VW Cheltenham now gone - who to use?

[rover220]

The van centre at Shrewsbury was removed a few years ago, my nearest now are Bilston (29 miles), Wrexham (47 miles) or Stoke on Trent (35 miles). I've experienced one of those in the past and will not darken their doors again!

Total pain in the ass now to visit any of them. I don't know what VW are playing at when there are so many VW Commercials on the road most of which are in fleet use and in need of fast turn around maintenance and/or warranty work. Not to mention the chance of sales!

Having used both Bilston and Stoke on several occasions I would avoid both.

 

[T6Paul]

Personally I would avoid Heritage Bristol at all costs

 

[Ayjay]

Anyone used or know about these guys in Gloucester?

Home | 360 Automotive Gloucester - Vw, Skoda, Seat And Audi Specialists

Our dedicated team have been keeping the businesses and individuals of Gloucester on the road for decades. Our modern testing facility is DVSA approved MOT and one of the largest in Gloucestershire.

360auto.co.uk

Nigel, My apologies but I have just spotted your post. I haven't actually used 360 Automotive myself but they have been highly recommended to me by fellow VW owners as people who really know what they're doing. I did drop in and talk to them last year when I first got my van and they certainly talked a good game - I was told that they do not use anything but VW specified parts and consumables (inc. lubes etc.) unless specifically directed by the customer and also that they can access and update the VW on-line service history. My manufacturers warranty runs out next year and I'll probably be going to 360 after that. It's an added bonus that they are only about 9 miles from me whereas all the VW places are a lot further.

 

[Nigel W]

Nigel, My apologies but I have just spotted your post. I haven't actually used 360 Automotive myself but they have been highly recommended to me by fellow VW owners as people who really know what they're doing. I did drop in and talk to them last year when I first got my van and they certainly talked a good game - I was told that they do not use anything but VW specified parts and consumables (inc. lubes etc.) unless specifically directed by the customer and also that they can access and update the VW on-line service history. My manufacturers warranty runs out next year and I'll probably be going to 360 after that. It's an added bonus that they are only about 9 miles from me whereas all the VW places are a lot further.

Cheers, I am in Nailsworth so also pretty close, mine is 4 years old in June so needs an MOT a service and according to the forum a new cambelt.(Even tho it’s only done 20k miles). I took out the extended warranty to 5 years when purchased but I think I will try 360 as no one here can recommend a decent VW one.
i will report back in due course.

 

[Loz]

Cheers, I am in Nailsworth so also pretty close, mine is 4 years old in June so needs an MOT a service and according to the forum a new cambelt.(Even tho it’s only done 20k miles). I took out the extended warranty to 5 years when purchased but I think I will try 360 as no one here can recommend a decent VW one.
i will report back in due course.

We have an independent VW Audi garage in Cam(Dursley) next to the Caterham dealer behind the Shell Garage in Draycot They might be up for doing it?

 

[Nigel W]

We have an independent VW Audi garage in Cam(Dursley) next to the Caterham dealer behind the Shell Garage in Draycot They might be up for doing it?

Cheers Loz, I am moving my aged mother to Dursley once the lockdown is over so I will certainly have a look. One issue I have found so far is that mine is a LWB and many indies can’t service as their lifts are too small.

 

[T6Paul]

Try VW services in Bedminster Bristol, they are good, but check with them about ramp size? I know they do service transporters and mine will be going there now that the warranty is up.

 

[YellowHound]

Nigel, My apologies but I have just spotted your post. I haven't actually used 360 Automotive myself but they have been highly recommended to me by fellow VW owners as people who really know what they're doing. I did drop in and talk to them last year when I first got my van and they certainly talked a good game - I was told that they do not use anything but VW specified parts and consumables (inc. lubes etc.) unless specifically directed by the customer and also that they can access and update the VW on-line service history. My manufacturers warranty runs out next year and I'll probably be going to 360 after that. It's an added bonus that they are only about 9 miles from me whereas all the VW places are a lot further.

Interesting - I'm just out of warranty now so if these guys are well-regarded they sound as though they are worth using.

