VW TDI Settlement - buying a TDI now

mjfloyd1

I already have the VCDS cable. It has paid for itself many times over. I just need to get the laptop out there.

kyfdx

Michaell said:

Michaell said:

kyfdx said:

Michaell said:

kyfdx said:

I notice that the 155K mile A3 in Columbus is already gone from the listings. Took about a week.

And the one in Vermont?

Still there..

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/664729628/overview/

Only 1955 miles, and the most direct route home takes me through Montreal.

Is that an Audi dealer? Does that disqualify the A3?

Nope.. used car dealer

Michaell

kyfdx said:

Michaell said:

Michaell said:

kyfdx said:

Michaell said:

kyfdx said:

I notice that the 155K mile A3 in Columbus is already gone from the listings. Took about a week.

And the one in Vermont?

Still there..

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/664729628/overview/

Only 1955 miles, and the most direct route home takes me through Montreal.

Is that an Audi dealer? Does that disqualify the A3?

Nope.. used car dealer

Just looked like a whole bunch of Audis in the background; had me wondering.

henryn

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/16/business/international/vw-volkswagen-europe-us-lawsuit-settlement.html?module=WatchingPortal&region=c-column-middle-span-region&pgType=Homepage&action=click&mediaId=thumb_square&state=standard&contentPlacement=2&version=internal&contentCollection=www.nytimes.com&contentId=http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/16/business/international/vw-volkswagen-europe-us-lawsuit-settlement.html&eventName=Watching-article-click&_r=1

I hate to be the one spreading FUD, but ...

Owners’ representatives in Europe are seeking a maximum of 5,000 euros per car, or about $5,600, much less than in the United States. But even that figure could be financially devastating. There are 8.5 million tainted diesels in Europe, compared with about 500,000 in the United States that are covered by the settlement.

stickguy

One reason I would be afraid to hold too long instead of dump and run. Off chance the go broke and throw in the towel.

corvette

I think the ones in Europe are fixable to completely comply with European regs, which should equate to less compensation. Also, I think courts are less plaintiff friendly there. 

henryn

Someone asked about owing taxes on the buyback. I just ran across this:

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=465303&page=3

One thing I've seen no mention of in this thread is the possible tax implication of a buyback.

On page 9 of the "Volkswagen and Audi 2.0-liter TDI Diesel Emissions Settlements" pdf I downloaded on 11 Aug 2016, the following is mentioned:

"7. What are the tax implications of receiving a settlement payment?
While it is the intention of the parties that any payments made as a result of the Class Action Settlement not be subject to taxation, you should consult a tax professional to assess the specific tax implications of any payment you may receive. For example, if you have used your vehicle for business purposes, previously claimed a depreciation deduction on your vehicle, or receive an amount that exceeds the cost of your vehicle, some or all of your payment may be subject to taxation."

andres3

stickguy said:

interesting about the DEF models. those at least, seem like an easier fix (software code), especially if the only real functional change is having to get it refilled more often!

You mean shortening the maintenance intervals and increasing the service and maintenance costs? Now that would be a fraud worth getting upset about for consumers. Being promised a low maintenance product and being sold a high maintenance one; now that would get me upset

I suppose the restitution will cover my extra maintenance for a while. My self-performed mechanic rate is $1,000/hour.

stickguy

I think the restitution will cover it. But if that ends up being the real change to owners, they make it a lifetime free check and fill. Stop in any time to top up!

andres3

If you make a profit, it is taxable. That makes sense. That's the definition of income.

stickguy

In theory, any tine you sell a car you should declare if you had a gain. But no one ever does.

Michaell

stickguy said:

In theory, any tine you sell a car you should declare if you had a gain. But no one ever does.

Yeah, but how often does that really happen?

(auctions excepted, of course)

breld

I am by no means a tax expert, but unless you've recorded any loss related to the vehicle for tax purposes (which is what the article above is getting at), then you wouldn't have any gain on the sale of it. The buyback itself should be no different than you selling the car yourself (which generally isn't taxable). The restitution could be a different story, since that is in theory above and beyond the fair value of the car, but I think you could make the case that it is compensation for additional losses and damage.

kyfdx

I agree with @breld . It's restitution for being forced to sell the car.

I'm not paying income tax on the gain, and if you want to tell the world about it, then go ahead, or my name isn't John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt!!

qbrozen

I'm nowhere near educated on taxes, but you usually pay in relation to what it cost you to gain that money, correct? In other words, I have to claim the rent I receive for my old house, but then I deduct repairs, taxes, etc. So even if I have to claim the VW, I will deduct every penny it cost me, including my time and effort to buy its replacement. Just a thought.

breld

That's pretty much my thought process as well.

