GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: ifti on 17 February 2009, 22:00
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Hi all
Although Ive still got plenty of time on my hands (I was initially looking to buy around June time, but not sure I can wait that long now!), I decided to pop into the local VW dealers today to see what they had available, and what prices I'd be looking at - knowing full well to expect higher prices then private purchases etc. I guess with a dealer you have the comfort in knowing you can go back to the dealer should you spot a problem early on.
Anyways, I walked into the dealer and sat down with a VW saleman. I informed him I was after a MK5 ED30 DSG, in silver or grey, with a few additions, mainly Xenons, MFSW, Highline, and Centre Armrest.
I have plans of adding a RNS510, rear camera, Bluetooth prep, and Cruise Control later down the line, so they didnt concern me for now.
He asked me how much I was looking to spend, so I told him I would be expecting to pay well under £20k for what Im after, especially in the current economic climate. He had a little frown, maybe even a slight sigh, and continued.....
He tapped a few keys on his keyboard, clicked a few clicks with his mouse, moved around in his chair a little (he was a little on the hefty side I must admit ;) ), and came back with the following...
He had only 2 ED30's available.
The first was a Black DSG - I ruled this out straight away since I currently have a Black car and want a change to silver or grey, as I had mentioned above.
The second was a silver demo car. However, it was a manual, and only had rear parking sensors with it. I asked about the price, to which he stated £21,000!!
Thats it, he said he had nothing else - just those two! He really wasnt very helpful whatsoever.
Now bearing in mind my first car was a private purchase, about 7 years ago, and I havent been to a dealer before - I did expect them to be a little more helpful. I mean, I thought dealers searched across a UK database etc, so if a car was with another dealer in the UK they could get it transported over?? Am I incorrect in assuming this?? It seems like he searched his own 'garage' and that was it.
I was then given a few brochures for the MK6 Golf, told the new GTI comes out in a few months, and shown the door!
Fair enough, I wasnt there to do a deal this day, just for info, but I really expected a little more helpfulness! Maybe he sensed I wasnt there to do a deal today?? Then again, he didnt really keep me interested or make me want to go back!
Should dealers be able to search a UK database, or is it me who needs to try several dealerships myself?
Any advice on how to deal with these people??!!!
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He can source cars from any other VW dealer (within reason)
he just didnt want to sell you a car for under 21k.
Ring his manager and complain, say he may well lose a customer. He will rather make some money than none!
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When I was looking to buy the GTI last year, I went to the closest VW dealer. Told him I wanted a black GTI, used, cost was dependent on spec + mileage. He went off and came back with a printout of a 2-year old base spec GTI for £15k.
I went to another VW dealer (who was recommended by a relative). The guy was so helpful. He showed me all the GTIs on the forecourt but none of them matched what I wanted. Was willing to knock £2k off a fully-specced GTI. The only thing wrong with it was that it was red! He looked some more on the VW database and then let me use his computer. That's right - he let me loose on the system and I found a nice black ED30 for the right price. Even though it was at another dealer, they transported it down and gave it to me for the price at the other dealer.
Seriously, I'd never been so impressed by how helpful he was, especially in comparison to the first dealership.
Have a look round the dealers. Go to the VW database and have a look at the used models. Bear in mind that since you're not buying new, it's going to be difficult to find a car matched to your spec and at the right price. I wanted Xenons and a lux pack and I had to compromise on those to get my ED30. No regrets.
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I trawled the VW stock list online myself, I'd suggest you do the same just to get a feel of what a fair price is for what you want.
The salesmen I spoke to at two VW dealerships both said that they could search the VW "internal database" and find me the "right" car, however I only heard back from one of them and he hadnt even bothered to search for anything.
Just for curiosity sake, I've had a lot better experience with the two Audi dealerships near me.
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Have you had a look on the vw website?
Just seen a steel grey ED30 08-plate for £20k.
Has armrest, cruise control, no idea if highline's fitted.
WP08YJY
No MFSW but this can be retrofitted elsewhere.
