T7 Ocean - Think before you buy! Battery Management / QC issues - reject or keep?

Steve_D

Steve_D

Messages
77
Location
North Wales
Vehicle
T6.1 Ocean 199
Hi all, I know there are already multiple threads on this (I really wish I'd have looked here before purchasing) but am looking for some advice so here goes;

I purchased a nearly new VW T7 Ocean (delivery miles only) from a VW van center earlier this month at what I thought was a great price (maybe there's a reason there's so many great deals around on these right now!); it was a 3 hour drive home and on the way home issue number one surfaced, the rear cupboard left and above the hob didn't latch properly (with a click) and had worked it's way open whilst driving causing an annoying rattle, not something I could fix myself and worrying this looked like more of an alignment issue that a defective catch - I though warranty claim no problem, but then my local van center has a 6 week lead time for bookings so booked in and thought OK it's annoying but retrievable.

Then the dreaded battery issue; so although the leisure battery was displayed at 100% when I pick up, two weeks later it was down to 60%, this was despite driving the vehicle every day and having not used anything related to camping e.g. Fridge / Heater / excessive light or charger use etc. So hooked up over night.. next morning it was down to 50% so drove to work ~20 miles using 'max charge' mode, no joy, still at 50%.

Emailed the dealers stating the issues and I was seriously considering exercising my 30 day right to reject, who to be fair to them immediately arranged for someone to collect the vehicle and swap with multivan as a courtesy car (which will happen later this week) whilst they 'fix' the issues. They stated that there were known issues in general but my van had had the latest SW update, however promised that they would of course check this / check for latest updates and get this sorted. They also stated that the 30 day request had been acknowledged but 'they do have to have an opportunity to fix'.

Question now is; do they have to have an opportunity to fix (I though this applied only after 30 days and before 6 months), or can I (and given the ongoing electrical issues and this van in general), just outright reject regardless?

I should note this is my 4th Cali and why I gave up and sold my 6.1 4wd Ocean last year is beyond me; but I was running two vehicles and really wanted to like this van having hoped this could work as both my daily driver and adventure wagon which is I think where VW are are actually pitching the T7, but this is not a great start and there just seem way too many issues, compromises and steps backwards with the new van!!
 
The 30 day limit is a significant date. As I understand it if there is a fault within 30 days you can return it for a full refund and the dealer cannot deduct a wear and tear or usage charge (although they can charge for physical damage if any). After 30 days they have one chance to fix it and can charge for usage.

The only experience I have is a friend who recently had major problems with a new car (not VW). The dealer pleased to be given a chance to rectify it within the 30 day limit. The fault persisted and they of course then tried to refuse a return. After 3 failed attempts to rectify and threats of legal action the dealer reluctantly a. Worked the car back but deducted a significant usage charge.

I guess no one can be sure how long it will take VW to rectify this known issue. I guess the key things for you to consider are that you can still return it after 30 days (up to 6 months) if they fail to rectify it but can charge a possibly significant usage charge. And they will probably fight hard not to take it back.
 
You have probably seen my thread, I'm in exactly the same position as you with what seems like the same fault. Really like the van, I really do want to keep it but I don't want 6 months of back and forth with the dealer trying to resolve the issue. I should be looking forward to using the van not worrying if I'll ever get it fixed. I'm still within the 30 day period and will be watching this thread with interest.
 
Hello.
Can I ask which Ocean you have purchased ?
We returned a Phev.T7 last September and are now contemplating purchasing a diesel model.
Thank you
 
You clearly like the cali and I doubt you thought it was a step backward when you bought it. I think its clear these vans do have teething issues what new vehicle doesn't. Since you got an excellent deal let them fix it and see how you get on, however long they have it for comes off the 30 days return policy so your not losing time over it. Mine took 3 weeks to fix straight after picking it up, and I too felt uneasy much like yourself, but I am so glad I allowed them the time to fix it as its bloody brilliant and a class bit of kit!
 
You clearly like the cali and I doubt you thought it was a step backward when you bought it. I think its clear these vans do have teething issues what new vehicle doesn't. Since you got an excellent deal let them fix it and see how you get on, however long they have it for comes off the 30 days return policy so your not losing time over it. Mine took 3 weeks to fix straight after picking it up, and I too felt uneasy much like yourself, but I am so glad I allowed them the time to fix it as its bloody brilliant and a class bit of kit!
Thanks for this; that is somewhat reassuring. I do like Cali’s; had 3 6.1s.. I know they’re not without issues; but coming off of the back of a 6.1 that I never had an issue with; build quality and the battery issue have me concerned in general. I think you’re right though, have to give them that chance to fix. Are you now completely happy, no issues with battery longevity or charging?
 