 

[James1000]

Hi - I had the same dilemma a few months back and looked at your same options. Distance / time were a factor so I went to Droitwich, I have to say Listers were exceptional, they have some Cheltenham staff there and have taken on some of the Cheltenham vehicles. Good browsing stock, free sandwich what’s not to like

My van is now calling for a service.

With VW Cheltenham now gone the question is who to use?

My options seems to be:
VW Van Centre Swindon
Listers Droitwich
Vertu Hereford
Cordwallis Eynsham

I'm looking for recommendations as which of these is better than the rest. I've clearly got to travel anyway so I might as well go to a dealer that has some recognition for good work.

TIA

 

[YellowHound]

Hi - I had the same dilemma a few months back and looked at your same options. Distance / time were a factor so I went to Droitwich, I have to say Listers were exceptional, they have some Cheltenham staff there and have taken on some of the Cheltenham vehicles. Good browsing stock, free sandwich what’s not to like

Thanks James.

 

[JimVee]

My bus has always been looked after by Cheltenham so was gutted when they went. You could use Listers at Stratford on Avon But they only have 1 van ramp and they were arsey when I tried to booking in so I use Droitwich now.

 

[Dannyb6467]

I have used Droitwich since a rubbish experience at my more local dealer in Bilston.
Droitwich are very switched on, service is excellent, sales team are excellent...so much so I ordered a new van and didn't even want one!!
Even more important is if you mention this forum they genuinely give more discounts, they admit this forum brings in sales for all departments.

 

[YellowHound]

I have used Droitwich since a rubbish experience at my more local dealer in Bilston.
Droitwich are very switched on, service is excellent, sales team are excellent...so much so I ordered a new van and didn't even want one!!
Even more important is if you mention this forum they genuinely give more discounts, they admit this forum brings in sales for all departments.

Thanks. Droitwich it is then

 

[LakesT6]

The workshop controller at Droitwich is active on a lot of the Transporter groups on faceache, they’re just a bit too far away for me.

 

[Ayjay]

I had a conversation with someone this morning who said that he had heard that a VW Van Centre franchise had gone to a firm in Tewkesbury. Apart from them being called 'Arthur something or other', he couldn't remember any details! I did try Google with out success but thought I would also ask whether the T6F community had heard anything similar.

 

[Nigel W]

After loads of research would you believe I found a small specialist independent just a few miles away from my house near Stroud.
Family owned, just two guys and a lady, been doing VW transporters for over 22 years and specialise in campers so they can sort other issues as well.
Happy to use VW parts to keep your warranty intact. Yesterday they did mine - full service, mot, cambelt/water pump and all the ancillaries. Really nice people and they know what they are doing.
if you want to talk to them here is a link, they have courtesy cars if need or it’s a short walk into the town.

The Good Garage Scheme: S T C Services (Stroud) Ltd

 

[YellowHound]

So I really need to get my van booked in and have been looking at prices. Talking to VW Droitwich my van needs a full service.

I'm a little surprised with:

360 Automotive haven't responded with a price which is disappointing. I've chased them but nothing forthcoming.

STC Services Stroud want £312.46 inc VAT

VW Droitwich £354 incl VAT

So basically £40 to have a VW stamp in my book which I think is worthwhile. I thought an independent garage would be considerably cheaper than VW.

 

[Ayjay]

Not been there yet but I was looking at the VW Van site the other day and that indicated that there was now a Tewkesbry dealer. Must be the one that I referred to above. If you talk to them or, indeed, go there for the work let us know how you get on. As newbies, one would hope that they would be eager to please!

 

[YellowHound]

Not been there yet but I was looking at the VW Van site the other day and that indicated that there was now a Tewkesbry dealer. Must be the one that I referred to above. If you talk to them or, indeed, go there for the work let us know how you get on. As newbies, one would hope that they would be eager to please!

You're right - didn't know this.
Going to call them.

 

[YellowHound]

Spoke to them - quoted marginally more than Droitwich at £360. I suspect a little bit of rounding up on the ex-VAT price on their part.

I think I'm going to go up to Droitwich - they have a good rep and are obviously vastly more experienced with VW than Arthur Spriggs. Might use them next time.