VW TDI Settlement - buying a TDI now

henryn

kyfdx

breld said:

@kyfdx - I remember reading that same thing. The only questions I have is how are you supposed to prove the car was operational as of June 28th, if it's not running on its own power now?

In my case... I bought it with 97000 miles, and now it has 98,200.

That's on the paperwork and registration.

henryn

I drove home yesterday, with no problems, no unusual behavior from the DSG. Then drove about 3 miles to the gym, and back, nothing out of the ordinary. Maybe it was just a one time only glitch. I remember reading, for years, in reviews of these things (DSG transmissions) that they were quite strange at low speed, stop and start driving. I can now testify to that.

stickguy

I was going to make the same comment. Focus unit was supposed to be especially bad at it.

breld

I'm thinking I'll take the JSW home this weekend and get some use out of it. It's been simply sitting in our work garage since we got back from our roadtrip at the end of July.

After bothering to put new tires on it, may as well put some miles on it.

andres3

Correction to earlier posts; we actually paid a bit over $31,000 when I revisited the contract on the '15 VW Golf TDI SE bottom line after all is said and done. If I was my wife, I'd probably take the $7.5K and keep the car, and if I don't like the "fix" tune I'd re-tune it to perform even better than stock. Especially if diesel stays cheap as compared to RUG in CA.

But, it seems she's intent on taking the extra $22.5K bribe to get rid of the car all together, and get something brand new again. Maybe she should join chronic car buyers anonymous.

The dealership was silent after I verbally told a salesman and a sales manger I wanted something done about the $200 service agreement on the TDI; mainly, a full refund. Them not getting back to me helped steer me into a Kia instead of a Passat. I still want my $200 back; might take a formal letter to the manager/owner now.

Absurd inflation that the Sportwagen cost about $1,000 more than my '06 A3 did! I think my A3 was the steal of a deal of the Century though. Strangely, a RAV 4 with a V6 and Corolla-like interior cost about the same as the A3 at the time. Those days of bargain basement value from Audi are over though.

28firefighter

Title came for the A3 today. I've uploaded all the documentation now, so now it's just a waiting game for the settlement to be approved and the buyback to start. 

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

Title came for the A3 today. I've uploaded all the documentation now, so now it's just a waiting game for the settlement to be approved and the buyback to start. 

I want to know if we are going to get any of the seller's pool.

corvette

kyfdx said:

28firefighter said:

Title came for the A3 today. I've uploaded all the documentation now, so now it's just a waiting game for the settlement to be approved and the buyback to start. 

I want to know if we are going to get any of the seller's pool.

I'm rubbing my hands together and queuing up a Gordon Gekko movie just thinking about it!

henryn

My Passat is definitely doing it’s level best to convince me to sell it back at the earliest possible minute.

Yesterday afternoon, I set out for the gym, and the A/C would not come on. The fan blew, but the air did not get cool. I played with the controls at every red light, no success.

Fast forward an hour and a half, I get in the car to head home and the A/C works like nothing was ever wrong.

Yeah, right, like I really want to deal with erratic electrical gremlins in a German car, out of warranty. Not.

On the matter of the “seller’s pool”, it is my understanding that we are definitely getting “something” from that. Based on what I've read, the unclaimed funds from the seller’s pool are going to be divided up among the late buyers (that’s us). Which leaves three questions.

1) How many of the sellers will sign up, thus how much money will be left unclaimed.
2) Exactly how are they going to divide it up? Proportionately? Based on what, exactly?
3) And the most important question of all – how much do I get????

28firefighter

I'm having an opposite experience. 

My A3 is proving itself less temperamental than my GTI. My GTI shifted into second gear yesterday which was promptly followed by a metallic clang and jolt and then massive loss of power. It's parked until I can take it in tomorrow. 

kyfdx

henryn said:

My Passat is definitely doing it’s level best to convince me to sell it back at the earliest possible minute.

Yesterday afternoon, I set out for the gym, and the A/C would not come on. The fan blew, but the air did not get cool. I played with the controls at every red light, no success.

