Do you have your MOT test done at a VW van centre?

[Paul_W]

just a simple question, trying to gauge if people generally just use a local test centre or book their Cali into a VW van centre for its test?

I’m assuming if it goes into VW they would pick up any recall work at the same time like the new roof inspection that’s going on!

Thanks.

 

[CaliforniaDAN]

Yes, I do. Last year they did a cam belt/water pump change along with a service and MOT certificate. The roof corrosion tape was placed as part of roof inspection.

 

[Paul_W]

Yes, I do. Last year they did a cam belt/water pump change along with a service and MOT certificate. The roof corrosion tape was placed as part of roof inspection.

We’re not due a service this year, it had a major one last year and high mileage oil so next service isn’t due until 2020. That’s the thing really is it worth taking to VW van centre which is out of our way or a local mot test centre round the corner

 

[CaliforniaDAN]

I have mine serviced every year as I don't do a lot of miles in a year, so the idea of oil sitting in an engine for 2 years does not appeal. The only reason I MOT at the VW service is purely for convenience.

 

[Paul_W]

I have mine serviced every year as I don't do a lot of miles in a year, so the idea of oil sitting in an engine for 2 years does not appeal. The only reason I MOT at the VW service is purely for convenience.

Good point maybe I’ll just book it in for an oil change and mot at the vw van centre

 

[RonB]

Yes, I do. Last year they did a cam belt/water pump change along with a service and MOT certificate. The roof corrosion tape was placed as part of roof inspection.

Same for me, MOT and 2 year service done this week, plus roof tape recall applied. Cam belt/water pump changed as per VW recommendation at same time 2 yrs ago. All done at local VW van centre. Just feel confident done ‘by the book’.

 

[AlanC]

I take our vehicles to the local council depot of a MOT test. They test all of their own vehicles and most of the taxi and private hire fleet in the city.

As an independent operation, they have no vested interest in failing a car and getting the work done in house.

Cynical me...!

Alan

 

[ArunAlec]

Cali at VW dealer at same time as service, never had a problem.
Cars at my local MOT/tyre centre, again never had a problem and no “silly” fails. They charge full price, which I think makes them less inclined to look for “add ons”.

 

[Paul_W]

Same for me, MOT and 2 year service done this week, plus roof tape recall applied. Cam belt/water pump changed as per VW recommendation at same time 2 yrs ago. All done at local VW van centre. Just feel confident done ‘by the book’.

Hey RonB, how did the roof tape recall go, does it all look ok? Did they have to do any minor paint repairs on the roof?

 

[RonB]

Hey RonB, how did the roof tape recall go, does it all look ok? Did they have to do any minor paint repairs on the roof?

Hi Paul, I haven’t actually lifted the roof yet to have a look as we’ve had wet weather since I got the van back and we have sleet today. Don’t want wet canvas. Will check as soon as I can. No mention of paint repairs. Will let you know. Cheers

 

[GrannyJen]

Mine are always done by the dealer when in for a service. Never had the feeling of being "ripped off", just "another job out of the way as easily as possible".

 

[Sad]

MOT done at same time as service at VW here too...

 

[RonB]

Hey RonB, how did the roof tape recall go, does it all look ok? Did they have to do any minor paint repairs on the roof?

Hi Paul, finally had a look. The recall for applying tape was only to the front corners of the main roof of the front cab, not for the tape that is applied to the edges of the elevating roof under the rubber seal. Apparently, it is to prevent wear where the front corners of the elevating part come down onto the main roof. My van has already had the corrosion issue on the edges of the elevating part treated and resprayed under warranty and the rubber seal bonded on, so no way of checking if the problem recurs. I am told by VW the bonded seal should prevent this happening. Additionally, and this was not a warranty repair, I subsequently had a corrosion/flaking paint issue on the corners of the subframe on the elevating roof and got VW to treat and respray the roof corners, underside and the scissors mechanism. Hope this helps.

