Anyone able to review MOTUS Stoke VW Van Centre?

[KevH]

I have had my van just short of 18 months from almost new and it is heading back to the dealership on Friday for the 4th time. As that involves an 80 miles round trip I am looking for a good alternative that is much closer to my home.
So, has anyone used the Stoke Van Centre that trades as MOTUS? (Please PM me if you want to review privately.)
Or maybe you can recommend another VW Van Centre that is within say 25 miles of Stoke?

Many thanks.

 

[The Little Red Cali]

Hi Kev. I’m not far from you and Stoke is my local garage. The chap I work for has a transporter T6 and has had loads of problems with them. The negative reviews online seem to back this up. My Cali needs its first service in 3k miles and I’ll be taking it to Liverpool which is about an hour away from junction 15. Also if you have any camping side problems then it’s probably better to take it to a main Cali dealer and get them sorted at the same time.

 

[Toby of Duky.]

I have used them for the vans first annual service. Loan van and service completed as requested. Don't expect any frills as its a non California dealer. I'll use them again no problem.

 

[KevH]

Hi Kev. I’m not far from you and Stoke is my local garage. The chap I work for has a transporter T6 and has had loads of problems with them. The negative reviews online seem to back this up. My Cali needs its first service in 3k miles and I’ll be taking it to Liverpool which is about an hour away from junction 15. Also if you have any camping side problems then it’s probably better to take it to a main Cali dealer and get them sorted at the same time.

Very helpful, thanks.
I hadn’t considered Liverpool but on reflection it is a straightforward drive AND is a Cali workshop, as you say. Isn’t this the home of California Chris?
Cheers.

 

[KevH]

I have used them for the vans first annual service. Loan van and service completed as requested. Don't expect any frills as it’s a non California dealer. I'll use them again no problem.

Again, very helpful. I have only visited once, for a bolt for the spare wheel holder Ona previous van, and found them off hand and disinterested, hence my hesitation to trust them with my Cali.
Maybe useful for ‘Van’ stuff but not for habitation issues…hmm (scratching chin).

 

[Algor]

I have had my van just short of 18 months from almost new and it is heading back to the dealership on Friday for the 4th time. As that involves an 80 miles round trip I am looking for a good alternative that is much closer to my home.
So, has anyone used the Stoke Van Centre that trades as MOTUS? (Please PM me if you want to review privately.)
Or maybe you can recommend another VW Van Centre that is within say 25 miles of Stoke?

Many thanks.

I had my Coast serviced there a couple of times, they also handled a couple of recalls and a faulty power latch on the tailgate. Never had a problem. The loan vehicles were always panel vans but that never bothered me.

 

[KevH]

I had my Coast serviced there a couple of times, they also handled a couple of recalls and a faulty power latch on the tailgate. Never had a problem. The loan vehicles were always panel vans but that never bothered me.

Cheers, that is helpful, you seem to suggest that they are ok for ‘van’ stuff. Do you know whether they have/had any specific Cali expertise?

 

[OceanView2023]

It's a bit further to travel, but is VW Manchester Group 1 (Trafford Park) an option? I had my 2023 Ocean serviced there in January & they replaced the bellows with the 06 version & they also replaced the faulty rear a/c unit

 

[KevH]

It's a bit further to travel, but is VW Manchester Group 1 (Trafford Park) an option? I had my 2023 Ocean serviced there in January & they replaced the bellows with the 06 version & they also replaced the faulty rear a/c unit

It’s certainly worth considering, thanks.
Did you specifically ask for the bellows replacement as a result of actual leaks, or was it offered regardless? I have a MY23 with no bellows issues so far, but I always get nervous when it rains

 

[Trudi]

I bought mine from Liverpool 2021 new. I've always used them. Dont mind the travel. I'm Sandbach so an easy trip up the m6. Sorted a few minor problems without any hassle.
Yes California Chris was based there but splits his time between there and Wrexham if that's any easier.

 

[Kali the Kampa]

Yes, currently using motus for the front assisted cruise control sensor. Usual VW dealer prices (cost £300 for a diagnostic to be told what I already told them!) but they do know their way around a van. They won’t do anything related to the camping aspect of the van - but no complaints about the work or customer service. Going forward after reading the threads on here think I will stick with a Cali dealer though

 

[OceanView2023]

It’s certainly worth considering, thanks.
Did you specifically ask for the bellows replacement as a result of actual leaks, or was it offered regardless? I have a MY23 with no bellows issues so far, but I always get nervous when it rains

My bellows were 03s. I had a video and photos of leaks and I asked for the 06. They only had 05 in stock but I said the updated version was the 06 & that was the only version I wanted for the replacement. It was booked in for a few days so I don't know what tests they did but they ordered in an 06 & swapped it over.

Just for info, for you or anyone else reading, its about a 15 min walk to the nearest tram stop from the garage & the tram can then link you to the Trafford Centre, Manchester Piccadilly & other stations & the city centre.

 

[tedgina]

It's a bit further to travel, but is VW Manchester Group 1 (Trafford Park) an option? I had my 2023 Ocean serviced there in January & they replaced the bellows with the 06 version & they also replaced the faulty rear a/c unit

Had our California serviced there late last year .A major service but when i checked the work they had not changed the air filter. I rang to complain and i picked up the air filter and put it in myself ,lost confidence with them now.

 

[KevH]

Had our California serviced there late last year .A major service but when i checked the work they had not changed the air filter. I rang to complain and i picked up the air filter and put it in myself ,lost confidence with them now.

Oo, not good enough. Hopefully a one-off.
Choosing a workshop is like opening a can of worms, it seems.

 

[OceanView2023]

Had our California serviced there late last year .A major service but when i checked the work they had not changed the air filter. I rang to complain and i picked up the air filter and put it in myself ,lost confidence with them now.

Interesting to know, I wouldn't have thought to double check that

 

[tedgina]

Interesting to know, I wouldn't have thought to double check that

i only noticed it because the air filter box still had dust on it i would expect finger marks or a clean area there.Also it might be just coincidence that a windscreen washer pipe came off from the washer bottle within 100 miles after the service.

 

[Algor]

Cheers, that is helpful, you seem to suggest that they are ok for ‘van’ stuff. Do you know whether they have/had any specific Cali expertise?

I never had any habitat work done but they said they can and have done it. I think if I had needed that I would have gone to Liverpool just to be safe but that is the only thing that is Cali specific to my mind.