Remember to be realistic with prices. A slightly used ex-demo will save some £££ from a brand new one, but not as much as something that's a 1 year, 2 years or even 3 years old!
Have you thought about the Pirelli edition?
Like I said above, be prepared to make compromises. My dealer said he could get some fantastic deals on silver/grey GTIs, again some with all of the features that I wanted. I eschewed all those for a black car. Think about what you really want and what's "nice to have" but isn't essential.
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im sorry but this kind off attitude vw dealers infurates me,
i went into my local dealership a few months back looking for an R32, they wouldnt look as i was 'too young' to drive one :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry:
sent a very angry email to vwuk and the manager called me up within 1 hour to apologise, :angry:
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Two words........
1) lazy
2) barsteward
I would just never go back, that's their attitude before you give them money!!! What will it be like after? If you feel strongly mail and complain and show all the other cars around via VW for less!!!
Bad customer service makes my blood boil, quite amazing in this day and age where thousands of hectares of land are filled with unsold and rusting new cars!!
There a loads of nearly new cars around for way less, check autotrader and pistonheads and motorpoint!!! It's not all that buying from vw and you will still get vw warranty.
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Phoned VW Leeds 2 weeks ago to arrange a test drive in a rocco. Was told they have one in stock and he would phone me back to arrange a time to test drive.
1 weeks later no call. So I phone again and speak to the manager. He says he is very dissappointed in their level of service, and that should not have been the case. I explain to him that the same thing has happened on 2 occasions and in the end I took my business elsewhere, should he wish to avoid the same situation, then he should call me back on Monday morning to arrange a test drive (In a car I know they have!)
Its now Wednesday.... Place your bets on if they have called or not?? :angry: :angry:
I know that in reality I should maybe have chased up the sales staff... but surely its is their job to try and sell a car rather than trying to get me to get them to try and sell me the car. :undecided:
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Just a point on transferring between dealers. They should be able to get something from UK stock easily but transfer between different dealers might be different. Most dealers are a franchise and from my experience are not willing to deal with a rival franchise group ie say lookers vs specialist cars.
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Thanks for all the advice guys. It was just that I didnt know what to expect from a main dealer, and assumed (and rightly so!) that they would be able to search a UK database etc.
I'll keep my eye on the VW used car site. Ive already been checking Pistonheads and Autotrader pretty often and have no problems buying through there, whether its trade or private, since most ED30's are still under warranty. I would like a years warranty at least - especially if i do buy private ;)
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Well, just as a comparison, and I'll name the dealership - South Hereford VW.
Great service so far.
Only called up on the off-chance of test-driving a GTI with DSG.....
The bloke was apologetic, stating that there weren't any in stock. However, he would be more than willing to give me an an unaccompanied test in a Scirocco with DSG. At a time to suit myself. I requested a short-notice one (about 30 mins!). Not a problem.
As it turns out, hated the Rocco and wasn't overly impressed with the DSG (sorry guys!). Sat down with the Finance chap (Ross, IIRC) as the salesman (Adam) was with another customer - didn't want to keep me waiting.
I gave them the spec I was looking for, discussed all sorts of potential finance options - VERY helpful.
That was Saturday. Had a call from Adam 3 days later, apologising that he hadn't been available to meet at the weekend, and that he was struggling to source a car with my exact spec. (again, much harder to find the right car in a used market) I stated that I may not need the MDF2 (I'm looking at the Pioneer Avic 700BT thing :evil: ) and he's going to get back to me.
Not overly bothered just yet, as time is on my side.
BUT impressed so far.
THEN to top it all, just over the road is the Audi dealership. They had a rather tasty looking Ferrari 360 Spider in yellow on the "specialist" forecourt. Now my daughter (only 7!) LOVES Ferraris :grin:
I popped in, saw a salesman and asked a very cheeky question - could I take some pictures of my daughter with the car!! He laughed and said, "Of course"! :grin: Made 2 girls, and Mum & Dad very happy. :)
But for all the good ones, I have had dealerships/salesmen be w@nkers though. (Seat dealership - couldn't even give me the right brochure for a Cupra R!) that's letting some of them off quite lightly!! :grin:
And I'm 35!!!
