kVox42
Member
I own a 2010 Golf TDI since new; 6-speed manual; presently 88K miles. Excellent condition, well maintained. I like the car a lot and for specific reasons I won’t get into, my general preference is to keep it. I also want to do what makes sense.
Having just gotten a notification that an emissions modification is now approved, I finally have the decision to make: modification or buyback. From the info provided by VW, the stated impact of the fix effectively comes down to:
Some increased engine noise during moderate acceleration at midrange engine speeds. (VW claims this will not result in any noticeable change in driving characteristics.)
What they call “frequency and occurrence of special engine operating modes” that will be different from the previous software, (related mostly to the diesel particulate filter).
Loss of about 2 miles per gallon.
Minor changes in engine torque while transitioning between driving modes, (also, allegedly “unnoticeable” by an average driver.
VW goes on to point out that the modifications will have no significant impact in terms of the engine’s performance or longevity.
So my thoughts and questions are these:
- If these changes, (which sound rather minimal to someone like myself - who is not a mechanic) will have such a minimal impact, why weren’t they part of the original design in the first place? Are important mechanical details being left out of the explanation - for the benefit of us laymen?
- Related to item #1 above, if I go with the modification and it becomes clear that the actual/practical impact of the modification makes the vehicle much less appealing to drive, is there a way to return it to its original state, (or some variation that makes it an appealing vehicle again)?
- Assuming there is an answer to #2, how does one navigate the mechanical parameters (and ethics) of trying to be environmentally responsible but still not get “stuck” with a vehicle that’s going to require expensive repairs down the road. Like many of you, I paid a premium for a car that allegedly produced low emissions and still delivered good performance. I’m concerned about how much that equation can be messed with without having significant, long term consequences.
Having just gotten a notification that an emissions modification is now approved, I finally have the decision to make: modification or buyback. From the info provided by VW, the stated impact of the fix effectively comes down to:
Some increased engine noise during moderate acceleration at midrange engine speeds. (VW claims this will not result in any noticeable change in driving characteristics.)
What they call “frequency and occurrence of special engine operating modes” that will be different from the previous software, (related mostly to the diesel particulate filter).
Loss of about 2 miles per gallon.
Minor changes in engine torque while transitioning between driving modes, (also, allegedly “unnoticeable” by an average driver.
VW goes on to point out that the modifications will have no significant impact in terms of the engine’s performance or longevity.
So my thoughts and questions are these:
- If these changes, (which sound rather minimal to someone like myself - who is not a mechanic) will have such a minimal impact, why weren’t they part of the original design in the first place? Are important mechanical details being left out of the explanation - for the benefit of us laymen?
- Related to item #1 above, if I go with the modification and it becomes clear that the actual/practical impact of the modification makes the vehicle much less appealing to drive, is there a way to return it to its original state, (or some variation that makes it an appealing vehicle again)?
- Assuming there is an answer to #2, how does one navigate the mechanical parameters (and ethics) of trying to be environmentally responsible but still not get “stuck” with a vehicle that’s going to require expensive repairs down the road. Like many of you, I paid a premium for a car that allegedly produced low emissions and still delivered good performance. I’m concerned about how much that equation can be messed with without having significant, long term consequences.