Does anyone know the lead times on factory orders for VW vans? (Caddy or Transporter)

Are they the same as members here are experiencing of 16-20 weeks+ ? I assume opting for DSG is part of the delays?

Don't tell me this!! It is a toss up at the moment between Caddy's and Connects when the lease expires on our vans.....We are getting demo's in the next week or two.. (not sure why we are getting a caddy though as we used to have them!).

Connect has more creature comforts as standard like leccy windows but I prefer the Caddy for its awesomeness as a van!

Well we have cars, and need vans. My car is due for change end of the year, so I'm getting in early with my request for a VW rather than a ford.

I'd like a caddy Kombi as it's a nice halfway for us to move from a car - not that I use mine outside work anyway as it's full up (backseats too) with crap.

I've had a connect and a caddy in a past employer, and sure the cabin is comfy, but I didnt think they were all that. Less MPG and guts over a caddy, and running costs were higher. About 1/3 higher on the ford IIRC, and Ford commercials are every 10K whereas the VW's can go on variable just like our cars. £200+ a service anyone? My last Mondeo service was £250 - book price with no extras!

I've never rated Ford dealers for price or customer service anyway and will do my best to avoid a renewal of my relationship with the local Ford Stealerships.

Being sent on your way with no brake fluid and having not changed the oil at service tend to do that to you.

Well we have cars, and need vans. My car is due for change end of the year, so I'm getting in early with my request for a VW rather than a ford.

I'd like a caddy Kombi as it's a nice halfway for us to move from a car - not that I use mine outside work anyway as it's full up (backseats too) with crap.

I've had a connect and a caddy in a past employer, and sure the cabin is comfy, but I didnt think they were all that. Less MPG and guts over a caddy, and running costs were higher. About 1/3 higher on the ford IIRC, and Ford commercials are every 10K whereas the VW's can go on variable just like our cars. £200+ a service anyone? My last Mondeo service was £250 - book price with no extras!

I've never rated Ford dealers for price or customer service anyway and will do my best to avoid a renewal of my relationship with the local Ford Stealerships.

Being sent on your way with no brake fluid and having not changed the oil at service tend to do that to you.

Good insight - i will pass it on to the procurement team. We do little mileage - driving site to site within the borough. We currently have 8 Fiesta vans and a Transit low top swb and they are coming up to 3 years and have only done less than 15k. 6 out of the 8 fiestas have broken down over the last 3 years...says it all really. Don't know why we had them - we didn't get a say in it....but, too small, no flat load bay, no side door, awful wing mirrors (everyone has rear bumper damage). At least we are having a say this time!

Caddy's seem cheaper than the Connects with more toys on the options lists. At least seems that way to me adding satnav, phone kit and parking sensors I still seem to have room to go DSG and bluemotion over a similar spec Connect.

Ford also dont seem to do a combi version until you go for the full Transit, and then starting at £24k. Unless I'm missing something you have to have a Tourneo connect which is £18K + extras. You may as well go for an S-max at that money.

Was deciding between a Caddy Maxi and Mercedes Vito a couple of months back. The Caddy drove well, good fuel economy etc, but with an estimated 2 to 3 month delivery time opted for the Vito instead (which was delivered within 3 weeks of ordering). If we could have waited, would definitely have picked the Caddy due to its lower running costs and car like driveability.

How did vito prices compare?

For a combi/crew cab verson the Vito is taxed as a car where as the caddy version isnt. But yes, dealer today confirmed at least 14 week delivery wait - nearer 20 if you want DSG.

Still, puts delivery right at the point car is due to be changed, so sowing the seed now isnt a bad idea IMO.

One question. I know VAT is essentially a non issue on the van itself, but can VAT be claimed back on accessories like they can on the vehicle, or are they always payable?

Well i have done 200miles in the Fiesta today.....People actually buy these for personal cars! :no:

I have never known a seat so uncomfortable and small! You don't really notice it round the houses on the short trips but doing 100miles straight is a killer, i am in pain! Can't wait to be reunited with the VRS when i get to work in the morning

How did vito prices compare?

For a combi/crew cab verson the Vito is taxed as a car where as the caddy version isnt. But yes, dealer today confirmed at least 14 week delivery wait - nearer 20 if you want DSG.

Still, puts delivery right at the point car is due to be changed, so sowing the seed now isnt a bad idea IMO.

One question. I know VAT is essentially a non issue on the van itself, but can VAT be claimed back on accessories like they can on the vehicle, or are they always payable?

