I hate my garage

Chat about your 9n Polo (inc GT and Fun)
Post Reply
memm
Getting There!
Posts: 91
Joined: Fri Jun 13, 2003 10:30 am
Location: now in Lancashire

I hate my garage

Post by memm »

Oh, I am really fed up with a certain dealer here in Lancashire….

The story starts 2 years ago…

Episode 1
The electric windows in my 6N didn’t work all the time anymore… Went there, they checked, and said it costs £600, oh and when they checked they also forgot to connect the electr. cables in the door again…
I called the dealer where I bought the car in 1996 (on the continent), they said, I only have to replace a small plastic part. I tell this to the local guys here, they said that’s not true, they have to replace the whole electr. motors. (Oh, come on I could nearly see the £ signs in their eyes).
I am fed up, let the other guys send me the plastic part, replace it by myself, everything was working. Cost including p&p only £20

Episode 2
Thieves stole the radio form the 6N. I give the local garage the car to repair… They repair the paint damage, etc and let me handle the broken window problem (they should be able to provide a window for a VW, shouldn’t they?). Problem is that at the end the fabric on the ceiling is hanging down near the window because they bend it too much… After 3 attempts of fixing it I give up and allow them to use Duck tape to fix the fabric… Looks ugly… By the way, my insurance couldn’t believe how much they charged, they never saw such a high bill for repairing a broken window and a bit of paint…

Episode 3
Now for the 9N. A woman crashed into my car and pushed me into the car in front….
Hmm, front and rear bumper damaged… I brought the Polo to that dealer… Last Wednesday I went there to pick up the car… Hmm, great they washed the car, but maybe they should have checked whether all the windows were fully closed… hmm now my right backseat is wet…. Oh, the battery is flat!?… hmmm OK, I have to find the code for the radio again L (How did they manage to “emptyâ€
dxg
Moderator
Posts: 1571
Joined: Sat Oct 19, 2002 9:28 pm
Location: Glasgow

Post by dxg »

Definately - go somewhere else!!

Then complain to VW customer services (it won't make any difference, but it will make you feel better) - be sure to copy your letter to the service manager of the dealer you're not going back to and ask VW for the outcome of their investigation.

You are entitled to a replacement car while yours is having warranty work doine on it. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. You might have to sort out your own insurance for it, though :?

Deek
(This month, I have been mostly driving a hire Fiesta)
memm
Getting There!
Posts: 91
Joined: Fri Jun 13, 2003 10:30 am
Location: now in Lancashire

Post by memm »

I think send a long letter to that dealer and to VW. Does anyone know the customer care address? I could only find the address of their HQ in Milton Keynes...
Scorpio1
Gold Member
Posts: 623
Joined: Sat Jun 28, 2003 10:36 pm
Location: London UK

Post by Scorpio1 »

I thought that was the only address. Try emailing: [email protected]. (Paul is the boss)

or write to: FAO Paul Willis Volkswagen (UK)
Yeomans Drive
Blakelands
Milton Keynes
MK14 5AN.

Keep a copy of all documentation, and whenever you speak to someone on the phone, get their name!
dxg
Moderator
Posts: 1571
Joined: Sat Oct 19, 2002 9:28 pm
Location: Glasgow

Post by dxg »

Or you could phone customer services and *get a case number* - that way youcan chase things up a bit quicker. They might just ask you to fax a letter to them though - and then it can take a month or so for the complaint to "enter their system" before someone will look at it :roll:

This was the position a year ago, anyway - it also refers to a new car, but I'd guess it would be the same for a dealer.
memm
Getting There!
Posts: 91
Joined: Fri Jun 13, 2003 10:30 am
Location: now in Lancashire

Post by memm »

Hmm, I called VW today, they were quite friendly and said they will call me back and they will try to sort the problems out...

I guess that's a good start. Hope they'll relly call back....
memm
Getting There!
Posts: 91
Joined: Fri Jun 13, 2003 10:30 am
Location: now in Lancashire

Post by memm »

I got a call from VW today, they seem to have contacted my garage before they called me, the VW guy was quite friendly and it looks as if he will sort out the problems soon :D
memm
Getting There!
Posts: 91
Joined: Fri Jun 13, 2003 10:30 am
Location: now in Lancashire

Post by memm »

After some phonecalls with VW they finally took my car today, but I guess they'll just repair the climatronic, I don't think they'll look at the gap between grill/bonnet etc.

I was hoever quite suprised about the courtesy car I got: a fairly new Golf, automatic with some electr. gimmicks (4 electr. windows, distance senors if you drive backwards, etc.)
Post Reply