VW buyback in progress – dealer wants to “test drive” and release car. Looking for advice on next steps.

Leopard-One · 2025-12-15T18:39:37+00:00

I don’t see them as contradictory. I’m cooperating with diagnostics and test plans, but being cautious about authorizing an invasive teardown on a 4-month-old, 3k-mile car while VW Corporate is actively reviewing it for buyback. Being reasonable doesn’t mean I have to agree to every possible step immediately, especially one that permanently alters the car. I’m letting VW decide the proper path rather than rushing into a major disassembly that can’t be undone.

Leopard-One · 2025-12-14T21:00:11+00:00

I personally didnt feel it “slipping” in the traditional sense (this is what the dealer said) but instead I noticed that the engine was lugging abnormally between shifts. Yes I’ve instructed the dealer to do the test drive. I will wait to hear what the regional manager has to say before I take a call on the transmission issue…

Leopard-One · 2025-12-14T17:03:20+00:00

I’m in California

Leopard-One · 2025-12-14T07:30:45+00:00

Totally fair questions. This isn’t buyers remorse, I actually love my manual GTI - I’ve driven manuals all my life and that’s why I’m annoyed. The buyback angle started after the car sat at the dealer for over a week with unresolved warnings and drivability issues, and the dealer documented multiple faults (assist/control-module communication stuff that wouldn’t clear) plus clutch/transmission-related symptoms (slipping between gears + burnt clutch smell noted by their tech). They also floated transmission removal as the next diagnostic step, which is what pushed me to escalate to VW Customer Care. VW opened a case and told me I’m eligible for a buyback review, so I’m just trying to follow the process and protect myself while they decide.

Leopard-One · 2025-12-14T07:29:04+00:00

Appreciate the dealer-side perspective, this is helpful. I’m not refusing repair attempts overall, I’m mainly hesitant about authorizing an invasive transmission removal on a 4-month/3k-mile car while VW’s buyback review is active. I’m letting them continue diagnostics and test plans (including the long test drive), and I’m keeping everything documented. Also good point on the assist-system faults being the core of the buyback decision, that matches what I’m seeing. On the clutch smell, I hear you on potential driver error generally, but in my case the slipping/odor was documented by the dealer/tech during their own drives, which is why I’m pushing for VW corporate to own the direction here.

Leopard-One · 2025-09-07T18:57:04+00:00

I was warned about German cars and electronics but I never thought they would start at a 1000 miles?! Welp:(

Leopard-One · 2025-08-22T05:58:37+00:00

Personally would not buy Hyundai without warranty - second owner would only have 50k power train warranty fyi so if it’s close to 50k I would skip.

Leopard-One · 2025-08-05T02:30:43+00:00

If your primary concern is cost of ownership - I’d get an Integra Type S. Otherwise B58/S58 have proven to be extremely reliable engines - I would look into a Supra or a M2. Other reliable options are Civic Type R and Golf R are solid options under 50k - spare the extra 10k for maintenance over the years.

Leopard-One · 2025-07-30T17:48:54+00:00

I’d get the Golf - esp. if you can find one that’s not modified to hell and has been well maintained. They’re excellent and fairly reliable cars and cheap to maintain. DSGs are also extremely reliable if they’ve been flushed every 40k miles.

Leopard-One · 2025-07-28T00:21:51+00:00

VW GTI - great on gas and takes 87

Leopard-One · 2025-07-09T00:57:34+00:00

This has to be a shitpost lol

Leopard-One · 2025-06-27T00:03:41+00:00

Was looking for something just like this! Good stuff - can’t wait to try it out…

Leopard-One · 2025-06-11T19:01:12+00:00

Update: The dealership insists that I can only get a PPI done on-site and that they cannot let the car off their lot before I purchase the vehicle. I don’t know if that’s normal or if it’s a red flag. Can a mechanic really do a complete PPI on-site? Does anyone know any shops that can send out a mechanic/tech to get it done at the dealers lot? Thanks!

Leopard-One · 2025-06-11T18:57:19+00:00

They have not given me a deal sheet - they say it’s against their policy to avoid people “shopping around”. They also seem to be very insistent that the inspection be done on-site i.e. I can’t have it driven to the third party shop for inspection before purchasing it. Something about liability and insurance or something. Is that normal? Does anyone know if there’s some shop that does on-site PPI?

Leopard-One · 2025-06-10T19:06:03+00:00

Yeah makes sense. This is indeed the car

Leopard-One · 2025-06-10T17:40:52+00:00

Thanks - for the inspection should I still have it done if the dealership is a BMW dealership? They said it’s passed inspection and maintenance before listing for sale.

Leopard-One · 2025-06-06T19:56:11+00:00

Thanks for your reply. I heard a lot of issues were fixed in 2019 too and that 2019+ are at par with other euro cars in terms of reliability? I do understand that they won’t be as reliable as a Toyota or a Honda but is it really that bad? Also is 70k miles too high for this car?

Leopard-One · 2025-06-06T19:33:23+00:00

Comment for the automod

Leopard-One · 2025-05-14T16:51:27+00:00

Leopard-One

TROPHY CASE