Bit more info for you: We went for a panel van as no requirement to carry more than 3 people (the Vito seats 3 up front fairly comfortably). As we were in a hurry, we were willing to accept what came off the production line and was delivered first! Ended up with a Vito 111 short wheel base panel van. Sales guy was good, and said if a higher spec had arrived he would still honour the basic price agreed. Including VAT, it was £19000 inc. dealer discount, about £3000 more than a basic Caddy Maxi panel van. Options like auto box and air con are flaming expensive though (I think about £1700 each plus VAT! ). With a mixture of town and motorway driving, it's returning about 45mpg, which is better than we were expecting.

Our delivery driver is happy with it and has covered 3.5k miles so far without hiccup (apart from an ambulance nudging into the tailgate ). As standard, it comes with a bluetooth stereo, steering wheel controls for the radio/mobile, electric windows, six speed box and a full height steel bulkhead. I believe the VAT on accessories and optional extras are reclaimable, as are parts and servicing. There were no accessories available when we got it, as it is the Euro 5 compliant face lift. One thing we did get added into the deal was 3 years breakdown/recovery and 5 years/60k miles servicing (on a variable service). Servicing includes parts and labour, so this makes up a bit for the difference in price (VW service was circa £250 per year, with extra payable for the cambelt needed in the 4th year). During service, we'll also be given a courtesy van so no affect on business.

Whereabouts in the country are you? I can PM contact details for the dealer we bought from if interested.

Edited 23 June, 201114 yr by GnatG

I have just ordered a MK6 Golf Bluemotion SE estate to replace my MK5. This has an estimated lead time of 16 weeks.

Some of our guys have went for Bluemotion caddy's. I believe they were quoted the same lead time. No idea the spec or price of them though as I didnt look into them any further.

Bit more info for you: We went for a panel van as no requirement to carry more than 3 people (the Vito seats 3 up front fairly comfortably). As we were in a hurry, we were willing to accept what came off the production line and was delivered first! Ended up with a Vito 111 short wheel base panel van. Sales guy was good, and said if a higher spec had arrived he would still honour the basic price agreed. Including VAT, it was £19000 inc. dealer discount, about £3000 more than a basic Caddy Maxi panel van. Options like auto box and air con are flaming expensive though (I think about £1700 each plus VAT! ). With a mixture of town and motorway driving, it's returning about 45mpg, which is better than we were expecting.

Our delivery driver is happy with it and has covered 3.5k miles so far without hiccup (apart from an ambulance nudging into the tailgate ). As standard, it comes with a bluetooth stereo, steering wheel controls for the radio/mobile, electric windows, six speed box and a full height steel bulkhead. I believe the VAT on accessories and optional extras are reclaimable, as are parts and servicing. There were no accessories available when we got it, as it is the Euro 5 compliant face lift. One thing we did get added into the deal was 3 years breakdown/recovery and 5 years/60k miles servicing (on a variable service). Servicing includes parts and labour, so this makes up a bit for the difference in price (VW service was circa £250 per year, with extra payable for the cambelt needed in the 4th year). During service, we'll also be given a courtesy van so no affect on business.

Whereabouts in the country are you? I can PM contact details for the dealer we bought from if interested.

Thanks.

At the mo we all have cars, so we'd need combi's to soften the blow for those without a second car. I think this puts the Vito in Galaxy money, which half our fleet is, and is taxed as a car it seems.

I'm sold on the caddy personally thanks to lower taxation. But not my call and no idea what the bosses have in mind. They have said the next vehicles will be vans, but then a lot is said about stuff if you catch my drift.

I drove a L/H vito about 5 years ago regularly in Germany for a firm I worked at, and I loved it. Nippy with a nice firm steering and feedback. Was quite nicely spec'd then, and it was a basic rental.

I was on the Citroen website the other day and it mentioned that all Vans with rear seats and "glazed side windows" are taxed as passenger vehicles. They do a Combi with solid side doors for this reason.

I don't know why the Vito would be taxed this way and the Caddy not?? I would double check this if I was you.

VW Amarok??

I was on the Citroen website the other day and it mentioned that all Vans with rear seats and "glazed side windows" are taxed as passenger vehicles. They do a Combi with solid side doors for this reason.

I don't know why the Vito would be taxed this way and the Caddy not?? I would double check this if I was you.

VW Amarok??

I think taxation comes down to the carriable weight behind the seats needing to exceed a set limit. Seems to be 1 Tonne? Seems I'll need to contact HMRC to be sure.

This is the list I've found, which seems to have shrunk since looking the other day as only 3 Citroens listed now. Unless I was loking at a link to an old list.

