[::Jon::]

No seat heating - right or wrong choice

Hi all,

I'm just wondering if you guys believe I'm making a good choice or a bad one.

I've ordered my new EOS in all the right colours (incl: black leather interior) and everything, but the dealer tells me that there isn't one even on the radar, so, five plus months wait (and from what I've been reading here, it might actually be more).

He gave me an option... He's found the right car, just with the wrong seats. The seats he's got is the fabric, which he's offered to replace with the leather seating that I'm after - only it won't have the heating. Everything else is as if it were the factory leather (inserts, everything - except the seat heating controls on the dash, obviously no need for those)

The difference is a few hundred dollars off, but the kicker was the wait was reduced from 5+ months to a few weeks.

Now, I'm thinking that because I live in Queensland, I might not ever miss that feature.

So, I'm basically looking for the opinions / experiences of those with the bum-warmers in the warmer environments.

Ta.

 

[tezmand]

i have no idea what the weather is like where you are but over here in england we wouldnt be without the heated seats as you know what our weather is like , we like to have the top down at every opportunity but alot of times need the bum warmer to keep us warm along with the heating , so only you can decide but either way its alot of money for a car so you must get the decision right or you may regret it

 

[Eos_Up]

I read MANY posts here about waiting 3-6 months for an Eos. Here in the US, the dealers seem to have many. My dealer had about 10 on the lot plus he had access to the stock of any other dealer in the area (they swap cars regularly).

So, why don't the dealers in the UK and other countries stock up also? Are they afraid of getting stuck with them if they don't sell? Or do they just not have enough capital in invest in stock? Reading between the lines, the dealers in the UK sound like order takers and the customers get screwed. With this kind of system, I would think the dealers would not be very motived to make a good deal and in the end, the customers end up paying more for the car.

For the most part, the car buying public in the US would not put up with that kind of operation.

 

[cb391]

Jon,
Because we have winter here (snow and 0F degree temps) not having the heated seats is not an option. I think I remember hearing some of your fellow Aussies having and using their heated seats. It is your option. You could always use a blanket under your butt or see if someone sells a seat cushion with a heater that plugs into your lighter outlet.

 

[cb391]

I read MANY posts here about waiting 3-6 months for an Eos. Here in the US, the dealers seem to have many. My dealer had about 10 on the lot plus he had access to the stock of any other dealer in the area (they swap cars regularly).

So, why don't the dealers in the UK and other countries stock up also? Are they afraid of getting stuck with them if they don't sell? Or do they just not have enough capital in invest in stock? Reading between the lines, the dealers in the UK sound like order takers and the customers get screwed. With this kind of system, I would think the dealers would not be very motived to make a good deal and in the end, the customers end up paying more for the car.

For the most part, the car buying public in the US would not put up with that kind of operation.

We are kind of spoiled here. Because North America is such a large markets, dealers need to do business differently. Australia is far away from the factory and the country is large enough that dealer swapping there could be like dealers in Washington and Florida making a swap. In England I suspect the room needed to stock large amounts of inventory may not exist or is very expensive. What seems odd to me is we can order an Eos here and get it sooner than England and we are farther away. I want to apologize to our friends there as I'm not sure you like to be referred to as England or the British Isles or the UK.

 

[Bill T]

Seat Heating

We are kind of spoiled here. Because North America is such a large markets, dealers need to do business differently. Australia is far away from the factory and the country is large enough that dealer swapping there could be like dealers in Washington and Florida making a swap. In England I suspect the room needed to stock large amounts of inventory may not exist or is very expensive. What seems odd to me is we can order an Eos here and get it sooner than England and we are farther away. I want to apologize to our friends there as I'm not sure you like to be referred to as England or the British Isles or the UK.

Thanks Andy
Some Eos owners hear in the British Isles are Scottish and I for one would not have leather seating without the proper seat heating, its a must
Jon you would be better waiting and get the spec you really want from the factory then you will have no regrets after delivery.
I am on my second Eos now and love every moment I am out in it.
Bill T

 

[GOgg]

Brits will do fine, remember its 4 countries England, Wales, Scotland & N. Ireland.

 

[neh321]

Hi all,

I'm just wondering if you guys believe I'm making a good choice or a bad one.

