The BIGGEST Con from VW dealers ?

[Meoncoast]

Now on our 3 California having owned one since 2012 I was thinking what is my biggest issue with VW and the dealer network. What really hacks me off is once you are out of warranty is the ridiculous high price the main dealers charge for diagnosis 90%,of the time you know the fault and you just want it fixed so you agree to that cost but you are still charge for the diagnostic. My local independent charged me less for the diagnostic and repair that VW wanted to charge for just the diagnostic. Iam sure all car brands operate the same sting. Result for me in 2025 I have far less trust in the fairness for main dealers today e en my trusted main dealer than I did in the past. Not being able to do much myself I use, trusted independents for non warranty work. Fair pricing and the ability to choose either OMD parts or brand parts I want.
What are member expirence of running and maintaining their vans.?

 

[66tim99]

Mine is the fact the VW know that the wiring under the 6.1 attracts vermin (I have that in writing) yet refuse to fix the issue. They didn’t offer to try to solve it, rather just told me with a smirk that I was lucky more damage wasn’t done.
The second time it happened, my independent recognised the problem (they see it regularly) and actioned a solution within 3 days.

 

[Lorri]

Mine is the fact the VW know that the wiring under the 6.1 attracts vermin (I have that in writing) yet refuse to fix the issue. They didn’t offer to try to solve it, rather just told me with a smirk that I was lucky more damage wasn’t done.
The second time it happened, my independent recognised the problem (they see it regularly) and actioned a solution within 3 days.

Sorry to ask what may seem a stupid question BUTcWHY does 6.1 attract vermin - we have a 6.1 should we be contacting the seller dealerships.

 

[66tim99]

Sorry to ask what may seem a stupid question BUTcWHY does 6.1 attract vermin - we have a 6.1 should we be contacting the seller dealerships.

Because I understand the under/carriage piping/wiring is now coated in soy-based plastic. Our NoX sensor has been chewed twice, we think by a fox.
If you have any success with the seller dealership please let me know. I understand some have had success with SMG Tonbridge in the past, who repaired under warranty and fitted ultrasonic repellers.
I had no sympathy from Alan Day, and I have a case lodged with the Motorr Ombudsman.
You might be lucky of course, but it seems to be an occasional problem for some…

 

[The Tall Luthier]

Now on our 3 California having owned one since 2012 I was thinking what is my biggest issue with VW and the dealer network. What really hacks me off is once you are out of warranty is the ridiculous high price the main dealers charge for diagnosis 90%,of the time you know the fault and you just want it fixed so you agree to that cost but you are still charge for the diagnostic. My local independent charged me less for the diagnostic and repair that VW wanted to charge for just the diagnostic. Iam sure all car brands operate the same sting. Result for me in 2025 I have far less trust in the fairness for main dealers today e en my trusted main dealer than I did in the past. Not being able to do much myself I use, trusted independents for non warranty work. Fair pricing and the ability to choose either OMD parts or brand parts I want.
What are member expirence of running and maintaining their vans.?

I’m not too sure this is a con trick.

Dealerships occupy large shiny spaces which incur high rents and lumpy cleaning costs.

Someone has to pay for all of that bling!

Initially it’s you when you buy a new van, you when you buy an extended warranty. Latterly it’s you with exorbitant diagnostic fees and garage repair bills.

I’m just like you, I take it to an independent that has a garage I couldn’t eat off the floor of. Their costs are lower as are their charges.

 

[pjm-84]

I think it is a con....its a tick box. I've had a few issue with so called diagnostics.

Audi - diagnostic told me I was wrong and I would have to pay £95 (2006) for the privilege - 4 trips later (in one week) and many parts and Audi were wrong. Diagnostic waved but I did have to pay for an indicator stalk that they replaced that wasn't needed.... or the diagnostic fee.

VW - Charging cable stopped worked. You'll have to pay diagnostic fee. £75 in this instance. It doesn't work. We still have to do diagnostics on it. A few hours later " your charging cable doesn't work"....I know that, what's wrong with it......."dont know...we plugged it in and it doesnt work"...."£75 please"....really? Again waved.

BMW - Transfer box gone but we will have to do diagnostics. What you plug it in? No we sit in the car whilst you drive it around the car park. Book a time. Rained, so you couldn't tell. 5min there and back with me driving - £120.....you need to book it in again. Dry....half charge second time around. So £180 for 10min. Replaced by BMW under goodwill but I had to pay for the software / oil and diagnostic fees

 

[SamSara]

Now on our 3 California having owned one since 2012 I was thinking what is my biggest issue with VW and the dealer network. What really hacks me off is once you are out of warranty is the ridiculous high price the main dealers charge for diagnosis 90%,of the time you know the fault and you just want it fixed so you agree to that cost but you are still charge for the diagnostic. My local independent charged me less for the diagnostic and repair that VW wanted to charge for just the diagnostic. Iam sure all car brands operate the same sting. Result for me in 2025 I have far less trust in the fairness for main dealers today e en my trusted main dealer than I did in the past. Not being able to do much myself I use, trusted independents for non warranty work. Fair pricing and the ability to choose either OMD parts or brand parts I want.
What are member expirence of running and maintaining their vans.?

Who do you use? I will need a service soon or a fix at some stage and I still haven’t spotted one for me (I’m Southampton)

 

[Meoncoast]

Who do you use? I will need a service soon or a fix at some stage and I still haven’t spotted one for me (I’m Southampton)

Brookspead in Eastleigh
Back in a new van now so warranty work at Breeze but other stuff will be Brookspead.