rbradleysd

Audi/VW's behavior has made it very clear their MO is to do whatever is necessary to limit their liability (no buybacks, lying about the 3.0T being impacted until they can't deny any longer and only then admitting, etc)

While it's possible management didn't know the extent of these cheat devices does that really give you faith in wanting to drive one of their cars? I mean doesn't that make you stop and ponder what else they may not know? It doesn't bring confidence at all.

Furthermore it's basically trapping TDI owners into waiting for a fix (who even knows when that will occur since they have been radio silent on a fix timeline to their customers) or taking a massive loss unless they buy another Audi (so great news Audi benefits double) which doesn't sit well with me.

I don't think most people would feel the way we do it Audi had been honest from the start and actually kept us in the loop instead of the cold. And I'm sorry but their offer of 1000.00 (cash/service credit) doesn't really make a dent in the diminished value does it?

I look at it like this: Why should those of us with TDI's benefit negatively because of Audi's negligence? It's not our issue and shouldn't be our problem they lied. We also shouldn't be forced to take a write down or be required to buy another Audi to make out whole

Redd

"senator" ?
Federal Senator, not his job or his connections, other than to push the EPA, and that's a big slow job. You'll get a form letter of commiseration, and possibly a list of more appropriate contacts.
State Senator? Migh mumble about passing relief legistation but defer to it being a federal issue, and if you're lucky you'll get the same list of referrals to better contacts.
Your state AG or DA or Consumer Affairs is the usual appropriate party to contact for sales fraud and warranty problems, and they've got more experience at the local level. Your local Assemblyman or District Leader (whatever your state uses) can also sometimes be the one to contact, as they often know local business leaders and can put in a word.
So you work the phones, start LOCALLY where the best contacts usually are, and try to get appointments to see these people. Assemblymen and district/ward leaders often have one day or night every week set aside to speak to constituents.
And a large part will still come back to what your contract says, and what condition you were expected to bring you wreck, ergh, trade-in, into them in.
You'll have to be LOCAL and SPECIFIC and COMPREHENSIVE to get any idea of what the outcome might be, and even then, it could take much longer than you'd like. IF VW does the usual and takes it to the courts, two years wouldn't be unusual.

Deckardk

This is Plan A. Then if you don't get the answer you want, threaten small claims court (Plan B), then if that fails follow through on your threat (C).

Very simple.

jhumph88

Thanks for all the replies!

I emailed the sales guy over the weekend and have yet to hear back. To me, it seems impossible that I could be forced to buy the car, especially given that the circumstances are beyond my control.
There was no firm trade value noted on the order (understandable, given that a lot can happen to a car in the time it takes for the new one to arrive). The trade value they had verbally offered me was including the depreciation caused by the accident- I mentioned up front that it had some extensive body work done.
If we had any sort of idea about the timeframe in which Audi will get this fixed, I'd be willing to hold onto the car and sell it privately, but I don't want to be waiting 3-6 months (hopefully, worst case!).
This will certainly be an interesting week. Meanwhile, I'm getting in touch with my lawyer...

Hockeymonkey

The accident depreciation is a tricky one having gone through that myself. Typically the depreciation losses as a result of the accident should be covered by the insurer and typically you need to get an attorney to really negotiate the higher dollar amounts. I was only able to negotiate $2k by myself and that was after many phone calls and in the end not worth my time or headache/stress.
Audi of America: almost guaranteed that they do not buy your car back especially with the accident because in theory they would not count this car as a certified used car if the dealer tries to sell.
Given all of that it depends on how much headache and stress you want in your life. You never know what they will do until you ask.

snagitseven

In many states, insurers and courts will not recognize nor compensate for loss of value due to accident repairs. That's the case here in MA. Another reason I will once again be leasing my next car.

jhumph88

After the accident I did go after the at-fault party's insurance for diminished value. They were actually comparatively easy to fight, Audi NA were the hard ones to work with.

However, they were aware of the accident and the repairs before they conducted the trade appraisal, so that was taken into account in the original figure. Until the news broke, TDI models were holding their value very well and MB knew they'd be able to make some money off the trade even at an auction. Keeping the car until it blows over could either leave me worse off, or in a position to sell or trade it at close to current value once the actual fix is revealed. Maybe I'm being optimistic, but who knows?

4SallyPat

Keep the car if it still runs since the MB dealer is being an a-hole about your trade.

Get your deposit back since the MB dealer does not want to deal with your trade.

A "tit for tat"

I would be interested in buying a CPO Q5 TDI in a year hoping the diesel scandal blows over so you know there are others like myself waiting....

Hockeymonkey

I agree, don't give MB the business if they are going to play games.
I will only lease luxury cars from now on. The risk is far too high from accidents, recalls and poor reliability. With a Honda Civic it doesn't really matter. With a $50k car the risks are way to high.

4SallyPat

+1000 on leasing!

Yes, leasing is the way to go - drive during warranty coverage, GAP coverage included in case of a total, low cost per month, sales tax on the monthly rent charge only - not the whole amount (CA), end of lease option to buy out or turn back in.