Changing Dealers

bagel.rhodes · Aug 30, 2021

Just wondering if anyone has changed their dealers a short way in. I’m really not impressed with the person I’m dealing with, he knows nothing about the van, could not open the roof or work out the awning. I’ve ordered the van but now I‘m chasing him for updates, I know it’s going to be a long time. It’s now 7 weeks without an update and when I email him he phones and says i should stop worrying, it’s normal. I just don’t know if he really knows. I’ve read on this group some great dealers, wished I had done my homework before, and just wondered if there was anything to do about it.

It just makes me nervous that a lot of money is going through someone who has no knowledge of the Beach I’ve ordered and the process it’s going through.

Manic · Aug 30, 2021

The grass is not always greener I went with a dealer which is often praised on this site and had a terrible experience.

WelshGas · Aug 30, 2021

bagel.rhodes said:
Just wondering if anyone has changed their dealers a short way in. I’m really not impressed with the person I’m dealing with, he knows nothing about the van, could not open the roof or work out the awning. I’ve ordered the van but now I‘m chasing him for updates, I know it’s going to be a long time. It’s now 7 weeks without an update and when I email him he phones and says i should stop worrying, it’s normal. I just don’t know if he really knows. I’ve read on this group some great dealers, wished I had done my homework before, and just wondered if there was anything to do about it.

It just makes me nervous that a lot of money is going through someone who has no knowledge of the Beach I’ve ordered and the process it’s going through.

7 weeks, some have waited 7 months for a call from the Dealership.

New T6.1 order delays

Hi all. So we took the plunge earlier in the year, threw caution to the wind, ignored the eye-watering price tag and ordered a T6.1 California a couple of weeks before lock-down from VW vans (Liverpool). Since then there have been a number of delays and further delays in the delivery date...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Ladymuck · Aug 30, 2021

I wouldn't worry about it, I wasn't particularly impressed with my sales person but he had left before the van arrived ! Which dealer are you with ?

BigJohn · Aug 30, 2021

I'm afraid that is pretty normal - we're with a dealer considered good around here and when we placed the order he was knowledgeable about the vehicle, but in 5.5 months we've never had a pro-active update on the order - I email every couple of months and he gets straight back to me the same day. I have no experience, but I doubt they would be happy about losing a sale to another dealer - I wouldn't think they would get the commission if they don't close the final deal.

Dassy1308 · Aug 30, 2021

@bagel.rhodes As per @Ladymuck i wouldn’t be too concerned. You have to deal with the sales guy for only one transaction.

The real fun starts later trying to find a good aftersales and service operation.

bagel.rhodes · Aug 31, 2021

Well it’s good to hear that other people are not having proactive contact. Just because it sells itself why provide such awful service. I work for a company that sells without selling, in fact one of those there provide chips, but we try harder because we want to be leaders still in 10 years. It seems very lazy, not to know how to put up a roof, open an awning, show someone around with pride and then update them on a 70K GBP by seems nuts. Like Estate Agents. It will be marvellous when it arrives.
Thanks though.

SusiBus · Aug 31, 2021

Welcome to the Cali family and all the aggravation it can sometimes bring. Like you we live in that beautiful little village of Watford, that nestles between the M1 and the M25. Although having had quite a few California's over the years, we have found it difficult finding a dealer anywhere near Watford that provides what I would consider a satisfactory service.
Probably the best so far is Breeze in Poole, followed by SMG Tonbridge.
As for updates, I think generally that is something that most purchases find it impossible to get unless you chase the dealer up continually.
As we both live in Watford, I'm more than willing to discuss the subject at length over a cup or glass and something if you'd like to get in contact.

G3WRT · Sep 5, 2021

bagel.rhodes said:
Just wondering if anyone has changed their dealers a short way in. I’m really not impressed with the person I’m dealing with, he knows nothing about the van, could not open the roof or work out the awning. I’ve ordered the van but now I‘m chasing him for updates, I know it’s going to be a long time. It’s now 7 weeks without an update and when I email him he phones and says i should stop worrying, it’s normal. I just don’t know if he really knows. I’ve read on this group some great dealers, wished I had done my homework before, and just wondered if there was anything to do about it.