Fast forward an hour and a half, I get in the car to head home and the A/C works like nothing was ever wrong.

Yeah, right, like I really want to deal with erratic electrical gremlins in a German car, out of warranty. Not.

On the matter of the “seller’s pool”, it is my understanding that we are definitely getting “something” from that. Based on what I've read, the unclaimed funds from the seller’s pool are going to be divided up among the late buyers (that’s us). Which leaves three questions.

1) How many of the sellers will sign up, thus how much money will be left unclaimed.
2) Exactly how are they going to divide it up? Proportionately? Based on what, exactly?
3) And the most important question of all – how much do I get????

It almost has to be proportional, since your original amount wasn't based upon whether the seller of your particular car made a claim or not. The sellers only had 45 days, and I think that time period has closed?
So, if 80% of the sellers made a claim, and that leaves 20% of the sellers pool, then we should get 20% of the 10% that was reserved for sellers. Using that example, I would get 20% of about $3400.. or $680 extra.

That's all supposition, but that would be a nice bonus.

henryn

If everyone in the sellers pool had an equal amount of "restitution" coming to them (if they signed up in time), and the late buyers (that's us) each had an equal amount of money coming to them, the math would be simple.

But each of the sellers had a different amount, and each of the late buyers had a different amount. So the math isn't going to be that easy.

kyfdx

henryn said:

If everyone in the sellers pool had an equal amount of "restitution" coming to them (if they signed up in time), and the late buyers (that's us) each had an equal amount of money coming to them, the math would be simple.

But each of the sellers had a different amount, and each of the late buyers had a different amount. So the math isn't going to be that easy.

But, they do know the total seller's pool, assuming everyone makes a claim (or, should have a really good estimate).
If you do it by a percentage of the pool, then it's easy. If the total pool for sellers is $50MM, and $10MM goes unclaimed, then each late buyer gets 20% of the seller's portion of their vehicle. Whatever the number is, the only thing that makes sense is for it to be a percentage of the modification amount. (granted, it doesn't have to make sense).

I don't think they have to worry about making it completely "fair". A lot of it is arbitrary, already. It seems that VW and the court are already choosing speed and efficiency, over parsing pennies.

But, of course,. none of the above is the actual answer. Just the way I see it going. @breld is the one that really knows, and he isn't telling us.

andres3

henryn said:

My Passat is definitely doing it’s level best to convince me to sell it back at the earliest possible minute.

Yesterday afternoon, I set out for the gym, and the A/C would not come on. The fan blew, but the air did not get cool. I played with the controls at every red light, no success.

Fast forward an hour and a half, I get in the car to head home and the A/C works like nothing was ever wrong.

Yeah, right, like I really want to deal with erratic electrical gremlins in a German car, out of warranty. Not.

On the matter of the “seller’s pool”, it is my understanding that we are definitely getting “something” from that. Based on what I've read, the unclaimed funds from the seller’s pool are going to be divided up among the late buyers (that’s us). Which leaves three questions.

1) How many of the sellers will sign up, thus how much money will be left unclaimed.
2) Exactly how are they going to divide it up? Proportionately? Based on what, exactly?
3) And the most important question of all – how much do I get????

henryn said:

My Passat is definitely doing it’s level best to convince me to sell it back at the earliest possible minute.

Yesterday afternoon, I set out for the gym, and the A/C would not come on. The fan blew, but the air did not get cool. I played with the controls at every red light, no success.

Fast forward an hour and a half, I get in the car to head home and the A/C works like nothing was ever wrong.

Yeah, right, like I really want to deal with erratic electrical gremlins in a German car, out of warranty. Not.

On the matter of the “seller’s pool”, it is my understanding that we are definitely getting “something” from that. Based on what I've read, the unclaimed funds from the seller’s pool are going to be divided up among the late buyers (that’s us). Which leaves three questions.

1) How many of the sellers will sign up, thus how much money will be left unclaimed.
2) Exactly how are they going to divide it up? Proportionately? Based on what, exactly?
3) And the most important question of all – how much do I get????

