Author Topic: Walked into VW dealer, and was surrounded by Vauxhalls  (Read 18647 times)

Offline Watts

  • Forum addict
  • *
  • Posts: 4,639
Re: Walked into VW dealer, and was surrounded by Vauxhalls
« Reply #30 on: 14 November 2024, 13:53 »
Just been into my dealer to book a service and tbh, it looks like they are closing down. Not literally, but only a couple of new cars in the showroom and things moved around to reduce the space for cars. Hardly any on the forecourt, they even had a 13 plate Beetle in the showroom! Another thing I noticed was how soon they could book the service, in the past it was weeks away, I was asked when I wanted. Threw me a bit :laugh:
2019 Oryx White 5dr TCR.

Was - 2015 Tornado Red 3dr GTI PP, manual, Santiagos, Audi short shifter.

Offline Hertsman

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 719
Re: Walked into VW dealer, and was surrounded by Vauxhalls
« Reply #31 on: 15 November 2024, 08:47 »
Prompted by the last comment in Exonian’s post late last night, I took a look at the VW Approved Used website as I idly do from time to time.

Specifically looked at 7.5 Performance models.

Clearly others agree that a good used example is still very desirable judging by the prices being asked! I might be wrong thinking they are actually increasing but they are certainly not going down right now!

The 2019 R we purchased VW Approved September 2023 has the same starting price on the forecourt now.

Putting the holding of prices down to the high regard the MK 7.5 is held in, and the suspicion that the competing early MK 8 would bring in getting a software lemon.
Present - BMW 128Ti Alpine White, 18" Performance Tyres, Sun Protection Glass, Parking Assist, Heated Steering, Boston Trim, Split Folding Rear Seats, Electric Lumbar Support
- 2nd car: 2019 Golf R DSG Pure White 19" Black Pretoria, Privacy Glass, Rear View Camera, Dynaudio, Keyless
- 2019 Pure Grey GTI TCR 5 Door DSG Reifinitz Wheel DCC Climate Screen 90% Tint
- 2016 Lapiz Blue Golf R 5 Door DSG Pretoria DCC
- 2013 Pure White GTD 5 Door DSG DCC

Offline fredgroves

  • Serious forum addict
  • *
  • Posts: 7,823
  • Professional Um Bongo drinker
Re: Walked into VW dealer, and was surrounded by Vauxhalls
« Reply #32 on: 15 November 2024, 16:06 »
Putting the holding of prices down to the high regard the MK 7.5 is held in, and the suspicion that the competing early MK 8 would bring in getting a software lemon.

Not many Mk8's over 3 years old yet.... mine was a really early one April 2021.... and the rest didn't come for some months after that... So I'd guess you've just not hit the wave of secondhand ones yet.

Also I think a lot of people have stopped the 3 year replacement cycle - I know I have!

Too expensive and everything else has also become a financial drag - I can't cover it any more or rather I can't justify it to have just a slightly different car.
Current: Mk8 GTI DSG, Adelaides, DCC, HUD, HK, Winter Pack, Rear Camera.. Aka "HMS Weasel"

Gone: 2017 Mk7.5 GTD,manual, NavPro
Gone: 2014 Mk7 GTD, manual, NavPro, DCC

Offline Exonian

  • Serious forum addict
  • *
  • Posts: 9,135
Re: Walked into VW dealer, and was surrounded by Vauxhalls
« Reply #33 on: 15 November 2024, 22:23 »
Prompted by the last comment in Exonian’s post late last night, I took a look at the VW Approved Used website as I idly do from time to time.

Specifically looked at 7.5 Performance models.

Clearly others agree that a good used example is still very desirable judging by the prices being asked! I might be wrong thinking they are actually increasing but they are certainly not going down right now!

7.5’s do indeed have rock solid residuals, reputation and desirability are right up there with the best. Similar to the mk2 GTI and mk5 GTI, the 7.5 has that ingredient X that stands the test of time. It’s the 7.5 more than the mk7 too, that shortish run of facelifted Performwnce Golfs from circa April 2017 to mid 2019 seem to have struck a chord with people. VW got it very right.
The up! GTI similarly has a keen following and great residuals.
‘23 8R, ‘20 8CS, ‘19 135iX, ‘19 TCR, ‘17 Ed40, ‘17 GTD, ‘15 7R, ‘13 GTI PP, ‘11 GTI, ‘09 GTI, ‘98 Ibiza Cupra, ‘05 GTI, ‘06 Polo GTI, ‘04 GT TDI, ‘05 Fabia vRS, ‘02 GTI T, ‘03 Ibiza TDI 130, ‘01 Leon 180, ‘89 mk2 16v, ‘99 Ibiza TDI, ‘96 VR6, ‘98 Ibiza TDI, ‘92 VR6, ‘88 mk2 8v, ‘92 Polo G40, ‘91 mk2 8v, ‘89 mk2 8v, 205 GTI 1.9, ‘83 mk1 GTI, ‘80 Scirocco GTI, plus some others I’ve forgotten 

