Service history and value for resale

[Pappa583]

I have a 2016 with just over 50k miles, not quite due according to the schedule for oil and fuel filters but.... wanting to be preventative and keeping ontop of service, oil being all Important for life of engine.

I've been looking to change fuel, oil, air filters and use castrol professional oil. Clean the fuel filter pot properly (not just drain and refill) as ive found sludge on the sides and bottom on the wifes old golf when I did hers. Doubt the garage takes the time to go that far.....

Anyway question is, sure I will have mixed answers..... 

Thinking of doing all the above and maybe pushing my audi indy service out a few thousand to keep the history updated or would you think evidence of what's been changed by receipts and photos would class as history of the service being done if i ever sold it? Not just cheap eBay parts either if it makes difference?

[Magnet]

Very good question Paul.

My opinion, for what it’s worth:- 

Your last bit first - affect on value? My experience is that unless the service history is recorded on the Audi system by an authorised servicing centre, then the car will be valued as having incomplete service history. In effect, any DIY servicing is not worth the paper it’s recorded on, as far as the trade is concerned. 
Having said that, how long are you intending to keep it? If not that long, then the investment in an ‘authorised’ service would be worth the expenditure.
If you are keeping it for a number of years, then what you propose to do yourself will probably prolong the car’s life to a greater extent than an official service. 
The answer could include more detail Paul, but the principle (in my book) is as said. 
Kind regards,

Gareth.  

[JMKC82]

I agree with Gareth.  If it is not down on paper or in the Audi system, unfortunately you might get a lower price when you sell it.

Saying that, it hasn't put me off.  2020 Q5, and i'm doing most of the work myself.  I trust myself more than a garage who thinks of customers as 'numbers' or £££.  Using quality parts.  Oil (changed every 12k instead of recommend 20k) and air filter (changed at 20k instead of 60k), spark plugs (changed at 30k instead of 40k), pollen filter, brake disc and pads all round, brake fluid, DSG, etc.

And thanks for reminding me, i haven't actually done the fuel filter, which i'll look to do when the weather gets better.

Just my thoughts,

Thanks, Joe

[Pappa583]

32 minutes ago, JMKC82 said:

I agree with Gareth.  If it is not down on paper or in the Audi system, unfortunately you might get a lower price when you sell it.

Saying that, it hasn't put me off.  2020 Q5, and i'm doing most of the work myself.  I trust myself more than a garage who thinks of customers as 'numbers' or £££.  Using quality parts.  Oil (changed every 12k instead of recommend 20k) and air filter (changed at 20k instead of 60k), spark plugs (changed at 30k instead of 40k), pollen filter, brake disc and pads all round, brake fluid, DSG, etc.

And thanks for reminding me, i haven't actually done the fuel filter, which i'll look to do when the weather gets better.

Just my thoughts,

Thanks, Joe

I'm maybe even over servicing to some extent, but is that even a thing. Don't think synthetic oils are as good as the mineral oils of old and nothing seems as good as it used to,  the air filter has less than 20k on it so maybe too soon to change but it's just the old value question suppose. As you've said, we tend to take time and do things properly if we service ourselves over a garage who just wants us in and out.....

Although I'm not a qualified  mechanic, I work in oil and gas industry so can sort of turn my hand to most jobs, i would consider myself as good, if not more competent than some of the so called mechies ive worked with over the years, i have rebuilt engines and always done my own maintenance on cars older than this where resale value doesn't concern me. Suppose an oil change and the rest of the parts inbetween audi indy service certainly won't go a miss and maybe prolong the engine life to some extent....

I am planning on keeping the car so will also give me some peace of mind. Was considering selling and going electric but the q7 will take some beating and the q8 electric is far too expensive so keeping her, well until it starts playing up..... if🤞....far too many electronics, air suspension, digital everything and no matter how many times I change the oil and hoover the air filter housing, the electrical gremlins don't appreciate clean oil 😳

Cheers Paul

[JMKC82]

I'm not a mechanic, but i just take my time and use common sense.

No such thing as over servicing.

As per my previous message, Audi recommend i change the air filter at 60k miles.  Crazy, as the engine needs to breathe, and a reduced flow filter will make everything work harder (turbo, engine, etc). Changed every 20k and cost me £12 each time.

Thanks, Joe

[Pappa583]

1 hour ago, JMKC82 said:

I'm not a mechanic, but i just take my time and use common sense.

No such thing as over servicing.

As per my previous message, Audi recommend i change the air filter at 60k miles.  Crazy, as the engine needs to breathe, and a reduced flow filter will make everything work harder (turbo, engine, etc). Changed every 20k and cost me £12 each time.

Thanks, Joe

Quantum oil used by the garage, cheaper than the castrol i was gonna use so how can specialist indy garage service be better using lesser quality oil? Maximum profit over quality suppose.....

[JMKC82]

I use Castrol, but Audi do recommend Quantum.

I wouldn't always look at price.  Just because it is more expensive, doesn't mean it is better.

Thanks,

[Magnet]

I’ve recommended Quantum oils on here more times than I care to  remember, and repeating - believed blended by Castrol. 

My servicing schedule:- Quantum oil and Mann filter changed every year. Air and pollen filters changed every 2 - again Mann or Bosch. 

‘Over serviced’? Definitely yes, since annual mileage is <7K, but I’m cheap on labour! All parts are bought ex eBay from reputable sellers at competitive prices. 

Kind regards,

Gareth. 
p.s. Although DIY servicing is potentially to a higher standard, due to dealer constraints of time, do not ignore the financial disadvantage of decreased value on trade in, and the potential of losing more than you gain. 

[Pappa583]

13 minutes ago, Magnet said:

I’ve recommended Quantum oils on here more times than I care to  remember, and repeating - believed blended by Castrol. 

My servicing schedule:- Quantum oil and Mann filter changed every year. Air and pollen filters changed every 2 - again Mann or Bosch. 

‘Over serviced’? Definitely yes, since annual mileage is <7K, but I’m cheap on labour! All parts are bought ex EBay from reputable sellers at competitive prices. 

Kind regards,

Gareth. 
p.s. Although DIY servicing is potentially to a higher standard, due to dealer constraints of time, do not ignore the financial disadvantage of decreased value on trade in, and the potential of losing more than you gain. 

Good to know about quantum, I hadn't really heard of it but as you say expensive isn't always best....

Saving a few quid now could work against me and did sort of suspect that be the case.... ah well best empty the piggy bank then 🤷

Thanks paul

[Magnet]

Just to finish off this thread:-

Quantum oil is a VAG exclusive brand, but is available at competitive prices from a number of eBay (for example) sellers. I choose reputable sellers rather than cheapest price. 

Although I believe it was blended by Castrol, I understand it is now blended for VAG by Fuchs. 

Trust this may be of help. 
Kind regards,

Gareth.