You have probably seen my thread, I'm in exactly the same position as you with what seems like the same fault. Really like the van, I really do want to keep it but I don't want 6 months of back and forth with the dealer trying to resolve the issue. I should be looking forward to using the van not worrying if I'll ever get it fixed. I'm still within the 30 day period and will be watching this thread with interest.
Hi Kevin, yes I have and so sorry to hear you’re having similar issues. And exactly that, that’s the last thing we need, especially living hours away from where bought.. there’s a more local van centre 40 mins or so away but that has a 6 week wait to get it in!
To be be fair the dealer has immediately offered to collect and provide a courtesy van until the problems are rectified.. but I’ve lost a lot of faith. I hope they can fix it, but I’m emptying the van just in case and will refuse back if problems persist. The dealer has a knowledged in writing the 30 day notice and said any attempts to repair won’t affect that but I’m in two minds now whether or not to cut my losses given this isn’t an isolated issue and the risk for longer term problems.
 
The 30 day limit is a significant date. As I understand it if there is a fault within 30 days you can return it for a full refund and the dealer cannot deduct a wear and tear or usage charge (although they can charge for physical damage if any). After 30 days they have one chance to fix it and can charge for usage.

The only experience I have is a friend who recently had major problems with a new car (not VW). The dealer pleased to be given a chance to rectify it within the 30 day limit. The fault persisted and they of course then tried to refuse a return. After 3 failed attempts to rectify and threats of legal action the dealer reluctantly a. Worked the car back but deducted a significant usage charge.

I guess no one can be sure how long it will take VW to rectify this known issue. I guess the key things for you to consider are that you can still return it after 30 days (up to 6 months) if they fail to rectify it but can charge a possibly significant usage charge. And they will probably fight hard not to take it back.
Thanks for this, so am I right in saying that once they acknowledge there’s a fault And I’ve reported within the 30 days that I can get a refund? Appreciate that they need to investigate of course which they’ve committed to do, they’ve also said that any repair attempts won’t affect the 30 day window in writing.
 
Thanks for this; that is somewhat reassuring. I do like Cali’s; had 3 6.1s.. I know they’re not without issues; but coming off of the back of a 6.1 that I never had an issue with; build quality and the battery issue have me concerned in general. I think you’re right though, have to give them that chance to fix. Are you now completely happy, no issues with battery longevity or charging?
Everything is good now thank you and I have a thread reporting on the battery issue somewhere. Im really glad I held on since we have been away in it 5 times in little over 3 months and no issue, although I do expect little niggles and that way im mentally prepared but hopefully not.
My only thought is that it would be incredibly annoying for you if you were to replace it for an older van only to have issues with it, can easily happen that way!?
 
“ Nearly new”. Was it pre registered ? Therefore you are the second owner. This makes a big difference to the 30 day rule, though it’s good that they acknowledge that they accept your request.
 
Everything is good now thank you and I have a thread reporting on the battery issue somewhere. Im really glad I held on since we have been away in it 5 times in little over 3 months and no issue, although I do expect little niggles and that way im mentally prepared but hopefully not.
My only thought is that it would be incredibly annoying for you if you were to replace it for an older van only to have issues with it, can easily happen that way!?
Very true and really glad to hear that you're all sorted - I've decided to hand back; just not feeling it with the cupboard and battery faults on this one.. not sure what's next for me; I know these can be great vans and perhaps setting expectations a little high, but I'll keep searching.
 
“ Nearly new”. Was it pre registered ? Therefore you are the second owner. This makes a big difference to the 30 day rule, though it’s good that they acknowledge that they accept your request.
Hi, it was pre registered with the dealer themselves so literally delivery mileage only (20 or so miles I think); they've agreed to take back, no mileage fee but I do have to travel the 3 hours for an inspection and somehow make my own way back, but that's the deal with the decision I've made - I really wnated to like this van, drove beautifully, but coming off the back of a 22 plate 6.1 4motion Ocean and with the faults experienced, hope I've made the right call.
 
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