T6 VW California Delays

[rackind]

VWCS still unable to tell us why our week 16 build "slipped" to an unconfirmed week 39. They're adamant it's not down to DSG supply problems but all we've got from them so far is that they "hope" it'll be brought forward to week 30 ..... not much consolation!

 

[calimera]

For anyone that has cancelled due to the terribly long and frustrating wait I am planning on selling my 150 t6 beach. We had tried a hire company but have only managed 10 days of hire.
It means we can't afford to keep the van so need to sell.
It was registered Jan 2016.
It has 2 services already paid for.
It's grape yellow, 3 seat bench, light fabric, upgraded 17inch devonports, app connect with larger touch screen, privacy glass, parking sensors, mud flaps, interior light concept, comfort mattress and exterior pack inc fog lights.
If you're interested just send me a message. Will be popping it on the for sale section around August time.

So sad to hear this Daveyboydanger. We seem to start this journey at the same time.
Although we took longer to order ours. Collecting next Saturday .

Your videos on how to turn the Cali front seats & hire website is excellent.

 

[daveyboydanger]

So sad to hear this Daveyboydanger. We seem to start this journey at the same time.
Although we took longer to order ours. Collecting next Saturday .

Your videos on how to turn the Cali front seats & hire website is excellent.

Thanks calimera. Don't feel too sad though. Have placed an order for another already. Just need to have a cheaper monthly outgoing so need finance rather than the massive loan!
Hopefully only without a Cali for a few months!

 

[kave]

Did you change anything on the new ordered T6?

 

[daveyboydanger]

Did you change anything on the new ordered T6?

Good question. Decided to go for dsg, 2 extra seats (for the odd extra family members), MFSW (I keep instinctively pressing where buttons should be on my present blank steering wheel!), extra sliding window in drivers side and maybe (still weighing this up) electric sliding door.
Still having yellow and light moonrock fabric inside and still having app connect and lights in the pop top and boot space. They have proved very useful and worth the cost.

 

[kave]

Nice, looks more like mine then . I decided against the electric door stuff, it seems it add weight and drains the battery.

 

[Stevecaterham7]

Had a frustrating discussion with VW customer services today. They still can't tell me anything about when I may get the van I ordered in mid February. All I know is that there is a system error code due to model year change. Original estimated build date was last week, now we have no date or estimated date at all.

Dealer can't do anything and VW customer service seem useless at tracking down what the plan is. They've managed to turn what should have been an exciting time into something really annoying and disappointing.

 

[rackind]

Had a frustrating discussion with VW customer services today. They still can't tell me anything about when I may get the van I ordered in mid February. All I know is that there is a system error code due to model year change. Original estimated build date was last week, now we have no date or estimated date at all.

Dealer can't do anything and VW customer service seem useless at tracking down what the plan is. They've managed to turn what should have been an exciting time into something really annoying and disappointing.

In the same boat. Week 16 build turned to a system error (& unconfirmed week 39 build) Who's your dealer?

 

[Stevecaterham7]

In the same boat. Week 16 build turned to a system error (& unconfirmed week 39 build) Who's your dealer?

Eurovans in Crawley. Get the impression they are doing their best, just seems that VW give them no help/advice/guidance.

Toys abut to come out of the pram, but given the massive wait, and unique nature of the Cali, it isn't like I can just go and buy something else.

 

[DM]

Speaking to a dealer earlier in the week he said they had already sold 22 of their 25 allocated Californias for 2016, anything over 25 will be made in 2017.
True or Bs only time will tell.
Don't know if all dealers have the same allocation or if busier Cali dealers start the year with a higher number to sell.
Anyway it's all a bit of a lottery and a badly organised one at that!

I was originally told by my dealer that allocations were quarterly. But having been told that my Cali couldn't even be built until after March this year. In the end it was ordered in November / built in January / delivered in March. Sounds like delays are worse now though.

 

[rackind]

Eurovans in Crawley. Get the impression they are doing their best, just seems that VW give them no help/advice/guidance.

Toys abut to come out of the pram, but given the massive wait, and unique nature of the Cali, it isn't like I can just go and buy something else.

Similar situation with us. With hindsight, it seems the "factual" information the dealer gave us was just based on their assumptions. Unfortunately we put our T5 conversion up for sale on the basis of what they told us. Agree with you though re unique nature of the Cali .... they know we can't just go somewhere else. So frustrating! Looks like we'll have to make alternative plans for the summer .......

 

[Stevecaterham7]

Similar situation with us. With hindsight, it seems the "factual" information the dealer gave us was just based on their assumptions. Unfortunately we put our T5 conversion up for sale on the basis of what they told us. Agree with you though re unique nature of the Cali .... they know we can't just go somewhere else. So frustrating! Looks like we'll have to make alternative plans for the summer .......

Yep. Sold my T5 caravelle earlier than I needed to as well.

