Volkswagen's Clean Air Act violations on 2009+ TDIs spark huge recall, investigations

[JCTDI]

Totally off topic, but is he related to Marta Sebestyen, noted Hungarian folk singer?

Isn't she on the soundtrack for "The English Patient"? Amazing voice!
(OK, back on topic . . .)

 

[jhawklver]

No, that isn't the way the law works. Anybody who sold/totaled/lost/etc a TDI after the announcement date has a claim, just as does anybody who still owns one. You might say as this has dragged on we are more damaged than somebody who sold their car October 1, but I don't think that will be a huge hurdle to overcome.

I think those who have huge maintenance bills during this waiting period are the most likely to get screwed. One one hand maintenance is part of owning any car. On the other - throwing money after a car that is ultimately bought back would suck, especially if you don't drive many miles beyond the maintenance.

That said, you may be correct above in the case of totaled cars... but it would not be a fun fight to have to navigate.

 

[bubbagumpshrimp]

No, that isn't the way the law works. Anybody who sold/totaled/lost/etc a TDI after the announcement date has a claim, just as does anybody who still owns one. You might say as this has dragged on we are more damaged than somebody who sold their car October 1, but I don't think that will be a huge hurdle to overcome.

And their only recourse is to join a class-action suit. If those that still have their cars get them bought back...those that either sold them or got them wrecked will get "three-fitty" from a class-action lawyer.

So effectively...VW won't have to pay them $h1t. That of course assumes that they ever get around to paying anyone anything.

 

[sriracha]

My car was victim of a hit-and-run, while parked on the street recently. Nothing too significant, but the repair was estimated at $1400.

I'm kinda waiting on the news, before making a repair decision, but it irks me every time I see a dent in my once mint TDI.

I feel like my poor car is getting it from both ends right now. Dented and hated. I still love the car tho. With the OEM sports springs, I love driving my car and I love seeing 40mpg tanks.

 

[gcodori]

That's a very stupid stretch. No one expects to sell it on the open market for new.

No one expects a used car to garner a new car price in a normal situation. This isn't a normal situation so posts like above are just being obstinate.

Quite a few posters are expecting full MSRP buybacks or "generous" buybacks, etc. Some even want the taxes paid from the sale, etc.

Welcome to the forum, by the way. Get used to plenty of "stupid" posts.

 

[Mike91326]

Make sure you read the fine print before you sign up with any attorney. In most cases you are responsible for out of pocket costs if you drop your lawsuit. If there is a buyback I'm sure that VW is going to require that you waive your current and future legal rights to sue them. If you accept the buyout you could get a big bill from your attorney.

 

[gcodori]

Speaking of lawsuits. I just got a new letter offering free legal representation against VW. One of the stated goals was to put me into a new car. The letter had many details about how they would approach the case. It also stated in bold type this would not be part of a class-action lawsuit. They smell blood. I am keeping it on file, until I hear VWs offer. Then I will decide.
I wish I could just keep driving and not worry. But I can't. This car is having problems every month now. It's in the shop now for a new turbo. And I have to also get the intake manifold replaced. But I'm waiting to hear from VWofA on whether they will help with that.

Another note - since there will be plenty of lawsuits brewing, they will be condensed into a class-action. That's the whole purpose of class-action suits, is to group all of the similar issues together in the hopes of limiting duplicate work for the same situation. These guys aren't the only firm suing on the basis of lost value due to the scandal, lemon-law or whatever tactic they are taking.

And for those saying "no one expects to sell a used car for new car prices", getting you into a new car in trade for your used one is exactly that...getting a new car value (either in trade or cash) for a use vehicle.

 

[bubbagumpshrimp]

According to Car & Driver, you're getting it too.
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2017-vw-golf-sportwagen-alltrack-photos-and-info-news

I'd take one..."for the price of on the house."

 

[bring]

No one expects a used car to garner a new car price in a normal situation. This isn't a normal situation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQ0BXUkzRqM

 

[dmarsingill]

My car was victim of a hit-and-run, while parked on the street recently. Nothing too significant, but the repair was estimated at $1400.

