MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: Lyons on November 08, 2010, 06:43:09 pm

Title: Emailing VW director
Post by: Lyons on November 08, 2010, 06:43:09 pm
I'm just about to send an email to Chris Craft (hoping he's still in charge) regarding my rust issue, and just wondered if anyone has done so before? And if so, with any success?
Title: Re: Emailing VW director
Post by: stealthwolf on November 08, 2010, 07:43:41 pm
No but it might be worth getting any other people affected together. There were one or two others on the GolfGTI forum who have had the same issue.
Title: Re: Emailing VW director
Post by: welikeaps on November 08, 2010, 08:35:35 pm
No but it might be worth getting any other people affected together. There were one or two others on the GolfGTI forum who have had the same issue.

X2 agreed. The members on audisport.net did something similar (with the rust on the roof rails, which was a common fault on the 8L S3s).
Title: Re: Emailing VW director
Post by: Lyons on November 08, 2010, 08:38:34 pm
Good idea indeed, force in numbers and all that, but my rust has already been "repaired" under warranty. My problem is with the quality of the work given.
Title: Re: Emailing VW director
Post by: ub7rm on November 08, 2010, 09:49:36 pm
I have this issue (car going into the bodyshop tomorrow to get it sorted  :scared:) but the warranty claim went straight through?  Why did they reject yours?  Bodyshop manager said it was becoming a common problem with mk5's ...  :sick:
Title: Re: Emailing VW director
Post by: welikeaps on November 08, 2010, 10:06:53 pm
Good idea indeed, force in numbers and all that, but my rust has already been "repaired" under warranty. My problem is with the quality of the work given.

If i remember correctly this was also a problem found (on audisprt.net) depending on where the work was undertaken. I know a few members have had cars done twice because they weren't pleased with the results.
Title: Re: Emailing VW director
Post by: Lyons on November 08, 2010, 10:43:15 pm
I have this issue (car going into the bodyshop tomorrow to get it sorted  :scared:) but the warranty claim went straight through?  Why did they reject yours?  Bodyshop manager said it was becoming a common problem with mk5's ...  :sick:

Mine wasn't rejected. The dealer in question carried out and the quality was horrific, honestly you wouldn't believe it.

They attempted to rectify it and although the runs and imperfections are out, there's a serious lack of metallic flake compared to neighbouring panels and the orange peel effect is extremely different due to them applying too much lacquer!

And all this at a main dealership...
Title: Re: Emailing VW director
Post by: Boothy on November 08, 2010, 11:51:26 pm
I'm due to attend at the dealers this week to see about my rust on the wheel arches. if it gets refused i'll certainly be mailing someone. I like the idea of complaining in numbers though.
Title: Re: Emailing VW director
Post by: ub7rm on November 09, 2010, 07:04:25 am
I have this issue (car going into the bodyshop tomorrow to get it sorted  :scared:) but the warranty claim went straight through?  Why did they reject yours?  Bodyshop manager said it was becoming a common problem with mk5's ...  :sick:

Mine wasn't rejected. The dealer in question carried out and the quality was horrific, honestly you wouldn't believe it.

They attempted to rectify it and although the runs and imperfections are out, there's a serious lack of metallic flake compared to neighbouring panels and the orange peel effect is extremely different due to them applying too much lacquer!

And all this at a main dealership...

Ah I see, sorry I didn't read your post properly.  I must admit its with no small amount of trepidation I'm taking my car in today ...
Title: Re: Emailing VW director
Post by: LouCyffer on November 09, 2010, 07:30:05 am
I have this issue (car going into the bodyshop tomorrow to get it sorted  :scared:) but the warranty claim went straight through?  Why did they reject yours?  Bodyshop manager said it was becoming a common problem with mk5's ...  :sick:

Mine wasn't rejected. The dealer in question carried out and the quality was horrific, honestly you wouldn't believe it.

They attempted to rectify it and although the runs and imperfections are out, there's a serious lack of metallic flake compared to neighbouring panels and the orange peel effect is extremely different due to them applying too much lacquer!

And all this at a main dealership...

I suggest you email Honest John (www.honestjohn.co.uk) the motorist's champion. He is very good at consumer advice for motorists, as well as getting involved on your behalf. Fast replies to email (in my experience within 24 hours).

