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Brain drain

I have been an avid reader of your column for some time, but never thought that I might have the misfortune to need some of your expert advice, but here goes. My 3½-year-old VW Golf MK 5 TDI, has developed a serious starting problem, the Glow Plug heater illumination refuses to light and the engine will therefore not start. The main VW dealer has told me that it needs a new Engine Management System that will cost in excess of £1,000. The car is has just reached 50,000 miles and has been serviced by the same dealer from new at the correct intervals. Worryingly, I have seen on the internet reports of similar failures with VWs. I have told the dealer that I think the car should not have such a major and costly failure this early in its life, but I’m not confident that VW will contribute towards the cost of repair. Can you offer us any advice as to the best way to approach VW in order to get a satisfactory resolution?

Asked on 10 January 2009 by

Answered by Honest John
If it has been franchise serviced all its life I am pretty sure that VW
Customer Car will contribute part of the cost out of 'goodwill'. If not, you'll never buy another VW, will you? You'll buy a Hyundai with a 5-year warranty, or a KIA with a 7-year warranty.
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