Date:         Fri, 8 Jun 2007 13:19:49 -0700
Reply-To:     Old Volks Home <oldvolkshome@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Old Volks Home <oldvolkshome@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: [NVC] VW warranty scam
In-Reply-To:  <458720.78932.qm@web82712.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

It's horror stories like this that I've heard time and time again (and some
of my own experiences) for at least the past two decades.  So much so, that
after buying my 73 Karmann Ghia Coupe new in July 73 (not the current 73 I
own right now), I didn't buy a brand new car until 3 years ago.  I've only
bought used all that time.

I remember having a few similar experiences with that Ghia where you really
had to "arm twist" the dealer in doing the right thing and honoring not only
the "spirit" of the warranty, but the legality of it as well.  My enthusiasm
still "bleeds Volkswagen Blue", but I'll never, ever buy a new VW.

In April 2004, I bought my first brand new car in 31 years, a KIA Spectra
EX.  A recall to re-program the Air Bag System is the only issue so far and
that was two years ago.  Outside of standard maintenance service usually
done at the dealer (still cheaper than the lube 'n' tune shops) and a new
set of tires last December, I've had NO problems in the past 38K miles.  And
yes, my car is washed every time I take it in for servicing at no extra
charge.  KIA and/or the dealership I purchased it from still regularly mails
inquiry cards or forms to survey my opinion.  It will be paid off in 18
months and I may trade it in for the KIA Sedona Van.  Or I just may keep it
until it falls apart.
--
Jim Thompson
84 GL 1.9 "Gloria"
84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"
73 K Ghia Coupe "Denise"
72 411 Station Wagon "Pug"
oldvolkshome@gmail.com
http://www.oldvolkshome.com
***********************************
On 6/7/07, David Kao <dtkao0205@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> 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