Worcester / Droitwich - Listers

We called in here today and spoke with Tom who seemed very knowledgeable on the SE Berghaus he showed us around. Whilst we were pretty clued up it was good to see a Cali close up! As I have said elsewhere they had 3 in stock but as it was precipitating quite heavily we opted for the showroom model. Tom was very patient and answered all our stupid questions with authority.

This was our first look so we will visit another dealer or two to balance up what was said and costs!!

We called into Listers Worcester yesterday and spoke to Richard regarding the purchase of a new California. He was very knowledgable around the specification and really helped us understand the benifits to some of the options we are deciding on. We had a very detailed walk around a California by Richard which was really nice to have and by someone who was quite clearly passionate about the California. We have visited other California dealers and never even offered a test drive yet within 20 mins of arriving at Listers, Richard had us driving a California. We have chosen to go for a California SE 180ps manual in reflex silver with a few options. We are both really excited about going to order the van next week, he gave us the keenest price compared with quotes we have had from other dealers, so will definately be placing our order with them. Pictures to follow when we take delivery of our new adventure.......

It's always nice to find a passionate sales person.

Some sales people don't always understand the options list in terms of usefulness as an owner so it may be worth running your thoughts past the very knowledgable gang here for a second opinion.

For example if it were me then for £300 the 3rd seat is a no brainer.

I couldn't agree more

We also met Richard when we were looking for our Cali and he was by far the most knowledgeable and helpful salesman that we met

We have just taken delivery of a new Cali from Listers at Worcester, and I can agree with all that is said before, I worked in the motor trade years ago, but they gave a level of service and a good customer experience that was beyond my expectations. I would recommend the dealership to anyone they were top draw.

I was told by Listers coventry that they are no longer California dealers from 2014 ?

I have just picked up my new Cali SE from Listers Worcester (the Commercial Vans section of the business (and hence Cali's) moved down the road to Droitwich a month ago). They were excellent - friendly, knowledgable, welcoming and made the whole final stage of the process of buying a new van a pleasure. Would happily recommend them.

Just placed my Beach order with Michael Burns at Listers Worcs - he has done me a good deal on the price and looking forward to hearing confirmation and delivery dates. Aiming for reg 1/3/16 - fingers crossed

We purchased our Beach earlier this year from Listers Worcester (now in Droitwich)
We did have a few minor issues with the Cali when we went to pick it up but can only say that every thing was dealt with superbly. The service department there is excellent they have California trained mechanics, Dale is very professional and very knowledgable about all things Cali and would recommend them without hesitation.

Bought our Cali Ocean 150 DSG from Listers Droitwich. Very happy with the service. Two members of staff have extensive Cali knowledge. We dealt with Michael, who was knowledgeable and attentive. Handover was detailed and thorough. There were a few minor issues, which they sorted with no prompting. Recommended.


Charles

I bought Alfie from Listers. It was a pre-reg, ready built, just arrived in the country.

No problems with communications, Rob, the Sales person, was very quick and very helpful when coming back.

There was plenty of confusion though as to what was actually on the van. In the end I opted to just get it home and do the check myself, finding out the tyres were not what was quoted, there were no keys for the water cap and a few other bits were different. However I have the ever helpful service team at SMG Cowfold local to me who helped me out.

Original Review From @Erbster

Took my new Ocean to them for a warranty repair. Awful comms- contradictory information from receptionists, multiple failures to return call. Very hard to speak to anyone who can help. Adequate outcome of work, but made dreadful mess of interior floor and left masking tape in place. I was offered a free valet but have now lost confidence and will likely use another dealer for my service, even though this will be much further away, because I that they will treat our vehicle like a builders van.

I was trying to add my review to the dealer review page but encountered issues. I was then asked to add it to this page.

23/11/2017 Droitwich Van Centre:

Placed an order with Lister's in late October 2016 an collected a new California Ocean from them in May 2017. Probably the most soul destroying purchase of my life. I feel the dealer was overly optimistic on delivery dates and should have been more upfront and realistic.
Contacted them about 6 to 8 weeks ago about trying to obtain a VW data plug, which according to the VW web site was free. Clearly the message didn't get to Droitwich and they said they had to talk to the area manager first and would get back to me. Gave up in the end and went to a local dealer in person and collected one without any fuss. Still waiting to hear back from Lister's.

Slightly off topic, but what's a VW data plug....?
And do I need one?

I must speak as I find with Listers + Droitwich. My T6 Highline Kombi came from them albeit as a pre-registration purchase which was handled well by Rob Male. Since then the vehicle has been back for minor warranty work and Ann (Service reception) was most particular in keeping us updated. I specifically requested MWB Crafter as the courtesy vehicle for two days (Long term test for a future conversion) which was met with out question.
The master technician that looked into my warranty claim quickly agreed with obscure problems and has communicated very well.

Rod

thehorse said:

Slightly off topic, but what's a VW data plug....?
And do I need one?

Click to expand...

Similar to a butt plug, Google is your friend

Submitted by @Robert Green


Dealer Review

VW California Club Forum
Just under a year ago I bought privately a 2010 California T5 SE TDI 180 (CFCA) DSG with 20k miles, a full service history and an AA examination with a clean bill of engine health.
After collecting, and after about an hours driving home at motorway speeds the DPF light came on with a formidable “ping”. This was to be a re-occurring nightmare for the next five thousand miles - on every journey exceeding one hour.
I brought forward the annual service date, reporting the repeated DPF alarms to the VW Listers van dealer in Droitwich. Nothing untoward could be found. The symptoms continue all last summer with repeat visits to VW Listers to no avail.
The crescendo of the experience was last September returning from Alicante and experiencing “limp” mode half way between Zaragosa and Pamploma but managing nevertheless to make Bilbao and home.
When back, I again reported to VW Listers and that I thought that my oil consumption was higher than I would have expected, of around 1000 miles per litre - could that be linked?
Suggested, was an accurate oil test by removing the engine oil, weighing and then re-filling. Then driving 600 miles – removing oil again and re-weighing. The result was that the oil consumption, accurately measured was outside the VW guidance for a vehicle with low mileage and having a full service history. The solution would be a replacement engine and diesel particulate filter, which, may be supported by VW evidently.
I asked Listers to negotiate with VW on my behalf – the result being that I have paid just over 40% of the whole cost.
Obviously I would have preferred not to have had to face up to this sum, but feel that as VW and Listers have funded over 50% on what is now a seven year old van, that the result was a reasonably fair one.
The oil consumption review was on the Monday, as was the agreement on the remedy. By Tuesday lunchtime the old engine was on the floor and the new unit with auto box fitted along side. I drove away on the Friday with a two-year warrantee. I also choose to fund water pump and cam belt replacement. After a soul-searching wobble, I also decided to replace the turbo charger.
In retrospect; I feel very disappointed that it was necessary to replace an engine from a quality manufacturer, effectively at twenty thousand miles, but am grateful for Listers efforts to recover the situation, and would commend Listers Droitwich to other VW van owners.
Update - 17 June. Just returned from Spain 2500 miles, engine and van brilliant. MPG increased from 28 with old engine to 40 plus with new unit. Tick, tick, tick!