Misplaced faith in Volkswagen products?

As a family we have purchased approximately 14 new Volkswagen cars over the years and we made the decision to by because of their build quality, reliability, green credentials and their resale value. But given the recent scandal we believe we have been mislead. We paid a premium for these vehicles and are extremely disappointed to learn that at least one of our vehicles is affected by this so called “defeat software” which until this problem is addressed leaves this vehicle possibly unsellable.

Last year with 36,000 miles on the clock the EGR valve needed replacing, which strangely went at the same time of my sisters Golf. She had her vehicle repaired at no cost, I however had to pay a substantial amount even with a small amount of goodwill from Volkswagen, which left a slightly bitter taste in my mouth as both our vehicles had full service history with. I am interested to know whether the now excessive emissions had anything to do with the failure of these valves as they do if I am correct in saying control the Nox emissions?

My vehicle is about to go for a 40k service and I have been told that I also need a new timing belt which was also a surprise, one as the cost is quite significant even with the dealer discount (find it interesting that they are offering this just when my vehicle needs servicing) and because having sought second opinions it would seem that it is just Volkswagen in the UK that stipulate the change now!

We are all awaiting to hear what proposals Volkswagen is going to make in order to rectify the problem with the affected vehicles and what compensation is going to be offered as it would seem that it may well affect the fuel efficiency, performance and possible resale value of the vehicles.

Would appreciate your comments and thoughts on the above.

Asked on 10 October 2015 by Robin

Answered by Honest John
Without a doubt there has always been a problem with the EGR of the EA189 1.6 TDI engine. I have recorded scores of cases. When VWG eventually gets to grips with the problem which, because it affects a total of 11,000,000 vehicles worldwide (obviously not all 1.6 TDI) then I think compensation will be offered to owners of 1.6TDI that have needed premature replacement EGRs.

I doubt that any modifications made will affect economy or CO2 emissions to any significant extent. You cannot complain about a drop in resale value of the car because, as you admit, you bought the car on the basis of a myth supported by snobbery and that myth may have been 'busted'. It's a nonsense to complain of needing a new timing belt, tensioner and waterpump at 40k miles or 6 years because 40-60k and 4-6 year replacements have always been a requirement for VWG timing belt engines.
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