A co-worker of mine was having that issue with his company Honda CRV air conditioner. It turned out to be like a $10 electrical relay and nothing really to do with the expensive and problematic AC system.

breld

kyfdx said:

henryn said:

If everyone in the sellers pool had an equal amount of "restitution" coming to them (if they signed up in time), and the late buyers (that's us) each had an equal amount of money coming to them, the math would be simple.

But each of the sellers had a different amount, and each of the late buyers had a different amount. So the math isn't going to be that easy.

But, they do know the total seller's pool, assuming everyone makes a claim (or, should have a really good estimate).
If you do it by a percentage of the pool, then it's easy. If the total pool for sellers is $50MM, and $10MM goes unclaimed, then each late buyer gets 20% of the seller's portion of their vehicle. Whatever the number is, the only thing that makes sense is for it to be a percentage of the modification amount. (granted, it doesn't have to make sense).

I don't think they have to worry about making it completely "fair". A lot of it is arbitrary, already. It seems that VW and the court are already choosing speed and efficiency, over parsing pennies.

But, of course,. none of the above is the actual answer. Just the way I see it going. @breld is the one that really knows, and he isn't telling us.

I haven't chimed in 'cause I think what's been said here is correct. The FTC Order addresses the issue specifically in the definitions (The VW Settlement document is more vague):

The "Post-September 2015 Owner Restitution" equals the normal restitution, less 50% of the modification restitution, plus the "Post-September 2015 Owner Adjustment."

That Adjustment is defined as "the Eligible Seller Restitution funds for an owner's Eligible Vehicle multiplied by the percentage of all funds set aside for Eligible Seller Restitution that are not claimed by Eligible Sellers, out of the total funds available for Eligible Seller Restitution."

So, VW has specifically set aside a pool of funds for the 50% restitution due to Eligible Sellers. To the extent those go unclaimed (which they should know at this point, or soon), us "Post-September" owners will receive additional restitution. So if 80% of the Eligible Sellers made claims, we'll get 20% of their half, for a total of 70% of the restitution for our vehicle.

breld

Of course, these definitions also state that the "Post-September 2015" adjustments relate specifically to those who purchased their vehicles after September 18, 2015 and BEFORE June 28, 2016.

That's why I believe technically we are not subject to the 50% reduction, but clearly the VW claims process believes we are, and I don't really have the energy to try to "fight them" and prove them otherwise. Particularly since we're already benefiting from the whole process as is.

andres3

I'm with @Breld on not trying to fight battles that are not necessary to fight. Pick and choose your battles in life.

For me, traffic citations and insurance companies give me all I can handle in terms of battles.

kyfdx

breld said:

kyfdx said:

henryn said:

If everyone in the sellers pool had an equal amount of "restitution" coming to them (if they signed up in time), and the late buyers (that's us) each had an equal amount of money coming to them, the math would be simple.

But each of the sellers had a different amount, and each of the late buyers had a different amount. So the math isn't going to be that easy.

But, they do know the total seller's pool, assuming everyone makes a claim (or, should have a really good estimate).
If you do it by a percentage of the pool, then it's easy. If the total pool for sellers is $50MM, and $10MM goes unclaimed, then each late buyer gets 20% of the seller's portion of their vehicle. Whatever the number is, the only thing that makes sense is for it to be a percentage of the modification amount. (granted, it doesn't have to make sense).

I don't think they have to worry about making it completely "fair". A lot of it is arbitrary, already. It seems that VW and the court are already choosing speed and efficiency, over parsing pennies.

But, of course,. none of the above is the actual answer. Just the way I see it going. @breld is the one that really knows, and he isn't telling us.

I haven't chimed in 'cause I think what's been said here is correct. The FTC Order addresses the issue specifically in the definitions (The VW Settlement document is more vague):

The "Post-September 2015 Owner Restitution" equals the normal restitution, less 50% of the modification restitution, plus the "Post-September 2015 Owner Adjustment."

That Adjustment is defined as "the Eligible Seller Restitution funds for an owner's Eligible Vehicle multiplied by the percentage of all funds set aside for Eligible Seller Restitution that are not claimed by Eligible Sellers, out of the total funds available for Eligible Seller Restitution."

