Buyback COMPLETED Car is now in Dealership Lot

[Cayman]

And I returned my Jetta as well. It was picked up by a tow truck (VW Roadside) and taken to the dealer (Pignataro Volkswagen in Everett, WA)- my tags had expired the end of September so I couldn't drive it in. I got there an hour early and the claims guy was busy with another customer so I grabbed a free coffee and cookie in the showroom while I waited. No one tried to approach me, it was weird.

15 minutes later it was my turn, we reviewed all the forms I had already filled out then the gent went out and took pictures of the front/back/sides of the car with his iPad, then the odometer. The car was in pristine condition except for a few minor things: when removing the autodimming mirror I had installed I broke the windshield, and there's a big gaping hole in the dash where my aftermarket stereo used to live. The claims guy could care less, he was trained to expect people to show up with no doors, trunk lid, hood, etc.. THE CONDITION OF THE CAR HAS NO BEARING ON THE BUY BACK. They don't care.

We went back inside and I signed over the title, and the claims guy confirmed that what's in the system is the same amount as on my buy back letter ($25,907) Back to the showroom, where I requested a ride home via their complimentary shuttle service. I had another coffee while I waited, no one on the sales floor approached me.

Got a ride home, and the girl even stopped at a 7-11 for me while I ran in to pick up a few things I needed. The entire "experience" from tow truck pick up to being dropped off at home was 1.5 hours.

So, here I sit waiting for the email confirmation, then the funds transfer.

 

[cmeller]

Turned mine into the dealership in northern chicagoland area today. Went super smooth..only 2 people at that dealership had turn-ins today.

Exact amount I calculated..took the ETF, but wish I would have just gotten a check. No big deal.

I did ask if I could have stripped the car jokingly and the guy said absolutely. You could have road in on a car with milk crates as seats.. as long as it would be driven under it's own power it was good to go.

 

[dadai]

EFT confirmed...

As I posted on Tuesday, VW completed the buyback of my 2011 Sportwagen. The gal handling the deal said I'd get an email within 3 business days from J.P. Morgan in order to provide my bank info for the EFT. That email came Wednesday evening. This morning I registered at the site they directed me to and punched my info. They confirmed it and said it would be 1-2 days for the funds to be in my account. All in all everything went smooth. And, as I mentioned, we now have a 2017 Jetta SE that I'm really enjoying driving. Plenty of power and good gas mileage.
I want to thank this great site for all the help it has been to me through so many, both prior to buying my TDI and the great info throughout the last 6 years. Not to mention the help keeping up to speed on this VW scandal and the unfolding process. Cheers to all!

 

[2015vwgolfdiesel]

Turned mine into the dealership in northern chicagoland area today. Went super smooth..only 2 people at that dealership had turn-ins today.

Exact amount I calculated..took the ETF, but wish I would have just gotten a check. No big deal.

I did ask if I could have stripped the car jokingly and the guy said absolutely. You could have road in on a car with milk crates as seats.. as long as it would be driven under it's own power it was good to go.

Interesting

wondering what a new spare, and 4 ALLOY wheels and 4 nice tire are worth on CL or Ebay

 

[GyroRon]

My buyback......

I showed up right on time, but didn't know where to park or who to go see inside. Pulled into the service dept and rolled down the window and asked where do I park, and they said just in any open parking space in front of the dealership and that the guy I need to see is inside. So I parked out front and walked in, was greeted as soon as I walked in the door by a salesman and he asked how he could help me, I said I am here for the TDI thing.... just as I said that a gentleman stepped out of a office right by where we were standing and he asked if I was Ron.... Yes sir I am! He then shook my hand and told me he was the buyback representative and he had me follow him into his office.

We had a little small talk then he asked to see my Title... After looking at it and seeing it was a good clean and clear title he said he was going to have a dealership employee move the car to the back, so I walked outside with him to get my belongings out of the car. Then someone drove it around back and I walked back inside with the rep. He printed out a odometer statement and power of attorney statement for me to sign, then he walked outside to take photos of the car and check the vin and odometer.

