Q: Assuming a non-dealer shop would be cheaper, how much should they charge? Any other options besides selling? Thanks!
A: Get a detailed invoice of what has to be done. Some items are replaced in order to keep the car in top shape. Like for example, an O sensor before goes bad or send wrong signals. They are not cheap though. Labor is the killer. An independent shop is cheaper, but do they know what has to be done? That is the thing. On the Audi VW dealers, they might have some items that might still working fine, but is a reliability and accuracy issue that has to be replaced. If you drove the crap out of your car, part of the inspection are suspension parts, they are expensive to fix, other is the Timing Belt if you have one. If you do not replace it, might break and you end up with a destroyed engine that cost way more. If you ever get the chance to live in Germany and take a car from here, most cars does not pass inspection. German "DOT" is very meticulous and picky with the cars on their roads. Rust is not allowed on the cars. So is pretty normal that MB, BMW, VW Audi they have a rigorous tight inspections and calls for parts replacements to ensure a vehicle in top shape. That is why they are such a great cars, but they do come at a price.