So, VW has specifically set aside a pool of funds for the 50% restitution due to Eligible Sellers. To the extent those go unclaimed (which they should know at this point, or soon), us "Post-September" owners will receive additional restitution. So if 80% of the Eligible Sellers made claims, we'll get 20% of their half, for a total of 70% of the restitution for our vehicle.

20% of their half, added to our 50% only adds up to 60%.

breld

You're right.

henryn

andres3 said:

henryn said:

My Passat is definitely doing it’s level best to convince me to sell it back at the earliest possible minute.

Yesterday afternoon, I set out for the gym, and the A/C would not come on. The fan blew, but the air did not get cool. I played with the controls at every red light, no success.

Fast forward an hour and a half, I get in the car to head home and the A/C works like nothing was ever wrong.

Yeah, right, like I really want to deal with erratic electrical gremlins in a German car, out of warranty. Not.

On the matter of the “seller’s pool”, it is my understanding that we are definitely getting “something” from that. Based on what I've read, the unclaimed funds from the seller’s pool are going to be divided up among the late buyers (that’s us). Which leaves three questions.

1) How many of the sellers will sign up, thus how much money will be left unclaimed.
2) Exactly how are they going to divide it up? Proportionately? Based on what, exactly?
3) And the most important question of all – how much do I get????

henryn said:

My Passat is definitely doing it’s level best to convince me to sell it back at the earliest possible minute.

Yesterday afternoon, I set out for the gym, and the A/C would not come on. The fan blew, but the air did not get cool. I played with the controls at every red light, no success.

Fast forward an hour and a half, I get in the car to head home and the A/C works like nothing was ever wrong.

Yeah, right, like I really want to deal with erratic electrical gremlins in a German car, out of warranty. Not.

On the matter of the “seller’s pool”, it is my understanding that we are definitely getting “something” from that. Based on what I've read, the unclaimed funds from the seller’s pool are going to be divided up among the late buyers (that’s us). Which leaves three questions.

1) How many of the sellers will sign up, thus how much money will be left unclaimed.
2) Exactly how are they going to divide it up? Proportionately? Based on what, exactly?
3) And the most important question of all – how much do I get????

A co-worker of mine was having that issue with his company Honda CRV air conditioner. It turned out to be like a $10 electrical relay and nothing really to do with the expensive and problematic AC system.

While the A/C problem was manifesting itself, I was thinking in terms of what might be the problem. It could have been a fuse or a relay. But to identify the correct fuse, heck, just to find the fuse box(es), I need an owner's manual, which I don't have. And VW in their infinite wisdom chooses to not make pdf copies available. I think this is the first car I have owned, in the modern internet era, where I could not download a PDF copy of the owners manual. I like to have a PDF copy even when I have the paper copy, as it is often easier to find things in a PDF file.

I have driven the car several more times. The A/C continues to work perfectly. The transmission has not "failed to find a gear". Heck if I know.

stickguy

good news, shouldn't really need the AC much longer!

henryn

stickguy said:

good news, shouldn't really need the AC much longer!

You forgot, or just didn't know. I'm in Houston. We get 4 or 5 cold fronts a year where we have to run the heater. Never for more than a few days. And we have, occasionally, an in-between time where we don't need either heat or cooling. But 90% of the time, year around, we use the A/C.

xwesx

kyfdx said:

20% of their half, added to our 50% only adds up to 60%.

Aw, darn it! I didn't want to do it, but I submitted my vote of no confidence.

breld said:

Of course, these definitions also state that the "Post-September 2015" adjustments relate specifically to those who purchased their vehicles after September 18, 2015 and BEFORE June 28, 2016.

That's why I believe technically we are not subject to the 50% reduction, but clearly the VW claims process believes we are, and I don't really have the energy to try to "fight them" and prove them otherwise. Particularly since we're already benefiting from the whole process as is.