Once done he came inside and entered stuff into his tablet and then printed me off a receipt. Also he had my check my email to verify I got a email receipt as well, which I did.

At that point I was officially done. The same guy who drove the car around had given me my plate off the back so I could have left then. Was probably no more than 20 minutes at this point.

I was waiting for my wife to get there and saw he had time before his next appointment ( he had 6 or possibly 7, can't remember exactly, appointments today with notes on a big yellow note pad he was carrying around ) So we talked a little about this whole thing.... He mentioned a few things noteworthy... Some most of us who have been reading these threads already knew and some we may not

1. He doesn't work for VW in any way. He is not a VW dealer employee or a VWGOA employee either.

2. He mentioned several things he had issues with regarding input of the information into his tablet that had caused him some issues. Apparently these guys are having to learn as they go and make plenty of calls to their IT dept to figure out solutions to the problems as they crop up.

3. Biggest thing was we got to talking about the topic of what if's.... Such as what if someone shows up and the car has obvious bad body damage, such as if it was wrecked recently and not fixed. Or what if someone shows up and the car is missing the seats and doors and trunk lid or headlights etc... And his answer surprised me, he said they are not supposed to accept a car in that condition. He said he got a email or phone call from his higher ups about this just a few days ago. Apparently someone tried to turn in a Golf with the lights and grill and front bumper missing and a picture of the car has been floated around to all the buyback people to NOT accept a car in that kind of condition. He told me that a car with some minor dents and scratches and whatnot would not be a problem, but if a car came in missing major parts or was clearly badly wrecked he would have to call his supervisors for approval, that he would personally not approve it. So for those planning to strip their cars before turn in, I would go talk to the buyback guy at your dealer first to confirm before removing parts. Now saying all that, I kept my spare tire and jack and the floor mats and he didn't seem to even notice. He didn't even look in the trunk and only opened the drivers door to check the odometer.

4. He did ask for both of my keys. I gave him the one in my hand and told him the other is under the car near the back bumper in a hide a key box. Told him I could crawl under the car and get it if he wanted me to, but he didn't seem to care. He took the one key and changed the subject and that was that as far as two keys are concerned.

5. Lastly, he did mention that he is supposed to note if the car as any check engine lights, but he said as of right now a CEL would not stop a buyback from being completed.

So all in all I am happy camper. Bought the car used from the original owner in early 2014 ( its a 2013 Jetta ) with 7801 miles on it for 18,500$ cash. Car had 56000 miles roughly on it when I handed them the keys. Only money I spent on the car was around 175$ on window tint, 150$ or so for a hitch ( that I removed and sold for 50$ ) and roughly 70$ for the 40K oil change, and another 80$ or so on a new tire after I popped the sidewall out of one of the tires on a rough gravel road. I am getting a EFT for 21,877$ plus I got 500$ goodwill visa and used what was left with the 500$ goodwill dealer credit for two new tires for my Camry I replaced the jetta with.

I will miss the car and feel kind of bad not knowing what its fate is, hate to think they might crush such a good car that I babied for the last few years. But the money was too good to pass up.

 

[tjsadler]

Interestingly, point 3 about condition is in direct conflict with what the settlement says. I could understand maybe having to verify running condition but that's it according to the settlement. Hopefully this is just another clueless employee in this whole mess...

 

[ericy]

Interestingly, point 3 about condition is in direct conflict with what the settlement says. I could understand maybe having to verify running condition but that's it according to the settlement. Hopefully this is just another clueless employee in this whole mess...

I am guessing that this person hadn't encountered such a hypothetical yet, so he didn't know what was the correct course of action. Once it actually happens, he would have called in, and most likely gotten the answer that they still have to take it.

 

[j1mbo]

My buyback today was painless.

I was there on time, but the before me was having issues with the amount not matching the offer apparently.