It can't hurt & will give you an idea of the way to take things.
Title: Re: Emailing VW director
Post by: Lyons on November 09, 2010, 08:55:31 am
Ahh, can't believe I didn't think of him!

Thanks fir that suggestion, I'll get right onto it before going down the VW route.
Title: Re: Emailing VW director
Post by: Lyons on November 09, 2010, 10:44:27 am
Hmm, Honest Johns team replied to say they think it is the responsibility of the dealer now. Not what I wanted to hear!

Email sent to Chris, so I'll see what happens.
Title: Re: Emailing VW director
Post by: rusty mk5 on November 09, 2010, 12:26:16 pm
Hello All,

An update for you on my 55 plate Gti, blistering to both from wings...

Took the car to Huddersfield VW for inspection, the claim was submitted to VW and rejected.
However, the dealer is trying to secure what they called 'factory goodwill' to cover the repair.

I'll keep my fingers crossed and let you know the outcome.

Incidentally, I looked at an 06 plate Golf GTi (3dr, tornado red, DSG) on the forecourt of Wakefield VW about 3 weeks ago. Guess what I found?
Blistering to osf wheel arch. Pity the poor person that pays £12.495 for that one!!

Best regards,

Gary
Title: Re: Emailing VW director
Post by: ub7rm on November 09, 2010, 12:45:53 pm
Hello All,

An update for you on my 55 plate Gti, blistering to both from wings...

Took the car to Huddersfield VW for inspection, the claim was submitted to VW and rejected.
However, the dealer is trying to secure what they called 'factory goodwill' to cover the repair.

I'll keep my fingers crossed and let you know the outcome.

Incidentally, I looked at an 06 plate Golf GTi (3dr, tornado red, DSG) on the forecourt of Wakefield VW about 3 weeks ago. Guess what I found?
Blistering to osf wheel arch. Pity the poor person that pays £12.495 for that one!!

Best regards,

Gary

When I initally took my car in to be inspected the bodyshop warranty man told me that VW would most likely reject the claim as they class this damage as 'mechanical' rather than a material defect.  They claim its mechanical becuase its the wheel arch liner that rubs away at the inside of the arch due to normal vibrations etc.  He then said after they had rejected the claim he would put in for a good will payment via the service department of the dealership and usually got 70 % paid by VW.  To his suprise and mine the claim went through without any issues though.

Worth noting that unless you have a full, and scrupulous, VW service history you are screwed when it comes to claims like this.
Title: Re: Emailing VW director
Post by: GTIjames on November 09, 2010, 01:19:13 pm
if your letter does not work then park your car on the main forecourt of the vw garage on a saturday and explain your issues to every customer that you encounter  :happy2:
Title: Re: Emailing VW director
Post by: Boothy on November 09, 2010, 01:19:38 pm
Hello All,

An update for you on my 55 plate Gti, blistering to both from wings...

Took the car to Huddersfield VW for inspection, the claim was submitted to VW and rejected.
However, the dealer is trying to secure what they called 'factory goodwill' to cover the repair.

I'll keep my fingers crossed and let you know the outcome.

Incidentally, I looked at an 06 plate Golf GTi (3dr, tornado red, DSG) on the forecourt of Wakefield VW about 3 weeks ago. Guess what I found?
Blistering to osf wheel arch. Pity the poor person that pays £12.495 for that one!!

Best regards,

Gary

When I initally took my car in to be inspected the bodyshop warranty man told me that VW would most likely reject the claim as they class this damage as 'mechanical' rather than a material defect.  They claim its mechanical becuase its the wheel arch liner that rubs away at the inside of the arch due to normal vibrations etc.  He then said after they had rejected the claim he would put in for a good will payment via the service department of the dealership and usually got 70 % paid by VW.  To his suprise and mine the claim went through without any issues though.

Worth noting that unless you have a full, and scrupulous, VW service history you are screwed when it comes to claims like this.