Definitely agreed on that point. I'm not going to worry about it until I get to the negotiation process (if I need to negotiate with them about compensation related to taking the car 350 miles to the nearest dealer).

xwesx

I'm home again, and haven't touched the Passat other than to clear the leaves off it and check the coolant to ensure it is Fairbanks-worthy (it is). It sure kills me to leave it sitting there while I drive the Forester instead.

On the plus side, I modified those free wheels I scored just prior to our departure. That process went fairly smooth, and I now I'm just waiting on the alignment rings and long lug bolts to test-fit them on the car. So, if I *do* end up driving it to Anchorage in the dead of winter, I'll have some decent studded tires to carry me there.

stever

henryn said:

andres3 said:

henryn said:

My Passat is definitely doing it’s level best to convince me to sell it back at the earliest possible minute.

Yesterday afternoon, I set out for the gym, and the A/C would not come on. The fan blew, but the air did not get cool. I played with the controls at every red light, no success.

Fast forward an hour and a half, I get in the car to head home and the A/C works like nothing was ever wrong.

Yeah, right, like I really want to deal with erratic electrical gremlins in a German car, out of warranty. Not.

On the matter of the “seller’s pool”, it is my understanding that we are definitely getting “something” from that. Based on what I've read, the unclaimed funds from the seller’s pool are going to be divided up among the late buyers (that’s us). Which leaves three questions.

1) How many of the sellers will sign up, thus how much money will be left unclaimed.
2) Exactly how are they going to divide it up? Proportionately? Based on what, exactly?
3) And the most important question of all – how much do I get????

henryn said:

My Passat is definitely doing it’s level best to convince me to sell it back at the earliest possible minute.

Yesterday afternoon, I set out for the gym, and the A/C would not come on. The fan blew, but the air did not get cool. I played with the controls at every red light, no success.

Fast forward an hour and a half, I get in the car to head home and the A/C works like nothing was ever wrong.

Yeah, right, like I really want to deal with erratic electrical gremlins in a German car, out of warranty. Not.

On the matter of the “seller’s pool”, it is my understanding that we are definitely getting “something” from that. Based on what I've read, the unclaimed funds from the seller’s pool are going to be divided up among the late buyers (that’s us). Which leaves three questions.

1) How many of the sellers will sign up, thus how much money will be left unclaimed.
2) Exactly how are they going to divide it up? Proportionately? Based on what, exactly?
3) And the most important question of all – how much do I get????

A co-worker of mine was having that issue with his company Honda CRV air conditioner. It turned out to be like a $10 electrical relay and nothing really to do with the expensive and problematic AC system.

And VW in their infinite wisdom chooses to not make pdf copies available. I think this is the first car I have owned, in the modern internet era, where I could not download a PDF copy of the owners manual. I like to have a PDF copy even when I have the paper copy, as it is often easier to find things in a PDF file.

VW/Audi appear to be the last holdouts. Even Porsche finally came around and put manuals online.

breld

xwesx said:

kyfdx said:

20% of their half, added to our 50% only adds up to 60%.

Aw, darn it! I didn't want to do it, but I submitted my vote of no confidence.

Hey - I'm an experienced CPA. I can make the numbers whatever you like.

andres3

stever said:

henryn said:

andres3 said:

henryn said:

My Passat is definitely doing it’s level best to convince me to sell it back at the earliest possible minute.

Yesterday afternoon, I set out for the gym, and the A/C would not come on. The fan blew, but the air did not get cool. I played with the controls at every red light, no success.

Fast forward an hour and a half, I get in the car to head home and the A/C works like nothing was ever wrong.

Yeah, right, like I really want to deal with erratic electrical gremlins in a German car, out of warranty. Not.

On the matter of the “seller’s pool”, it is my understanding that we are definitely getting “something” from that. Based on what I've read, the unclaimed funds from the seller’s pool are going to be divided up among the late buyers (that’s us). Which leaves three questions.

1) How many of the sellers will sign up, thus how much money will be left unclaimed.
2) Exactly how are they going to divide it up? Proportionately? Based on what, exactly?
3) And the most important question of all – how much do I get????

henryn said:

My Passat is definitely doing it’s level best to convince me to sell it back at the earliest possible minute.

