Golf R Coolant Leak

[Converse2020]

Just had VW main dealer garage diagnose that my 2015 72k mile U.K. Golf R has a minor thermostat housing leak and they have quoted £946 to repair. No warning signs yet but coolant has dropped and they showed photo with signs of leaking.

From my googling this seems to be a common issue and the price is about the going rate but can anyone advise if an Independent in / around York (U.K) that has done this for much less ?

And - if anyone has paid similar with VW does this price include the water pump or is just the thermostat housing ? I need to call back in the morning to get more details from dealer and decide yes or no , so hoping to get a better understanding this evening before I talk to them.

[brightmotiv]

Bad luck OP - coolant leak is a known issue on mk7 - I was quoted £692 for this at York VW in 2020 as my thermostat housing was leaking - luckily it was under warranty. Inflation may mean that is the going rate. Could try Vastech in Harrogate, Smashing VW in Leeds, or Roger Holmes in York?

[Converse2020]

Thanks for the suggestions. I’ll see if I can get an idea of price from the two indies.
I’m hoping the higher price I’ve got is because it includes the water pump as well. Will find out in the morning.

[Shanny]

Might be a bit far but Gareth at Vag Autocare knows his stuff and his rates are very good.

http://www.vagautocareservices.co.uk/

[Dr G]

Converse2020 said:

Thanks for the suggestions. I’ll see if I can get an idea of price from the two indies.
I’m hoping the higher price I’ve got is because it includes the water pump as well. Will find out in the morning.

You do the lot together, the thermostat is redesigned from the original to prevent future leaking. Not sure if the water pump is revised also but it may well be to suit the new thermostat. There's a couple of O-rings and a little belt renewed at the same time.

As already mentioned a good indy should save you a couple of hundred quid.

[Converse2020]

Just to update the thread.

VW agreed to price match and including the water pump the price was around £850 - still a very large amount (on top of a service).

[stevemcs]

Very common, yes you do the whole lot as well as the o rings at the back, usually 3 hours ish plus parts so around £600

[Converse2020]

VW said I did not need to have the waterpump replaced but did do it after I asked. Two other garages both said they would not do it without the water pump as otherwise I would likely be back in a few months.

[stevemcs]

We wouldn't do it without either, you have to take it out to change the thermostat and although the waterpump isn't cheap the labour would be exactly the same so its false economy to do so.