Mines an 05 plate with rust on both wing I've got to go to Huddersfield VW tomorrow to have it looked at. Not looking forward to it though if they rejected yours. Had my wheels off today to inspect it and its clear to see that it is indeed the wheel liner thats rubbing the wing away or its holding water in the same place. Non of my service history is with VW but why should that matter really. It doesn't change the fact that its a design flaw.  I don't expect the dealer to pay for it either, I EXPECT VW to pay for it as its there fault!
Title: Re: Emailing VW director
Post by: Boothy on November 09, 2010, 01:24:30 pm
if your letter does not work then park your car on the main forecourt of the vw garage on a saturday and explain your issues to every customer that you encounter  :happy2:

If we don't get what we want we should have a local forum meet at Huddersfield with banners and leaflets. We'll let the press know etc and they'll just love it!. I have a friend at Huddersfield Examiner that i'm sure could arrange somebody to come along and take photos etc.
Title: Re: Emailing VW director
Post by: LouCyffer on November 09, 2010, 05:42:40 pm
Hmm, Honest Johns team replied to say they think it is the responsibility of the dealer now. Not what I wanted to hear!

Email sent to Chris, so I'll see what happens.

I agree with them. If the dealer carries out substandard work, it is theirs to rectify. VW may advise but I doubt they would pay to fix a dealer's work.

However Honest John advised me to forget it when I argued the dealers refusal to replace 2 of my 4 wheels with white worm, due to scuffs. He was wrong, cos I won :grin:

If you believe in your case, stick it out to the end. Have you considered getting the opinion & report of a second bodyshop? If that doesn't convince the dealer, I'd consider going to said second bodyshop, having all rectified, then taking the dealer to the small claims track of the county court to recover costs.

If the report favours your stance, take it to the dealer, tell them you'll get the work done & then will go to court. You'll probably get some joy that way.  :evilgrin:
Title: Re: Emailing VW director
Post by: Lyons on November 22, 2010, 08:20:42 pm
Slight update.

I got a reply from Chris Crafts "assistant" a couple of days later asking for my number. I phoned him and went over it all with him again also mentioning that as of next Tuesday the car will no longer be in Scotland as I'm returning home to Belfast.

He phoned the dealer in question then phone me back to update. An independent paint specialist is to come out this week to determine what work is required to rectify the problem, then in his words "we'll see where the work will be carried out."

Keeping my fingers crossed, but we'll see what happens.
Title: Re: Emailing VW director
Post by: Boothy on November 22, 2010, 09:10:54 pm
Slight update.

I got a reply from Chris Crafts "assistant" a couple of days later asking for my number. I phoned him and went over it all with him again also mentioning that as of next Tuesday the car will no longer be in Scotland as I'm returning home to Belfast.

He phoned the dealer in question then phone me back to update. An independent paint specialist is to come out this week to determine what work is required to rectify the problem, then in his words "we'll see where the work will be carried out."

Keeping my fingers crossed, but we'll see what happens.

Can you post up the email address for this guy. It could come in useful for when they refuse mine or somebody else's. Cheers.
Title: Re: Emailing VW director
Post by: Lyons on November 22, 2010, 09:16:31 pm
chris.craft at volkswagen.co.uk
Title: Re: Emailing VW director
Post by: RedRobin on November 22, 2010, 09:33:47 pm
chris.craft at volkswagen.co.uk

....You might want to re space that: "chris . craft @ volkswagen . co . uk" so that the spider bots don't fill his mailbox with spam.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FDetailing%2FStickers%2Fgooglebot.jpg&hash=53d8652ca6d297891fa5311950f389b9cc2844ab)
Title: Re: Emailing VW director
Post by: Lyons on November 22, 2010, 10:46:14 pm
Back at you with your quote!
Title: Re: Emailing VW director
Post by: RedRobin on November 22, 2010, 11:09:31 pm
Back at you with your quote!

....Even better as it's simpler  :happy2:. You get the point I'm glad to see.
Title: Re: Emailing VW director
Post by: Boothy on November 22, 2010, 11:17:09 pm
I think he means its still shown in your quote as being typed how you said it shouldn't  :happy2:
Title: Re: Emailing VW director
Post by: RedRobin on November 22, 2010, 11:22:29 pm
I think he means its still shown in your quote as being typed how you said it shouldn't  :happy2:

....Duh, Robin! Gotcha  :happy2: - Now edited.