Letter to Simon Thomas

[Gryzor]

At least that's some good progress matchboy, well worth writing and calling.  I'm not sure if my pestering previously had anything to do with mine coming forward from 38 to 32, but it never hurts to ask and keep chasing.

[Bill_the_Bear]

I called VW Exec just now and my anger levels about doubled.

Summary of the call:
- Lisa (usual contact, was due to call yesterday or today) is unavailable.  I ask how long for... unknown.  I elect to talk to the woman who answered instead.

- I am concerned about my BW37 as I am aware that some BW33 cars are still yet to be built and we're close to BW35 now.  What guarantee is there that there will not be any further delays?  I am told the new BS about 2 week windows.  I call them on it and say that isn't what they said about a month back, had anything changed or was I told the wrong thing.  She avoids the issue with "I'm telling you the information I have"

- Ok next point.  Today my car had an MOT and tax paid.  Total bill is £500.  This was not due to happen if because the understanding when I placed my order for the Golf was that I would have taken delivery by now.  Would VW like the £500 bill?  She avoids this by saying Lisa should discuss this with me.  Is Lisa now available?  No.

- I say there have been delay after delay and even now you can't explain anything or give me any information whatsoever.  Her response is frankly aggressive and rude and consists of all kinds of small print BS about how they can't do anything and "if I feel I have been mistreated" then I can take it up with me "relations manager" (aka Lisa).  But she is not available is she?  No.

My final comment, word for word:

"This doesn't reflect well on VW does it?"  Silence.
"Lisa had better call me quick because otherwise I'm going to make my own decision and I'm very close to asking for my deposit to be returned."

She says she'll pass the message along. "Goodbye" and I hang up.

Can it get any worse?  Well it seems it can, they can get ruder!  And yes I'm calling BMW now.

[matchboy]

At least that's some good progress matchboy, well worth writing and calling.  I'm not sure if my pestering previously had anything to do with mine coming forward from 38 to 32, but it never hurts to ask and keep chasing.

Absolutely Gryzor, you never know as to whether this was the reason.  Well worth chasing!

Bear, sounds like you are having a total mare.  Basically non committal as per usual.  Tell you what, if you like the BMW as much as the GTI there's clearly only one way to go isn't there.  What a shame, and what a shambles.

[Bill_the_Bear]

Dealer called.  Surprise surprise.

A more pleasant conversation.  I told them I don't blame them and assume they are in the same boat as me, but that VWCS being unable to provide reliable information or any kind of explanation is unacceptable and I'm very disappointed.

I said I have a better deal on the table from BMW and a shorter lead time.  I'm then assured the BW37 will be BW37 and the car will be with me by mid October.  Very nice and all but why would I trust this when everything else I've been told has been delayed again and again.

On why BW33 cars are delayed my dealer believe it is to do with the shutdown and cars waiting half built.  I didn't challenge them on this being BS because what is the point?  However I did point out that the shutdown being a planned event should not affect any schedule unless someone failed to take account of it.  So it should not be the cause of any delays unless VW are accepting responsibility.  I don't think they understood what I was saying as she just repeated what she said earlier about shutdown "obviously" leading to delays.

My boss is out of the office for a bit so I'm going to take this opportunity to make a few calls!  This evening I will write a letter to Mr Thomas.

[CraigW]

Bill, I think if I was you I would be currently passing my hard earned over to BMW. Clearly one dealership are pulling out all the stops to give you what you want and the other couldn't give a sh!t. At the end of the day IMO, BMW are a more premium brand than VW and build fantastic cars. You clearly loved the 135 when you drove it and had definitely given you food for thought.

VW have messed you and others such as Mark and MH about for so long I can understand why you are all furious. You have a great deal on the table for the Beemer and again IMO I think you should bite their hand off.

Yes the GTI is a very nice car but the 135 (perhaps aside from looks) is a class above and no car is worth the hassle that this one is causing

[Gryzor]

Have to say, despite what I think, I agree with the above...it's a piss-take too far, and a fantastic offer on the BMW.

[Bill_the_Bear]

Thanks again chaps, you are right and I've basically done as much tonight.

There are 3 BMW dealers making me offers (although they all come out about the same) all of whom I've had a conversation with tonight.  When I spoke to VW earlier they were frankly rude, they were very formal and dismissive of my questions.

I'll pick a BMW deal tomorrow or Saturday if its one from the chap who is away tomorrow and as soon as I do I'll ask VW for my deposit back, which I confirmed earlier they would do.  VW are being too arrogant.  They know they have the demand and they can do what they like.  If I cancel so what?  They know they can re-list my car without any discount and still sell it.  In a way its a monopoly they have.

Told my dad about my decision and he thinks VW Germany kind of 'intentionally' fail to give VWUK proper information and will leave them to the bottom of the heap in terms of support.  From when he worked in the industry he says the German manufacturers have a massive superiority complex and basically think of themselves as the kings of the car and the UK as the lowest of the low.  They're also making vast amounts of money from the UK market.  The above applies to BMW as well I guess but perhaps a little less on the providing information front.  Or at least I hope so!

Its a real shame about the GTI but at least I'm so annoyed now that I don't feel regret.  I think I will be writing to Mr Thomas to explain what I think of VW though.  Purely for his benefit if he wants to try to improve customer experience.

I'll have to change my signature soon I guess!

I also want to say good luck to all those sticking with the GTI or GTD.  I still believe both cars are fantastic and my decision to call it a day is not a reflection on the GTI and doesn't mean I think it would be the right decision for any of the rest of you.  I guess I'm saying I hope no one takes it personally that by posting this I am criticising their decision to wait it out.  And I'm sure you'll all really enjoy your cars when they arrive.

[RikWebb]

Well - I'm also assured that I will be BW37 - and more precisely 10th September
Yet still no confirmed date on the tracker!
I'm getting worried....

Bill - Buy the beemer mate!
You have the choice, and VW have pi$$ed you about no end
As much as I love the Golf, if I were you, Beemer now for sure. Being an ex-beemer driver - I can say you wont regret it.

Me - I'm stuck and frustrated - Company Car, and it causes all sorts of issues if I want to change now - Yes, I have asked, that's how fed up with this mess I am (and you have been waiting longer buddy)

all I get is.... "oh yes sir, your car is still being built on the 10th September and should be with you by 20th October"
Yes I have heard all this before - my first date was 26th July!
By mid October - I will have been waiting 5 months !! - my old motor should have gone back in July.

Perhaps VW, it would help if "I" went and dug up the iron ore to speed things along for you!

Rant over. Sorry chaps
 

[matchboy]

Good luck to you Bear. I've just spent the last hour looking at M135i's and its a stunning car IMO and if I'd of known 4 months ago what I know now I'd of got one of those instead. Having also had beemers in the past I know how good they are to drive.

You will be missed Sir!

[CraigW]

Good luck to you Bear. I've just spent the last hour looking at M135i's and its a stunning car IMO and if I'd of known 4 months ago what I know now I'd of got one of those instead. Having also had beemers in the past I know how good they are to drive.

You will be missed Sir!

+1