Once in there I seemed to know more about the process than he did (not the sharpest tool in the shed)

I completed all the paperwork, he went to check VIN etc and that was pretty much it. He had someone from the dealer take off my tags, and did not even ask to see my registration. I got a receipt while I was sitting there and he said I could expect the payment email in 2-3 days (he said it was not sure who it would come from)!

Apparently today was his first day of doing buybacks and I was his 3rd. Only 4 were scheduled for today.

Now on to more waiting to move to the next step for my Golf!

 

[Cayman]

Ron's experience/discussion was 180 degrees out of whack with the discussion I had today; my guy felt terrible about all the aftermarket stuff that was done that was left behind => tint, tires, LED lights throughout, fog lights, automatic light sensor, mud guards, etc..

Very sympathetic and, didn't care at all about the condition of the car.

 

[rotts4u]

Turned in my 2012 Audi A3 today and was the first person there. I had all the documents including the buyback offer letter. And I was turning it in on time according to my appointment not early or late etc

When she was processing everything it sounded as if she was about to hit the complete button when I asked her to STOp and not mark it completed until she could confirm the amount I was receiving. It took her a minute and she finally found it and it was LOWER than the letter amount that was just dated on 11-3-2016. Since the time I had filled out that info I had put exactly 8 miles on the car.

The amount her computer showed was the ORIGINAL amount that came out in the first go around many months ago on the initial print out. Not the higher amount the agreement letter said. The difference was $570.

I told her no I was not willing to accept a lower amount and I reached across and took back my power of attorney and the keys and nicely asked her to call someone.

She made some calls and they were of no help and gave her another number to give to me and told me to call. I said ok Ill call them but Im doing it here in your office before I leave and before I turn over the car. She sheepishly admitted that she had already hit the close button and it was really over anyway. I insisted that it was not over as I have the keys title and power of attorney and the car and I may elect to drive it back home,

then we spent 48 minutes on the phone with the other VW claims number on speaker phone where they took my name address, phone number making me spell every street name, city name etc Even though they had my claim number

Finally after numerous times of them coming back on the phone and saying we are still checking, they finally came back on and said my amount was lower because my mileage was higher. Even though I had submitted the mileage at the final stage of the agreement in early november they went back to the original mileage in August and said I had driven more than 1000 a month since then and I had.

So I asked one last time what happens if I walk out with the car (I already had an email on my phone confirming my turn in was complete) and they said they would then have to invalidate the agreement and force me to start over delaying the buyback for several weeks.

I decided that since the amount was equal to the original amount but lower than the acceptance letter that it just wasn't worth the trouble. So I left the car with them. I am thinking about contacting the attorneys and seeing what they say just for ****s and giggles.

Its really just a game for me but it is $570 and if I can get it I would like to.
Anyone else had this happen?

 

[bizzle]

The acceptance letter was based on the mileage and turn-in date you indicated when you signed up. You updated the mileage after you provided them with the notarized documents. There was no way for the offer letter to include the mileage you put on the car between the first time you submitted mileage and the last time. You can contact the attorneys but you'll be wasting your time.

 

[ericy]

The amount her computer showed was the ORIGINAL amount that came out in the first go around many months ago on the initial print out. Not the higher amount the agreement letter said. The difference was $570.

There are a few others out there. What I can suggest is go to one of the many buyback calculators out there. Here is one:

https://agrahamg.github.io/VWBuybackCalculator/

The main difference has to do with the actual vehicle mileage at turn-in as compared to whatever it was that they thought you had when they came up with the offer letter. I would guess that going from one mileage bracket to another will be exactly 570$.

https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/att._2c_-_passat_and_a3_mileage_table.pdf

 

[bfrink]

From reading many turn-in posts, it seems that there are some cars which have offer letters reflecting one mileage bracket's worth of (positive) adjustment relative to both the preliminary estimate (from way back in July) and to the various calculators and documents. I know I'm in that situation (2015 Audi A3) - my offer letter was higher than the preliminary estimate, and my calculations, by exactly one mileage bracket ($810), and all data I've input since does not indicate that I have fewer than estimated miles. Smells like a plain old bug in the offer letter generation software. VW's out is that the offer letter doesn't itemize how the number is arrived at, and allows for modification for mileage differences. I think that those of us who believed we got a surprise windfall will be a little disappointed on the buyback day.

