Lead time on Golf GTI

[Bobnaldo]

Hi

I placed a factory order on a Golf GTi in mid Feb and was told it would be a 12 week wait, just got off the phone to the dealer and I've been told its going to be built in week 25, which means I won't get it until mid July which is a 6 month wait.

Any ideas if this is the norm?

Rob

[Hurdy]

There are plenty of threads knocking about on GTI delivery times if you do some quick searches.

For a factory build with your own options a lead time of between 12 and 16 weeks is the norm from a UK dealer. 26 weeks is far too long although some import companies struggle to get them within the same timeframes.

Are you buying from VW or a Broker/importer?

[Bobnaldo]

Hi its from a dealer in Swindon, but I went through Autobytel.

The date on my order form is mid Feb, so a build week of 25 is a bit far.

I'm not sure what i can do as I part ex'd my old car with them a few weeks ago on the basis that I'd be getting my car in May, so I'm not sure if I can even cancel the order and get a used one.

[Cass]

Should be no longer than 12 weeks max, but the Germans are sticklers for having their factory holidays on time. May put another 2-3 weeks on but I got my car after 8 weeks.

Cass

[Bobnaldo]

Thanks for your comments, its so frustrating being car less and bein told I'll have to wait two months longer than what I expected.

I can have another one sooner, but I want the luxury pack with the folding mirrors so it'll fit in the garage away from any scumbags.

Do you think the dealer just forgot to order it? 

[Cass]

Do you think the dealer just forgot to order it? 

Possibly - ask to see the dealer order records. What explanation have they given you ?

When I ordered mine I left a £500 deposit and 2 weeks later when the order/spec had been confirmed by the factory, I paid a further £500. Got my car after 8 weeks and had to sell my Boxster earlier than anticipated

If they have cocked up your order I would be seeking some compensation. You can always walk away, but then you are back to square one. Alternatively, some dealers get an extra build slot due to cancelled orders or increased production - if you order a new car now you will probably still get it by July If you go down this route, I would argue for a (better) discount at the outset though. One other thing here - if, at any time after placing your initial order, you change the original spec, your order goes back to the standard build time again - you haven't been this naughty have you

You may find that the car does arrive earlier but 6 months is a big wait overall as is mid July from now. Try ringing VW Customer Services and argue that if they cannot expedite the build, you will cancel the order. I'm sure a bit of hard nosed bargaining will get you somewhere

Good luck and keep us posted.

Cass

[Bobnaldo]

Hi

Thank you for the comments.

The reason I've been given is that VW have lots of new engines out, so its been delayed. Sounds a bit made up to me.

I changed the spec just over a week after I placed the order, swopping arm rest and aux in for the ipod connector, it was still mid February.

They've agreed to give me a hire car if I wait more than 16 weeks, which I will do as it won't be here till mid July. Just need to argue when 16 weeks is, as they say I ordered it in March, but my order form is dated Feb, so not sure what they can say. Then i can negotiate compensation, R32 rear lights and cruise control should suffice.

[schofier]

Does seem a little excessive. Ordered a new factory built GTI - 9th Feb. Build week was 14 (w/c March 31st). Picked it up 26th April.