Have VW restricted production of the GTD/GTI too much this time

[Gryzor]

Same here bear, I got told to expect 4 - 6 weeks for delivery.  Still, in theory my car should be getting built in the next couple of weeks so not too long to wait now...he says... 

[MJ-GTI]

Anyone know about delivery times around the world?  Are the Germans getting cars quicker.

Then again, if we still had a car industry we'd still want them before the rest of the world.

I have been told to wait 4-5 months by a dealer here in South Africa for delivery. With the current demand for the car and the factory slowing down production in September, I am not getting my hopes up at all, I suspect 5-6 months delivery time. Hopefully I will be driving the car feb 2014.

[matchboy]

Clearly VW are restricting production of the GTI & GTD across the whole of Europe then.  Which makes sense elsewhere as sales are down.  But what I don't understand is restricting delivery to the UK, the only growth market in terms of cars in the whole of Europe (including Germany!) - we should be getting more as the demand is here.  All they're doing is potentially losing customers to, say, BMW.

[monkeyhanger]

Clearly VW are restricting production of the GTI & GTD across the whole of Europe then.  Which makes sense elsewhere as sales are down.  But what I don't understand is restricting delivery to the UK, the only growth market in terms of cars in the whole of Europe (including Germany!) - we should be getting more as the demand is here.  All they're doing is potentially losing customers to, say, BMW.

The whole European launch seemed staggered considering users on various forums getting their cars. Germany first, then Netherlands/France/Spain/Italy/Austria, then Ireland, then the UK - seems that the Scandinavians are next. Anyone ordered from Central/Eastern Europe (Czech/Hungary/Romania etc) yet? I suppose everyone else is after that.

[drisser]

Just out of interest, in case my delivery slips out of control... I contacted my local BMW dealer where I get my 330 serviced to see what the best deal they could do on an M135 is.

They have just come back to me - I specced it as close as I could, 3 door manual, metallic, sunroof, heated seasts, service plan.  No satnav but leather is standard.

List price - £32,779 ( around £3.5k higher than my Golf)
Discount & dealer deposit - £4,334 (13.2%)
Net price  - £28,485

Part ex underwritten £3200  ( VW guaranteed me £3500)

Additional BMW loyalty discount £500

Overall net price / amount financed after discounts, part ex - £23,285  (golf is £21,400)

Factory order, delivery gauranted for NEXT MONTH !!   
 
PCP monthly payment comes out about £30 a month higher.. 

Not sure if I should be tempted by this offer or delete it  !!!  Reckon if I got my pen out to sign I could get another £500 off..  ouch, thats really quite close in price for a much faster (if uglier) car.

[Gryzor]

drisser, if speed is your main priority, then I'd give serious consideration to that deal.  However, it is not a pretty car, and for me it isn't the all-rounder than I'm looking for.  Different strokes for different folks and all that.

[drisser]

I think it all comes down to how long I might have to wait, or in fact how long before i get ANY INFORMATION AT ALL on when someone will tell me when my build week will be confirmed.

I have written to the guy who sent the letter about the brochures today (Head of VW Marketing), saying thanks for the letter but i dont give a sh** about the brochure what about my car before I cancel and order an M135 and why have you managed to write me a letter about the brochure but the dealer cant tell me jack about an order placed a month ago !!?

Give me some info, at least to keep me informed.  Its like anything, if you are kept in the loop its generally fine, if you hear nothing you get pi55ed off..

[drisser]

to be honest I havent driven an M135 either, but am going to on Sunday just in case... will be interested to know how it compares as an overall experience to the all round brilliance of the GTi

Will post some thoughts on sunday..

[monkeyhanger]

It's amazing how much they can knock off a car when they need your sale, even with the looming new plate day whcih is one of their busiest times of the year. As Drisser has specced performance pack I think speed is a biig consideration to him. Looks and slightly better practicality vs speed is what it comes down to. I bet that is a canny proposition for some here without a confirmed build date.

[drisser]

thing is my dealer originally said early October build for mid to late October customer delivery ...

Given a month has passed now since I ordered and today they cant even tell me when they can tell me when build week will be confirmed.. I am starting to think early October is pie in the sky  ?

I would love to have the GTi but if it comes down to a £1k difference for the M135 and its on my drive in 6 weeks, v 6 months that is worth considering.  Especially as I dont want to spend any more cash on my 330Ci before getting the new motor - even a couple of tyres will be £350 wasted for example..

Will come down to Sunday I think and how the 135 drives.  If it blows me away, I could be sticking with BMW, if it isnt as good an all rounder despite being faster, then I will be patient..