 

[k1xv]

Yes, even though my offer letter says $15150, I will not be surprised or disappointed with $14875, which is what all the calculators have said is my buyback number from the very beginning.

 

[jaberoo]

I was at my MA dealer today and was told that they had just completed the first 4 buybacks at this location. My docs were accepted on 11/23 and I'm waiting an offer. I was told not to expect that for 6-8 weeks.

 

[froman118]

Completed buyback of our 2010 Jetta Sportwagen today at VW of Garden Grove. Buyback rep was chill and made small talk about the situation and he joked about having a good Christmas this year with the cash. Once my wife showed up and we really started it took less than 15 minutes. Took exterior pictures, turned it on, took dash picture, turned it off, walked back in, signed everything, checked I got the email confirmation and was done. Lady in the salesroom just said goodbye as we walked out; no attempt by anyone to sell us a replacement. Called insurance on the way home and dropped the VW from our policy.

Did get misinformation about the EFT. Rep tried telling me that money would hit my account as soon as I got the email confirmation. Tried correcting him that it would probably take 24 hours to initiate and a few more business days to clear, but he didn't really care and brushed the info off.

Buyback amount matched the github calculator exactly.

We had already purchased a 2016 Kia Sedona EX in August to lock in model year end pricing and 0% financing. Jetta had been parked and driven every couple weeks. No intention of ever going back to VW. The car served us well and count ourselves lucky for not having any mechanical issues over our fairly average 77,000 miles over 6.5 years.

 

[grawk]

Completed!First check engine light this morning so I went over early and they took care of me two hours ahead of time. Simple process.


For all the know it all folks, EFT vs check, I took the check over to Wells Fargo, one day hold $25k.




See you on the MINI forums or not!

I hope you're not moving to MINI for a more reliable vehicle...

 

[Toschtdi]

First time post. Has anyone been rejected at buyback due to expired tags/registration? I have read this whole post and saw Cayman in particular turned his car in for buyback with expired reg with no incident. My registration expires Dec 8 and ny buyback appointment is Dec. 29. I planned on not registering car due to what I read on website (current registration is not even included in the buyback checklist of docs they tell you to bring to your appointment). My problem is I called the Vw number last week about this and the lady I got to help told me current registration was necessary at buyback appointment. I pointed out to her that the website doesn't say that but she insisted she checked with her supervisor etc. and my tags need to be current. I'd rather not spend the money to register if I don't need to but I'd hate to mess up a 15k deal by not doing it. And I would be that guy that got that buyback referee who told me I needed the registration. Just want to know if anyone has been blocked or hassled by the buyback guy for no current registration.

 

[2015vwgolfdiesel]

First time post. Has anyone been rejected at buyback due to expired tags/registration? I have read this whole post and saw Cayman in particular turned his car in for buyback with expired reg with no incident. My registration expires Dec 8 and ny buyback appointment is Dec. 29. I planned on not registering car due to what I read on website (current registration is not even included in the buyback checklist of docs they tell you to bring to your appointment). My problem is I called the Vw number last week about this and the lady I got to help told me current registration was necessary at buyback appointment. I pointed out to her that the website doesn't say that but she insisted she checked with her supervisor etc. and my tags need to be current. I'd rather not spend the money to register if I don't need to but I'd hate to mess up a 15k deal by not doing it. And I would be that guy that got that buyback referee who told me I needed the registration. Just want to know if anyone has been blocked or hassled by the buyback guy for no current registration.

