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Why wasn't I allowed to keep the faulty part from my Volkswagen Passat after repairs?
A week ago my 2005 Volkswagen Passat SE 2.0 TDI, which I have had since new, broke down and I had to call a recovery service. It turned out to be no.3 cylinder injector which had to be replaced. This could only be done at a specialist garage as special tools were needed. I wanted to take the faulty part away with me as I considered it was my property, but was told that it had gone back to Volkswagen in an 'exchange for new' arrangement.
My bill for the total repair was £720.00, the cost of the replacement being £459. Looking online this seems the average 'new' price for this part. However, how do I know I have a new part replacement bearing in mind the Volkswagen 'exchange for new' arrangement? It could be reconditioned for all I know. Why wasn't I asked permission for this faulty part to be sent back to Volkswagen? I consider it my property and as such, as it is obviously worth something to Volkswagen so a discount should have been offered. Is this not a bit of a scam?
My bill for the total repair was £720.00, the cost of the replacement being £459. Looking online this seems the average 'new' price for this part. However, how do I know I have a new part replacement bearing in mind the Volkswagen 'exchange for new' arrangement? It could be reconditioned for all I know. Why wasn't I asked permission for this faulty part to be sent back to Volkswagen? I consider it my property and as such, as it is obviously worth something to Volkswagen so a discount should have been offered. Is this not a bit of a scam?
Asked on 9 June 2010 by Jan Self
Answered by
Honest John
That's how it's done at Volkswagen. If you don't like it, don't buy a Volkswagen. In fairness, most manufacturers follow a similar 'exchange' procedure to get the evidence out of your hands. Appeal to Volkswagen Customer Care for some goodwill, and if you don't get any don't favour Volkswagen with your goodwill next time you buy a car.
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