Aonarch's Beetle; The Saga Begins

[Aonarch]

You're sure someone isn't just messing with you? Is your house built on an old Indian graveyard?

Positive. My MKVI GTI did that once.

stop farting in the car and maybe it would not want to automatically air it self out!!

Truth.

[vdub10golf]

Damn, that's kinda scary

[Aonarch]

Damn, that's kinda scary

Yup I have my windows taped up... Not fun.

[Aonarch]

Spoke with VWoA, seeing about getting me in a JSW TDI 6MT.

[Hufeisen]

Spoke with VWoA, seeing about getting me in a JSW TDI 6MT.

No Golf R or TTRS

BOT - That's good news, hope they follow through with it....

[dubb34r]

Spoke with VWoA, seeing about getting me in a JSW TDI 6MT.

What you should have gotten in the first place. JSW!

[Aonarch]

No Golf R or TTRS

BOT - That's good news, hope they follow through with it....

Not going to be that guy... On the phone I was like look I've been driving VW's for many years. I love VW and I want to keep loving VWs, however I currently have one with temporary tags still on the back and plastic duct taped over my windows. They asked me what damages do you want? I said nothing except getting into another VW, but not a Beetle. JSW TDI.

What you should have gotten in the first place. JSW!

I know, I know!

[dubb34r]

Good luck buddy!

[Jedidub]

I love my JSW


BUT!
Now that it's paid off I'm thinking about buying a beetle in a few months when I have a better down payment. I was on the list for the Golf R and had $1k down already, but when it came in I drove it and was not impressed. Well not 35k impressed so my buddy bought it instead. Now I want to wait for a beetle R (which will never happen) or the beetle convertible turbo which was supposed to launch in the spring and now has been pushed back until late summer early fall. With all the problems surrounding the little car I might scrap this idea all together this will be a weekend toy my JSW will still be my dd. I'm going to wait and see hopefully quality gets better.

[Aonarch]

Good luck buddy!

I love my JSW


BUT!
Now that it's paid off I'm thinking about buying a beetle in a few months when I have a better down payment. I was on the list for the Golf R and had $1k down already, but when it came in I drove it and was not impressed. Well not 35k impressed so my buddy bought it instead. Now I want to wait for a beetle R (which will never happen) or the beetle convertible turbo which was supposed to launch in the spring and now has been pushed back until late summer early fall. With all the problems surrounding the little car I might scrap this idea all together this will be a weekend toy my JSW will still be my dd. I'm going to wait and see hopefully quality gets better.

Beetle is cheaper inside than the Golf platform, hard plastics. Looks great, but I am very concerned with reliability. Right now VW cannot tell me when they can fix my windows. Tomorrow I will hear from a case manager and I basically am going to insist on being put in a different model, or else I will have to go through lemon law, which I am sure hurts VW's reliability rating.

[Almostirish]

I spoke to the RCM's assistant yesterday. They offered me 1 payment or a $1500 voucher towards a new or used VW.

Today I called them back and declined the offer and informed them I will continue on with the Lemon Law procedure. Under the Lemon Law they would have to replace the vehicle or refund the purchase price. If I had taken them up on their offer, I would have lost a few thousand in trade. I am not willing to do that.

Much like you, I love VW. I want to stay in the VW family...just not in a beetle.

[sonic_va]

Good to know, I'm waiting on a RCM's callback myself, also going to play up that this is my 3rd new VW and would love to stay in the family. Though as much as I love the Beetle on the the outside, it's build quality and what it's inside, that's not so great. Going to see if they can put me into a comparably-equipped GTI.

[Aonarch]

I spoke to the RCM's assistant yesterday. They offered me 1 payment or a $1500 voucher towards a new or used VW.

Today I called them back and declined the offer and informed them I will continue on with the Lemon Law procedure. Under the Lemon Law they would have to replace the vehicle or refund the purchase price. If I had taken them up on their offer, I would have lost a few thousand in trade. I am not willing to do that.