Good question for me too

My date is later, but nice to know what's going on

 

[Squalo]

First time post. Has anyone been rejected at buyback due to expired tags/registration? I have read this whole post and saw Cayman in particular turned his car in for buyback with expired reg with no incident. My registration expires Dec 8 and ny buyback appointment is Dec. 29. I planned on not registering car due to what I read on website (current registration is not even included in the buyback checklist of docs they tell you to bring to your appointment). My problem is I called the Vw number last week about this and the lady I got to help told me current registration was necessary at buyback appointment. I pointed out to her that the website doesn't say that but she insisted she checked with her supervisor etc. and my tags need to be current. I'd rather not spend the money to register if I don't need to but I'd hate to mess up a 15k deal by not doing it. And I would be that guy that got that buyback referee who told me I needed the registration. Just want to know if anyone has been blocked or hassled by the buyback guy for no current registration.

Registration is not an issue. I turned mine in yesterday with expired registration. Never came up during turn in.

 

[Cayman]

My car was towed to the dealer without license plates, nevermind up to date tags

 

[Toschtdi]

My car was towed to the dealer without license plates, nevermind up to date tags

Good to hear they accepted your car. I plan on driving it in limp mode with "slightly" expired tags to my appointment. At least the sticker will still say December.

 

[cwescapexlt4x4]

They needed it originally to validate the buyback but current state doesn't seem to matter and honestly, why would it.

 

[Dr. D]

How long on average are folks waiting to get their chase email? 3 business days?

 

[corvettecrazy]

I completed the buyback today and the amount was one mileage bracket off from the offer letter amount.

Before I go through the hassle of trying to get the $275 difference, can someone please clarify if the buyback happened today 12/2/2016 is that 15 or 16 months from Sept 2015?

Turned in with 86,173 Miles
15 months=543 miles away from next mileage bracket an the 14,400 at buyback is correct
16 months = 499 into the next mileage bracket and it should be 14,675. Which is what the offer letter stated.

Beyond that, the woman doing the settlement was very nice and the rest of the process was painless. She has completed 6 or 7 and was doing the buy backs for 3 different local dealers.

Sadly, VW's attempt to save every last penny by not buying back for the value in the offer letter (which we had to get notarized) or greater leaves a bitter taste and is a major turn off as someone who could have been a future customer.

For those asking about registration, she never even looked at it.

 

[bring]

which dealer did you go to?

 

[corvettecrazy]

which dealer did you go to?

I went to Gervais Volkswagen in Lowell as they had the soonest buyback.
She also covers Minuteman VW (Bedford) and Boston VW (watertown)

She said Bedford was booked until March and Watertown until Jan. She thought the Lowell one still had some openings in Dec.

I want to say her name was Christine. Might have been Christina.

 

[bring]

I just booked my buyback in Bedford for 12/19, and every slot from there forward appeared to be open.

 

[SOCALGAL]

I was at my MA dealer today and was told that they had just completed the first 4 buybacks at this location. My docs were accepted on 11/23 and I'm waiting an offer. I was told not to expect that for 6-8 weeks.

Lord, let that time line be wrong...

 

[CT_White_SRT]

I completed the buyback today and the amount was one mileage bracket off from the offer letter amount.

Before I go through the hassle of trying to get the $275 difference, can someone please clarify if the buyback happened today 12/2/2016 is that 15 or 16 months from Sept 2015?

Turned in with 86,173 Miles
15 months=543 miles away from next mileage bracket an the 14,400 at buyback is correct
16 months = 499 into the next mileage bracket and it should be 14,675. Which is what the offer letter stated.

Beyond that, the woman doing the settlement was very nice and the rest of the process was painless. She has completed 6 or 7 and was doing the buy backs for 3 different local dealers.

Sadly, VW's attempt to save every last penny by not buying back for the value in the offer letter (which we had to get notarized) or greater leaves a bitter taste and is a major turn off as someone who could have been a future customer.

For those asking about registration, she never even looked at it.

15 months

September 2015 to December 2015 = 3 months
December to December = 12 months