The Amarok's a pickup, and not practical for my employer.

I think taxation comes down to the carriable weight behind the seats needing to exceed a set limit. Seems to be 1 Tonne? Seems I'll need to contact HMRC to be sure.

This is the list I've found, which seems to have shrunk since looking the other day as only 3 Citroens listed now. Unless I was loking at a link to an old list.

The Amarok's a pickup, and not practical for my employer.

Would it not be practical if you added a canopy?

From the HMRC web site:

Vans with rear seats

Some vehicles look like vans and don't have windows in the sides behind the driver. But they do have additional seats for carrying passengers behind the front row of seats (or they're designed so they can be fitted with them). They're sometimes known as combination vans or combi vans.

HMRC considers that this type of vehicle is a commercial vehicle for VAT purposes if it meets either of the following conditions:

It has a payload of more than one tonne after the extra seats have been added.

The dedicated load area (the load area that's completely unaffected by the extra seats) is larger than the passenger area. This means that the main use of the vehicle is for carrying goods rather than passengers.

If it meets either of these conditions then the vehicle is a commercial vehicle for VAT purposes and you can reclaim the input VAT if you follow the normal rules for reclaiming VAT.

HMRC list of car derived vans and vans with rear seats

HMRC has produced a list of car derived vans and vans with rear seats showing whether they're classed as a van (commercial vehicle) or a car for VAT purposes. Remember that vehicle specifications change so the list may not be up to date. If you're in any doubt you can contact HMRC for guidance.

I work at VW Commercials

To be fair though on the service and parts side , so dont know about much on the sales side

I do know at the moment the Amarok is quite a bit of a wait on delivery

but the caddy , I dont think there is a huge wait....

We seem to be getting quite a few in

The Transporter`s can be a bit longer wait....but dont think the panel van is as long

Crafter`s will be a bit longer , as the new one is due out......

But the Caddy`s do drive VERY well

But then it is a Golf in discuise

I was out to Milton Keynes last week in a Caddy , and was mazed with the MPG

But then was in Oxford yesterday with the Transporter , and that went really well

Hope that helps?

If you need any more help , give me a shout

Sarah

We have a T30 SWB 1.9TDI PD Transporter, absolutely great van. Looked at almost all the vans on the market before plugging for the VW. Ford were too box like and crap, Fiat and Peugeot were rubbish, Vauxhall, Renault and Nissan are all the same van but alas not for me. The Mercedes was too expensive compared to the VW.

We have a T30 SWB 1.9TDI PD Transporter, absolutely great van. Looked at almost all the vans on the market before plugging for the VW. Ford were too box like and crap, Fiat and Peugeot were rubbish, Vauxhall, Renault and Nissan are all the same van but alas not for me. The Mercedes was too expensive compared to the VW.

VW have some great prices on servicing and MOT`s at the moment too

£35 for an MOT up to and including the T30

Servicing on them is £139 + VAT and they take 8 litres of long life3 oil too

Caddy is £89 + VAT too

So good prices on them

Sarah

Thanks Sarah.

My idea on the caddy was it as a suitable size without going silly. We dont need height beyond the estates we have already. But as we have cars a move to vans will annoy many as they simply dont accept engineers need vans, despite ALL of our competitors having them.

Thanks DaveI for the HMRC line. So they would still be cars unless we delete the windows, which would make them pretty pants for the passengers.

Personally a normal caddy would do nicely, but it's a one size fits all, so depends what the bosses go for. May even have plans that everyone has a galaxy like the others, which is more expensive tax wise and doesnt resolve the issue of suitability.

Got brochures, along with HMRC guidance on when vans are suitable (and safety etc) and will be raising it soon....

Thanks Sarah.

My idea on the caddy was it as a suitable size without going silly. We dont need height beyond the estates we have already. But as we have cars a move to vans will annoy many as they simply dont accept engineers need vans, despite ALL of our competitors having them.

Thanks DaveI for the HMRC line. So they would still be cars unless we delete the windows, which would make them pretty pants for the passengers.

Personally a normal caddy would do nicely, but it's a one size fits all, so depends what the bosses go for. May even have plans that everyone has a galaxy like the others, which is more expensive tax wise and doesnt resolve the issue of suitability.

Got brochures, along with HMRC guidance on when vans are suitable (and safety etc) and will be raising it soon....

Hi

I checked with our sales guys , no issues on the Caddy at all

So you should be OK

http://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/used-vans/centre/volkswagen-van-centre-cheltenham/

That is us , if we can help

Sarah