I'm kinda waiting on the news, before making a repair decision, but it irks me every time I see a dent in my once mint TDI.

I feel like my poor car is getting it from both ends right now. Dented and hated. I still love the car tho. With the OEM sports springs, I love driving my car and I love seeing 40mpg tanks.

That is what insurance is for. Get it fixed.

Donald

 

[TDINJ]

We do know a VW guru. Tibor in Westfield, NJ. But my wife just called them last week about doing the intake manifold fix, and they told her that they no longer work on diesels! It's on my todo list to call him today and find out if they can still do the repair, since I'm hoping there's no difference on that repair between gas/diesel engines. I'll also try to clarify what their position is on diesels since this seems odd. He fixed our cracked fuel pump a few years ago . . .

I've used JA autowerks in Shrewsbury for a number of years. They're great, and they work on diesels.
http://www.jaautowerks.com/

 

[bubbagumpshrimp]

That is what insurance is for. Get it fixed.

Donald

Assuming someone has a $500-1,000 deductible...I doubt they're going to file a claim for a $1,400 repair. Regardless of deductible (mine is $250)...I wouldn't want to waste a claim on a repair that small.

Given the current situation...I wouldn't go out of pocket to fix a cosmetic issue either. I would just live with it for now.

Edit: If you're one of those people that view your car as an extension of your soul and/or it's just going to eat at you every time you see it...I agree...just find a way to fix it.

 

[sriracha]

That is what insurance is for. Get it fixed.

Donald

Not really anticipating a $1400 incident, I unfortunately have insurance with a $1000 deductible.

I will eventually get it fixed, even with the uncertainty of dieselgate, but it's also tax season AND I need new tires. It's the perfect financial storm.

I am passionate about my cars, so it does bother me having the dent. If I did the dent pushing the limits in a corner, it would be a scar of honor, but a lame hit and run is straight up weaksauce.

 

[kjclow]

The musical to which you refer was a self-referential part of the story in the actual Mel Brooks musical "The Producers."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Producers_(musical)

Loved both the original movie and the musical remake.

 

[dmarsingill]

Not really anticipating a $1400 incident, I unfortunately have insurance with a $1000 deductible.

I will eventually get it fixed, even with the uncertainty of dieselgate, but it's also tax season AND I need new tires. It's the perfect financial storm.

I am passionate about my cars, so it does bother me having the dent. If I did the dent pushing the limits in a corner, it would be a scar of honor, but a lame hit and run is straight up weaksauce.

My insurance has no deductible for things like this. They waive the deductible.
Donald

 

[kjclow]

Does anybody have a total for state and federal tax credits/incentives for our TDIs? Just curious.

None and none. The incentives on the VW diesels expired Dec 31, 2010. I think it was a maximum $1700 tax credit but went on the same line as college tuition credit. I was limited to $1000 (IIRC).

 

[bizzle]

It could be worse, you could be sitting in the waiting room while the dealership changes the oil and have a service advisor hit you with a $550 dollar bill for replacing the oil pan! Waiting on the manager to fix it...bs like this is the only reason I have all the service done at this dealership. 119k of records...I certainly didn't strip the pan.

 

[cut'em]

So I just stopped by my local VW dealership and walked into the service department. I told the manager that I had a 2011 tdi sport wagon that was due for a timing belt change. I mentioned I was a little uncertain as wether I should get this done due to the possible buyback. He told me what ever happens won't be for at least two years down the road, at best. Not sure what I should do, I got 146K on it which are 80% highway miles (70 miles per day, 75mph dual lane highway driving) Am I driving a time bomb? I've been running my truck the past few weeks and just letting the VW sit..

 

[bobish]

^ Truth ^

Nobody in the "Leave me alone...I hate the EPA and CARB" crowd has flown through / spent time in Beijing, et al. It's appalling.

