VW Service waiting times

[Mick]

The van is in Listers Coventry. I posted in another thread about my flashing coil lights, vacuum air leak error code and ACC issues. I am able to leave my van in with them cos I have another car and I don’t need it for work etc. They can possibly fit it in quicker if they have a cancellation etc. When I initially called them they said they were only booking out to 9th March.

They’ll complete a diagnostic test on Friday, contact the insurance if needed and let me know a repair schedule.

My question is this - Are other dealers around the country also this busy? Bookings out to 2 months is just mad. If I didn’t have an extended warranty I would have gone somewhere else.

 

[Big Al]

VW commercials still operate like car garages. When I worked on light/heavy commercials it was totally different, constantly busy and waiting times no where near that.

 

[MK2Golf24v]

Bear in mind it might be people planning ahead. The 28day early MOT is kicking in for vehicles delivered in early March on the new reg, and combined with annual servicing tends to be a busy period Feb/March

 

[Kevin]

Its busy around here to. Cars and vans. The dealers don't stock many spares parts either. Just keep normal service parts. Not even batteries.

 

[Mick]

Bear in mind it might be people planning ahead. The 28day early MOT is kicking in for vehicles delivered in early March on the new reg, and combined with annual servicing tends to be a busy period Feb/March

It was exactly the same with them in September when I needed a service and inspection for the insurance.

 

[t6blo]

Its busty around here to. Cars and vans. The dealers don't stock many spares parts either. Just keep normal service parts. Not even batteries.

I like them busty, but slim

 

[DXX]

The van is in Listers Coventry. I posted in another thread about my flashing coil lights, vacuum air leak error code and ACC issues. I am able to leave my van in with them cos I have another car and I don’t need it for work etc. They can possibly fit it in quicker if they have a cancellation etc. When I initially called them they said they were only booking out to 9th March.

They’ll complete a diagnostic test on Friday, contact the insurance if needed and let me know a repair schedule.

My question is this - Are other dealers around the country also this busy? Bookings out to 2 months is just mad. If I didn’t have an extended warranty I would have gone somewhere else.

Could be a few causes, none of them good;
1. VW reliability worse than forecast, more repairs both warranty and paid.
2. Lack of staff, less than attractive compensation for employees.
3. Customer services just don’t care about the Customer experience.

 

[Bav]

Could be a few causes, none of them good;
1. VW reliability worse than forecast, more repairs both warranty and paid.
2. Lack of staff, less than attractive compensation for employees.
3. Customer services just don’t care about the Customer experience.

My money's on 3

 

[Mick]

I like them busty, but slim

And no farting

 

[Mixersmate]

They closed my local dealership last year, if they are closing a few around the country that will make more customers trying to get spots and alternative dealerships.

 

[Crazymind]

7 weeks for an appointment! I have never used main dealers before because of their attitude and general rip off feel. However I found VW commercial Glasgow being very professional and knowledgeable. No BS tales, detailed tech explanation of issues Very expensive as well…however on maintenance plan pricing not much different from my local garage.

 

[JiMsHaDY69]

Last year VW sent me a reminder that my service was due in X weeks (don't remember exactly).

I called them and they couldn't fit me in for 12 weeks. I then asked if I didn't require a courtesy car how long it would be. "12 weeks" was the reply.

Again I don't remember the exact timeframe, but it was well after the due date.

Got a local VAG specialist to do it instead.

After this I ensured that I booked my MOT 12 weeks in advance as I wanted it just before the van turned three in the event I needed to pursue warranty work.

They told me when I queried the long wait time that they were still catching up with fleet servicing and work that had lapsed over COVID lockdown.

 

[JamesS]

Contacted Group 1 in Norwich yesterday as my van has an intermittent fault relating to cylinder 2 glow plug circuit, and seemingly a permanent fault with the telematics unit which I want them to look at whilst the van is still under warranty, and the earliest they can get it booked in is March 16th, irrespective of whether I want a courtesy vehicle or not.
I have no desire to use a main dealer and would rather go to a local specialist, but whilst it's under warranty and I need these faults resolving, don't see I have any other option.

 

[Lightrofit]

It's almost standard across all VWAG main dealers that they're running about 6-8 weeks lead time. I get loads of customers booking in electrical issues with me telling me they can't wait that long and the dealerships aren't budging at all.

A big factor is staffing. A lot of techs are moving to different jobs. That's not specific to VWAG though, that's across the industry as pay packets aren't matching skill levels.

 

[Amymax18]

7 weeks for an appointment! I have never used main dealers before because of their attitude and general rip off feel. However I found VW commercial Glasgow being very professional and knowledgeable. No BS tales, detailed tech explanation of issues Very expensive as well…however on maintenance plan pricing not much different from my local garage.

When you say VW commercial do you mean Lookers VW in Bailieston ?

 

[Crazymind]

Yes, Vw Bailieston

 

[MK2Golf24v]

Yes, Vw Bailieston

They are great to deal with, Chris in Sales sorted me out on a couple issues superbly.

 

[Mick]

So they have now sent me a video with a health check and after 67000 miles i have:

1. EGR pipe has split causing the flashing coil light issue- don't think that is covered under warranty
2. That caused a DPF soot build up and needs a service regen. i’ll have look at that cos it was at 46g when I handed it in. Question: I presume I can sort that with the Carista service regen.
3. Flywheel chatter on tickover. They also point out some brown staining underneath and state something like the flywjheel may have siezed at some point. That should be a warranty job
4. Oil and Ad blue need topping up - that’ll be correct after a 1800 mile trip. I did them both before I left. I am using about 1/2 litre of oil every 1500 miles.
5. Never mentioned the Front Assist failing or the ACC not engaging. I’ll be all over that cos it’s happening to frequently.

#moneypit

 

[DXX]

I am using about 1/2 litre of oil every 1500 miles.

I think you have a problem with the engine, that’s high oil consumption.
If the oil is not leaking externally it is being burnt which isn’t helping with the DPF soot levels.

 

[Mick]

I think you have a problem with the engine, that’s high oil consumption.
If the oil is not leaking externally it is being burnt which isn’t helping with the DPF soot levels.

Yep they are going to check it all out. Typo should have read 2500. The soot levels was considered an issue cos of the EGR issue.