what is "Hands free phone preparation"

[Ajlcomputers]

Anyone know exactly what "Hands free phone preparation" is?

[jackhay]

I think it's Bluetooth module, microphone in the roof light switch panel, roof aerial, CANbus integration to switch the speakers between radio and phone when a call comes, and controls on the steering wheel for starting/stopping calls. If buying second hand be careful because cars without the phone preparation kit can appear to have all the gear, but some parts are fake (e.g. roof aerial) and others aren't working (e.g. steering wheel controls, 'Phone' button on radio-CD). I was fooled when I bought my Rocco. However, a Plantronics Bluetooth earpiece does the job for me for a lot less money!

[Ajlcomputers]

Just spoke to VW on their general enquiries number, they confirmed that hands free phone prep is Bluetooth connection, they also confirmed that the car I've bought doesn't have it so unless it's been retrofitted then the car was advertised wrongly.

I think that entitles me to either pull out of the deal or get them to install it FOC, would you agree with that?

[Cuprabob]

Most sellers websites have a disclaimer covering errors in adverts. The Phone Prep one is a common mistake because they just pull the standard spec from the current model and don't realise it wasn't there the whole model life.

Certainly worth talking to them and see if you can negotiate something but I wouldn't accept any other solution other than the OEM BT set up as it's very good, seamless and well integrated.