Yesterday afternoon, I set out for the gym, and the A/C would not come on. The fan blew, but the air did not get cool. I played with the controls at every red light, no success.

Fast forward an hour and a half, I get in the car to head home and the A/C works like nothing was ever wrong.

Yeah, right, like I really want to deal with erratic electrical gremlins in a German car, out of warranty. Not.

On the matter of the “seller’s pool”, it is my understanding that we are definitely getting “something” from that. Based on what I've read, the unclaimed funds from the seller’s pool are going to be divided up among the late buyers (that’s us). Which leaves three questions.

1) How many of the sellers will sign up, thus how much money will be left unclaimed.
2) Exactly how are they going to divide it up? Proportionately? Based on what, exactly?
3) And the most important question of all – how much do I get????

A co-worker of mine was having that issue with his company Honda CRV air conditioner. It turned out to be like a $10 electrical relay and nothing really to do with the expensive and problematic AC system.

And VW in their infinite wisdom chooses to not make pdf copies available. I think this is the first car I have owned, in the modern internet era, where I could not download a PDF copy of the owners manual. I like to have a PDF copy even when I have the paper copy, as it is often easier to find things in a PDF file.

VW/Audi appear to be the last holdouts. Even Porsche finally came around and put manuals online.

My new Audi has the car manual in the instrument cluster monitor gauge screen. Only I can't ever access it because every time I do the nanny computer tells me it will only load if I'm in Park or not moving. So much for reading the manual when I'm stuck in stop n' go traffic. I wonder which lawyer at Audi deserves a demotion for this move

breld

That is annoying. My Mazda3 wouldn't let me input an address into the navigation system unless I was at a complete stop. Very annoying as well.

henryn

I don't know. I'm kinda in favor of that, no reading while moving, no inputting addresses while moving. I will pull off the freeway in order to read messages and reply, or to enter a map address if I think I might have gotten lost.

andres3

henryn said:

I don't know. I'm kinda in favor of that, no reading while moving, no inputting addresses while moving. I will pull off the freeway in order to read messages and reply, or to enter a map address if I think I might have gotten lost.

I think 10 MPH would be a good compromise. There are some situations where stop n' go traffic is like being parked off and on. I like cell phone and texting banning laws, but I don't fault someone for using their phone when conditions on the freeway get ridiculously gridlocked. I do understand people getting upset if you do something that takes so long that you don't have your 3rd eyeball on the fact traffic started moving 5 seconds ago and your are delaying movement....

stickguy

the navi issue is really silly. Because the passenger can be doing it. At least my Sonata allows that. I could do voice recognition if needed, but entering manually just works better. So while I am driving, she can enter.

corvette

Finally got the plate and registration on the JSW. Maybe now I can get signed up for the buyback. 

kyfdx

corvette said:

Finally got the plate and registration on the JSW. Maybe now I can get signed up for the buyback. 

You'll need the title, too.

corvette

Already got the title and uploaded it. 

corvette

Documents received and under review... Show me the money!

breld

Uploaded the documents for mine this morning. Waiting game now.

corvette

Ran the battery on mine completely flat seeing how long it would run in accessory mode (I think it was a few hours). Interestingly, it appears the KESSY system stays locked in accessory mode even when the battery is run down to 5 volts or so, so attaching a slow charger (like my Battery Tender) will never charge the battery since the car is still taking an accessory draw. At that point, I disconnected the battery and tried to charge with the BT. Then, the BT croaked. Car sat for two weeks with a flat battery. I hooked up the new BT, and it took over two days to slow charge the battery. Hope it still has enough stamina to crank the engine in a few weeks!

28firefighter

I have not done anything intentionally to run the A3 down, but it had been parked for 3 weeks without so much as someone starting it until this week when the GTI went in.

Kicked right over without even so much as a hiccup.

xwesx

28firefighter said:

I have not done anything intentionally to run the A3 down, but it had been parked for 3 weeks without so much as someone starting it until this week when the GTI went in.