I'm more the "accounting" CPA in the family - my CPA wife is the one with the Masters of Taxation. I'll defer to her.

breld

I'm actually tempted to call this TDI owner and let him/her know about the buyback. The ad strikes me as someone who is simply unaware of the program, and is somewhat desperate to sell the Jetta due to some hail damage.

Jetta TDI

stickguy

Or just buy it if they can't wait.

breld

Well yeah - at least if they still wanted to sell it after being told the options, I could do it with a clear conscience.

It's like a $19k buyback.

28firefighter

breld said:

Well yeah - at least if they still wanted to sell it after being told the options, I could do it with a clear conscience.

It's like a $19k buyback.

Kind of looks like a curbstoner. I'd be checking the title and carfax with a microscope.

mjfloyd1

Kyfdx,

Did you check out the TDI in Madison, IN?

kyfdx

mjfloyd1 said:

Kyfdx,

Did you check out the TDI in Madison, IN?

I did not. When you told me he was firm on price, it reduced my interest. It's not that it isn't worth doing another deal for $4K, it's just that little voice in the back of my head going, "what if all of you are wrong". And, the other voice that says, "Where the heck are we going to park another car". (that's the wife).

Also, I didn't get rid of a car to get the last one. That might happen in the next few weeks, if we are lucky. Two extra cars? I don't know..

mjfloyd1

Yeah it's about $3400 after taxes and less if there are dealer fees.

kyfdx

Filled up today, after 503 miles. 37.6 MPG.

xwesx

I made it home last night at about 5pm. So, overall, the trip was on schedule with no issues.

I spent $235 for fuel (that's with a full tank upon arrival at home). I filled up six times on my 3,850-mile journey, and I averaged 44.5 mpg. Best tank was over 48 and worst was a little over 42. I think the road surface had a lot to do with the fuel economy, as the worst performance was between Fort Nelson and Whitehorse. Not only did I travel through the mountains there, but the majority of road was very rough chip seal. But, I put between 550 and 650 miles on the car between each fill, and I only dropped under 3/4 tank one time.

My goodness is this a comfortable cruiser.

stickguy

Gonna hurt giving it back, isn't it?

nyccarguy

Glad you guys are all enjoying your diesel ownership experiences.

qbrozen

I'm just tolerating mine. Not a bad car, but I don't fit particularly well.

28firefighter

The S-Tronic (DSG) in the A3 takes some getting used to, whereas in my GTI it is a near-perfect implementation.

stickguy

Good mileage, but not really that much better. My daughter routinely gets 39 driving between jersey and NC on the 1.8t sport. And not all that slow. Supposedly the 1.4t gets a few more mpg. CR tested one, and also said it largely made the TDI redundant.

kyfdx

Well.. that's mixed driving.. .city/commuting.
Every highway trip has been an indicated 43-47 mpg..

One thing I really like is that diesel is the same price as regular, here. Every other car we own takes premium. So, saving 60 cents/gallon on fuel, plus the mileage really makes a difference. Or, it would if I drove it more. So, theoretically, I really like it.

I'm not in love with the DSG automatic. If I actually bought one to be my daily driver, it would have to be a stick..

xwesx

I agree about the DSG. It feels, to me, exactly like the one I tested out with a Ford Fiesta rental. It is awkward at slow speeds (such as reverse, going through a parking lot, etc.). I somewhat like the shifting methodology (really sounds/feels like a stick), but a little disconcerting that I don't have a clutch pedal to press!

Maybe the most impressive thing, other than the mileage (which really does knock the socks off a similar size gasoline-powered car), is the fact that I have gobs of acceleration on tap at all times, and only on the very steepest of grades did the car even consider downshifting. It moves along at 65 mph at about 2,000 RPM and can take grades of seven or eight percent without the slightest disruption to that rhythm.

And, it is so quiet inside that I was a little shocked at just how much noise penetrates my '08 Forester when I drove it to work this morning. I would guess that the Forester lets more road noise through on smooth asphalt than the Passat does on that rough chip seal I mentioned earlier. Actually, I think I took a short video on that stuff while I was traversing the pass through the Rockies. I should upload that....

corvette

Yeah, the last Passat I drove impressed me with its quietness. 

Michaell

stickguy said:

Good mileage, but not really that much better. My daughter routinely gets 39 driving between jersey and NC on the 1.8t sport. And not all that slow. Supposedly the 1.4t gets a few more mpg. CR tested one, and also said it largely made the TDI redundant.

I just test drove a 1.4T today - it's a nice little engine. And, rated 29/40 with the traditional 6-speed automatic, so pretty much the same as the TDI.

nyccarguy

"Nice little engine..." What about the rest of the car?

Michaell

nyccarguy said:

"Nice little engine..." What about the rest of the car?