 

[Stoneybroke]

Well, it's looking like a '66 plate for our Beach...
Our dealer just confirmed a change to our order, which had to go via VW Germany due to the problems with tracking and updating orders with the my2017 issues, and we have been given our first unconfirmed build date - week 31 which is the first week in August, so if they actually build it then, will be looking at September delivery.
No summer trips then
Ordered mid-Feb when we were given a June/July estimate, though this never made it to a build week.

 

[fordyski100]

Its a poor situation once again with VW.
I ordered 204 DSG 4Motion in January 2016 .
Originally advised approx 3 months with a provisional build date wk16 which one month later was advised provisional build date wk19.
Now no one knows when it will be built and VW cannot give my dealer a date . I have sat back and watched forum updates patiently, but now its time to add my frustration to the list.
Cannot blame dealer as VW cannot give them any dates at the moment.
POOR SHOW VW !
Most annoying part is after taking advice on delivery times in January (max 3 months they said!) I was advised by dealer to sell my T5 Berghaus straight away ,which i did (1 day!!!).
Now i have no vehicle and 2 x trips away booked (end of June and beginning of september) Looking like both of these will now be cancelled and Summer 2016 is a washout.

Thank you VW.Why can't you be honest with people and get your act together.
If i ran my company like this i would have gone bankrupt years ago , but typical motor trade in my opinion ......they don't give a damn and have a "take it or leave it attitude"

I feel like cancelling order , but where does that get me, i love the California and i want another one , but if this attitude continues i will have no option ( The word MOTORHOME and TOILET and SHOWER has been muttered by "her indoors " but after years of trying to convince her of the benefits of my California , i am on a sticky wicket !)
COME ON VW listen to us.What is going on?

 

[Rutland Harry]

I completely agree Fordski100 it is a poor show. As a member of the “let down by VW club” with the prospect of missing our planned 18day break to Italy and a week in Ireland this summer. I have decided to take a gamble and today put a deposit down on a 2012 VW California 140 Manual with 20K miles on the clock. This will then be sold in early September (hopefully) after we have enjoyed the summer .The lost money from the purchase to sale price of the T5 being offset against the cost of a package holiday, flights etc…that would be needed.

This is a change from my plan a week ago to cancel my order due to the delay and buy a nearly new T5 but after looking at some at near the cost of my ordered 150 DSG T6 I just couldn’t part with the money. I was also underwhelmed with the discount I was offered an amazing £200 off a 47K T5 and I had to pay the road TAX!. The dealer was also suggesting that due to delays to T6’s the cost of used will only increase, probably dealer rubbish?

It was also interesting to be told if I was buying new to expect a minimum 12 month wait if ordering today.

Here’s hoping it was a good call and I don’t have two California’s in October (or November or December………..)

Looking forward to collecting the T5 in 2 weeks

Oh and has anyone tried for any compensation? for example money off a bike etc....

 

[snowy55]

buy a nearly new T5 but after looking at some at near the cost of my ordered 150 DSG T6 I just couldn’t part with the money

The dealer was also suggesting that due to delays to T6’s the cost of used will only increase, probably dealer rubbish?

You answered your own question there!
Used T5 prices will remain strong until the T6 fiasco resolves itself imo.

 

[Stevecaterham7]

Its a poor situation once again with VW.
I ordered 204 DSG 4Motion in January 2016 .
Originally advised approx 3 months with a provisional build date wk16 which one month later was advised provisional build date wk19.
Now no one knows when it will be built and VW cannot give my dealer a date . I have sat back and watched forum updates patiently, but now its time to add my frustration to the list.
Cannot blame dealer as VW cannot give them any dates at the moment.
POOR SHOW VW !
Most annoying part is after taking advice on delivery times in January (max 3 months they said!) I was advised by dealer to sell my T5 Berghaus straight away ,which i did (1 day!!!).
Now i have no vehicle and 2 x trips away booked (end of June and beginning of september) Looking like both of these will now be cancelled and Summer 2016 is a washout.

Thank you VW.Why can't you be honest with people and get your act together.
If i ran my company like this i would have gone bankrupt years ago , but typical motor trade in my opinion ......they don't give a damn and have a "take it or leave it attitude"

I feel like cancelling order , but where does that get me, i love the California and i want another one , but if this attitude continues i will have no option ( The word MOTORHOME and TOILET and SHOWER has been muttered by "her indoors " but after years of trying to convince her of the benefits of my California , i am on a sticky wicket !)
COME ON VW listen to us.What is going on?

Very nearly lost my rag with someone from VW customer services today as she utterly failed to give me any update on likely delivery date, despite having had a week of looking into it. Have requested the email address of the UK MD and Director of Customer Services, but I very much doubt they'll pay me any more attention.

Maybe we need to band together on here and write a single letter to the MD. He/She may not care about losing one Cali order if I walk-off in a huff, but if 4 of us write at the same time then he's staring down the barrel of losing £200k+ in a heartbeat.

