book is a bit confusing can someone please clarify the following:

1) Does the cambelt need to be changed?
2) Do the spark plugs need to be changed?
3) Cant seem to find info on when the coolant should be changed?

In all the 3 main dealer services it has had so far it has not had an air filter change, fuel filter change or spark plug change. Last brake fluid change was 2yrs ago.

So wth this 4th yr service apart from the usual oil change and brake fluid change what else should be done?

Once i know exactly what needs doing I will get a price from the main dealer and a VAG Independant but a rough price on how much to pay for the above would helpfull.

Thanks.

[RUM4MO]

I think that the cambelt change is meant to be 4 years or 60,000 miles - it does pay to change this and ALL the bits that the cambelt runs on - ie get a VW cambelt and an extra (small top) idler - the one that gets included in the TDI 4 cylinder engines as it is missing from the 1.4 petrol engine kit. If you go to a proper VAG indie they will probably add that extra idler in as sometimes its the part that fails and wrecks the belt>engine. Air filter, I'd change that now along with a brake fluid change. Spark plugs, in VAG land these things do not seem to have a fixed service life, but at the age of your car, if the original ones are still in the engine I'd get them changed - I always change mine on the 2003MY Polo 1.4 every three years/30,000 miles, maybe overkill but the plugs are out before they start to waste fuel or fail, its the way I like it as the car needs to work for its living. In petrol engines, VAG don't seem to specify a fuel filter change period/mileage - I changed by Passat B5 one at 60,000 miles/7.5years, but have not managed to work out exactly which version of filter is on the 2003MY Polo 1.4 - the options seem to be "with" or "without" pressure regulator and I can't tell which one it is. So if you don't want to spend all your money maybe leave that item out at this service.

I don't want to chase you away from this forum, but, maybe join Seatcupra and repeat that question there - ie the cost bit as I tend to do all my servicing except for the cambelt - and my price is too old to be of use. If you don't want to another forum, just have a read through the postings and see what you find, maybe the search function will work without joining. So look in the Ibiza 6L section in http://www.seatcupra.net and Fabia MK1 in http://www.briskoda.net .

Remember at that age, if the car has been used for a lot of short journeys, then the general wear and tear will be similar to a car having done maybe 60,000 miles!

[nickp34]

Thanks for the info.

[nickp34]

Citygate have quoted the below price which include their citygate4life discount.

4th service with pollen filter change, spark plug change, air filter change, brake fluid change, air con service £478
Camblet change £369

They are having a laugh!

[ihpj]

Doesn't anyone use the SEARCH facility on this Forum?

http://www.uk-polos.net/view ... it=service

...hopefully that might be of use to the OP

[nickp34]

Thanks, I have seen that already. Garage has to be within 5 miles and you need a written quote.

Have searched a few VW forums have had found some recommended independants in West London.

[ihpj]

Thanks, I have seen that already. Garage has to be within 5 miles and you need a written quote.

Have searched a few VW forums have had found some recommended independants in West London.

I would suggest a creative approach?

If say the Indy Garage is even up to 8Miles away, surely its got to be worth a try? VW can only say no - but I would like to think that you could use that as a negotiating tool and drive their ridiculous price down. Many Main Dealers are hungry for such work. Good luck!