A standard hourly rate from SEAT?

[DiddlyDonker]

I have a few annoying minor problems with my car that the garage I bought my car from couldn't identify and fix in my warranty period. So I am now looking at taking the car to my local SEAT dealership, the only problem is, they want £106 an hour to do any searching for the problems! Is that the normal rate at SEAT garages?

Thanks.

 

[Daniel M]

I wouldnt have thought it was that much an hour but, nothing surprises me with main dealers.

What are the issues?

 

[DiddlyDonker]

I wouldnt have thought it was that much an hour but, nothing surprises me with main dealers.

What are the issues?

I thought it was a bit much! I phoned them again and spoke to sales this time who said it was £89 p/h +VAT and when I spoke to them the other day another guy said it was free to look at!?!? I'm so confused.

Where do I start, they're minor (but REALLY annoying) issues.

I'll list them on their annoyance level, 1 being high.

1. Every now and then the car looses and regains power (feels like kangarooing before you stall a car) but it doesn't stall and the revs are around 2k. Happens when the engine is hot or cold. Only happens when pulling away and goes as you move up the Rev range. Happens in 1st and 2nd gear mainly but you can feel it slightly in all the other gears.

2. Driver side front wheel has a near enough constant squeak as the wheel rotates. Can only be heard under 20mph (I think because the engines to loud) and started happening after I had to do an emergency stop on the dual carriageway. Noise stops when brakes are applied.

3. There's a knocking coming from under the passenger side footwell. It happens intermittently, the garage said it was the under tray loose so they reattached it but it still happens every now and then. Sounds like something is swinging and hitting under the car.

4. Same wheel as on number 2, as you brake and come to a stop the brakes howl at you (sounds like the "hoo" of an owl). Garage said they skimmed the brakes before I bought the car and this is why and it should go overtime although I've only just started hearing it and I've owned the car almost 4 months now.

5. Can't get pin 20 loose on connector A of the climate control unit. It's different to the other pins 1-18. Anyone know how? (Just thought I'd chuck that in there in the hope someone knows ) FL climate control unit keeps resetting itself when I turn the engine off .

Anyone who can help in anyway, big or small, its appreciated more than you can imagine. Cars driving me mad at the moment.

 

[nilz]

Have you looked for any local VAG specialists, I would suggest you go down that route, they will cost alot less than dealers and will give you more of a personal experience, unfortunately alot of dealers nowadays rely on fleet and can charge the earth, whereas independants rely on return custom and word of mouth fi they provide a good service.

Ive always used local independants for all of my cars.

 

[betty_swollox]

Have you looked for any local VAG specialists, I would suggest you go down that route, they will cost alot less than dealers and will give you more of a personal experience, unfortunately alot of dealers nowadays rely on fleet and can charge the earth, whereas independants rely on return custom and word of mouth fi they provide a good service.

Ive always used local independants for all of my cars.

I'd defo take it to independent

I only take my car to SEAT for the servicing as I have a service plan


Any extra work that I can't do myself, it goes to vag specialist. £40 an hour. Doesn't take the piss either.

 

[AlexK1]

Pin 20 on this connector is removed with a removal tool or you can use a small sewing needle in the two small holes either side of the connector pin.

Although it won't fit swapping pin 16 and 20 as they are different size pin connectors

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[DiddlyDonker]

Pin 20 on this connector is removed with a removal tool or you can use a small sewing needle in the two small holes either side of the connector pin.

Although it won't fit swapping pin 16 and 20 as they are different size pin connectors


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I've read that in order for the climate control unit to retain its memory when the ignition is turned off pin 16 needs to be placed in pin 20s slot?

Thank you everyone for your help and recommendations, I'll have to try and find a specialist near me.

 

[Smurfy]

I had a similar issue to your problem number 2 and took it to an garage for a brake check, turned out the inside of the discs were worn alot more than the outside and there was a lip on the inside and needed new front discs and pads.

 

[AlexK1]

Yeah you do need to swap the wires but I never bothered swapping it on mine. From what I've read you need to take out pin 20 and tape it up. And pin 16 needs the connector cut off and the larger connector soldered on.

I didn't like the idea of cutting wires in case I wanted to go back to standard climate controls so left it as it . Doesn't bother me too much about the settings no saving


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[red line fun]

this might give you a ballpark in terms of what is / isn't a reasonable hourly rate, although it's from 2011:

http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/...s-soar-7-5--expensive-region-car-repairs.html

 

[martin j.]

How much!! It does vary acros the country but that sounds excessive, even compared to my local Honda who always charge more than the local Seat stealer, independent Al the way if you can.

 

[DiddlyDonker]

this might give you a ballpark in terms of what is / isn't a reasonable hourly rate, although it's from 2011:

http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/...s-soar-7-5--expensive-region-car-repairs.html

Top 10 regions with most expensive hourly rates and my region, Gwynedd, is second most expensive at £97 , explains things.

Thanks for all the help guys.

 

[DiddlyDonker]

Yeah you do need to swap the wires but I never bothered swapping it on mine. From what I've read you need to take out pin 20 and tape it up. And pin 16 needs the connector cut off and the larger connector soldered on.

I didn't like the idea of cutting wires in case I wanted to go back to standard climate controls so left it as it . Doesn't bother me too much about the settings no saving


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I just don't like the fact it always starts with A/C on, all about them MPGs!