Newb here - Hit with mk5 cam chain bill and about to trade in for a 2009 GTI

[saltire]

Poor etiquette i know for first post but could really do with some advice from you guys, and yes its cam chain related (groan) but hasn't happened yet with GTI.  So short background, put a deposit down on a 2009 GTI from main VW dealer on Sunday and trading in a 1.4 GT TSI (170), which was booked in to VW garage today as had the exhaust management system warning light come on.  Salesman knew about this when valuing for trade-in.  Took the GT in as soon as light appeared and initial investigation last week was looking at a £250 bill.  Now today service dept phone me to say timing belt has slipped and your looking at a bill of £1300 to fix!  46,500mls on the clock.  Bit of phoning to the salesman and service dept got it down by £500 but damn I wish i'd done a bit more research first, and now it seems that the 2009 GTI may also suffer from this.

So would really appreciate advice on two fronts from you guys if you can forgive yet another thread about this (in my defense i haven't got the GTI yet  ).  First, how much pain am i likely to take in getting the GT fixed, and is it worth pushing it properly since it seems to be a known issue.  Car was bought from dealer under approved used scheme and serviced by main VW dealer.  No extended warranty though - bloody typical!

Secondly, I still want the GTI but what preventative measures can I take to try and avoid this happening?  I'm happy to push for them putting it through the workshop to get the tensioner replaced, GTI has done 30,500 - I'll get 1 yr warranty under the Das Welt scheme and will take the extended warranty as well but only if it would cover this?

Sorry for yet another post on the subject, and thanks in advance if you've got past the subject and taken the trouble to read this.  Appreciate any advice you guys can provide.

(I'll fill in an Intro post once I've recovered from the shock!)

[Pld118]

Hi saltire,

I can only reply re the MK6 GTi aspect:

If not read so far, you would be well advised to read the below forum thread (you should also listen to the uploaded sound byte link by Rocket Ross on that thread demonstrating 'the timing chain rattle' on a MK6 GTi so you know what to listen for and you should carefully read people's experiences around the issue:
www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=262793.0

Having recently bought a MK6 GTi from a main dealer, I went through a very thorough research process pre sale. 

I found out what preventative work could be done to minimise the likelihood of the dreaded timing chain tensioner failure which will inevitably result in very expensive catastrophic engine damage.  I put the preventative work needed to the selling dealership in writing pre sale and at one stage before completion, even offered to pay for the parts if they would cover the labour and undertake this work before I bought the car.  They declined on all requests.

I also contacted Das Welt before buying the car and they assured me that the car would be covered in the event of tensioner failure and/ or consequential damage from a failure.

The selling garage reassured me that robust checks had been done and the tensioner/ chain would be fine.

I was never convinced and was sure I could hear an abnormal noise on start up, particularly from cold starts. 

The car is currently having what I consider to be major after sales remedial works done, including replacement of the timing chain tensioner and associated parts.

Others will tell you to relax, enjoy the MK6 and don't worry about something -  e.g timing chain tensioner failure - that might never happen.  I don't agree.  If you can reasonably foresee a major defect arising, then why for the sake of a few hours work and a few hundred pounds would you take such a risk on such a large 'investment' that could leave you quickly and hugely inconvenienced, amongst other things.

My pre sales research and record keeping 'saved me' (for want of a better term) on this and other serious issues that have quickly manifested with this car, resolution for which is ongoing.

My understanding is that the list of parts required to safeguard any future timing chain tensioner failure takes approximately 4 hours labour in order to remove the old and refit the new, the parts list being as follows:

Part No & Description

06K109467K - upper tensioner x 1

D 174003A2  - sealant x 1

N 10552402  - hex bolt x 1

N 10701501  - bolt x1

N 90596906  - bolt x 1

N 91029602  - bolt x 1

WHT001760   - damper bolt x 2

06H109210Q  - timing chain cover x 1

N91096702 - bolts for cover plate x 10

Hope this helps and assists you in some way. 

Personally, if there was no record of the timing chain tensioner having been upgraded and replaced, I wouldn't buy the car from a main dealer - with all the technical know how and resource they should have on tap - unless that replacement was part of the deal.

[golfhappy]

The dealer is only interested in selling the car remember! one person was once quoted when he asked for a discount having no trade in on an edition 30. He was told that if you don't buy it someone else will! From your location probably the same dealer....

[Pld118]

Once the purchase price has been mutually agreed, the customer will be paying a premium for the privilege of buying a Das Welt A.U vehicle. 

Just some Das Welt claims, promoted by franchised dealerships, the objective of which is to encourage buyers of A.U:
"Putting your mind at rest when you purchase an approved pre-owned vehicle.

The Das WeltAuto used car programme is designed to give you the same exceptional level of experience as a new car customer, giving you complete confidence and peace of mind."

If bold claims are made to enhance and secure business, then they have absolutely got to be claims of substance.

[saltire]

thanks Pld118 useful input.  First things first taking my ciomplaint over the GT to VW customer services.  Have emailed on the GTI as well to get written confirmation warranty would cover this.
Golfhappy yep, but unfortunately they're probably right.

[Pld118]

@saltire,

I recently emailed VW UK CS about a serious complaint and have had no meaningful response from them whatsoever.

I would advise you to put any complaints you have regarding the sale of the GT to the selling garage Dealer Principal or equivalent in the first instance, as well as pursuing VW UK CS at the same time.

If not satisfied with the DP response, then I would escalate to Director level of the group that owns the selling dealership. 

[charlie]

Don't mean to be nosey saltire which dealer have you purchased the car from

[saltire]

charlie - no probs, Western (Fort Kinnaird) - not bought it quite yet though.

[charlie]

I follow them on Facebook.  They come over as a good outfit.  If I was you I wouldn't purchase the car until it has the revised tensioner put on.  There are plenty out there so I wouldn't worry to much about any sales guy saying if you don't buy someone else will,  you have one timing chain slipped you don't want to purchase another with possibly the same problem.

[golfhappy]

Yeh same dealer. Mine had a ding on the A pillar. The salesmen lack of interest is something to behold. Good job the VW sell themselves...the poor souls would have to learn how to sell a cars at a not so good brand