Hey guys I'm from the Sydney area, just moved here from Ontario, Canada with my wife. We just bought a 98 VW Golf CL Hatchback and I decided to find a local forum for some DIY tips.

I'm very disappointed in the prices here for service! I need to do an oil change and a general check up to see what's wrong with the car, but the prices are just outrageous. $180 for an oil change??

I owned an 04 Honda Civic back home and for a dealer oil change with safety check, lubing all joints, inspecting everything and topping up all fluids it was $40 taxes included. And it took 20 mins with no appointment.

I am shocked to see these prices, so if anyone can recommend places to go that area cheaper, I'm listening! For now I'm learning to change oil myself, but I need to service my rear brakes REAL soon!

Cheers, hope to get to know you people !!

PS: I travel to work to Wetheril Park daily so I know there are lots of service stations around, maybe it's cheaper out there??

Howdy Slawek, welcome to the fourm!!
Wow, $40 sounds very cheap! I would be questioning what they can do in 20min though? 10min would be spent getting the car in and out and filling in the paper work!
I'm in Brissy, but others in Sydney may be able to help with who may be cheaper and still give a reasonable service.
A '98 golf will be a nice car, and if your mechanically minded doing your own service is a good way to save!
Be sure to check out hte "watercooled" section of the forum also!

Welcome Slawek,sounds like you went to a dealer for service , have you tried Klaack Motors in Fairfield (02)97245901 or you could try over on the Watercooled forum
http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/ 

Thanks for the welcome.

Actually that's expensive. Paperwork takes about 30 seconds. This is what an oil change is supposed to be like.

If you go to a corner mechanic or "lube" place, they charge about $20-$25 for a warranty guaranteed oil change with OEM products.

Honestly this economy here is insane, just not used to it.

I need to buy a couple things.. my rear wiper arm is broken, and I'm worried I'll need it fixed for rego inspection.

Also my rear driver tail light (right side) is broken, and I need to replace this too. Does anyone have any of these products or know where to get them? I called some mechanic to find it for me, $200 for the tail light and $120 for the rear wiper arm.. I laughed and hung up.

Do a search for Camden GTI over here at Campbelltown ,the owners name is Matt,he`s usually wrecking later model golfs etc

welcome canuck..

Welcome Slawek, i understand your dissapointment, i worked in Canada last year and you guys have Quick oil change centres everywhere. But $180 is too steep for an oil change, i got a mk 4 gti golf and i do all that stuff myself, VW charge the most for a service.

Damo.

Can't help you in the mechanics division but just wanted to say welcome to Oz and the forum! Are you and your wife going to Valla?