We just got our 06 VW NB Ragtop back from local VW Service Center. They had to replace the entire timing chain system (under warranty, thank God!) because a tensioner failed and the car 'jumped time'. I don't even want to know what that would have cost me! But while it was in the shop, they wanted to change the spark plugs because the car had nearly 60k on the odometer. I said okay. When I picked up the car yesterday (they had it for a week), the spark plugs were $15.46US each!!!!!!! I could have bought all 5 for that!!!!!

I told the Service Tech Writer that they ripped me off with that pricing, paid the bill and left. I also don't like the fact that all service shops, dealer or independent, always add a Shop Supplies Charge ($3.87US) for the rags, towels, hand cleaner, and whatever else they use while working on the vehicles. That surcharge always rubs me the wrong way!!!! They should just bury it in the mark-up somewhere so we as customers don't have this brought to our attention.

Hopefully, the plugs will wear the car out and I'll sell it before I have to change them again. By that time, I won't remember that those NGK's (with the VW/AUDI logo on them) were that expensive.