Offline Hertsman

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 719
Re: Walked into VW dealer, and was surrounded by Vauxhalls
« Reply #34 on: 18 November 2024, 15:29 »
Putting the holding of prices down to the high regard the MK 7.5 is held in, and the suspicion that the competing early MK 8 would bring in getting a software lemon.

Not many Mk8's over 3 years old yet.... mine was a really early one April 2021.... and the rest didn't come for some months after that... So I'd guess you've just not hit the wave of secondhand ones yet.

Also I think a lot of people have stopped the 3 year replacement cycle - I know I have!

Too expensive and everything else has also become a financial drag - I can't cover it any more or rather I can't justify it to have just a slightly different car.

That's a good point, there is competing MK 8 to the MK 7.5 some of the GTI are in same price band, but there might be the 3 year wave of MK 8 returns coming from those still on that cycle, that you think would push down the MK 7.5 a little more.

Which is good for me, as be looking at a cash deal on a Clubsport or TCR as replacement for this company car when its handed back next year, my future cars will all be 3-5 years from now on in.

Company lease is simply too expensive now when add the BIC, which no way compensates for the not paying for insurance and tax like it used to, the car choice too limited as all decent cars are beyond grades they used to be readily available at, and the cost of a decent specced MK 8.5 and finance deals are mind boggling.

It used to be readily justifiable, never had any doubts on previous car changes, monies always on the right side of the enjoyment get in driving something enjoy. But that's over the last 15 years, when knew be working consistently, so my lens is slightly different now as look to when down tools and have more leisure time as more important.

So, all my spare cash is being pushed into the not working pot, have steadily increased my personal contribution, and will add even more to it when lease finishes and can funnel the £ in that direction instead.

Quite excited to get back into a TCR or maybe a ED40 Clubsport, always wanted something at 10 years, that can keep for another 10 as turns into some minor modern classic, the MK 6 GTI that got to fill that just missed the mark, but with all the modern tech on MK 7 it has more future proofing to allow keeping.
« Last Edit: 18 November 2024, 15:42 by Hertsman »
Present - BMW 128Ti Alpine White, 18" Performance Tyres, Sun Protection Glass, Parking Assist, Heated Steering, Boston Trim, Split Folding Rear Seats, Electric Lumbar Support
- 2nd car: 2019 Golf R DSG Pure White 19" Black Pretoria, Privacy Glass, Rear View Camera, Dynaudio, Keyless
- 2019 Pure Grey GTI TCR 5 Door DSG Reifinitz Wheel DCC Climate Screen 90% Tint
- 2016 Lapiz Blue Golf R 5 Door DSG Pretoria DCC
- 2013 Pure White GTD 5 Door DSG DCC

Offline Hertsman

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 719
Re: Walked into VW dealer, and was surrounded by Vauxhalls
« Reply #35 on: 18 November 2024, 15:41 »
Prompted by the last comment in Exonian’s post late last night, I took a look at the VW Approved Used website as I idly do from time to time.

Specifically looked at 7.5 Performance models.

Clearly others agree that a good used example is still very desirable judging by the prices being asked! I might be wrong thinking they are actually increasing but they are certainly not going down right now!

7.5’s do indeed have rock solid residuals, reputation and desirability are right up there with the best. Similar to the mk2 GTI and mk5 GTI, the 7.5 has that ingredient X that stands the test of time. It’s the 7.5 more than the mk7 too, that shortish run of facelifted Performwnce Golfs from circa April 2017 to mid 2019 seem to have struck a chord with people. VW got it very right.
The up! GTI similarly has a keen following and great residuals.

I know those who have driven MK 8 and now MK 8.5 can testify to an improvement in drive, but if you not have that context and just get into a MK 7.5 for first time, it will just feel a brilliant all round car with few weaknesses, 300 BHP, on AWD, with decent interior, comfort, tech and ride.

