Recommendations Thread

[mljchan]

What do forum members do when their car's hit or passed through its middle age?

My TDI's getting the 105k timing belt and oil change but it's apparently also due for an aircon regas & carbon filters service. It's 3yrs old.

The car needs new pads and machined rotors but I'm considering an upgrade rather than replacement, if it works out.

Who does this for you? Im in northern Sydney but open to recommendations.

worth giving derek a call at european autotech at mona vale. PM sent.

 

[Bizi]

Thanks, mljchan, for the answer and PM.

I don't 'need' an upgrade of the brakes, it is just something I figure might be worth doing, so I'll check back with some forum members.

Do forum members have experience with aircon servicing? Do you use a specialist or just have the VW dealer do it - and what's the difference? I was told the aircon servicing is two parts, the regas and the filters, so it may make more sense to have the dealer do it...unless you can recommend an aircon specialist for VAG cars.

 

[camerooney]

I know there are a few threads on different tyres and comparisons etc, but I can't find them at the moment. I probably will when after I post this haha.

Just wondering if anyone can recommend an all round good performing tyre for the stock GTI 17" rim. Bit confused with all the choices.

Price isn't really a factor (looking at under 1k) but I want something that grips and are decent wearing.

Thanks,
Cam

 

[camerooney]

Ok I found the thread.....knew I would eventually
http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37841

Would like the F1's but I need to get tyres very soon, so might look at Contis, Ecstas or Potenzas. Have to see what the availability and price is like. I think out of those 3 they're all pretty good.

 

[yengtsai]

gti

anyone have any recommendations on where to get body kits installed, or lowers painted in Melbourne?

 

[G-rig]

I know there are a few threads on different tyres and comparisons etc, but I can't find them at the moment. I probably will when after I post this haha.

Just wondering if anyone can recommend an all round good performing tyre for the stock GTI 17" rim. Bit confused with all the choices.

Price isn't really a factor (looking at under 1k) but I want something that grips and are decent wearing.

Thanks,
Cam

I'd go for F1 Asymmetrical, P-Zero (just P-Zero not nero) or Adrenalin RE050A for all rounders. Yokohama V103 could be good too.

 

[johno]

make sure you guys look at the production date on the tyres. you don't want something that's been sitting on the shelf for 6 months.

 

[RobGtSport]

make sure you guys look at the production date on the tyres. you don't want something that's been sitting on the shelf for 6 months.

thats a good tip cheers

 

[camerooney]

Thanks guys.

 

[camerooney]

After ringing around about 6 different tyre places in Wollongong/Shoalhaven area and having pretty much no luck finding any stock, I went with the Kumho Ecsta KU37's from Kays Tyres in Albion Park.

$199 a corner.
They're the new (quieter + improved) version of the KU31 I've been told.
http://kumhotyres.businesscatalyst.com/pcrku37.htm

So far, the handling is great and the ride is superb.

 

[Me!]

Thanks...

Anyone else have personal experience with the new TCCA then?

I got quoted about $300-$350 for 30,000kms change... And I asked how much could I get off if i were to do the engine oil and filter change myself.. still waiting for a reply.

Trying my luck once more here for recommendations for my next service... anyone have an suggestions? Been to any recently?

Thanks

 

[iluvbrownale]

Trying my luck once more here for recommendations for my next service... anyone have an suggestions? Been to any recently?

Thanks

Not Southern Classic! Apparently they have a new service guy there but it remains to be seen if they can get their shit together. I'm going to try Moss Vale next time and just borrow a car and spend some time drinking coffees and eating the awesome pies at Elephant Boy cafe in Bowral.

Was thinking McGrath in Sutho but I get put off cos it looks mostly like a Holden dealer with a shed for a VW sales area tacked on.

Saw your car the other day near Heathcote going south - had your wheels and some racks on the roof so assume it was you. Car looked good.

 

[GTI_SS]

spend some time drinking coffees and eating the awesome pies at Elephant Boy cafe in Bowral.

LOL! I'll recommend those pies! I ate lunch their yesterday. Great little place.

Alternatively give Derek @ European Autotech a call. Not sure how big a drive that is for you, but it's always worth the trip.

 

[camerooney]

Not Southern Classic! Apparently they have a new service guy there but it remains to be seen if they can get their shit together. I'm going to try Moss Vale next time and just borrow a car and spend some time drinking coffees and eating the awesome pies at Elephant Boy cafe in Bowral.

Was thinking McGrath in Sutho but I get put off cos it looks mostly like a Holden dealer with a shed for a VW sales area tacked on.

Saw your car the other day near Heathcote going south - had your wheels and some racks on the roof so assume it was you. Car looked good.

I had my last service there a few weeks ago and they were much better than previous times. Bit more organised, still not wonderful but the work was all carried out and covered under warranty with no problems and the guy at the service desk (I can't remember his name) was very good. No BS, straight to the point.

Mossvale I haven't been to, but a few times both Dad and I have sent emails to them regarding cars for sale (when I was looking for a GTI) and on about 5 occassions they never got back to us. I know sales + service are different departments but still....

Mona Vale is still a good trip up from Woonona. I'm going up to Derek's this Thursday to get my canbus installed, if I lived closer I would be taking my car to EA for any work to be done. But, its over 3 hours from Nowra to get up there...lol

 

[Me!]

Not Southern Classic! Apparently they have a new service guy there but it remains to be seen if they can get their shit together. I'm going to try Moss Vale next time and just borrow a car and spend some time drinking coffees and eating the awesome pies at Elephant Boy cafe in Bowral.

Was thinking McGrath in Sutho but I get put off cos it looks mostly like a Holden dealer with a shed for a VW sales area tacked on.

Saw your car the other day near Heathcote going south - had your wheels and some racks on the roof so assume it was you. Car looked good.

Thanks Mike! Yeah, i might be the only one with wheels and roofracks! haha! Or at least in this area..

Just an update.. i got a quote from Southern Classic for my 30,000kms - $540.. and they need my car for at least 3 hours..

Seems like there's a consensus on going to EA at Mona Vale as an alternative to dealerships... So i went there...

Cost $240
Time taken 1.5hours

Straight to the point, no bullshit work..I'll be going there for every service now.. hey, it's just once a year.. besides, i try to organise for things to be done in north of Sydney when i'm in the area - shop, eat, meet friends, etc..

So European Autotech has got another thumbs up from me for sure.