[v1p3r]

Originally Posted by GTO

Isnt it a coincidence that the two cars that are most expensive to maintain (in terms of service costs and spareparts) do NOT offer extended warranty plans. Yup, I am talking about Skoda and Mercedes.

So much for legendary European build quality.

[da MotorHead]

Since so many of us are univocal on this, and many already burnt by Skoda dealers in many ways, is there nothing that we can do. Talk to Skoda, file a collective complaint etc. GTO can sure advise on this coz i have no clue.
[SIZE=2][/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]dMH[/SIZE]

[Steeroid]

Originally Posted by v1p3r

So much for legendary European build quality.

Include the erstwhile Ford Mondeo (and the FOrd Escort - oil seal = Rs.1,800 for eg) and the Opel Vectra and that completes the picture. European cars are expensive to maintain especially after the warranty period is over, which is probably why Renault is taking the localized Mahindra Logan route - if they source parts from Dacia or Renault the price of the car and the spares will go through the roof.

[jkdas]

Originally Posted by Steeroid

European cars are expensive to maintain especially after the warranty period is over,

our guy spend 13.5k minus labour even when he was within warranty

[v1p3r]

All crap, I tell you. I'm sticking with Japs and Koreans until I can afford an M5 or a Lamborghini. I can't seem to recall a single Western brand in India whose A.S.S. has come in for any praise at all.

This has got me wondering, why do people buy European cars in the first place?

[BUSA]

European cars in the first place

European cars have something which the Japs can never have, stupendous built quality and excellent stability.

[GTO]

This has got me wondering, why do people buy European cars in the first place?

Live with an uber-sedan for a month, and you will know. Between Jap and Euro, I will choose the latter with my eyes shut. Anyday and anytime.

[dipen]

Originally Posted by GTO

Live with an uber-sedan for a month, and you will know. Between Jap and Euro, I will choose the latter with my eyes shut. Anyday and anytime.

In India, I would choose the Jap anyday just for peace of mind.
Japs arent that bad either.

[Steeroid]

Originally Posted by GTO

Live with an uber-sedan for a month, and you will know.

Lived with one for a year and a half, at the end of which I sold the other Euro car I had and went American........even if that latter decision was influenced by a self-confessed nut.

[GTO]

Are you talking about the Mondeo? I would count that as an uber sedan at all.

Note : Lets not go off-topic anymore. Created a separate topic on this here. Thanks

[Steeroid]

Originally Posted by GTO

Are you talking about the Mondeo? I would count that as an uber sedan at all.

Note : Lets not go off-topic anymore. Created a separate topic on this here. Thanks

Nope I'm talking about the E240. Nothing uber about it - in fact I didnt understand the whole fuss about the 3-pointed-star experience. But then again, it may be just me wondering what was worth so much (for me, yes) $$$ over other comparable saloons.

As for the separate topic, most of those that will vote European probably drive Jap cars. The grass is always greener on the other side and we're still very colonially minded anyway.

[abhijit 2284]

Originally Posted by da MotorHead

1. FE, only 8.5 in the city. And i don't drive like a maniac or always flat out.
2. Very expensive mainatinence. Two services done in which labour was free. Still paid about 13.5 grand for both. Now even the labour won't be free :(

dMH

Does anyone have any idea if the cost of servicing for the diesel is also in-line with the petrol model

[GTO]

Nope I'm talking about the E240

If you are talking about the original twin-lights Merc, I am not surprised. Or is your experience with the W211?

[Rtech]

Originally Posted by da MotorHead

2. Very expensive mainatinence. Two services done in which labour was free. Still paid about 13.5 grand for both. Now even the labour won't be free :(

Just noticed this thread.

Do you mean you paid 13.5K for 2 services i.e. 13.5 / 2 = 6,750/service? or did you mean 13.5K per service? I find the latter hard to believe, and if it is true, then your dealership is blatantly cheating you.

Step into any Skoda service centre in Bombay and the rates are clearly given up on a board at the reception area. Infact, at the time of delivery of the car, they sat down and gave a detailed statement of how much each service under warranty would cost me. They were about Rs.5,000 or thereabouts. Rs.3,400 of that was the oil alone.

So, I really don't see how you could have paid 13.5K PER service.

With regards to comparing those prices with other manufacturers, sure, you could put in regular mineral oil like they do at Honda/Toyota etc. in which case the costs would drop to Rs.3,000/per service, which is far from outrageous by any standard.

Just did a rough calculation, and in the two and a half years (give of take a month) we've owned the TDi, it has cost us on average Rs.10,000/- (rounded off) a year on routine service costs. I don't mind shelling out Rs.834/- a month on my car.

[da MotorHead]

You're lucky Rtech with 834 a month. Haven't you read about the terrible experiences of our fellow t-bhp members with Skoda A.S.S. They've been ripped and harrassed. I've paid 6750 per service. Plus the whole issue is not just cost of service but the whole experience. I have a RS which is truly a stunning machine but the workshop experience has reduced my drive to 50% in just 20000 kms of running. I'd rather shift brand with some reduced driving pleasure. Atleast i get some accountabilty from the dealer after spending 15 lacs.