Crazy tale on first drive!

[MAYO]

This is really shocking. First of all I would get some legal advice. Were you injured at all? Did you hurt your neck? (are you sure?) also were you and/or your passenger suffering in shock and still suffering in shock...? I would really push this with the dealer as clearly the car was not fit for purpose. As soon as you get any legal reprsentitives involved they will bend over backwards. This is a real chance to get a higher spec model and free servicing for x years. Really push this with the dealer, if they refuse to do anything say you will contact the local press.......they will fill their pants...............

[QD MBE]

Lets not go overboard with the 'where's there blame etc'.

You are in an extremely strong position to reject the car.  I suspect a servicing error of mammoth proportions caused the incident.  I would personally have been in dialogue already with VW (UK) and not the dealer, VW will take keen interest in this. 

They will at least want to repair the car, and return it to you, but your stance should be one of reticence to have the car back due to damage and uncertainty as to the mechanical integrity of the car.

Push for an upgrade, and take legal advice if necessary.  CAB is a good place to start.  Decide as the outcome you wish to achieve, and transmit this to VW(UK) be a bit cheeky and don't waver.  VW(UK) are a huge company, and an upgrade to you will be nothing to them.

How did you pay for the car?  Perhaps another angle, VW Finance will be interested too (if used) as will VISA (if used).

[cat69uk]

It was an Audi dealer, I paid deposit on Visa and took Audi Finance.  Not sure as to how to push for a better car as I don't want an Audi

they have said I can have a full refund, so not taking the car isn't a problem.  I suppose I'm now looking for a serious gesture, ie; big reduction in cost of car, fully detailed, hands free, sat nav, upgraded alloys, new discs, pads, extended warranty.  I just don't know at this point.

They know their reputation is on the line, this can easily go in the local press, car mags etc...... I also know the manager of the BMW garage up the road from them

I don't really want to go down the legal route, I hate the blame culture but do accept people have a resposibility of care.  As mentioned earlier, I'm awaiting them to respond with an offer, then I'll consider the next step.

[Rich]

Crazy mate... but i don't think i'd be driving that car again...

[Richn83]

That is a horrible image mate, your brand new pride and joy slumped by the side of the road, and your nice (I assume) un-kerbed alloy sitting in a hedge!

Hope it all gets sorted, and if you do decide to take the car in a repaired state, then I think a very extended warranty would be the top of my list to make sure that any un-expected damage will be covered due to there negligence.  Also if they are a large Audi dealer maybe have a look at the other garages they own, and see if they have an alternative GTI that they can replace yours with.

My local Audi garage is part of a group with VW garages as well and this will broaden the choice of cars you have.  

[QD MBE]

It was an Audi dealer, I paid deposit on Visa and took Audi Finance.  Not sure as to how to push for a better car as I don't want an Audi

I don't really want to go down the legal route, I hate the blame culture but do accept people have a resposibility of care.  As mentioned earlier, I'm awaiting them to respond with an offer, then I'll consider the next step.

If all else fails VISA will take an  interest, and should refund and take their own action.

Still Liaise with VW/Audi UK, push for an upgrade due to a lack of confidence in the car.

Hope all goes well, keep us all posted.

[Richn83]

And technically Audi Finance own the car not you 

[Pirelli08]

I know exactly how you are feeling, not long after the Audi TT's came out I purchased a heavily modified Abt version from an Audi Main dealer it had 18" RS wheels fitted and on the drive home after collecting it I had the same problem but luckily I stopped before the wheel actually came off. The dealer was extremely helpfull ie loan car etc and the problem turned out to be that they had used the standard TT wheel bolts and these were not correct for the wheel, they offered all sorts of sweetners but I rejected the car as I never felt the same about it!!! they gave me a refund in full which must have caused them some aggro as they had registered the car with my private plate and all the time whilst it was being sorted I had the use of a loan car so I wish you well in sorting it mate 

[andrewparker]

That's nuts, imagine if the wheel had hit a person or child on the pavement. Doesn't bear thinking about.

[QD MBE]

Any news?

[cat69uk]

No news as I said I wasn't in the right frame of mind to discuss until after the long weekend.  Left the ball in their court and await a call Tuesday.  I've been thinking of nothing else.  Possible hopes below:

1) They refund me + compensation.

2) They source a better vehicle.

3) They sort my car to brand new, new alloys, tyres, discs, brake pads, factory fit sat nav/bluetooth/ipod connection/ sent to detailer of my choice for full overhaul, etc....., and should have an absolute minter.  And obviously an extended warranty.

Anyway, let me see what they offer, if anything.  Hopefully I don't have to go down a legal route.

[Tarmac_Terrorist]

Sorry to hear of your nightmare.

My concern would be any damage to the underneath / floorpan.
Yes, discs, hubs and suspension can be replaced but what about long term corrosion issues following any potential underneath repair?

Many Audi garages have VW garages in their group / dealer network. Get them to source another GTI if they can.
I'd be pushing for a nice used S3 

[Smudgster]

M8 thats a nightmare.

IMO i would reject the car now, you will never feel the same no matter what they do.

I wouldnt have a refund as that is a get a jail free for the dealer. I would demand a replacement car, but with conditions such a younger car better spec etc etc That way you benefit in the long term. You also get to use the loan car until they sort!!!!

Hope they get it sorted BUT dont rush into a decision you could regret down the line

All the best

Smudge

[gaz b]

Shocking news mate! Is that a dent in the wheel arch too?

[cat69uk]

Gaz, Never saw that!!  Yep, looks like it....  Goddam, roll on Tuesday, let the battle commence.