2008 Volkswagen: Persisiting Steering Issue; Temporary Loss of Control at Speed

[justalayman]

I guess I am a little confused:

A) English is my 3rd language
B) My car is trying to kill me
C) The dealership apparently wants me dead too
D) I can not figure out weather my car's a lemon or a death trap or both
E) At least I got a lawyer (the firm from LA called me and they want to sign me up)

Now I'm confused.

I understand the situation with the car. I understand where you are trying to go with things (dealer buys back car). I was simply giving you a suggestion if you want or need to continue to try to get the car fixed rather than being able to return it.

 

[mr_reznik]

Now I'm confused.

I understand the situation with the car. I understand where you are trying to go with things (dealer buys back car). I was simply giving you a suggestion if you want or need to continue to try to get the car fixed rather than being able to return it.

Got it. Your advice is much appreciated. But after the car turned into a projectile with a mind of its own, I really can't find it in me to drive it anymore...

 

[Zigner]

In a nutshell your car is not a lemon because the problem didn't occur prior to 18,000 miles.

 

[mr_reznik]

In a nutshell your car is not a lemon because the problem didn't occur prior to 18,000 miles.

Uh-hm, that's what the lawyer told. They will still represent me though, so we shall see what happens.
Thanks for all your help!

 

[Zigner]

Uh-hm, that's what the lawyer told. They will still represent me though, so we shall see what happens.
Thanks for all your help!

Good luck - wish you the best!

 

[mr_reznik]

Good luck - wish you the best!

Thanks!
Picked my GTi this morning...I wonder what potential legal complications there would be if I were to crash due to loss of steering control?
Lawyers told me that since it's not technically a Lemon I am not entitled to punitive damages, but if there is an accident, then what?

 

[Zigner]

Thanks!
Picked my GTi this morning...I wonder what potential legal complications there would be if I were to crash due to loss of steering control?
Lawyers told me that since it's not technically a Lemon I am not entitled to punitive damages, but if there is an accident, then what?

Then you will have to deal with the fact that you continued driving a vehicle that you KNOW is unsafe.

 

[mr_reznik]

haha, good point, but how am I supposed to get around?
It's not like in San Diego there is a well-developed public-transportation system

 

[Zigner]

haha, good point, but how am I supposed to get around?
It's not like in San Diego there is a well-developed public-transportation system

Actually, it can be pretty effective.
I mean, what's worse? Inconvenience of using public transportation, or death?

 

[xylene]

PS - There is nothing stopping you from taking the car to a competent independent Volkswagen master mechanic for an assessment...

 

[mr_reznik]

PS - There is nothing stopping you from taking the car to a competent independent Volkswagen master mechanic for an assessment...

Indeed, that is what I have planned!

 

[mr_reznik]

Update

So, in the last couple of months, I have sent the repair orders and a report from an independent shop (confirming the issue) to my lawyer.

On 10/29 the lawyer called me and told me that VW is offering me $2000 to settle the case. They would not re-purchase the car from me. I said the amount is too low and she said she will resubmit a demand for $9500 (so we would have room to move).

However, BBB has sent me a letter dated 11/3 (day before yesterday), stating that their arvitrator has denied my case and I can accept or reject this decision.

I'm a little confused and it's Friday night, so no use to call my lawyer...if arbitrator has ruled in VW favor, is the case now closed? Kind of strange that VW were just offering me settlement and my lawyer was working it up...

Thanks!

 

[Dave1952]

So what has happened? You last planned to take your car to an independent mechanic. Did this mechanic observe the steering problem or the noise issue? Did he repair either of these problems? If so, how much did this cost and are you happy with the results of the repairs?


Good luck

 

[mr_reznik]

Dave,
As I said in my post I did take to an independent shop and they have reported the issue as well (the one VW said they can't find).

My lawyer told me not to undertake repairs, just drive something else for now and have the car ready for further evaluation by experts.

I understand the BBB artbitration decision is not binding, but I was told that it greatly diminishes my chances of winning the case outright.

My problem is, even if I do get some money out of it, I most likely won't be able to sell the car and I was already told that VW is not likely to actually re-purchase it...

 

[Dave1952]

Ok. You have a new diagnosis but no repairs have been made. You have no idea if this new diagnosis is correct. Your lawyer wants to have another mechanic look at your car before any repair is made. If that's so why are you in arbitration? You do not know how much it will cost to fix your car. All you know is that VW will not buy the car back. It's likely that they will offer to pay for the repairs plus a little extra for your inconvenience. I think that was the $2000 offer.
Keep a careful watch on you legal expenses since I doubt that VW will offer to reimburse you. Or did the $2000 offer include the legal costs?

Good luck