News flash...free markets do not protect the environment.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

What about china is a free market? Also they tried banning cars it did nothing for the pollution. It's all the coal fired power plants in socialist china that's the problem. Here in America with a free market the local communities could try to sue the power plants, in socialist china you can't sue the government.

 

[dmarsingill]

So I just stopped by my local VW dealership and walked into the service department. I told the manager that I had a 2011 tdi sport wagon that was due for a timing belt change. I mentioned I was a little uncertain as wether I should get this done due to the possible buyback. He told me what ever happens won't be for at least two years down the road, at best. Not sure what I should do, I got 146K on it which are 80% highway miles (70 miles per day, 75mph dual lane highway driving) Am I driving a time bomb? I've been running my truck the past few weeks and just letting the VW sit..

Do your maintenance. If you have no problem letting it sit for a while, then do that. Find an independent to do it for a lot less if it will help.

Donald

 

[Zmanzz]

Do your maintenance. If you have no problem letting it sit for a while, then do that. Find an independent to do it for a lot less if it will help.

Donald

This x2. I plan on using the heck out of our 2015. Add fuel maintain and use it. Its just too nice to let sit.

 

[engineered2win]

It's nice to be delusional isn't it?

Is there any reason why VW can't release their "supposed" proposed fix to the public? If VW can stand behind their engineering, release the information for all to see, it'd pitch the public eye against the EPA as being a stalwart opposing VWs progress.

From what was released to the news, looks like VW was dribbling information to EPA/CARB as another stall tactic until EPA rejected it.

VW just coming up with a fix is only a small part of the information they need to present to the EPA:

There's time for the new controls development and engine calibration and hopefully durability testing of components on an engine not even in production anymore. Then they have to prove to the EPA/CARB that their fix doesn't crap all over reliability, driveability, and fuel economy.

There's manufacturing delays, shipping delays, dealer technician training, and waiting for parts and technician time to install on cars. They have to demonstrate that the can push all this out in a reasonable time frame. They have to explain how they will contact all the owners and how they will schedule the fixes. Then they have to explain how they will get all the skeptical TDI owners to take in their car to be molested with new, magical parts of questionable quality; the EPA realizes this is all useless if only 5% of TDI get retrofitted. They have to explain how they will maintain a sufficient inventory and how they will warranty the new parts.

 

[bizzle]

So I just stopped by my local VW dealership and walked into the service department. I told the manager that I had a 2011 tdi sport wagon that was due for a timing belt change. I mentioned I was a little uncertain as wether I should get this done due to the possible buyback. He told me what ever happens won't be for at least two years down the road, at best. Not sure what I should do, I got 146K on it which are 80% highway miles (70 miles per day, 75mph dual lane highway driving) Am I driving a time bomb? I've been running my truck the past few weeks and just letting the VW sit..

At 146k I'd consider that a ticking time bomb. If you can let it sit for a month or two I think we'll get answers by then. No way this is going to be allowed to go on for two years. The service manager agreed with me I shouldn't pay for a new pan, agreed that it would be wise to wait for new information before doing the tb, also thought we'd hear something before April. Everyone is guessing, though, but common sense would dictate there will be news sooner rather than later.

 

[yankees25]

Blogger lobbying for a buyback.

http://blogs.reuters.com/breakingviews/2016/02/23/vw-car-buyback-would-speed-emissions-scandal-exit/

 

[St.Hubbins]

VW just coming up with a fix is only a small part of the information they need to present to the EPA:

There's time for the new controls development and engine calibration and hopefully durability testing of components on an engine not even in production anymore. Then they have to prove to the EPA/CARB that their fix doesn't crap all over reliability, driveability, and fuel economy.

