So long, and thanks for all the fish! (Totaled Buyback Complete)

tjsadler

Veteran Member
Joined
Aug 15, 2013
Location
California, USA
TDI
2014 Passat TDI SE 6m
I promised to upload some pics and my experience so here goes. 2014 Passat TDI SE bought new in 2013. My son rear ended a pickup on 6/23/16. I contacted several of the attorneys who assured me that as long as it was running it would still be eligible. I filmed myself driving it up and down the block on 6/28/16 to prove that it was "operable" on that date. The front was totally destroyed, quarter panel and front clip damaged, radiators destroyed, windshield broken, driver and side airbags deployed, and wiring and some sensors were damaged. I repaired the wiring, replaced the two radiators, and jerry rigged a completely ridiculous air filter so that I didn't suck in a small bird driving it onto the dealer lot. My appt was today. I live over 200 miles from the nearest dealer so I rented a car hauler and towed it down. I originally had a 6:30pm appt but I had planned to show up early. The buyback specialist actually called me yesterday to say that she had three cancellations today and I could come anytime. I pulled up and unloaded on the street in front of the dealer. Drove into the parking space for "TDI Guests" :rolleyes: The specialist was at a desk inside doing the paperwork and had a young guy as an assistant going out and getting the mileage and pics. She actually finished the claim and I got the email receipt before he came in to ask her about the condition. Specifically he pointed out the blown airbags and asked if that was a problem. She said no as long as it runs. He said that he isn't allowed to drive any of them and the dealership employees refused to drive it with no airbags. She said that all they needed to do was put it in gear and pull in and out of the parking spot. They refused so I said I'd be happy to since I just drove it into that spot. He actually told me that he wanted to see it pull out and go through a couple gears. (I knew that wasn't really needed but it wasn't a problem so...) I hopped in and drove out one side of the dealer down the street to the other entrance and back into the spot. He said that was fine and the lady in charge inside said great, have a great day, you should get the Chase email by Tuesday night.
TL/DR: This definitely proves that damage isn't a problem...


 
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dropnosky

Veteran Member
Joined
Feb 16, 2007
Location
RI
TDI
2000 Jetta 6 speed, 2012 Passat DSG
Dealership employees refused to move a car with deployed airbags? Weird. Were they of the opinion that once released from its home, an airbag is prone to biting and might have rabies?
 

Rico567

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Jun 13, 2003
Location
Central IL
TDI
2013 Passat TDI SEL Premium (Turned in 7/7/18)
Dealership employees refused to move a car with deployed airbags? Weird. Were they of the opinion that once released from its home, an airbag is prone to biting and might have rabies?
LOL, all right, but the moral to this story is that it's unpredictable what people will do in a particular situation, e.g., how they will personally interpret the car's condition. This serves as a good example (best I've seen!) of how the car's condition, apart from its drivability, is not an issue. And yet an owner must be prepared to deal with a different response with different people. The OP obviously handled this very well.
 

tjsadler

Veteran Member
Joined
Aug 15, 2013
Location
California, USA
TDI
2014 Passat TDI SE 6m
oh man that air filter is awesome!
The best parts are hidden by the blue tape. There's a cranberry juice bottle reducer and a solo cup reducer! Here's hoping someone somewhere has to disassemble it before it's crushed. That'll give them a funny story and make their day. :D
 

whitedog

Veteran Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2004
Location
Bend, Oregon
TDI
2004 Jetta that I fill by myself
I feel that this is the spirit of the rules that it just has to be running and condition doesn't matter. The parts that are missing are missing because of the wreck.
 

Rico567

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Jun 13, 2003
Location
Central IL
TDI
2013 Passat TDI SEL Premium (Turned in 7/7/18)
There's been a lot of argument on the subject of condition of these cars, but indviduals will do what they think is right before turning in, and perhaps the people who are accepting the turn-in will do the same.
Unfortunately, there's rarely a consistent call when someone fails on either end of a situation like this. One of the only exceptions I can think of is IDPA shooting, where there is an actual call that can be invoked to prevent letting gamesmanship take over: "Failure To Do Right.*" Which can get one penalized, and the specifics can be stated on the spur of the moment by the range SO (Safety Officer).

{*Note: digression follows!}

"Failure to Do Right
A failure to do right (FTDR) is a 20-second penalty given for any illegal action taken specifically to gain a competitive advantage. A shooter who deliberately fires extra rounds at a target so that he must reload at a more opportune time is a classic example of this penalty. This penalty can be highly subjective, and the SO has to determine that the shooter engaged in the action with a "guilty mind"—that he knowingly failed to do right. Because of the subjectivity of the call, the penalty is seldom given. Receiving one all but guarantees the shooter will lose the match, or at least place low in his or her division."

