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If your brakes were not squeeking you probably had some life left in them. Why did they replace the rotors? They can usually be resurfaced once with no adverse effects. BTW sears charges somewhere around $100 for rear disc brakes (resurfaced). I would avoid that dealer in the future.
In Virginia, the lemon law applies after 3 or more attempts at correcting a non-conformity (you will need to look up what Virginia considers non-conformity). As you have described, VW has only had 1 attempt at correcting the non-conformity.
More important though, in Virginia, the lemon law rights period is 18 months after date of original delivery of new car to the consumer. As you have had the car 3 years, you are basically SOL in using the lemon law.
After this experience, I requested from the selling dealership, and then VW of America, a replacement vehicle or a full refund. This morning I received both dealerships' negative response to my request and their decision to adhere to the existing warranty. At this stage, I may have to wait until my car has problems for the third time before I can invoke Virginia's lemon law. However, VW's customer service has been so poor and the problems with my car after only 3 weeks leads me to consider other options. I would appreciate any feedback on similar Passat experiences, and advice on next steps.
On the other hand, once they figure it out, you'll probably be good to go.
I do not own a VW (yet - still considering), but have had initial quirks with a new car in the past. A faulty component does not imply the car is a lemon. The customer service may suck (this seems to be a common theme, regardless what brand is discussed), but as long as they are honoring the warranty - there is not much more to be expected, IMHO. Would suggest to see if problem still persists, or if it was indeed fixed. I know the problem was annoying, but do try to enjoy your new car.
I was a chicken and added a 4 yr 100K extended warranty since this will be a commuter car for me (high mileage). Hopefully I won't need this, but I have been burned in the past on a 95 Ford Windstar and a 98 VW Cabrio.
I drove it back from Fredericksburg (got it at Ted Britt VW) to Richmond VA (home) on I-95. It ran nicely at up to 80.
Overall, my first impression is that of a well put together car. Of course, what is more important is how I feel about this car after 2 years!
thanks.
I did get an extended warranty, and I like the car so much that when the 3 year lease is up next month I'm going to buy it.
Also, rotors can warp. My front rotors are being replace under warranty because I can feel the car shake when applying the brakes at high speeds.
You can easily see if each rotor and pad was replace by shining a flashlight between the wheelspokes. The pads will look thick and the rotors will look smooth and shiny with no grooves. $400 is a lot, but that's the price you pay when going to the dealer.
I drove the car last week and did not notice anything wrong with he steering. Would I notice if I had a broken tie rod?
Thanks
There's a VW query? I sure never got one. My salesman would definitely have gotten dinged. Anybody ever received one of these?
And mine still has the vestiges of blue plastic film too, so if a definitive answer comes up on what to do about it, I'll be curious.
For all that, I am enjoying my 2003 GL at 8500 miles (runs well, no problems so far).
This is just my impression from what I've read - I don't know any of this as fact. Swing by the SS board and join a discussion or two to talk with some of our friendly salesfolks.
The symptoms were that one morning I noticed a slight hesitation at idle right after starting the car in the morning. This seemed to go away but when driving home in the afternoon the check engine light went on.
I was able to get an appointment the next day at Pugi in Chicago where they diagnosed and fixed the problem under warranty. Their service department was very efficient and accommodating.
So: (1) memo to VW's designer: duh! (2) Anybody else have this problem? Or is it my middle-aged eyes? (3) Could I actually get a replacement dipstick that's not black, but, say, the color of bare metal (like on my old Saturn, Corolla, etc.)? Better yet, a white dipstick?
Thanks.
Not all VW dealers are mod friendly but a lot of them are. Your best bet is to check with your dealer and ask if they are "mod friendly" if not, go to another dealer until you find one that is. None of the VW dealers in my area will void a warranty for aftermarket modifications. I have never had a warranty item turned down on any of my VW's and none of them are stock.
A different question for the forum: I'm thinking about the front mudguards for my Passat. Question is, are they easy to install oneself or is this something that only the dealer (or equivalent) should do? (Given that I don't even know how they're held on, I don't want to stretch myself on this.)
Thanks.
I am looking to buy a used Passat (2001-2003) with automatic transmission. I have read that with an automatic transmission the V6 is the best choice. However I live in Denver (altitude 5280 ft) and was told by a car dealer that at this altitude the 1.8 turbo 4-cyclinder engine is a better choice. Does anyone have experience or knowledge in this area?
Also, is the AWD worth the extra cost for someone who does mostly around town driving? (ie not much mountain driving?)
Thanks so much!
Anyone know who to ask?
Oh, beside a crazy service department here in Texas, I LOVE the Passat, great car, absolutely not one problem.