I've ordered my new EOS in all the right colours (incl: black leather interior) and everything, but the dealer tells me that there isn't one even on the radar, so, five plus months wait (and from what I've been reading here, it might actually be more).

He gave me an option... He's found the right car, just with the wrong seats. The seats he's got is the fabric, which he's offered to replace with the leather seating that I'm after - only it won't have the heating. Everything else is as if it were the factory leather (inserts, everything - except the seat heating controls on the dash, obviously no need for those)

The difference is a few hundred dollars off, but the kicker was the wait was reduced from 5+ months to a few weeks.

Now, I'm thinking that because I live in Queensland, I might not ever miss that feature.

So, I'm basically looking for the opinions / experiences of those with the bum-warmers in the warmer environments.

Ta.

Surely it's always warm in Queensland? The Tropic of Capricorn runs right through it! What's the minimum temps you ever get?

The reason they give us seat heating as standard with leather is that leather can be cold first thing in the morning and can take some time to warm up by which time your bum's icy cold.

Would seriously consider whether heated seats are really so essential in Queensland - or maybe you're thinking of moving to Tasmania?!

 

[brooksi]

Hi Jon,

I am from Brisbane and my EOS is factory fitted with heated seats but to be perfectly honest I really think I will ever use this option. My previous car had leather seats but no heating and this was no issue in our winter as you know it does not get that cold unless you are further inland so I think it would be OK not to have

 

[eos3]

Hi Jon
As already said by other, seat heating is a very nice to have feature when it's cold outside AND when you seat on leather ; If fabric, then heating not needed I would say.
I definitely agree that you should better wait the 5 month and get yourself a proper car, than a "don't know how it was put together or where it comes from and it will help me get rid of it and improve my cash flow" sort of car that the dealer will push you into buying, especialy if there's not biiiiig rebate associated... Have you considered imports or is this way too expensive down under?
As far as delays in the USA, I thought I reasd in earlier posts a few months ago that VW had an EOS factory over there, which may help for reduced delays... For the quantities, I think it has to do with relative market size, available cash-flow/investment capacity of dealers... And maybe also because of how people have been used to buying cars. It seems (people tell me if I'm wrong) that often times, customers walk in the dealership and drive out of it in theri new car same day or so, whereas over here (France), it is usual to only see one car (one engine, one colour, one seat colour, one feature level...) on exhibition, and chose the rest on the catalog... Adn get hold of it 2-6 months after... Dealers just don't invest in inventory...
Fred

 

[cb391]

Hi Jon
As already said by other, seat heating is a very nice to have feature when it's cold outside AND when you seat on leather ; If fabric, then heating not needed I would say.
I definitely agree that you should better wait the 5 month and get yourself a proper car, than a "don't know how it was put together or where it comes from and it will help me get rid of it and improve my cash flow" sort of car that the dealer will push you into buying, especialy if there's not biiiiig rebate associated... Have you considered imports or is this way too expensive down under?
As far as delays in the USA, I thought I reasd in earlier posts a few months ago that VW had an EOS factory over there, which may help for reduced delays... For the quantities, I think it has to do with relative market size, available cash-flow/investment capacity of dealers... And maybe also because of how people have been used to buying cars. It seems (people tell me if I'm wrong) that often times, customers walk in the dealership and drive out of it in theri new car same day or so, whereas over here (France), it is usual to only see one car (one engine, one colour, one seat colour, one feature level...) on exhibition, and chose the rest on the catalog... Adn get hold of it 2-6 months after... Dealers just don't invest in inventory...
Fred

If VW has a factory in the US I'm not aware of one. They used to have one that built the Rabbit/Golf but it closed long ago. They had a factory in Mexico that was still building air cooled Beetles until a few years ago, but they weren't legal for sale in the US. There are some other VW factories in Mexico and Brazil that build Jettas as well as some cars for sale only in those countries. The Eos is only built in Portugal for now. VW is looking into another factory here in the US but there has been no word on what exactly they will build. I read they want to build and sell more cars worldwide than Toyota in the next 10 years. As I said somewhere previously here in the US competition for sales is very intense so dealers will stock more cars so as to not lose customers to another dealer. They will also swap with other dealers if they need a specific car for a customer. Our dealerships here don't have the space limitations so they can stock a large inventory. Yes it it true that you can go to a car dealer here and go home the same day with the car of your choice, but sometimes you still have to place an order for that 'special' car.

