I loved my VW until…
Name: M
State Purchased: N/A - Canada
Model Year: 2002
Purchase/Lease Date: November 2001
Story:
I loved my VW until… I used my car as a commuter vehicle, highway-miles only. Always properly maintained by my dealership. One day while passing another vehicle at 100 km/h (I am in Canada) suddenly I experienced a studder and the car stopped. Luckily I got it off the road before anyone hit me. At 130,000 KM (81,000 miles) the water pump siezed solid tearing the timing belt apart (the pump is driven by the timing belt (STUPID)). After $5,000 in top end rebuild, new valves etc. which took the dealer six weeks to complete because valves weren’t available, I got my car back. The water pump was a $37 part which as it turns out VW recommends replacing in their shop bulletins when the timing belt was changed by the dealer at 100,000 km. It was past warranty so the dealer gave me nothing but $100 for a future oil change and a loaner car for 1 week all for my $5,000 and six weeks wasted time. I promptly sold the newly rebuilt car and although my wife and I have owned five other VWs. I will NEVER buy another one again. I hate VW; they s**k. Hyundai or Lada makes a better mechanical vehicle.
