Just over a year old and it's died...

[Mudweasel]

I have had my GTI now for 10 months, although the car itself is a year and a week old. Was out for a drive on Saturday afternoon and it started spluttering a bit. Turned the engine off and then tried to start her again... nothing. Turned over, but wouldn't fire up. Came up with a warning in the dash, saying "Engine Failure - Workshop". Tried again and she started, so I limped her home, although just before reaching home, the exhaust system warning light came on.

Next morning, tried to start her up, but absolutely nothing - not even a warning light. No other option but to call out Greenflag (won't be using them again, but that's another story). Guy came out, faffed about for about 2 minutes and said he couldn't do anything (he suspected it maybe a cam sensor gone, but wasn't sure), it would need to go to a VW garage. Couldn't do that on a Sunday, as the nearest one was closed, so I had to call Greenflag back this morning to ask that they 'tow' me to my nearest dealer (not where I bought the car).

After a 1 hour and 45 minute wait, Greenflag eventually turned up and get my beloved car to the dealer, who then told me that they guarantee to look at all breakdowns within 48hrs (not fix them, but at least look at them!) VW didn't have any courtesy cars available, so it was left to me to find alternative transport. Thankfully, my Greenflag cover includes a hire car - but only for up to 48 hours. Got a hire car from them, but it needs to go back on Wednesday.

Anyway, just received a call from the dealer - they haven't a clue what's caused it. They've sent a report off to the techie boys and are waiting for a response, but in the meantime, they are going to start stripping the engine down. Call me old fashioned, but knowing how these modern day mechanics work (ie generally fit part that computer tells them to), the idea of this fills me with dread...!!!

The bad news is that the dealer reckons my car will be off the road at least for the rest of this week - and they still are not prepared to sort out a courtesy car, which I find is a bit off... my car is only just a year old, it has broken down, they can't fix it within 48 hours and they don't want to help me keep travelling. However, they want to continue to take my monthly payments for a car I'm getting no use from!

I know that in the scheme of things, it's just a trivial inconvenience, and I see from other's posts on here that other guys are in a far worse state than me (cars being close to write offs etc), but I just had to vent a little bit. Sorry...

 

[R32UK]

thats a poor show from the dealership. I would ask to speak to a manager, and mention to him that you will be escalating this to VWUK should a courtesy car not be provided. Thats the least they can do... dont be shy to name and shame

I would also wait for the dealership to diagnose the fault then tell them you will be getting it repaired elsewhere that should feck them right off!!

[Snoopy]

Sorry to hear this theres a few things i would try before stripping it down 
So they are stripping the engine down but don't have a clue what there looking for, why do i hear the benny hill theme tune in my head.

[Steve30]

VWCS need to be contacted ASAP Name and shame on here is good too!! Sounds like gunslingers are taking a look at it ?? Hope it gets sorted   soon .           

[Jimble]

Sorry to hear this theres a few things i would try before stripping it down 
So they are stripping the engine down but don't have a clue what there looking for, why do i hear the benny hill theme tune in my head.

Scary stuff! i think i'd be ringing them up and telling them not to touch it till they've heard from the bods! 

[Mudweasel]

The dealer it's at is Wayside, in Dunstable (Beds). As I said, it wasn't where I bought it from, but Greenflag were only interested in taking it to the nearest VW garage.

I will be onto VWCS in the morning. It's not that something has gone wrong (these things happen), it's just I feel that they aren't exactly busting a gut to make things as bearable as possible while they get to the bottom of it. Ok, I'll admit, I'm a bit freaked out at the idea of them stripping i all down so early in its life, as I don't trust dealer mechanics on anything but the basic maintenance stuff - but that's just my OCD kicking in...!!!

I also don't have a good experience with the Wayside Group full stop. On it's one and only service so far, they didn't manage to put enough oil back in, meaning it was below minimum and the light came on within 24 hours of me driving away. When I went back and complained, it seems as though the mechanic had programmed the amount of oil to put in as it was a different model of Golf, not the GTI and it came up way short. Not much of an apology, either, but that was resolved later on...

Anyway, I'm probably over-reacting at the thought of being without her for a while and thinking about some under qualified grease monkeys prodding and poking around, without really knowing what they're looking for. Like I said, there are people far worse off than me.

Patience is a virtue. Unfortunately, it takes too long...

[Hartside]

I would have thought that VWCS should be able to authorise a hire car for you while yours is off the road, moreover the dealer should have contacted them for authorisation on your behalf. When I had a Honda, if a courtesy car wasn't available in an emergency like this, that's what they did

[andykram]

All very typical of VW after sales. This was exactly the reason I deserted VW after my Mk4s. And I don't think contacting the numpties at Milton keynes will make any difference either.
Best of luck sorting it though mate.

[mac7]

It's sad to hear that your car packed up just ouside of warranty and I agree you should push VW for a loan car or you'll never get one, but why does everyone think that VW should provide him with free transport? After all, it's his car and as such his responsibility, not VW's.

[R32UK]

It's sad to hear that your car packed up just ouside of warranty and I agree you should push VW for a loan car or you'll never get one, but why does everyone think that VW should provide him with free transport? After all, it's his car and as such his responsibility, not VW's.

i dont think it is outside of warranty