Much like you, I love VW. I want to stay in the VW family...just not in a beetle.

I probably will have to do the same thing, we will see what they can offer me.

Good to know, I'm waiting on a RCM's callback myself, also going to play up that this is my 3rd new VW and would love to stay in the family. Though as much as I love the Beetle on the the outside, it's build quality and what it's inside, that's not so great. Going to see if they can put me into a comparably-equipped GTI.

This is my 9th brand new VW, so they better accommodate me!

[sonic_va]

Damn....got me beat by a long shot!

[Aonarch]

Damn....got me beat by a long shot!

It is crazy to see all of these cases of people trying to get out of their Beetles for the same reasons. Hopefully this will strengthen my case.

[sonic_va]

So, just got off the phone with the RCS guy. He claims I have to talk to VW Credit to move out of my lease into another car. Best I got was that same $1,500 voucher (which he said wouldn't even cover the early lease turn in fees after 6 months of having the car).

[Aonarch]

So, just got off the phone with the RCS guy. He claims I have to talk to VW Credit to move out of my lease into another car. Best I got was that same $1,500 voucher (which he said wouldn't even cover the early lease turn in fees after 6 months of having the car).

Bogus... So you would have to pay fees?

Lemon law.

[sonic_va]

Bogus... So you would have to pay fees?

Lemon law.

Pretty much.

[Aonarch]

Pretty much.

Also I assume they would not refund me the dealer fees, tax, tag, title, etc? The $1500 would not cover that if I had to purchase another vehicle.

[Aonarch]

Weird treatment by my regional case manager. She will not speak to me until the end of business today... I called fifteen minutes before and was told sorry she does not HAVE to speak to you until the end of business today... Weird.

EDIT: Update... I guess?

I was just called by VWoA, not the case manager. Basically a clerk who told me we didn't get all the information that we wanted from your dealer in time, we will call you by end of business tomorrow. I tried to keep her on the line with basic questions, but she wasn't having it.

I asked what steps they were taking and her answer was we are trying to see what you dealer did to diagnosis and repair your car. I politely responded I have all of the work order receipts they followed the TSB and then replaced the motor, pretty simple. This still doesn't help me out.

[sonic_va]

Sounds about the same stuff that was discussed with my rep. They kept focusing on the hatch area rattle I complained about, but glazed over my number one item in my email, the 4 trips to the dealer for the window. Dude was friendly enough...but I didn't get the answers I wanted out of him.

[silverspeedbuggy]

Ugh. I'm betting VW is trying to cover their rear. I'm also betting they are trying to find out if your dealer was/is doing everything right and truly repairing it properly. VW has to be frustrated by all this as they want all this to stay out of the legal systems.

I wouldn't be surprised if you continue to get the cold shoulder from your dealer, the Regional, and VW itself since you've now taken this out of their hands. You just want a working car and your dealership can't seem to make this happen.* Best of luck, I'm sad to see you had to go to these measures.

*I have no idea what dealership you are working with, but many times I've seen on these forums that these types of issues do not have to do with the car itself, but with the thoroughness and knowledge of the dealership. I personally had small issues with my current GLI and with my 98 Beetle that my closest dealer always took 2 to 3 visits to fix. I switched dealers to one not anywhere near my house and guess what? They fix my car right on the first time everytime.

[sonic_va]

I haven't been quick to blame the dealership since my issues seem to be the same issues many are experiencing (thank you Vortex for helping me discover that). Oh, and sorry to hijack your thread Aonarch...but hopefully the info is helping each other and any others that may be in the same boat.

[Aonarch]

Ugh. I'm betting VW is trying to cover their rear. I'm also betting they are trying to find out if your dealer was/is doing everything right and truly repairing it properly. VW has to be frustrated by all this as they want all this to stay out of the legal systems.

