Lookers Seat have never heard of front diff

heliophile

Active Member
May 1, 2016
146
39
Manchester
I've used them before and been happy enough. In fact Lookers Manchester were the supplying dealer of my MY16 290DSG. But today I tried to book for a service and asked them to also change the oil and filter in the front diff as the car is almost 3yrs old.

The call centre were at first adamant the car doesn't have one, then quoted £1100 to replace it, then when I laughed got a bit shirty and put me through to the Manchester branch to discuss it with them. The branch also said it doesn't have a diff ("it's front wheel drive"), but after I sent them away to talk to a technician quoted £200 ('knocked down' from £207) for diff oil and filter without any apology or contrition.

Although they would price match I've lost all confidence in Lookers now and IMG Warrington are quoting £111 for the diff so I'm going there. What a sorry state of affairs, Lookers best avoided I think.
 

Damo H

Remind me, what's an indicator?
Staff member
Moderator
Oct 3, 2012
4,710
2,804
Car Length In Front
I've used them before and been happy enough. In fact Lookers Manchester were the supplying dealer of my MY16 290DSG. But today I tried to book for a service and asked them to also change the oil and filter in the front diff as the car is almost 3yrs old.

The call centre were at first adamant the car doesn't have one, then quoted £1100 to replace it, then when I laughed got a bit shirty and put me through to the Manchester branch to discuss it with them. The branch also said it doesn't have a diff ("it's front wheel drive"), but after I sent them away to talk to a technician quoted £200 ('knocked down' from £207) for diff oil and filter without any apology or contrition.

Although they would price match I've lost all confidence in Lookers now and IMG Warrington are quoting £111 for the diff so I'm going there. What a sorry state of affairs, Lookers best avoided I think.
IMG everytime compared to the others. Although I'm going independent on this car,
 

Blowski

Cupra 280 DSG
Mar 23, 2018
420
200
It’s embarrassing that main dealers have no clue about what they are selling.

I’ve had similar issues with my dealer, they knew all the various bits and pieces were present, just no idea of when to service them!


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Butty

Active Member
Sep 7, 2018
156
46
It’s embarrassing that main dealers have no clue about what they are selling.

I’ve had similar issues with my dealer, they knew all the various bits and pieces were present, just no idea of when to service them!


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The workshop manual confirms a locking diff on Cupras and when to service it, so how does this issue seems to crop up regularly?
I bought my 280ST last year after the last owner had put it through a 3 year service at Camberley SEAT, yet the receipt and service book shows no Haldex oil change.
Surely when a car is booked in/ enquiry made for a service, the reg plate/ VIN flags from a SEAT service schedule database what needs doing, so the dealer can run through this with the customer and give an accurate quote - or am I being too logical?
 

Blowski

Cupra 280 DSG
Mar 23, 2018
420
200
The workshop manual confirms a locking diff on Cupras and when to service it, so how does this issue seems to crop up regularly?
I bought my 280ST last year after the last owner had put it through a 3 year service at Camberley SEAT, yet the receipt and service book shows no Haldex oil change.
Surely when a car is booked in/ enquiry made for a service, the reg plate/ VIN flags from a SEAT service schedule database what needs doing, so the dealer can run through this with the customer and give an accurate quote - or am I being too logical?

You’d think yes but doesn’t seem to happen. I’ve been back to mine twice after servicing as they didn’t do my dsg oil then didn’t do my spark plugs... all for an inflated price. Wonderful


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wms_F1

Active Member
Jul 10, 2018
124
42
Shocking really! Thats why Im taking mine to a VAG specialist!


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CupraGeezer

Active Member
May 11, 2018
357
163
For things like brake fluid, the diff & the gearbox I firmly believe that the dealers should know when these are due and should SUGGEST to owners that they be done. I don't think they should just do them without asking as owners may have many reasons for not doing it but for dealers not to know is shocking, I agree.

Got to say, my dealer appears to have been on the ball so far. Seems like I've been lucky.
 

Ken H

Active Member
Dec 20, 2015
161
8
Cork , Ireland
I took out a 3 year service plan when purchasing the car, does anybody know if this service plan varies from dealer to dealer?
 

Copra68

Active Member
Jun 10, 2013
549
306
I took out a 3 year service plan when purchasing the car, does anybody know if this service plan varies from dealer to dealer?
What does your paperwork say? Dealers sell there own service plan and the Seat service plan.
 
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