It just makes me nervous that a lot of money is going through someone who has no knowledge of the Beach I’ve ordered and the process it’s going through.

the truth is you have to educate the dealer. They sell so few they know nowt. You know more. When it comes to the engine and all that then I hope!!!! they do know what they are doing.??? certainly hope so, but once the warranty gone then all bets off.... Water and anything else then you know more for sure. Thats the reality.

GrumpyGranddad · Sep 5, 2021

bagel.rhodes said:
Just wondering if anyone has changed their dealers a short way in. I’m really not impressed with the person I’m dealing with, he knows nothing about the van, could not open the roof or work out the awning. I’ve ordered the van but now I‘m chasing him for updates, I know it’s going to be a long time. It’s now 7 weeks without an update and when I email him he phones and says i should stop worrying, it’s normal. I just don’t know if he really knows. I’ve read on this group some great dealers, wished I had done my homework before, and just wondered if there was anything to do about it.

It just makes me nervous that a lot of money is going through someone who has no knowledge of the Beach I’ve ordered and the process it’s going through.

Doubt you’ll get regular updates from any dealer. I’d stick with them and once you have your van you can choose who you use for servicing etc.

Ozzy Pete · Sep 5, 2021

We had exactly the same experience with Sinclairs Cardiff. They knew absolutely nothing about the VW California, but that was 6 years ago so hopefully they have learned something in that time.

Ozzy Pete · Sep 5, 2021

Ozzy Pete said:
We had exactly the same experience with Sinclairs Cardiff. They knew absolutely nothing about the VW California, but that was 6 years ago so hopefully they have learned something in that time.

And yet 90% on here will always say “I always take my van to VW “. But imagine independent specialists know 10 times more than VW.

WelshGas · Sep 5, 2021

Ozzy Pete said:
We had exactly the same experience with Sinclairs Cardiff. They knew absolutely nothing about the VW California, but that was 6 years ago so hopefully they have learned something in that time.

They haven't. That's why I travel to Hereford.

Arees1969 · Sep 6, 2021

Swansea were good.

Ozzy Pete · Sep 6, 2021

Arees1969 said:
Swansea were good.

I think Gorseinon have taken over the California sales from Cardiff. I know the Manager in the body shop and they do a fairly good job.

Arees1969 · Sep 6, 2021

Yes, bought my new Beach from there, all good

bagel.rhodes · Sep 14, 2021

Ladymuck said:
I wouldn't worry about it, I wasn't particularly impressed with my sales person but he had left before the van arrived ! Which dealer are you with ?

Colindale North London. Still no updates now 2 months in. Not moved at all. I’ve given up calling him.

bagel.rhodes · Sep 14, 2021

SusiBus said:
Welcome to the Cali family and all the aggravation it can sometimes bring. Like you we live in that beautiful little village of Watford, that nestles between the M1 and the M25. Although having had quite a few California's over the years, we have found it difficult finding a dealer anywhere near Watford that provides what I would consider a satisfactory service.
Probably the best so far is Breeze in Poole, followed by SMG Tonbridge.
As for updates, I think generally that is something that most purchases find it impossible to get unless you chase the dealer up continually.
As we both live in Watford, I'm more than willing to discuss the subject at length over a cup or glass and something if you'd like to get in contact.

Very happy to have a glass and discuss woes of waiting

SusiBus said:
Welcome to the Cali family and all the aggravation it can sometimes bring. Like you we live in that beautiful little village of Watford, that nestles between the M1 and the M25. Although having had quite a few California's over the years, we have found it difficult finding a dealer anywhere near Watford that provides what I would consider a satisfactory service.
Probably the best so far is Breeze in Poole, followed by SMG Tonbridge.
As for updates, I think generally that is something that most purchases find it impossible to get unless you chase the dealer up continually.
As we both live in Watford, I'm more than willing to discuss the subject at length over a cup or glass and something if you'd like to get in contact.