I wouldn't be surprised if you continue to get the cold shoulder from your dealer, the Regional, and VW itself since you've now taken this out of their hands. You just want a working car and your dealership can't seem to make this happen.* Best of luck, I'm sad to see you had to go to these measures.

*I have no idea what dealership you are working with, but many times I've seen on these forums that these types of issues do not have to do with the car itself, but with the thoroughness and knowledge of the dealership. I personally had small issues with my current GLI and with my 98 Beetle that my closest dealer always took 2 to 3 visits to fix. I switched dealers to one not anywhere near my house and guess what? They fix my car right on the first time everytime.

Best dealer in my area. Their issue is they can't get the parts they need to fix it, meanwhile corporate gives them stupid fixes that only made my problem worse. At first it was livable, then I got the tsb, made it worse. Then I got the new motor, made it way, way worse. Now my windows are possessed, scratched, and I have tons of rattles coming from the door cards.

My main concern is they know I need one more repair attempt until my lemon law kicks in. They however cannot tell me when that repair attempt will occur, but once it does I am allowed to legally send them a final notice, which allows only 7 days (Not business days, either).

I guess I will have to wait till tomorrow and hear from them, if they still can't give me a repair time/ date; I will be forced to contact a state provided lemon law arbitrator, who will not be as nice as I am being.

I haven't been quick to blame the dealership since my issues seem to be the same issues many are experiencing (thank you Vortex for helping me discover that). Oh, and sorry to hijack your thread Aonarch...but hopefully the info is helping each other and any others that may be in the same boat.

No, it is helping tremendously.

[99_XC600]

VAG has just announced that the engineers have determined the best resolution for the chronic window issue.

Please feel free to contact your local dealer to get the kit installed.

[Aonarch]

VAG has just announced that the engineers have determined the best resolution for the chronic window issue.

Please feel free to contact your local dealer to get the kit installed.

[Cadenza_7o]

VAG has just announced that the engineers have determined the best resolution for the chronic window issue.

Please feel free to contact your local dealer to get the kit installed.

Actually, VW will begin to offer hand cranks as "mandatory" accessories on B12 beginning next month.

[Aonarch]

Actually, VW will begin to offer hand cranks as "mandatory" accessories on B12 beginning next month.

[Almostirish]

I sent an email to the dealer earlier this week inquring about a Passat. Today on my break, I received a call from the salesman that sold me my Beetle. I told him the issues I've been having w/ the Beetle and how unhappy I was with the vehicle. He told me to call VWoA and have the $1500 voucher reinstated and he would see what he could for me.

We made a couple of calls back and forth just to find out some basic information. He said "I"m sorry for the issues you've had, but if you buy a car from us, we want you to be absolutely happy with our car."

As of 9 PM I'm an owner of a 5 mile 2012 Passat SE. I have the same term financing and same payment as I did w/ the Beetle. I am truly amazed with VW of Orange Park. I've never dealt w/ a dealer that would do that for a customer.

[sonic_va]

Thanks for your update AlmostIrish! I was actually contemplating talking to my salesperson and seeing where it went. I hadn't though because a random salesperson I talked to at the dealership wasn't really willing to work with me.

[Aonarch]

I sent an email to the dealer earlier this week inquring about a Passat. Today on my break, I received a call from the salesman that sold me my Beetle. I told him the issues I've been having w/ the Beetle and how unhappy I was with the vehicle. He told me to call VWoA and have the $1500 voucher reinstated and he would see what he could for me.

We made a couple of calls back and forth just to find out some basic information. He said "I"m sorry for the issues you've had, but if you buy a car from us, we want you to be absolutely happy with our car."

As of 9 PM I'm an owner of a 5 mile 2012 Passat SE. I have the same term financing and same payment as I did w/ the Beetle. I am truly amazed with VW of Orange Park. I've never dealt w/ a dealer that would do that for a customer.

Congrats! I love the new Passats, especially since I am from Chattavegas.