 

[Velma's Dad]

Just booked mine in for service and MOT at an indy VW specialist. They have a good reputation locally and do quite a few Transporters and the odd Cali. I'll let you know how I get on but I'm not expecting any problems.

 

[Paul_W]

Hi Paul, finally had a look. The recall for applying tape was only to the front corners of the main roof of the front cab, not for the tape that is applied to the edges of the elevating roof under the rubber seal. Apparently, it is to prevent wear where the front corners of the elevating part come down onto the main roof. My van has already had the corrosion issue on the edges of the elevating part treated and resprayed under warranty and the rubber seal bonded on, so no way of checking if the problem recurs. I am told by VW the bonded seal should prevent this happening. Additionally, and this was not a warranty repair, I subsequently had a corrosion/flaking paint issue on the corners of the subframe on the elevating roof and got VW to treat and respray the roof corners, underside and the scissors mechanism. Hope this helps.

Thanks Ron, will just see how it goes I guess, our local van centre seem pretty clued up and I have a good relationship with the the manager following the repairs they carried out in fixing the original botched roof repair to our Cali. Good to see VW are actively looking to address this issue now

 

[Denzilgts]

I would be very wary of the roof recall, having had a really bad experience with the corrosion and dealer badly fitting the roof tapes. Which consequently lead to them having my van for nearly three weeks to do the proper repair.

 

[Ted]

just a simple question, trying to gauge if people generally just use a local test centre or book their Cali into a VW van centre for its test?

I’m assuming if it goes into VW they would pick up any recall work at the same time like the new roof inspection that’s going on!

Thanks.

My mot was carried out at Halfords Autocentre. Which was a discounted price of £35, but I called first to ensure they could mot a Cali.
It’s obviously only for roadworthyness, which I assume the dealer would only do anyway.
I’m unsure when or if the habitation area needs to be serviced (like on a caravan service) eg the gas supply checked on an Ocean model.

It is more convenient for me, as I can walk into town for a shop and cuppa rather than waiting in the garage.
I have a flexible service plan, which is a service every 24 months (supplemented with an intermediate oil change by me). So any recall work can be carried out by the dealer then.

 

[Borris]

Unless it's due a service or you suspect that work is going to be required and/or your van centre is local, what would be the point?

An MOT is merely a check on the vehicles road worthiness including emmisions. That can be done anywhere and the technicians don't need to be VW trained to be competent in doing these checks.

 

[Bjohnson]

I take mine to the local council test centre. I only go to VW when I need a service (2 yearly). I'm not a fan of my local dealer, but tolerate them for servicing. I bought the van from the new 7 years ago, their after sales is crap.

 

[Velma's Dad]

Just booked mine in for service and MOT at an indy VW specialist. They have a good reputation locally and do quite a few Transporters and the odd Cali. I'll let you know how I get on but I'm not expecting any problems.

Just following up on my post above - as expected, no problems at all with local independent (Revolution VW, near Prestwood in S. Bucks) and much more realistic pricing than main dealer.

I go with indys all the time for any routine work on all our cars. The techs that run these places have invariably got their experience working in franchised workshops, and they then have to keep their good reputation through word of mouth, they can't just rely on the 'official workshop' stamp.

Having said that, dealerships may sometimes be competitive on basic menu-servicing 'offers', and I would probably go to the main dealer with any major issue that cropped up just out of warranty as they will have some leverage with the manufacturer to get a remedy under goodwill.

 

[briwy]

Have our MOT done locally. five minute drive away as opposed to two hour round trip to the dealer.
However if the MOT was due at the same time a service then it would be done at the dealers.

 

[MattBW]

Just had my second MOT done at Coventry Listers, very happy and get a little video of the inspection too.

 

[Taglish1]

Just had my second MOT done at Coventry Listers, very happy and get a little video of the inspection too.

Same here, including the roof recall sorted out. They even provided breakfast and a newspaper of my choice whilst I waited.