Dan :)
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Im 28 and still wasnt taken seriously! lol
Its my closest dealership, and would have been very convenient. I may give them another chance and see if I get someone who's more helpful though.
Im thinking of a DSG, so need to test drive it. I used to drive my dads Passat back in the day, which was an auto, and it got boring after a while. You almost drove in a daze, having nothing to do! My current car is a manual though, which is more fun I guess, but Im considering the DSG since you almost have the best of both worlds! I really need a test drive, but may look at where my next closest dealer is first.......
I guess DSG is like Marmite huh?!
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Marmite comment is spot on IMHO.
And this is coming from a VW noobie :)
Here's my write-up for the DSG/Scirocco stuff -
HERE (http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=106007.0)
DAn :)
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I'll give that a close read ;)
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Marmite comment is spot on IMHO.
And this is coming from a VW noobie :)
Here's my write-up for the DSG/Scirocco stuff -
HERE (http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=106007.0)
DAn :)
Just called my dealership again, and made it quite clear they need to pull their pixie out of their hinnie. they have a dsg in.. so going to give it another try. not that keen on having a dsg... but my motorway trips have increased recently so willing to give it another try :smiley:
Expecting a call back in 5mins to see when they can get me in.
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The parts and service depts at my local VW know me, but the last time I was down there to check out the mk6 and scirocco the sales staff wouldn't give me the time of day. I quote "we only really give test drives to those with a genuine interest to purchase". So I replied "Well I'll just go and book my R32 in for a service and be on my way then, condescending idiot."
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don't let the dealers clean your car. They used a broom on mine and left huge spider web like scratched all obver it!
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Marmite comment is spot on IMHO.
And this is coming from a VW noobie :)
Here's my write-up for the DSG/Scirocco stuff -
HERE (http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=106007.0)
DAn :)
Just called my dealership again, and made it quite clear they need to pull their pixie out of their hinnie. they have a dsg in.. so going to give it another try. not that keen on having a dsg... but my motorway trips have increased recently so willing to give it another try :smiley:
Expecting a call back in 5mins to see when they can get me in.
Same with me, my trips to work and back are mainly motorway - steady moving at 60-70 in the mornings, with a little stop start traffic, so a DSG would be nice - although weekends are when the fun begins with the paddles or 'S' mode ;)
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i must say when i bought my ed30 i first went to look at it in my works van, the salesman was spot on didn`t judge me on my van and work clothes and we agreed i could test drive it the next morning without anyone else seeing it true to his word i went with the missus the next morning test drove and purchased it there and then.
peterborough vw spot on.
but on the other side went to my local dealer to look at the pirelli gti turned up in my works van went in to ask how much, got looked down on when told the price, when i had got my ed30 went down the same dealers started looking round the pirelli gti salesman came straight out can i help you sir, you know what my reply was, you couldn`t help me when i turned up in my work van but you can help me now! didn`t say anything else jumped in my car and gave him the finger.
his face was a picture :grin:
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The parts and service depts at my local VW know me, but the last time I was down there to check out the mk6 and scirocco the sales staff wouldn't give me the time of day. I quote "we only really give test drives to those with a genuine interest to purchase". So I replied "Well I'll just go and book my R32 in for a service and be on my way then, condescending idiot."
Just got back from my test drive in the rocco.... and seriously dont waste your time!!
The sales guy didnt utter a single word to me through the entire test drive, except to answer my questions, and even then he "wasnt sure". Got back to arrange a price to see if it would be worth getting it through a dealers for a couple of years. When going through the options I had to ask to have options added, and which I pointed out that he hadnt mentioned the dynaudio pack he just said "oh yes and that, not really any other extras really". What a cock is all I have to say!!
