Capt. Mike
Moderator
I just got a nice kick in the teeth from Bentley. Mom bought a new 2003 Jetta TDI. I went to order the shop manual and they don't have one. It's 3 months from the 2004 models and they still don't have a 2003 manual! Their argument -- you can buy it on the CD VW supplies its dealers. So I guess we're supposed to carry a computer and power supply in the trunk when we go on a trip. I have a computer, but it's not in my shop; Mom doesn't even have one.
Of course the profit margin is higher on the CD -- they cost a couple bucks to manufacture vs. the printing costs of a book. Yet they charge 20% more! Apparently having current editions for the owner and smaller shop isn't high on their priority.
I asked if they would provide the supplement or update pages if I bought a 2002 manual and it was "No." I must buy a new manual, which they would 'discount'. But they aren't discounting the obsolete manual.
VW, are you listening?
Of course the profit margin is higher on the CD -- they cost a couple bucks to manufacture vs. the printing costs of a book. Yet they charge 20% more! Apparently having current editions for the owner and smaller shop isn't high on their priority.
I asked if they would provide the supplement or update pages if I bought a 2002 manual and it was "No." I must buy a new manual, which they would 'discount'. But they aren't discounting the obsolete manual.
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