- From Wikipedia article on IDPA
 

PacCoastFwy923

Veteran Member
Joined
Feb 21, 2008
Location
Oakland
TDI
2015 Passat SE TDI 6-speed manual; 2006 mkV Jetta TDI / 5-speed / Pkg 2
But you stripped the VW emblem off the... grille? :D

Congrats, awesome story, and good work making it driveable. What's your son got to say about all of this?
 

atomicfront

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 12, 2016
Location
baltimore
TDI
2013 VW Jetta wagon tdi
Good story and I am glad you got your buy back money. It seems unless you do something to purposely damage vehicle you will get paid.
 

Tenebrae

Veteran Member
Joined
Feb 3, 2014
Location
Missouri
TDI
2014 VW Jetta TDI Premium with Nav TURNED IN 03/10/2017
Dealership employees refused to move a car with deployed airbags? Weird. Were they of the opinion that once released from its home, an airbag is prone to biting and might have rabies?
Not unless it's a Takata airbag!

-T.
 

tjsadler

Veteran Member
Joined
Aug 15, 2013
Location
California, USA
TDI
2014 Passat TDI SE 6m
Got my Chase email for the EFT last night. Weird since it was a banking holiday but I'm not complaining. I set up the transfer right away so we'll see how quickly the actual cash arrives. I'm figuring tomorrow.
 

amstel78

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2012
Location
Shohola, PA
TDI
2012 Golf TDI [buyback completed 14/1/2017] 2006 S65 AMG
Got my Chase email for the EFT last night. Weird since it was a banking holiday but I'm not complaining. I set up the transfer right away so we'll see how quickly the actual cash arrives. I'm figuring tomorrow.
Turned in my car on the 14th as well. Got the Chase EFT email at 23:25 last night. Filled out the info this morning so I'm hoping the funds deposit tomorrow also.
 

peterschou

New member
Joined
Jan 3, 2017
Location
Pasadena
TDI
2009 Jetta tdi
This definitely proves that damage isn't a problem... BUT what about title?

Thanks for posting! I am in a very similar situation: Jetta TDI 2009, damaged in December 2016, considered "totalled" by AAA who will report the car as "salvage" to CA DMV. My buyback appointment in on Jan 23 so I probably won't have time to complete the process of changing my title to "salvage." Does anyone know if this has to be completed before buyback?
 

DOH!

New member
Joined
Nov 23, 2016
Location
Maine
TDI
JSW
Who are you people??!! Plants from VW? It defies reason that your experience could be so GOOD and mine (and everyone else I know) so BAD.

I was on track for buyback until a deer stepped in front of my car on 11/22 and totaled it. Ever since, it's been pure keystone cops with the folks on the claims support line. I've waited 15 minutes on average to speak with poorly informed reps who have given me different direction each time. All of it wrong... or so says the rep I spoke with today. So now I have to wait another 3-5 business days for the portal to get unlocked (again), so I can upload additional docs and essentially begin the process again. It's going to be months still before I see my restitution $$ and I started this process in October.

I now officially hate Volkswagen. It's a pity because I loved by Sportswagon TDI. Sorry if I'm irked and coming off that way. I've earned the right to be. I'm glad for you and everyone one else who's had a good outcome. Me? Not so much.
 

tjsadler

Veteran Member
Joined
Aug 15, 2013
Location
California, USA
TDI
2014 Passat TDI SE 6m
This definitely proves that damage isn't a problem... BUT what about title?

Thanks for posting! I am in a very similar situation: Jetta TDI 2009, damaged in December 2016, considered "totalled" by AAA who will report the car as "salvage" to CA DMV. My buyback appointment in on Jan 23 so I probably won't have time to complete the process of changing my title to "salvage." Does anyone know if this has to be completed before buyback?

I had a CA Title marked "Salvaged". The title status isn't a problem at all per the settlement and the attorneys. The weird thing was that per the DMV what should have happened is that I should have received a "Salvage Certificate" and then I should have had to fix everything including the airbags prior to an inspection to prove that and THEN been issued a current "Salvaged" title and registration but they just sent me the title directly after the loan was paid off by the insurance. Hopefully yours will work similarly or maybe you'll just use your current title if you already have it.
 

tjsadler

Veteran Member
Joined
Aug 15, 2013
Location
California, USA
TDI
2014 Passat TDI SE 6m
Who are you people??!! Plants from VW? It defies reason that your experience could be so GOOD and mine (and everyone else I know) so BAD.

I was on track for buyback until a deer stepped in front of my car on 11/22 and totaled it. Ever since, it's been pure keystone cops with the folks on the claims support line. I've waited 15 minutes on average to speak with poorly informed reps who have given me different direction each time. All of it wrong... or so says the rep I spoke with today. So now I have to wait another 3-5 business days for the portal to get unlocked (again), so I can upload additional docs and essentially begin the process again. It's going to be months still before I see my restitution $$ and I started this process in October.

