Getting fedup with VW service

[Sp0_0k]

So sad at the moment. I just collected the VAN from the service.
The elbow holder was broken. No idea how to prove now that it was fine. All the new carpets are dirty as crap.
Charged for unimaginable nonsense like windshield fluid, coolant, diesel, fuel cleaning fluid and other nonsense like charging the battery. I have checked all those and refilled before giving the vehicle to service.
I am done with official VW services.

 

[paradise city]

That sounds awful.
The only reason I go to VW for services is for proof of work done for when it's time to resell. I had a problem selling an old Golf once because I had the timing belt done in an independent garage.

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

 

[Hotel California]

If they broke things they should solve it imo.
The things like checking all sorts of fluids are always on the list and i think they always chargd the minimum ammout to fill as they probally need to try and top up every fluid while checking , not that i agree doh ! I always fill up windscreenwash up front and usual see it also on the bill....
But charging batteries ?
I'am happy with my VW services/dealer (in Holland)
There are good dealers , you need to find one !
Was the bill that big compared to other sevices ?

 

[Meoncoast]

I am personally very happy with the service I have had from my local VW dealer. I believe I get honest and transparent service from Breeze Totton. This is not only in work carried out but in how my van is carried out but in how the van is looked after while in. I think it about finding a service centre you trust whether it is a VW van centre or an independent. If I moved I would travel for service if I had a major breakdown while away I think I would rather cut it short and get my van to a trusted dealer rather than have a hit and miss experience. Sad for your poor experience, it is clear not all service centres are the same. A van is only as good as the back up you get.

 

[Redrick Esq.]

Most big maker dealers are the same

When my Audi goes into Audi i specify at check in that the washer bottle is full and i do not require diesel cleaner etc etc
If it is on the bill at collection i refuse to pay it and draw their attention to my instructions at drop off

It has worked so far as they have then deducted the cost wracking items from the bill

As for charging money to charge a battery on a vehicle that has clearly got there under its own steam and starts as it should well that is just a joke and i would be demanding to see the dealer principle

 

[Sp0_0k]

When asked about the battery, they mentioned that the vehicle is standing longer time for "diagnostics"
but this vehicle is designed to stay on batteries for a pretty long time.. I've seen that charge battery in the past but it was covered by VW. They probably don't pay this nonsense to the dealer anymore.
Also charged diagnostics..
I am kinda fine they charge x4 for oils but trying to rip off on other stuff so shamelessly adding to that.
They even planned to clean the side windows at an extra charge which I mentioned is nonsense and I do that regularly anyway.
900eur total bill

 

[Sp0_0k]

What mostly pissed off my wife how they left a mess on the carpets. It was just put there pretty new and shiny.
And they put covers on seats which I don't really care about with our waterproof protection on them.

 

[Hotel California]

Thats shameless ! You need to go back and sort it out with them ....

 

[Legin]

They shouldnt worry about cleaning the windows what about the carpets. A disgrace.

 

[ArunAlec]

Trouble is, unless you are lucky there’s no competition. I assume that VW have to agree geographical catchments with each dealership so unless you are prepared to travel you’re stuck.

 

[Meoncoast]

Looking at the mess of your rear floor I think we are lucky the California has no on board toilet. However why did they need to go into the rear of your van during a service.

 

[Digger]

Seems a complaint to VW would be in order. Where is this dealership based so we can all avoid?

 

[WelshGas]

Seems a complaint to VW would be in order. Where is this dealership based so we can all avoid?

Uhh, not in the U.K., so you are quit safe. In fact the Czech Republic.

 

[Sp0_0k]

Looking at the mess of your rear floor I think we are lucky the California has no on board toilet. However why did they need to go into the rear of your van during a service.

Were fixing the side door handle. Weren't bright enough to throw some cover sadly. Yes it is CR and worse going to Germany to service which is cheaper and less crap like that.

 

[Seaview]

What mostly pissed off my wife how they left a mess on the carpets. It was just put there pretty new and shiny.
And they put covers on seats which I don't really care about with our waterproof protection on them.

Understandably, you and your wife are upset I would be too. Sorry this has happened to you.

 

[sapto]

Sorry to hear!

 

[Paulro]

Seems a complaint to VW would be in order. Where is this dealership based so we can all avoid?

Waste of time and energy, and it’s not easy. I’ve been wrangling with vw for work I had done by a main dealer in Spain. Heritage in Bristol identified poor workmanship and vw warrants their workmanship for a year. However, as a result of the faulty workmanship (a crushed gasket) I was experiencing carbon monoxide in the cabin, so much so that it became impossible to drive other than with the fans switched off and windows fully open.
VW customer services accepted the fault but said I had to drive it back to Spain, 1000 miles to argue with the Spanish Main dealer.
Trying to reach the MD is as difficult as reaching the moon. Really frustrating.
The state of those carpets would certainly get my blood boiling. Disgraceful.

 

[Amarillo]

Waste of time and energy, and it’s not easy. I’ve been wrangling with vw for work I had done by a main dealer in Spain. Heritage in Bristol identified poor workmanship and vw warrants their workmanship for a year. However, as a result of the faulty workmanship (a crushed gasket) I was experiencing carbon monoxide in the cabin, so much so that it became impossible to drive other than with the fans switched off and windows fully open.
VW customer services accepted the fault but said I had to drive it back to Spain, 1000 miles to argue with the Spanish Main dealer.
Trying to reach the MD is as difficult as reaching the moon. Really frustrating.
The state of those carpets would certainly get my blood boiling. Disgraceful.

