Date:         Thu, 7 Jun 2007 17:21:48 -0700
Reply-To:     David Kao <dtkao0205@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Kao <dtkao0205@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      [NVC] VW warranty scam
In-Reply-To:  <4668533C.8080901@twcny.rr.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

Just hung up a phone conversation with VWoA. I am disappointed and
have to say VW really sucks. VWoA and VW dealerships are full of scams.
Maybe I should not be supprised. But I still want to say it loud.

VWoA first said my 2001 Passat only has a 2 year 20,000 mile bumper to bumper
warranty. When I argued they then said 5 years/50,000 miles. When I said
to look at page 7 of the owner's manual then they said 10 years/100,000 miles.

VW dealership first said no warranty and quoted $500 - $800 for my CV joint
problem. When I called after reading page 7 one more time at home then they
said if the CV boot is torn then the warranty will not apply. The I called
VWoA. 3 days, that's what it took for them to call me back, they finally said
I have to have an official diagnose done by a VW dealer in order to determine
if the warranty applies. They advised that there will be an examination fee
I have to pay for the official diagnose. I am afraid that they may say the boot
is not an internal part of the powertrain. So I may end up paying $80 for
nothing. The boot is torn. I told them. Doesn't matter. The official VW diagnose
is still required.

Although it's late in the game but I really want to say VW sucks. My 2001 Passat
has had many problems:

-Leaking head cover gaskets. Botton of car full of greese now.
-Check engine light on many times. Dealer quoted $3000 for repair. When I mentioned
 Federal mandated emission device warranty they rewrote the work order. It became a
 recall. They reprogrammed the ECU.
-$204 estimate for replacing fan belt ($46 belt) which I did it myself in 30 min.
-Dealer suggested timing belt change at 70,000 mile despite owners manual says 105,000.
 That would be a $1000 work order.
-When I tried to deal with head cover gasket leak myself. A platic hose on the top of
 the cover break into 2 pieces with a toucj of my fingers. Dealer wanted more than $100
 just for the part.
-When I had a brake light bulb burnt out within one year of owning the Passat dealer
 said to make an apointment (takes a week) to get it replaced by warranty.
-Both head lights, at least one brake light, one turn signal light have burnt out within
 warranty. I ended up taking care of them myself.
-There were 3 recalls but I was never notified.
-I have to always call before buying a dealer part. If I get a quote on the phone but
 do not mention that I called the price will be higher than the quoted price a;ways.

VW sucks, full of scams and I should not be surprised. But frankly Passat quality
is a huge disappointment for me. I can't believe I have had so many small/medium
problems in only 6 years of owning one from brand new. I think I am going to stay
away from any VW, probably all German cars ever. Reliability/quality is a huge
question. VWoA/VW dealer credibility and honesty is a huge problem.

Enough said, still feeling bad though.

David







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