I now officially hate Volkswagen. It's a pity because I loved by Sportswagon TDI. Sorry if I'm irked and coming off that way. I've earned the right to be. I'm glad for you and everyone one else who's had a good outcome. Me? Not so much.
Sorry to hear that! You should have kept the car if the engine ran you would have been paid by the insurance AND VW would have bought it back anyway.
 

chadbag

Veteran Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2013
Location
Utah
TDI
2x 2013 JSW (1 manual BOUGHT BACK 12/20/16, 1 DSG BOUGHT BACK 1/14/17), Audi A3 e-tron gas-plugin-hybrid, gas Volvo V60
There's been a lot of argument on the subject of condition of these cars, but indviduals will do what they think is right before turning in, and perhaps the people who are accepting the turn-in will do the same.
Unfortunately, there's rarely a consistent call when someone fails on either end of a situation like this. One of the only exceptions I can think of is IDPA shooting, where there is an actual call that can be invoked to prevent letting gamesmanship take over: "Failure To Do Right.*" Which can get one penalized, and the specifics can be stated on the spur of the moment by the range SO (Safety Officer).

{*Note: digression follows!}

"Failure to Do Right
A failure to do right (FTDR) is a 20-second penalty given for any illegal action taken specifically to gain a competitive advantage. A shooter who deliberately fires extra rounds at a target so that he must reload at a more opportune time is a classic example of this penalty. This penalty can be highly subjective, and the SO has to determine that the shooter engaged in the action with a "guilty mind"—that he knowingly failed to do right. Because of the subjectivity of the call, the penalty is seldom given. Receiving one all but guarantees the shooter will lose the match, or at least place low in his or her division."

- From Wikipedia article on IDPA
+1 on IDPA reference!
 

PacCoastFwy923

Veteran Member
Joined
Feb 21, 2008
Location
Oakland
TDI
2015 Passat SE TDI 6-speed manual; 2006 mkV Jetta TDI / 5-speed / Pkg 2
This definitely proves that damage isn't a problem... BUT what about title?

Thanks for posting! I am in a very similar situation: Jetta TDI 2009, damaged in December 2016, considered "totalled" by AAA who will report the car as "salvage" to CA DMV. My buyback appointment in on Jan 23 so I probably won't have time to complete the process of changing my title to "salvage." Does anyone know if this has to be completed before buyback?
Do you already have the title? I.e.not a bank loan?

It seems you'd have more of an issue with VW if you've changed status from a lein to title holder.

If you already possess the old title (the non-salvage title), I'm betting they wouldn't bat an eye at turn in.

Since you're so close, just go forward as planned. If something comes up at the appointment, you're not that delayed. If you say something now, and that raises a flag, i it may sidetrack the process.
 

pkhoury

That guy with the goats
Joined
Nov 30, 2010
Location
Medina, TX
TDI
2013 JSW, 2003 Jetta Ute, 2 x 2002 Golf, 2000 Golf
EFT in my account this morning. That settles that :D Nice to be the windshield instead of the bug for a change!
Congrats, and nice thread. I have yet to find out if I'll end up in a similar situation. My car is totally driveable, with the only major damage being my front windshield. But, the hail damage on the body, at least according to my body shop (who already agreed with the insurance company that 3 other vehicles in the household will be declared a total loss), would exceed the ACV.

I actually opted out of the class, although other than the certified mail return receipt, I never got any confirmation. VW still occasionally sends me emails and the site still lets me log in to initiate a buyback.

Did they deduct anything from you for the collision damage, or was the car valued as if it didn't exist?
 

DanB36

Veteran Member
Joined
Jul 13, 2003
Location
Savannah, GA
TDI
2014 Q5 Prestige TDI, Monsoon Gray
There's no basis for deducting for damage. I got full restitution* for my wrecked car.

* Well, reduced, but reduced on the basis of having bought between 9/18/15 and 6/28/16. My payment was exactly what my offer letter said it would be, and nobody at VW knew of the damage before I had the car towed to the dealer on buyback day.
 

dubStrom

Veteran Member
Joined
Aug 6, 2007
Location
Kansas City Missouri
TDI
2003 A4 Jetta (sold), 2010 JSW (sold), 2013 Passat 6MT traded for 2014 JSW with 6MT-TOTALED in November 2016, 2003 ALH 5MT conversion (sold), wheezing 2015 GSW/DSG and a new 2021 Tacoma Access Cab 4x4 p'up
It is just sad to see a perfect 2014 Passat 6MT taken off the street. I had a 2013 as well. It was nothing short of amazing on FE. It got me 54mpg on a long trip through the Rockies. I believe I had over 750 miles on the tank when I filled, and it was destined to be a 900 mile tank. All of it through mountain passes, windy mountain roads and open highway, with three passengers besides me, and luggage. I only traded it because I am such a fool for the wagon, Then my new wagon was totaled within two years, just as it was getting truly broken in, closing in on 50mpg on the highways (expletive deleted).

I will never forgive the fool that hit me. Fortunately, I never spoke to him, and won't!
 
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