A slightly longer review can be found in CCBA.

mjfloyd1

It seems like the DSG in my TDI lugs at some lower speeds. Is that what you mean?

henryn

Diesel engines produce power at lower rpms than gasoline engines. For this reason, the transmission is programmed to allow operation at lower rpms. This feels like “lugging”, but it really isn’t.

The DSG transmission is different than anything I have ever owned or driven before. Quite different. But different is not bad, I kind of like it actually. And the engine is torquey, I like it more than the base 4 cylinder engine in a CR-V or Soul. Would I rather have a big V8, a Mustang GT or a Genesis? Well, yeah! But for an economy car, this is actually fun to drive.

The Passat itself is a very good car. Solid feel to it, the way the doors shut, the very low noise level inside. And lots of room, big trunk, big back seat. A very nice feel on the highway, you can cruise all day in comfort.

There is a delay in accelerating. When you punch it, there is a pause waiting for the transmission to downshift and the turbo to spool up. It is not 2 or 3 seconds, as someone here had suggested. But it is perceptible.

qbrozen

henryn said:

Diesel engines produce power at lower rpms than gasoline engines. For this reason, the transmission is programmed to allow operation at lower rpms. This feels like “lugging”, but it really isn’t. The DSG transmission is different than anything I have ever owned or driven before. Quite different. But different is not bad, I kind of like it actually. And the engine is torquey, I like it more than the base 4 cylinder engine in a CR-V or Soul. Would I rather have a big V8, a Mustang GT or a Genesis? Well, yeah! But for an economy car, this is actually fun to drive. The Passat itself is a very good car. Solid feel to it, the way the doors shut, the very low noise level inside. And lots of room, big trunk, big back seat. A very nice feel on the highway, you can cruise all day in comfort. There is a delay in accelerating. When you punch it, there is a pause waiting for the transmission to downshift and the turbo to spool up. It is not 2 or 3 seconds, as someone here had suggested. But it is perceptible.

Maybe something is wring with mine because it most definitely is a delay measurable in seconds. Maybe not 3 secs, but damned near 2. It isn't a downshifting issue because it even happens in manual mode. And I'm not sure it is all turbo lag because even if you are rolling only slightly, she'll take off with authority when you reapply throttle. I think there may be something in the trans or even throttle programming when you come to a complete stop. Possibly they programmed it to avoid so much torque from a dead stop. It would be rather rough on the drivetrain. 

breld

qbrozen said:

henryn said:

Diesel engines produce power at lower rpms than gasoline engines. For this reason, the transmission is programmed to allow operation at lower rpms. This feels like “lugging”, but it really isn’t.

The DSG transmission is different than anything I have ever owned or driven before. Quite different. But different is not bad, I kind of like it actually. And the engine is torquey, I like it more than the base 4 cylinder engine in a CR-V or Soul. Would I rather have a big V8, a Mustang GT or a Genesis? Well, yeah! But for an economy car, this is actually fun to drive.

The Passat itself is a very good car. Solid feel to it, the way the doors shut, the very low noise level inside. And lots of room, big trunk, big back seat. A very nice feel on the highway, you can cruise all day in comfort.

There is a delay in accelerating. When you punch it, there is a pause waiting for the transmission to downshift and the turbo to spool up. It is not 2 or 3 seconds, as someone here had suggested. But it is perceptible.

Maybe something is wring with mine because it most definitely is a delay measurable in seconds. Maybe not 3 secs, but damned near 2. It isn't a downshifting issue because it even happens in manual mode. And I'm not sure it is all turbo lag because even if you are rolling only slightly, she'll take off with authority when you reapply throttle. I think there may be something in the trans or even throttle programming when you come to a complete stop. Possibly they programmed it to avoid so much torque from a dead stop. It would be rather rough on the drivetrain. 


Man, you should sell that thing.

qbrozen

I can't wait. I am so anxious.

stickguy

must be killing you, wanting to make a move, but not being able to.

qbrozen

Yes. I really have to stop browsing cars online. So many...

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

Yes. I really have to stop browsing cars online. So many...

That's my problem too

xwesx

The internet. It's such an enabler!

qbrozen

My test drive list is not small (mostly brought on by wanting 2 vehicles).

Cayenne S
Hummer H3
FX35
GLK350
GMC Terrain

Audi TT
C5 vette
92x, if it is still available
4.6 Mustang
SLK350
CLK55
Charger R/T

And more get added almost daily.

28firefighter

Once the A3 goes back, it'll likely be high time to start shopping for the Escape replacement.

I'm thinking maybe a used Q5 TDI, if I can find one.

stickguy

Q, not interested in an X1? Eimports has a few nice loaded 2014s that I liked.

qbrozen

I was, but I took a peak in one and the back seat is way too tight for 2 growing boys.

stickguy

How about an x3 35i?

http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2011-bmw-x3-35i-used-15354672.html