That's pretty shoddy of VW. How can they expect you to drive all the way back to Spain to have the error corrected. I can understand VW UK saying that the fault lies with the franchise dealer in another country, but I would expect them to take up the battle with the Spanish dealer on your behalf.

 

[Cali1]

Vw at the moment seem to pass blame where ever.
My van went for the roof to be repaired, on return the roof is bent, I have large gashes in the rear of the roof.
VW and VW snows Plymouth have decided they can’t pinpoint the blame so won’t do anything.
They have lost the Original photos of the van before it went for repair.
I’ve been with VW for 18 years, no longer will I use their service or buy another vehicle I am keeping the Cali because I love it and nothing out there at the moment that does what it does.
Of course this has gone to legal due to it bern approx 6 grand or damage.
Very shoddy dealer/Customer service and paint shop.

 

[jessecampervan]

Vw at the moment seem to pass blame where ever.
My van went for the roof to be repaired, on return the roof is bent, I have large gashes in the rear of the roof.
VW and VW snows Plymouth have decided they can’t pinpoint the blame so won’t do anything.
They have lost the Original photos of the van before it went for repair.
I’ve been with VW for 18 years, no longer will I use their service or buy another vehicle I am keeping the Cali because I love it and nothing out there at the moment that does what it does.
Of course this has gone to legal due to it bern approx 6 grand or damage.
Very shoddy dealer/Customer service and paint shop.

Write to HQ Germany explaining your position and disappointment. I don’t think Germany have a clue what’s going on in the UK. We had similar (actually worse damage) which was resolved only after explaining everything in writing to German HQ. If you get no joy take your complaint to The Motor Ombudsman, something we are still persuing given the horrendous treatment we received too. I know it’s a bother/pain but VW cannot be allowed to get away with this level of workmanship. All the best

 

[Cali1]

Hi Jessecampervan,thanks for the advice, do you have any contact e mail I could write to in Germany?
thanks

 

[Velma's Dad]

Trouble is, unless you are lucky there’s no competition. I assume that VW have to agree geographical catchments with each dealership so unless you are prepared to travel you’re stuck.

Just catching up with this thread. Sounds like Sp0_0k had a particularly bad experience. However I'm afraid I've just stopped using any main dealers for any cars(/vans) nowadays. They've progressively built bigger and bling-ier showrooms (now with special 'reveal rooms' for new car handovers, for f***'s sake) and they've progressively jacked up the servicing charges to cover their over-inflated overheads.

I now take our van to a VW independent, who seems to do a completely satisfactory job for half what the main dealers want to charge. Last week I had a call from a dealership, a "courtesy call" (right) to say one of our cars was coming up for MOT and would I like to book it in... no not at your prices my good man... well sir we'll price match any independent's servicing costs. Meaning: we'll happily rip you off with stratospheric prices UNLESS you negotiate, in which case we'll do it for half the rate. I guess that business model works for them, but it doesn't for me.

Last week in a weak moment - you know, the excitement of the election and everything - I didn't deter Mrs VD from booking her Audi in for its first service with the dealer. Ended up £366.42 for an oil change and "inspection service" (ie shine a torch round under the car). And on her way out she had the service department agent pestering her for a 5-star review "so it will still be me here next time you come in". Sorry mate but...

 

[jessecampervan]

Hi Jessecampervan,thanks for the advice, do you have any contact e mail I could write to in Germany?
thanks

Was quite remarkable how things moved on once we made contact with HQ.
If you ping me an email I’ll send over the letter that we received from them. fancett@me.com
Regards
Kevin

 

[Borris]

Just catching up with this thread. Sounds like Sp0_0k had a particularly bad experience. However I'm afraid I've just stopped using any main dealers for any cars(/vans) nowadays. They've progressively built bigger and bling-ier showrooms (now with special 'reveal rooms' for new car handovers, for f***'s sake) and they've progressively jacked up the servicing charges to cover their over-inflated overheads.

I now take our van to a VW independent, who seems to do a completely satisfactory job for half what the main dealers want to charge. Last week I had a call from a dealership, a "courtesy call" (right) to say one of our cars was coming up for MOT and would I like to book it in... no not at your prices my good man... well sir we'll price match any independent's servicing costs. Meaning: we'll happily rip you off with stratospheric prices UNLESS you negotiate, in which case we'll do it for half the rate. I guess that business model works for them, but it doesn't for me.

Last week in a weak moment - you know, the excitement of the election and everything - I didn't deter Mrs VD from booking her Audi in for its first service with the dealer. Ended up £366.42 for an oil change and "inspection service" (ie shine a torch round under the car). And on her way out she had the service department agent pestering her for a 5-star review "so it will still be me here next time you come in". Sorry mate but...

I generally use the dealer servicing if still within warranty, especially as I have usually bought a cheap service package. However Mrs Bs Skoda is now five years old and now out of warranty. For any vehicle like this I've always done the basic servicing myself leaving things like Cam belt change and DSG servicing to the main dealer. Having priced these things up and shopped around I have discovered that their fixed price menu servicing can often be quite competitive. There was once a time when I would have attempted that sort if thing myself but not anymore. These days I just can't be +÷$€d.

Unfortunately, the manufactures now seem to be doing every thing they can to ensure you take your car to their dealerships for even basic servicing. Not giving owners a basic servicing booklet with detailed servicing schedule now seems commonplace. They prefer electronic service schedules which they own and protect. Two main agent Skoda dealerships even refused to tell me how to reset the service indicator!

 

[MattBW]

A dealer is only as good as its worst employee sadly