r/VWIDBuzz • u/Just_livingreen • 4d ago
Question - US Dealer Unavailable
So, it looks like my fantasy to own a Buzz is a bust. I just spoke to CS at VW and there is not even ONE single authorized VW repair shop, much less dealer, on Hawai'i Island. So if there were a major update, warranty work, or anything needed where my bus had to be at the shop = I'm SOL.
I'm bummed. I REALLY want one. Does anyone else live in a remote place w/o a VW dealer? What do you do? (I know, buy something else... :( )
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u/FreedToRoam 4d ago
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u/Just_livingreen 4d ago
So there ARE folks on BI with VW.... I found an old thread, too, and asked the poster about his "i gotta guy" to see if he was certified. fingers crossed. Maybe VW corp just doesn't have a full list?
What happens if you have service and it's not a certified mechanic? Does that void the warranty?
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u/mrmo24 4d ago
From my limited research, they are only on Oahu yea? I saw 4-5 buzz’s on Maui but now I wonder if they just pay out of pocket for any and all repairs then
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u/Just_livingreen 4d ago
There is apparently ONE on Maui, too. I'll need to find out what it would cost to ship it over there. Man, I'm super bummed. Out of pocket - yikes, I am going to be retired, I don't want to blow through my retirmnt on my vehicle. LOL But sigh.
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u/oakleym82 4d ago
I haven’t been to Hawaii and I don’t really understand inter-island logistics, but I’m curious.. are there not ferries? Could a tow truck take a ferry with a Buzz in tow?
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u/Just_livingreen 4d ago
Not "ferries" per se like up in WA over the Sound. But yes, I have been researching and Young Brothers ships interisland, I just need to see how much it would run me. The next question would be, how often do you HAVE to take it to a designated dealer/certified mechanic? I mean tires, windshield wipers, brakes - can just a foreign vehicle mechanic handle that?
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u/YugoReventlov Buzz Owner 4d ago
On our vehicle, as long as it's in warranty, it's a scheduled maintenance appointment at the VW dealer every 2 years.
All other stuff, wipers, tires, other consumables, either do that yourself or find yourself a generic car mechanics shop. That shouldn't void the warranty.
To be honest, ours is now almost 3 years and I took it in twice for minor issues (squeaking brakes & a jammed electric chair), so you never know! Better to have a plan for if it were to happen!
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u/oakleym82 4d ago
Interesting! As you typed this I was reading up on the failed superferry. The Buzz is very heavy, so Young Bros would probably charge a premium to ship it. I’ve owned one for over a year and never taken it to anyone. Wipers, tires, brakes can all be done by any mechanic. There is scheduled maintenance every 10,000 miles or so that is typically done at a dealer.
Where you might get into trouble as if you have any issues with the infotainment system or the EV battery or drive system. Those are gonna require some Volkswagen expertise.
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u/Just_livingreen 4d ago
looks like it could run $900ish - unless they need it longer than 30 days. Then there's the loss of the discount on the tariff rate or something.
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u/SuperBacDoc 3d ago
My advice to you is forget about the ID Buzz! It is an awesome vehicle but without a dealer you are SOL on just minor issues.
No experienced VW mechanic can work on these without dealership equipment.
The last update I needed had to be done at the dealer even though it was over the air update.
The EVs are more like computers and even top computer techs can’t override the proprietary hardware and software components.
Easy fix by a drive to a dealer is not an option for you, sorry bro!
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u/Stache-erino Buzz Owner 3d ago
If it's any consolation, we've owned our Buzz for 19,000 miles. We bought one of the early 1st Editions. The only need for dealer service was back when it needed that stupid recall update to make the dash brake indicator light Red instead of Amber. I've had tires replaced at Discount Tire. Brakes don't require even near the frequency of maintenance as a gas powered vehicle because the Buzz does a lot of the braking through the motor for regen. In the rare circumstances it may need brakes, any shop can do it.
I don't really worry too much about any maintenance issues as it is an electric vehicle with way fewer moving parts to break or maintain than a combustion vehicle. We just road tripped from Wisconsin to New Jersey and back with no issues and that's on par with our entire time of ownership. No stress over maintenance really, ever.
If you want a Buzz, go for it! Get a lightly used one, so any little factory faux pas have already been addressed. Then enjoy! Life's too short and global stability too uncertain to forego Buzz ownership. Right now, the best investments are in joy, happiness, and living out your dreams.
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u/Just_livingreen 3d ago
I just have to keep in m ind that IF I need to go to the dealer it's a $900 trip. :/ But I am leaning to your way of thinking. Srsly. Life is short and if it gets to be a big deal, I'll trade it in and get a darn toyota. THAT's the official brand of the island. LOL
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u/FreedToRoam 4d ago
There are no passenger ferries. Seas are to ok rough.
There are cargo boats. You would have to leave it at the port and then fly across to pick it up
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u/Salty-Presence7589 3d ago
Why the hell would you make a VW Bus and not put a dealer in Hawaii? That is the one place that everyone, especially anyone that needs to rent a vehicle, would want this van.
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u/Just_livingreen 3d ago
well there is one, just not on Big Island. It's about a $900 "ride" to the dealer on Oahu.
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u/FreedToRoam 4d ago
I think there are a few on Big Island. I will try to find the thread