There's manufacturing delays, shipping delays, dealer technician training, and waiting for parts and technician time to install on cars. They have to demonstrate that the can push all this out in a reasonable time frame. They have to explain how they will contact all the owners and how they will schedule the fixes. Then they have to explain how they will get all the skeptical TDI owners to take in their car to be molested with new, magical parts of questionable quality; the EPA realizes this is all useless if only 5% of TDI get retrofitted. They have to explain how they will maintain a sufficient inventory and how they will warranty the new parts.

yup, we all should just look at this as an excruciating exercise in the virtue of patience. popcorn ready - this could be like sitting through all 3 prequels of Star Wars consecutively (have a crazy friend who just did this with their kids - yikes.)

and i agree with keeping up with maintenance for the same reason and more - whether you do it yourself or find a guru/local clubbed/experienced shop, the better you treat the car, the better the car is likely to treat you in the near future and long term.

 

[autdi]

And their only recourse is to join a class-action suit. If those that still have their cars get them bought back...those that either sold them or got them wrecked will get "three-fitty" from a class-action lawyer.

So effectively...VW won't have to pay them $h1t. That of course assumes that they ever get around to paying anyone anything.

Sold and wrecked/totaled are different things, one is still a choice, the other, unless you were at fault, you didn't go out and say, today I'll get my car totaled.

Most states have diminished value laws, you suffered a monetary loss as a result of their action, you subsequently locked in that loss when the car totaled out for less than before deiselgate. Many states this is a simple small claims court proceeding. VW would likely pay out rather than fight it, as these are not class groups, but rather specific individual losses.

 

[Jeta Life]

Isn't she on the soundtrack for "The English Patient"? Amazing voice!
(OK, back on topic . . .)

I've used JA autowerks in Shrewsbury for a number of years. They're great, and they work on diesels.
http://www.jaautowerks.com/

Thanks Boss, I'm done with the dealer, will give JA Autowerks a shot next time. Saw it also on the Trusted TDI Mechanics list on the forum :
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=130044
Good looking out !

 

[miniion26]

So I just stopped by my local VW dealership and walked into the service department. I told the manager that I had a 2011 tdi sport wagon that was due for a timing belt change. I mentioned I was a little uncertain as wether I should get this done due to the possible buyback. He told me what ever happens won't be for at least two years down the road, at best. Not sure what I should do, I got 146K on it which are 80% highway miles (70 miles per day, 75mph dual lane highway driving) Am I driving a time bomb? I've been running my truck the past few weeks and just letting the VW sit..

It depends how much you want to push your luck. I bought my car at 154000 miles, and the timing belt was not done. Being afraid not to suffer a major breakdown on my way to GEC, I had it towed there. Paranoid, say you? Maybe, But I don't feel bad about spending $150 for 68 miles. The reverse would've been a lot worst.
I would not jump over 150k if I were you. The recommended TB job interval is 120k, someone correct me if I am wrong(CRD)

 

[romad]

What about china is a free market? Also they tried banning cars it did nothing for the pollution. It's all the coal fired power plants in socialist china that's the problem. Here in America with a free market the local communities could try to sue the power plants, in socialist china you can't sue the government.

And the majority of the companies are owned/controlled by the PLA!

 

[Jeta Life]

It depends how much you want to push your luck. I bought my car at 154000 miles, and the timing belt was not done. Being afraid not to suffer a major breakdown on my way to GEC, I had it towed there. Paranoid, say you? Maybe, But I don't feel bad about spending $150 for 68 miles. The reverse would've been a lot worst.
I would not jump over 150k if I were you. The recommended TB job interval is 120k, someone correct me if I am wrong(CRD)

I hear ya, I'm at 131k and rolling the dice as it was due at 120k, that's my next job either with Roman in Philly or John at JA Autowerks. Dealer quoted me $1200 really ? Those guys must have high electric bills.

Wow you bought your TDI with pretty high mileage ! I got mine 3 1/2 years ago with 63k on ODO. Did Roman do the timing belt ? Thanks again Miniion, I have yet to call him but may price it versus JA Autowerks.

Probably not wise to delay much further. Was awaiting the announcement, hate to spend the goodwill if it faces buyback. Doubtful though, they wouldn't be so cruel would they ?