His figures were WAY OUT anyway. why would I pay £6.5k per year for a car that I could have for £4k???
I dont think I can be tempted by a car that sounds like a diesel anyway. Putting my foot down on a dual carraigeway slightly up hill in the wet shook the car so badly I thought I had broke it! no thank you dsg and no thank you fwd. :undecided:
The hunt is on for a nice DPB R32 with recaros :wink: :smiley:
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LOL I thought it was just me - the Rocco I drove 2.0 fsi sounded like a bag of spanners :grin:
Yeh it shifted well (no pun intended DSG!! :grin: ) but no sense of occasion :(
BORING.
Dan :)
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LOL I thought it was just me - the Rocco I drove 2.0 fsi sounded like a bag of spanners :grin:
Yeh it shifted well (no pun intended DSG!! :grin: ) but no sense of occasion :(
BORING.
Dan :)
Got to agree with you there... it was boring!
I was actually tempted to ask if it was a diesel at one point. Cant really knock the dsg as it does everything it promises, just struggles to adapt to my sometimes eratic style of driving.
Felt very planted in sport mode as was quite impressed at the levels of grip. The magnetic ride thingy (excuse my technical speak) really is great but as an £1200 extra on a audi is a little excessive. Which is why i can see they gave it for free in the golf as only a mad mad would spec it as an option.
As for the diesel like noise I can only put it down to it having slightly less insulation behind the rear seats possibly. :undecided:
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should of seen the looks me and a mate were getting (both 19) in a audi showroom looking at an s5 and r8 :grin:
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Got to say that my local Audi stealer was FANTASTIC when we popped in on the off-chance....
My eldest daughter is 9 - she LOVES sports cars, and Ferraris in particular. How dewy-eyed did she go when there was a yellow 360 Spider in the showroom?:grin:
Anyhoo, pulled up in my S4, ran in to the dealership and asked if I could be cheeky and take a photo of the car for my daughter with her....
The salesman couldn't help enough - opened the car up etc.....
Made her day :)
Dan
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A friend of mine who's a sucessful builder after having a drive in my ed30 wanted a GTI for his wife. He pulled up in his work jeep walked round the forecourt for 20 mins no one was interested, he then went into the showroom and asked for some help,he was told everyone was busy and to leave his details and some would be in touch. A week later and still no one had contacted him he called into the dealer again and got the same level for service. He then went round to the local bmw garage bought a top of the range 123d 1 series. Before picking up the bm, he called into the vw garage, this time in his 350C tvr and asked to speak to the manager. He said the manager took him into his office, and being very helpfull. He lead the manager on that he wanted a top of the range toureg, just when the manager thought that the deal was done, my mate put the recipt for the bm on the table, stood up said "My money wasnt good enough when i was driving a jeep and wearing my work clothes" then walked out. The manager just sat there speachless!lol
The car industry has been in the papers alot recently complaing that car sales are down 50% and ther wanting tax payers help. If the lazy F**kers got off their arse and actually tried selling cars it might help.
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I can only say great things about BMW dealerships, presales, sales and after sales. A breath of fresh air owning a BMW, and will certainly be returning.
My experience with VW so far however (very limited), has also been good. Years ago I was looking to change my 2000 Fiesta as a 22 year old and popped into my local Ridgeway looking at the Golf/Bora V6 4motion - without much of a presales chatter I managed to secure a 1 hour solo drive of the Bora V64motion. Fantastic. Didnt buy it, bought my Dad's Mondeo V6 instead.... but they certainly got a tick in the right box for me. And then recently when this GTI I bought came into the offering I wanted to try one out and just popped to a local dealer and asked for a test drive and they willingly let me. Without too much sales patter or pretending to be very interested.
I have heard bad things about the service side though, so we'll wait and see on that!
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Dealers vary so much from one to the other. Dealer I bought mine from (Beadles Maidstone) where great, my local dealer (VW Croydon) which I now deal with for geographical reasons have so far been a bit of a shambles :undecided: