VW SA

After years of owning Korean and Chinese vehicles and enjoying trouble-free motoring throughout, I allowed myself to be persuaded to buy, at a huge premium to an equivalent Korean or Chinese vehicle, a Volkswagen. I took the car in for an oil change some weeks ago, per VW's instruction, only to be told by the dealership there was a recall on the vehicle for the replacement of the driveshaft. First I'd heard of it. Lousy communication, VW SA. Next bit of bad news was that parts were not immediately available (up to two weeks' delay) and then, once sourced, the repair could take up to another 10 days. Net effect: vehicle gone for up to three weeks. No-one at VW SA nor the dealership proactively showed any concern or offered a courtesy vehicle. I had to ask. Lousy customer service, VW. Credit to Princes VW Benoni, it did eventually provide a courtesy vehicle and carried out the driveshaft replacement as quickly as it could. VW SA client services called a couple of times after me having had a go at them, but just to make "right-sounding noises". I worked in PR for 40 years; I recognise meaningless customer placation at 100 paces. Don't buy a VW, folks. The price premium isn't worth it, the customer service certainly no better. I've lost all faith in VW and the vehicle....