 

[Stephb]

the eos is also built in germany too thats where mine has come from. its now sat in a compound on its own with its wrapping on

Steph xx

 

[Jim]

the eos is also built in germany too thats where mine has come from. its now sat in a compound on its own with its wrapping on

Steph xx

Hi Steph,
As I understand all EOS are built in Portugal but then go to Germany before going to their final destination. Seems a bit crazy I know.

Sounds like you might even get yours early. Counting the hours now

Jon,
I'd wait for the heated seats. Resale could be affected without them, even if not needed.

 

[Stephb]

my car is here i seen it today! lol it was only due at the end of march but its sat about 4 miles away from my house i have pics i'll post them later

i can only have it on march 1st as thats when the 08 plate comes out

Steph xx

 

[boac69]

Hi Steph

So 15 days to go, are you collecting the Eos at 00:01am on the so as to be one of the first with a new 08 plate ???

It will be worth the wait considering all the stress you have gone through.

all the best

Graeme

 

[Stephb]

Hi Graeme

Im only collecting it at 1 in the afternoon, i'll be camping outside the night before lol!

I know its been worth the wait as today was just so exciting imagine when i am picking up the car i'll be like tigger off winnie the pooh!!

take care

Steph

 

[neh321]

Hi Steph

So 15 days to go, are you collecting the Eos at 00:01am on the so as to be one of the first with a new 08 plate ???

It will be worth the wait considering all the stress you have gone through.

all the best

Graeme

Some dealers will deliver to your home for you the day before on trade plates so you can drive it from midnight!

 

[dannydutton]

Hi all,

I'm just wondering if you guys believe I'm making a good choice or a bad one.

I've ordered my new EOS in all the right colours (incl: black leather interior) and everything, but the dealer tells me that there isn't one even on the radar, so, five plus months wait (and from what I've been reading here, it might actually be more).

He gave me an option... He's found the right car, just with the wrong seats. The seats he's got is the fabric, which he's offered to replace with the leather seating that I'm after - only it won't have the heating. Everything else is as if it were the factory leather (inserts, everything - except the seat heating controls on the dash, obviously no need for those)

The difference is a few hundred dollars off, but the kicker was the wait was reduced from 5+ months to a few weeks.

Now, I'm thinking that because I live in Queensland, I might not ever miss that feature.

So, I'm basically looking for the opinions / experiences of those with the bum-warmers in the warmer environments.

Ta.

Hi Jon

With fabric seats on the Gold Coast you dont want / need seat heaters. One drawback with leather seats is that in cold climates the leather can be real cold. I had a Mazda6 with leather seats and during a cold Melbourne winter those seats were bloody cold. So with leather seats in cold weather- definitely need a seat heater. You lucky people living on the gold Coast would know what cold wetaher is, unless you go for a drive to Toowoomba (Where I used to live) or Standthorpe. Enjoy the Eos. Perfect for crusing along the esplanade.

 

[sydeos]

The reason for the heated leather seats is roof down driving on cool crisp winter evenings

The question for you is whether you will feel the cold during one of these winter drives on the Gold Coast or not?

Especially if you are driving up in the hinterland where you get a little bit more elevation.

 

[eos3]

If VW has a factory in the US I'm not aware of one. They used to have one that built the Rabbit/Golf but it closed long ago. They had a factory in Mexico that was still building air cooled Beetles until a few years ago, but they weren't legal for sale in the US. There are some other VW factories in Mexico and Brazil that build Jettas as well as some cars for sale only in those countries. The Eos is only built in Portugal for now. VW is looking into another factory here in the US but there has been no word on what exactly they will build. I read they want to build and sell more cars worldwide than Toyota in the next 10 years. As I said somewhere previously here in the US competition for sales is very intense so dealers will stock more cars so as to not lose customers to another dealer. They will also swap with other dealers if they need a specific car for a customer. Our dealerships here don't have the space limitations so they can stock a large inventory. Yes it it true that you can go to a car dealer here and go home the same day with the car of your choice, but sometimes you still have to place an order for that 'special' car.

Hey andy
thanks for the VW factory strategy briefing! Not kidding, this is a good summary!
;-)
Fred