Thanks for your update AlmostIrish! I was actually contemplating talking to my salesperson and seeing where it went. I hadn't though because a random salesperson I talked to at the dealership wasn't really willing to work with me.

I already have a replacement vehicle picked out as well. 2012 Jetta Sportwagen. My salesman is waiting for VWoA to give me the voucher.

[sonic_va]

Congrats! I love the new Passats, especially since I am from Chattavegas.



I already have a replacement vehicle picked out as well. 2012 Jetta Sportwagen. My salesman is waiting for VWoA to give me the voucher.

I have a vehicle picked out, but I don't think I'm anywhere near the process of getting it. Back to the GTI, a 2012 4-door DSG with sun & nav.

[Aonarch]

I have a vehicle picked out, but I don't think I'm anywhere near the process of getting it. Back to the GTI, a 2012 4-door DSG with sun & nav.

I traded my GTI in and damn I wish I kept it. It is still on my dealers lot... but I would take a hit if I did that move.

[Aonarch]

Finally my case manager called me... but nothing. She is still waiting to hear from my service manager?! I asked what exactly they were doing to fix the issue and she told me that she does not want to give me any incorrect info and that is that.

[Aonarch]

OH MY ****ING GOD. I went to a notoriously ****ty, ****ty dealer today to look at a '10 Eos 2.0T 6MT. Walk in no one gives a ****. Go to the receptionist, on a personal phone call on her cell phone. Stand there and wait. She goes hold on hold on I need to talk to this guy, asks me how she can help me. I say I need to talk to a salesman. Ok I'll grab you one... Grabs me this indian lady (No racism intended)... I mean indian lady, she cannot under stand my english I cannot understand hers. OMG.

Que Awkward introduction

Me: I AM HERE TO LOOK AT THE 2010 EOS WITH A MANUAL!
Her: Yes
Me: Can you point it out to me so I can look at it?
Her: Yes.

Ackward pause... ... ...

Me: The white 2010 Eos with a manual, stick transmission?
Her: Oh the white one?
Me: Yes the white one with a manual.
Her: Oh the white one with a manual. Does it have 28 miles?
Me: What?
Her: Oh come with me. Leads me to her office.
Me: No I just need some one to point out where it is on the lot so I can look at it to make sure it is in good condition.
Her: Oh yes.
Me: ... .... .... .... .... ....

She grabs the keys. And then leads me through the service bay.

Thinking to my self: Oh it is in service right now.

She then goes through some doors and we wind up on the side of the building... We could have easily just gone through the front door and walked a few feet, but no. She had to lead us through the maze.

She: She then opens the trunk and goes oh yeah it has floor mats.
Me: Wow... that is nice.

I then ask her for the keys and take a look. It is beat up. Dirty as ****, crap stuffed in the back, the shifter knob is brown from maybe hand lotion? Base model, yuck. 59,000 miles and it is a 2009. Same stock number they somehow just completely misadvertised it.

Me: Thanks for showing us the car, but it is too hot and I will come back when it is cooler.

She then tries a weak attempt at selling me the car.

I tell her oh no I just bought a 2012 Beetle three weeks ago. Unfortunately it is broken and VWoA is buying it back. I describe my situation as slowly and throughly as I can.

She: We can change cars for you.

Me: No you can't. VWoA will send me a voucher and there will be no dealer involvement, I just need to find the car I want.

She: You can swap cars here.

Me: What do you mean, trade my car in?

She: Yes you can trade you car in.

Me, pissed off: Listen I just bought a car. It is broken why the hell would I trade it in to you guys and loose thousands of dollars, when VWoA will just buy it back from me and write me a check for it???!

I then walk away.

Gossett VW in Alpheretta, GA.

Literally the worst VW dealer I have ever been to, all of the local Atlanta crowd agrees.


/Rant

I am not mad or upset, just amused at how terrible this dealership is.