VW POLO 2023 - Is it right that I pay? | Motoring discussion | Back Room Forum

What do you think of Elon Musk? Have your say | No thanks

Fri 17 May 2024 04:39

VW POLO 2023 - Is it right that I pay? - Jayne Nelly

Hi, im looking for some advice.

My VW Polo 23 plate sprung a leak in the radiator a few days ago, quite substantially.
I phoned VW to see how soon I could take it in to be repaired and was told the earliest appointment they had was on the 17th June however if I used the VW assistant programme, I could get it in sooner which I did and it was taken in that day.

Fast forward 4 days and they tell me it was due to a manufacturing error because a bung wasn’t tightened enough on the radiator before it was released, my issue is - I’d not long filled my own car up with fuel however having had a curtesy car for 4 days, is it right that I should have to cover the cost of refuelling it if my own car had an issue through no fault of my own?

I could understand if I was the one to cause the issue however it’s only 7 months old (thankfully under warranty) and while I’m extremely grateful that I could be provided with a replacement, it’s also left me out of pocket for the fact I’ve had to now refuel a second car.

Is this something I should ask about or do I just leave it and refuel the curtesy car?

Thank you

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Fri 17 May 2024 04:52

VW POLO 2023 - Is it right that I pay? - leaseman

It is unfortunate that you re-fuelled just before the incident, but fuel used in a courtesy car for your own benefit is your responsibility.

When your own car is returned to you, it should still have the fuel in it, so there is no material loss to you. So I doubt that there is any case for you to demand recompense. Just make sure you only re-fuel the courtesy car on a piece-meal basis and return it with minimal amount left in the tank.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Fri 17 May 2024 05:10

VW POLO 2023 - Is it right that I pay? - Jayne Nelly

Hi,

Thank you for your response! Unfortunately I have to return the curtesy car full so I’m looking at the cost of atleast half a tank of fuel. Sod’s Law :(

Edited by Jayne Nelly on 17/05/2024 at 05:11

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Fri 17 May 2024 05:21

VW POLO 2023 - Is it right that I pay? - leaseman

Assuming the courtesy car was fully fuelled when you received it, that seems fair. If not, then return it with a similar level that it had on collection, and explain your action upon return.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Fri 17 May 2024 06:01

VW POLO 2023 - Is it right that I pay? - badbusdriver

Assuming the courtesy car was fully fuelled when you received it, that seems fair. If not, then return it with a similar level that it had on collection, and explain your action upon return.

Plus, presumably your own car will still have that fuel in it when it is returned, so its not like you've lost it!.

It is common practice for a loan car or hire car to be returned with the same fuel level as when you received it, so just do as leaseman says.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Fri 17 May 2024 08:19

VW POLO 2023 - Is it right that I pay? - Jayne Nelly

Thank you both!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sun 19 May 2024 12:29

VW POLO 2023 - Is it right that I pay? - Andrew-T

I have to return the curtesy car full so I’m looking at the cost of atleast half a tank of fuel. Sod’s Law :(

Seems fair to me - provided you return the loan car refilled to the level it had when you got it, you have simply bought the fuel you would have put in your own car otherwise ?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Fri 17 May 2024 09:12

VW POLO 2023 - Is it right that I pay? - mcb100

The only way you’re in any way out of pocket is if the loan car has significantly worse fuel consumption than your car.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Sun 19 May 2024 09:58

VW POLO 2023 - Is it right that I pay? - primus 1

Whenever I’ve ever had a courtesy car I’ve always tried to keep it topped up with the minimum cost, usually a tenner at a time, I also feel the need to explain to the cashier that it is a loan car and it’s going back soon to mitigate the condescending looks I receive, lol, I return it with whatever fuel was in it when I picked it up..

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Mon 20 May 2024 05:20

VW POLO 2023 - Is it right that I pay? - Calum38

If the courtesy car was full when you got it, it's fair to return it full since your own car still has its fuel.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Related questions

I suggest that people should use dedicated independent specialist garages for repairs and mechanical work.

JB of Alton, the independent garage owner, is quite wrong in his comments. I can prove my point easily and confirm that what you wrote is right. We have local independent garages who serve the local community...

My Citroen C4 Grand Picasso needs a new gear selector and cambelt, should I repair or replace the car?

We have had a C4 Grand Picasso for six years, it is an 11-plate. There is an issue with the gear selector and requires £845+VAT and a new cambelt at £380+VAT. Is it worth it, and would you buy a newer...

Why does Ford have no control over Ford franchised workshops?

We have an 8-year-old Ford Ka that has always been looked after by a local independent garage. As it was eight years old we thought we should have it serviced by a Ford main dealer. This proved a disaster....

Why won't Mercedes-Benz replace the SBC unit in our 2004 E320?

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed via diagnostics that the SBC unit on our 2004 E320 CDI has gone. I am aware there have been problems with this unit, possibly even a recall. Mercedes-Benz has offered to go...

Ask Honest John

Sell Your Car

Real MPG

Fuel Calculator