This morning I called in at the Main Dealer who took the breakdown report from VW Assist.
The work was booked in for mid December, and was advised to simply breakdown, call Assist who will put 60m range on the clock, follow me to the dealership and arrange a suitable commercial.
Also hinted that once on site, slots would open up to look at the vehicle.
In hindsight the Assist guy yesterday was urging me to follow him there and then, but I was on a job, and just not possible.
Just been on the phone to Assist and told they will not attend again unless the vehicle breaks down. Also confirmed an immediate courtesy vehicle will be supplied if the vehicle can't be started and taken to the main dealer.
I did have this a few years ago under the original 3 year warranty, when I told the dealer (the one that supplied it) that it wasn't going to make it over the festive period as it was struggling to turn over. Their answer was break down and call Assist.
The Boy Scout in me just couldn't handle this negative outlook, so I bought a new battery.
This didn't solve the problem, I broke down, called Assist and a dodgy starter motor diagnosed.
Had they simply spared me 5 minutes to test the battery it would have saved me £150 for an AGM.
It's just the way of the world now!
The big boys killed of nearly all the small helpful independents with their main dealer only tools and diagnostics - And now they have the captive market are able to offer shoddy service.
Just a follow up to my above post 1 month ago;
I ran the range down as economically as I possibly could, breaking down exactly 4 weeks after Assist attended.
Every 50 miles or so the DPF light would flash and the vehicle would lose power. Nothing like limp mode, more like the turbo wasn't working. A quick flick of the ignition on and off whilst driving would remedy this every time.
I think it was just a cynical way of pushing you to get it to a dealer. Even though it's been booked in since the light came on .... and 7 weeks away!
Yesterday was the fateful day, and I did the 12 miles left to zero. Van pre cleared out, and all gear dropped at job I'm working on.
The countdown went to zero a mile from home, the warning light turned red, and once home the motor would not re start.
Called Assist who attended 4 hours later. He plugged it in, and I saw 30 mile range on the display.
He insisted he had not done it, so maybe another trick that gives you a last chance to drive it in an hour or so after failing to start?
Paperwork was filled out, an email to the garage supposedly sent, and I was instructed to take it in.
On arrival the vehicle was rejected because I hadn't been recovered, but driven it in.
No replacement vehicle offered, and the booked in date of mid December still stood.
The next hour and a half consisted of the dealer saying it's for Assist to sort out, and Assist insisting it's the dealers responsibility.
Both suggested customer services, and after talking to some AI bot for a few minutes, connected me to a call centre who were utterly useless.
Eventually the guys at the dealership offered me a loan car whist the mess is sorted out.
The 3 guys at the dealers did their best to talk to Assist, who just thought I should drive 35 miles to a van centre with a 20 mile range, break down & get assisted to where they may have a van available.
Morale of the story is make sure Assist accompany you to the garage.