Personally I'll be warning anybody and everybody off from buying a new California based on my experience. Thoroughly fed-up...

 

[X4 VWC]

All good points!

I'm resigned to the Cali showing up ... one day. Probably. And then I'm resigned to it being less than completely reliable. So if it does turn up on time and the wheels don't fall off in the first month of ownership, I will be ecstatic.

My biggest problem with the delivery is that the longer it takes, the more I question the phenomenal price of the Cali. And then I start examining again whether it is the right vehicle. I know why I'm buying but please, somebody end the torment! Just deliver the van!

 

[Stevecaterham7]

Unless VW pull their finger out in the next few days I'm cancelling and will go down the conversion route. Not what I want to do, but to be honest I'm loathed to give VW my money, as frankly they don't deserve it.

Would rather help a small business that cares about its customers to profit.

You'd think after the year they've had that VW would be falling over themselves to look after customers. Seems they've learnt nothing.

 

[T6 CFO]

Unless VW pull their finger out in the next few days I'm cancelling and will go down the conversion route. Not what I want to do, but to be honest I'm loathed to give VW my money, as frankly they don't deserve it.

Would rather help a small business that cares about its customers to profit.

You'd think after the year they've had that VW would be falling over themselves to look after customers. Seems they've learnt nothing.

I must say I don't blame you or anyone else on this thread if they cancelled. I went into this with time not being an issue and my eyes wide open to the lack of VW's customer care.
I believe that most of the dealers are probably victims of the same incompetence and thankfully at least am sure that mine believed the timescales being given as I told him it was not an issue.
I ordered at the beginning of March and still have no build date. My dealer has started to make enquires but to be honest I have not pressed him as I can't see it making any difference.
I am trying to remain calm and not think to much about it. I might just have to move the stuff I've purchased from the corner of my bedroom as it is becoming a nagging reminder.
I am willing to add my name and order details to any list that could be used to perhaps force some positive action from VW who need a severe kick up the arse.
I am also beginning to feel guilty supporting this company with my money.


Mike

 

[thesquirrelpatrol]

Well, it's looking like a '66 plate for our Beach...
Our dealer just confirmed a change to our order, which had to go via VW Germany due to the problems with tracking and updating orders with the my2017 issues, and we have been given our first unconfirmed build date - week 31 which is the first week in August, so if they actually build it then, will be looking at September delivery.
No summer trips then
Ordered mid-Feb when we were given a June/July estimate, though this never made it to a build week.

I'm in exactly the same boat. Watch out for the extra £170 they may try and charge you for a mandatory headlight washer system if you've ordered the led headlights, kick up a stink though and they'll waive it.

 

[Skinnee D]

I'm in exactly the same boat. Watch out for the extra £170 they may try and charge you for a mandatory headlight washer system if you've ordered the led headlights, kick up a stink though and they'll waive it.

Thanks for the heads-up on the LED headlight washers. I have them ordered without washers but the dealer hasn't mentioned anything yet so I'll be ready! I did see a stock of new 16 reg T6's last week with LEDs without washers so it looks as though the factory will do it.

 

[Tommy Gun]

I feel like cancelling order , but where does that get me, i love the California and i want another one , but if this attitude continues i will have no option ( The word MOTORHOME and TOILET and SHOWER has been muttered by "her indoors "

Hi @fordyski100
I read that with interest after my very recent experience.

My Cali didn't arrive last week (in time for the Scottish Cali meet at Glen Nevis, Fort William.) The back-up plan was to take my folk's motorhome, which we ended-up doing. I've never driven/slept in one before (my folks have just recently bought it.) It's pretty big, so was a bit worried about driving a brand new vehicle that size. The point I'd like to make (as a huge VW car & California fan) is that I was pleasantly surprised. Got in to the swing of it after a few miles & when pitched-up on the site we absolutely loved it.
Obviously it could never be a daily drive & if wild camping, you'd be advertising yourself, so definite downsides. As for waving.....they are probably the most enthusiastic bunch.

I am expecting my missus to point out the 'missing' differences between the two, when we get the Cali this weekend... If I was facing a very long wait today, then I would at least try some other options, whereas before I was quick to dismiss them!

Hope things improve for yourself & everyone else on this thread.

 

[Stoneybroke]

I'm in exactly the same boat. Watch out for the extra £170 they may try and charge you for a mandatory headlight washer system if you've ordered the led headlights, kick up a stink though and they'll waive it.

No LED headlights for me, I am spending enough on options as it is! But thanks anyway.

 

[T6 CFO]

I'm in exactly the same boat. Watch out for the extra £170 they may try and charge you for a mandatory headlight washer system if you've ordered the led headlights, kick up a stink though and they'll waive it.

Thanks. Good to know as I also ordered without the washers.


Mike