Our prescious Cali has been rear ended

[Embomaggiepie]

Sorry not sure if this is the right section to post in but just wondered whether anyone has been in an accident with their Cali. We were driving our T6 home last week when someone rear ended us at traffic lights. The other car was a write off! It is going to a garage that specialises in VW vans to be repaired but we are concerned that they won’t know much about cali’s. Probably being over the top with worry, but our van is quite highly spec’d and all the sensors etc are broken, the spare wheel seems mangled underneath and we can’t open the boot to check the internal structure and the chairs. Just looking for any support or advice.

 

[Meoncoast]

Just looking for any support or advice.

Know the feeling. https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/time-to-test-the-cover.15368/

 

[WelshGas]

Sorry not sure if this is the right section to post in but just wondered whether anyone has been in an accident with their Cali. We were driving our T6 home last week when someone rear ended us at traffic lights. The other car was a write off! It is going to a garage that specialises in VW vans to be repaired but we are concerned that they won’t know much about cali’s. Probably being over the top with worry, but our van is quite highly spec’d and all the sensors etc are broken, the spare wheel seems mangled underneath and we can’t open the boot to check the internal structure and the chairs. Just looking for any support or advice.

Which garage?

 

[T6 CFO]

I would be looking for it to go to one recommended by my dealer rather than the insurance company. An authorised VW repairers work is I believe all warranted.

Oh! And bad luck


Mike

 

[Embomaggiepie]

MG Cannon based in Westbury Wiltshire. They were recommended by the VW van centre in Bristol

 

[Meoncoast]

Our costs were many £1000's
Advise stick to "insist on" VW approved body shop. Genuine VW parts leave the factory with same rust protection as your vans original parts. To maintain body warranty you will need to ensure the repair centre has VW approved not just the insurance company "approved" The 3rd parties insurance company will try to get in fixed as cheap as they can.

 

[T6 CFO]

MG Cannon based in Westbury Wiltshire. They were recommended by the VW van centre in Bristol

That then is reassuring. I had to use one recommended by them and they were very professional. One I used was SJ Curtis in Warmley. Hopefully MG Cannon is as good.


Mike

 

[WelshGas]

MG Cannon based in Westbury Wiltshire. They were recommended by the VW van centre in Bristol

https://mgcannon.com/

VW approved. Lifetime Guarantee. Retention of Manufactures Warranty.

Remember, nowadays very little is repaired, more likely replaced.

I would visit them with the vehicle there.
Point out the special features of the California. Check the roof works, the water system works and that the Mains Charger works as well as all the other systems.
Point out about the chairs in the tailgate, tailgate blinds etc.
Point out to them that this vehicle is wholly built by VW.

Best of luck. Just check everything they do is perfect before signing off.

 

[T6 CFO]

Hi Emily. Just dawned on me who you are. I’m sure “Stanley” will be fine. Good luck. Sent you a PM


Mike

 

[Embomaggiepie]

Thanks everyone that is really helpful. I think we’ll be able to put together a list of things that must be checked from what you’ve shared. Many thanks.

Hi Mike, yes it is our lovely Stanley. We are absolutely gutted, but yes I’m sure he will be ok. Hopefully before the summer holidays.

 

[Erbster]

I think I know how you feel- I had a low speed reversing accident which required new bumper, tailgate and tow bar. I contacted my insurance company and insisted on a vw approved bodywork repair shop. They were very nice and said their garage was very good, but had the right to choose my own, which I did. I tried the local dealer first, till I realised that they were not actually a vw approved body shop. I was very happy with the outcome of my work, carried out by a company called Reynolds of Rushock, near Droitwich. I was glad the insurance was paying for the work though...

 

[AlanC]

Hi Emily,

I was involved in a hit and run in the snow back in February while the van was parked up in East London.

MG Cannon at Westbury were the repairers and did a brilliant job. New tail gate, bumper, interior trim, bike rack and a recall to fit the rubbing strip on the tailgate that I hadn't noticed was missing. When they were Heritage's body shop they did the roof repair back in 2015 which is still perfect. They also were the only body shop that knew you could replace the sliding window, the part number and the time it would take. All of the other companies I contacted wanted to replace the whole sliding door window...a long story!

So I have total confidence that MG Cannon in Westbury know Calis and will repair your van to a high spec. You can get an estimate done at Heritage Bristol as there is a smaller Cannon body shop there and the estimator has an office in the car show room.

MG Cannon bought the Heritage body shops a while ago and many of the staffers stayed on, so they do know VWs well.

Hope that sets you mind at ease.

PM me if you need any further info.

Alan