Kicked right over without even so much as a hiccup.

Yeah, same with mine. It sat since 9/9 when we left for our trip. On 10/1, it turned over like I drove it just the day before. I auto-started it and let it run for twenty minutes to sort of recharge the battery and churn the car's juices, but have literally not moved it since I returned.

On the other hand, I tried to start my 2008 Forester after sitting for a week longer than that, and it was stone dead. DEAD. I jumped it with the Passat, which was sitting adjacent to it and already running.

28firefighter

xwesx said:

28firefighter said:

I have not done anything intentionally to run the A3 down, but it had been parked for 3 weeks without so much as someone starting it until this week when the GTI went in.

Kicked right over without even so much as a hiccup.

Yeah, same with mine. It sat since 9/9 when we left for our trip. On 10/1, it turned over like I drove it just the day before. I auto-started it and let it run for twenty minutes to sort of recharge the battery and churn the car's juices, but have literally not moved it since I returned.

On the other hand, I tried to start my 2008 Forester after sitting for a week longer than that, and it was stone dead. DEAD. I jumped it with the Passat, which was sitting adjacent to it and already running.

My Dad has been supremely entertained by the fact that the TDI, the car I'm planning to sell back, is running like a champ and the GTI has been at the shop now for a week...

xwesx

28firefighter said:

My Dad has been supremely entertained by the fact that the TDI, the car I'm planning to sell back, is running like a champ and the GTI has been at the shop now for a week...

Dads have a way of finding things like this entertaining. You can pay him back at his next birthday by giving him one of those cheeky old geezer gifts. You know, just to remind him how much you appreciate him.

mjfloyd1

I've put 2000 miles on my tdi passat in the 2 months that I have had it. I plan on taking it to Philadelphia for my daughter to cheer in the Thanksgiving day parade and also take it to southwest FL. But it only had 19.7k miles on it when I bought it.

henryn

I had one of those “Duh” moments yesterday. I whipped into the Chevron station to fill up the Passat. Opened the fuel filler door, removed the fuel filler cap, swiped my credit card, pushed the button for diesel, grabbed the nozzle and tried to insert into fuel filler neck. Wouldn’t go. Backed up, tried again. Looked into neck, stuck my finger in, looked again. I’m thinking, “This is probably going to cost a few hundred to drop the fuel tank, and repair or replace the fuel filler neck.”

Then I looked around at the pump to hang up the nozzle, and realized that I was holding the GASOLINE nozzle, not the diesel nozzle. I pushed the right button for diesel, but grabbed the wrong nozzle.

Nice to know we are prevented from doing the wrong thing here.

xwesx

mjfloyd1 said:

I've put 2000 miles on my tdi passat in the 2 months that I have had it. I plan on taking it to Philadelphia for my daughter to cheer in the Thanksgiving day parade and also take it to southwest FL. But it only had 19.7k miles on it when I bought it.

Hey, as long as you're enjoying the miles you put on it, all the rest can be forgiven.

qbrozen

The waiting is the hardest part.

andres3

qbrozen said:

The waiting is the hardest part.

The waiting is easy for me. The longer we wait the better value I am getting for the car, since the number doesn't change, but the car's age and miles keep going up.

qbrozen

I'm worried something will happen (such as bankruptcy) that will prevent the buybacks, so I'm anxious to get it done ASAP.

My father mentioned something I had not heard/read before, and I can't seem to find on the interwebs. He claims companies like GM are talking of suing VW for making them spend more on R&D to compete with the emissions VW claimed to be getting out of their diesels. Anybody else heard of this?

corvette

I doubt that would be a viable claim. But some lawyer might take it if the competitor were willing to pay by the hour. 

xwesx

Well, considering the things that VW did were in an effort to meet federal "standards," why would it be VW's fault if other companies sought to meet those same standards in order to offer their own passenger vehicles with diesel options? Seems like a bogus claim. If anything, VW's sales success in that arena provided the motivation they needed to move ahead with the programs. Now, with VW out of the game, that's all good news for them, right? I mean, assuming they didn't take VW's route.....