Had my Candy White GTi for 3 weeks now and loving it! Anyway last week the airbag fault light came on the dash - I took it to VW Stourbridge hoping it was a quick fix but unfortunately it was the airbag sensor in the drivers seat. I had to book it in as a pick up\drop off service today as the dealer is 10miles away from work and I need the airbags working for the weekend. I had my reservations about someone else driving it for the 20 total miles and must have had a premonition as I took photos of the whole vehicle beforehand.
I was at work and reception told me the dealer was there to pick up the car - I went down and a young lad (21 I later found out) with a VW coat on was standing there - I was a bit shocked - even more so when he had turned up a very old polo - I was told this was because they didnt like leaving new cars in dodgy aread (nice!) as it isnt! But as I needed the work doing I let him take the vehicle - I know!!!!
Anyway the car arrived back at 3.30 pm - He left the key in reception as I was in a meeting - at the next available opportunity I went to inspect the vehicle. I fould a 3 inch scratch on one of the Monza's and on the DIS the mileage had increase by the 20 miles I expected but the fuel range had dropped from 280 to 210!!! WTF!
I was livid and phoned the dealership staright away - I gave the service manager a right earful and the upshot is that he will replace the alloy with a brand new one and reimburse the cost of the V Power used on the journey! This is where it was left as it late in the day.
I Have photos of all the alloys before it left and of the DIS before and after showing the discrepancies! The service manager has all but held his hands up to the whole affair but I can in some strange feel as if the car was stolen!
Am I over-reacting ? If not what should I do now? Do I even want the car to go to them again for the alloy change - the service manager even offered to pick it up personally when the new alloy arrives. My car has obviously been thrashed to within an inch of its life!
Not at all, expecting your treasured property to be returned in the condition it left you is the reason you would use a trained professional trained by VW. The sooner these dealers realise this will be the day they get a lot more business.
As for the DIS showing a lot less milage, thats due to the kid hammering the GTI from standing starts and stamping on the gas etc using large amounts of fuel hence the display.
I would let the dealer try and put this right first, as they seem to want to help out, failing that call VW Customer Care and let them know how dissapointed you are.
Vote with your feet, just don't ever use them again.
I hope it all works out ok for you.
