Warning for 4 motion owners potential buyers

[Pjbracer1]

Hi Guys 

Just thought Id post this so that anyone else buying might want to check this out prior to purchase.

I bought a late 2002 V6 4Motion 3 dr 03 spec car 28k full Vag history in mint condition or so I thought (and so did VW) it has been fine until today when I took it in for it 40K service or 4th service as it has only done 29k so its the expensive one(£250 + VAT)! Asked them to have a look at the haldex unit cos it intermittently makes a scuffing sound when you lift off the gas on the motorway or braking under high revs, they have sorted the problem as they found that it had a broken front drive shaft! which will cost £240.00 + Vat to repair thing is they said that it doesnt normally happen on a good condition car but is not very noticeable because the 4 wheel drive system compensates for it!

So any buyers looking at older versions with high mileage may want to check this out as you cant tell easily when driving apart from the scuffing sound from the haldex unit and that does not happen all the time.

I have not really given the car much hard driving and the nerd I bought it off I'm pretty sure didnt as I think him and his missus used for a to and from car as the tyres where still the originals and my local VW stealer thought the car was mint but it just goes to show that buying second hand you never know (although VW may not have bothered really checking it over when I asked them).

Anyone think its worth chasing VW for some of the cost for the part as the car has only done 29K and is on a 52 plate september? surely this shouldnt have happend under normal circumstances seeing as the rest of the car is mint condition it just appears the the part has failed.

If anyone has any good ideas on how to approach VW it would be a gret help.

Cheers chaps

Paul

[New Duncan]

Is that the near side front drive shaft spline ? Hmmmnn - Was the front wheel replaced when those nerds (as you described) hit the curb with massive force.  I'm amazed - where was this broken ?

If no evidence of something causing the drive shaft fracture, then go for the 50% contribution - write a heavy ( but with a well argued and expressed case) letter to Milton Keynes. Don't have the work done, or paid for, before the case is presented to Customer Assistance

Phone another Dealer ask what life could be expected - IF You were to buy a used 4motion from them.  Then quote that back

Working on the 60,000 rule, yours has done 29,000 therefore 50% contribution is fair.  Have you got full and proper service history ?

[Pjbracer1]

There is absolutley no damage to the car or the wheels when I bought it had the original tyres on it as they were all worn evenly the engineer said that the car was in perfect condition which is why he was perplexed, it has a full service history but the last 2 services including this one were done by VW specialists this last service was done by a chap who worked for VW for the last 7 years.

Unfortunatley I have had the work done now and didnt get to keep the part but the garage have said they are welcome to comment on it.

I intend to write to VW as now the glove box mechanism has just failed (it all happens at once) and on a car that has not done more than 30K I feel that these things should have happend.

I do not expect to get much from them but you can but try.

Otherwise the car is great but I guess the more complicated they get the more hassle they can be still not after only 30K!

Cheers

[New Duncan]

The system works only when - You apply for a Customer Assistance proposal from a VW Dealer.

1) You get a quote for the repairs from VW Dealer.
2) You write to Milton Keynes
3) You phone them to ask how they are going to deal with your situation
4) If they offer you some help over the phone, you ask for that in writing.
5) When you get the letter, you go and see your VW Dealer.

6) It best that you have some evidence of spending money at that Dealer. The manufacturer supports the Dealer network and underwrites the performance of marque and it's reputation. Whilst I know that labour costs are very high at registered Dealers, this is how the business is conducted.

I don't think you're writing now about the drive shaft will get more than sympathy from VAG.  The glove box problem may attract some help though.  Use the system properly and see what transpires.

I don't know how the glove box was broken, I find the construction better than the cheaper marques. Many kids and old passengers are destructive in a car when they don't know how something works. They start pulling at every thing without asking. Anybody else here:  Get rid of them to save the interior of your nice car. They spill drinks, get food all over the place, start smoking, have filthy trainers, fiddle and fidget incessantly.......need I say more - yes - a damn nightmare.