VW dealers clearly never learn because I had just that experience over 10 years ago. I persisted and eventually a very young lad came out to assist. After I showed him how to use their computerised spec system (it was the same as the public Internet version) he thanked me and apologised. He was a trainee who had started that week and they told him to go out and get rid of me.
I have long been grateful to that VW dealer because they stopped me buying the latest incarnation of the Golf which received rave press reviews but in that version was variously delivered with a mechanically flawed engine, gearbox and/or clutch. Instead I bought my first Mazda which proved reliable and a pleasure to drive in for 10 years.
You hear these horror stories. In 2005 (a long time ago admittedly) Vauxhall let us down badly on a runout version of the MK1 Zafira. It was a good price but not delivered to spec and told to take it or leave it. Some of the missing spec was a deal breaker so we left it. The car was for Mrs Z but the dealer would only speak to me!
Went to VW to look at the Touran. Told the dealer it was for Mrs Z, he got the picture right away and dealt with her. She had a test drive gave a discounted price. We saw some ridiculously good prices from the internet and showed the dealer. He looked like he was going to pass out but came within £100 for a specified car in the factory without a buyer. It was the right colour too. The car was needed urgently as Mrs Z had sold her previous car on the expected arrival of the Zafira and the dealer kept us informed at every stage (its left the factory, its on the ship, its in the UK, its with us, its being prepped etc.
On arrival it had too much spec with kit costing at least £600 extra. The dealer just smiled and said "with our compliments" - I think he liked Mrs Z!
Sold the car after 11 years and according to the MOT web site its still going strong but eats garters and tyres.
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