My 128Ti is a great workhorse, eats up the miles effortlessly and in comfort, just cracked 22k in 23 months, but my joy of driving only comes when step into our 2019 R, it just feels a step up.
Present - BMW 128Ti Alpine White, 18" Performance Tyres, Sun Protection Glass, Parking Assist, Heated Steering, Boston Trim, Split Folding Rear Seats, Electric Lumbar Support
- 2nd car: 2019 Golf R DSG Pure White 19" Black Pretoria, Privacy Glass, Rear View Camera, Dynaudio, Keyless
- 2019 Pure Grey GTI TCR 5 Door DSG Reifinitz Wheel DCC Climate Screen 90% Tint
- 2016 Lapiz Blue Golf R 5 Door DSG Pretoria DCC
- 2013 Pure White GTD 5 Door DSG DCC

Offline fredgroves

  • Serious forum addict
  • *
  • Posts: 7,823
  • Professional Um Bongo drinker
Re: Walked into VW dealer, and was surrounded by Vauxhalls
« Reply #36 on: 27 November 2024, 12:08 »
BTW I recently had my Mk8 serviced by a VW dealership (I have the all in plan.... but I'm not doing it again!) and there is something very strange going on.

Firstly I could get my car booked in in days not the months they used to quote.

Their showroom contained just a couple of cars (no Golfs at all!)

Their used selection outside was about a third of their lot capacity.

It totally felt like a closing down event...

They still tried to get me for "80% brake pads" though...some things remain constant even at VW dealers!  :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin:
Current: Mk8 GTI DSG, Adelaides, DCC, HUD, HK, Winter Pack, Rear Camera.. Aka "HMS Weasel"

Gone: 2017 Mk7.5 GTD,manual, NavPro
Gone: 2014 Mk7 GTD, manual, NavPro, DCC

Offline sipj

  • Not said much yet
  • **
  • Posts: 52
Re: Walked into VW dealer, and was surrounded by Vauxhalls
« Reply #37 on: 27 November 2024, 12:32 »
I've been to two dealerships recently when considering the order of a new GTI, which I have done.  Both had a full showroom and plenty of used stock.  I guess some are just doing a better job than others!!
Current: Golf GTI 8.5. Pure white/black, pan roof, Queenstown, DCC, HK, Area view, spare wheel
Gone: 2018 Golf GTI 7.5 performance pack with standard spec
Gone: 2016 Golf GTE 7
Gone: 2013 Audi A3 S-Line
Gone: 2010 Golf GT TDI

Offline Yusee

  • I live here
  • *****
  • Posts: 910
Re: Walked into VW dealer, and was surrounded by Vauxhalls
« Reply #38 on: 27 November 2024, 14:01 »
It was like stepping back into Thatcher’s Britain on my last visit.

“ ghost town “ playing in my head
2018 Golf GTI Performance  5dr manual, Isaac blue
1988 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9, 2022 Triumph Street Triple R, 2016 Seat Alhambra.

Offline Exonian

  • Serious forum addict
  • *
  • Posts: 9,135
Re: Walked into VW dealer, and was surrounded by Vauxhalls
« Reply #39 on: 27 November 2024, 15:50 »
It was like stepping back into Thatcher’s Britain on my last visit.

“ ghost town “ playing in my head

That’s just you looking for an excuse to play retro music in your head! 😁

All the main dealers down my way seem well stocked and doing a brisk trade. Must be all those “poor” farmers spending their millions to avoid inheritance tax! 🤐

But the service department are haranguing me constantly to book my service in which I can’t be bothered to do just yet. I’ll book it in for Xmas Eve to see if I get a free mince pie…
‘23 8R, ‘20 8CS, ‘19 135iX, ‘19 TCR, ‘17 Ed40, ‘17 GTD, ‘15 7R, ‘13 GTI PP, ‘11 GTI, ‘09 GTI, ‘98 Ibiza Cupra, ‘05 GTI, ‘06 Polo GTI, ‘04 GT TDI, ‘05 Fabia vRS, ‘02 GTI T, ‘03 Ibiza TDI 130, ‘01 Leon 180, ‘89 mk2 16v, ‘99 Ibiza TDI, ‘96 VR6, ‘98 Ibiza TDI, ‘92 VR6, ‘88 mk2 8v, ‘92 Polo G40, ‘91 mk2 8v, ‘89 mk2 8v, 205 GTI 1.9, ‘83 mk1 GTI, ‘80 Scirocco GTI, plus some others I’ve forgotten