Possible Mechanic/Dealer Scam?

Southland · April 13th, 2012, 09:06

A relative took his 09 TDI SportWagen with 99k miles to the dealer for a code light.
They said he needed all new EGR, DPF, two cat. converts, etc. for a cost of 6500.
I plugged in my Scangauge and the only code was B2AAA witch I cleared and has not returned.
He says the car runs fine with normal power and fuel mileage.
I can do maint. for him but my thoughts are to leave it alone unless the code light returns.
I know what I am calling his trip to the dealer but would like to hear additional thoughts.
Thanks

Powder Hound · April 13th, 2012, 09:41

Scam. You are too nice. I can think of a lot of other 4 letter words to use in relation to that dealer's 'service', but they are not to be used in polite company nor civilized society.

I suppose that the term service in this can be considered in the same context as what a prostitute does when she services her clients, since apparently the dealer is doing the same thing to their clients. I only wonder if the clients got a kiss first.

Padrino · April 13th, 2012, 09:45

First rule of owning VW TDI in the US, never, ever go to a dealer UNLESS is warranty recall...period.
My car is coming 10 years old, been to a dealer ONCE.

loganbmx4gt · April 13th, 2012, 09:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Southland

A relative took his 09 TDI SportWagen with 99k miles to the dealer for a code light.
They said he needed all new EGR, DPF, two cat. converts, etc. for a cost of 6500.
I plugged in my Scangauge and the only code was B2AAA witch I cleared and has not returned.
He says the car runs fine with normal power and fuel mileage.
I can do maint. for him but my thoughts are to leave it alone unless the code light returns.
I know what I am calling his trip to the dealer but would like to hear additional thoughts.
Thanks

That dealer wouldn't happen of to been Gossett would it?

DonL · April 13th, 2012, 10:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Padrino

First rule of owning VW TDI in the US, never, ever go to a dealer UNLESS is warranty recall...period.
My car is coming 10 years old, been to a dealer ONCE.

What he said.

VeeDubTDI · April 13th, 2012, 10:23

Wow - you just got taken for $6500. I sure hope you didn't pay the bill! Did you authorize the work before it was performed?

Ol'Rattler · April 13th, 2012, 10:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by loganbmx4gt

That dealer wouldn't happen of to been Gossett would it?

Do tell. If the code is as bogus as it sounds, the public needs to be protected from thieves like these.

I went to the RossTech WIKI and searched for the code "B2AAA" and that code does not exist on their web site. A Google search netted no tangible results for the code either. Who knows, maybe the code means the battery in the hand held scanner they used needs to be replaced.

Two things to do first before doing what I suggest below:

Make absolutely sure that the fault code and their diagnosis is in fact bogus.
DO NOT accuse them of being thieves. They might litigate for slander.

If I was your relative, I would be inclined to take a Saturday or 3 and park in front of that business with a sign that says something like "Ask me why you should not have service work done here". When people ask why, your relative would show folks the estimate from the dealer. That is if your relative got a printed estimate showing the code and the diagnosis.

axnels2 · April 13th, 2012, 10:49

I would call VW Corporate and report them for what its worth with a copy of the bill.

Ol'Rattler · April 13th, 2012, 11:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by axnels2

I would call VW Corporate and report them for what its worth with a copy of the bill.

It does sound like the owner declined the service recommendations.

If the owner absolutely has his ducks in a row, I would call VW corporate to complain and also ask them for a good reason for not going to one of the local TV news trouble shooters..............

mohawk69 · April 13th, 2012, 11:15

Reading the original post, it sounds like NO work was performed, the OP himself produced the non-existent B2aaa code, and it looks like he won't have to mail corporate or park in front of the dealership on weekends. All's well etc........

loganbmx4gt · April 13th, 2012, 11:26

I'd be happy to scan it if you dont have vag com, if ever needed again. Ive never heard of that code or been able to find anything on it either.

VWBeamer · April 13th, 2012, 11:54

Reading comprehension is not a strong suit on these forums.

WutGas? · April 13th, 2012, 12:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by VWBeamer

Reading comprehension is not a strong suit on these forums.

Besides all the things I have learned about the TDI.....this is one of the other things I have learned in my short time here.

KLXD · April 13th, 2012, 12:48

i to hav notised that.

Isn't all emissions equipment warranted for five years under Federal law anyway?

Would be fun to let them do the work then remind them of that when picking up the car. Unfortunately that would mean letting them apply tools to it.

Southland · April 13th, 2012, 13:32

Thanks for the feedback.
No work has been done but he called this morning that the code light was on again.
He is going to bring the car out and I will clean the EGR. Says if that does not correct things, he will trade but I would hope it is with a different dealer.
Logan, you guessed the dealer.
The B2AAA must be a bogus/software glitch. Can't seem to get any firm info on it. All the codes I have ever seen start with "P".
I'll also look up any info on the emissions having an extended warranty.
Bet VW is trying to cover themself on that.
Again, many thanks
Jerry