Feel awful!!!

mae

I bought a VW Golf in June 2002 I had all the services done and had no problems with it. I then sold it to my sister in law last year in May for £4000 I sold it less than it was worth as a favour to them I just told them that the 2 front tyres were soon going to need replacing and also that it was due a service but given the price I would leave them jobs for them to do.
It had low mileage I can't remember exactly how much when I sold it to them but it still only done 38k to date.
Anyway the other day the oil light started flashing so my sister in law put some oil in it continued flashing so she read the manual and it said do not drive. She got it towed to the garage and the up shot is that the engine is completely gone and they need a new one!!!!
The mechanic said it is rare but it can happen and he blames cheap oil??
They never did have the service it was due but still I would never have believed that the whole engine could need replacing on a car that has done only 38k miles and is only 4 1/2 years old!!
I feel awful although I know that its not my fault I feel responsible coz I sold it to them.
Its going to cost them £2500 for a new engine I can't believe their luck with what should have been a good reliable buy????

Lorian

mae wrote:

Its going to cost them £2500 for a new engine I can't believe their luck with what should have been a good reliable buy????

1. its NOT your fault
2. For goodness sake suggest they get an independant to look at it. £2500 for a motor change? not with my money.

Quinny_2

I know that VW are particular about what oil goes in their engines,and do actually give a specification.My friend has a 97 Passat diesel,with 190,000 miles on it,and he still insists on meeting the VW 505.00 spec oil for it.In fact,I gave him a gallon of Shell Helix today,to that spec.

I fear that your service agent will most likely not have put that spec oil in,during the time you owned it,but you can't really blame yourself for the demise of the engine.

I would very much shop around for a price on a replacement,and wherever possible,seek out an independent VW specialist,who may be able to advise you better.

If you tell us where you are,someone may be able to point you in the direction of said independent.

I agree with Lorian.They wouldn't be getting MY money.

Ken.

mae

Thankyou for your replies
We are near Manchester. I'm not sure what garage its at but I know that the new engine is coming from VW.

Quinny_2

I found this number for the Manchester VW owners club,but I don't know how old the link is:

Tel: 0161 2883774

They may point you in the direction of an independent VW specialist in your area.

Ken.

steveo3002

doesnt have to have a new engine, a good low milage used one should be £300-600 , so maybe a repair for around the £1000 mark

try https://www.clubgti.com for a local reccomended garage...dont worry they'l talk to non gti drivers

mae

Thanks I will look into your suggestions for them, I hope they haven't gone ahead and ordered the one at £2500 already!!!!

reheat

During the car's life had it only ever been serviced by VW dealers? If so, and if you can show it's on good authority the oil - and therefore servicing - was to blame, you may have a good case against the servicing? Possibly hard to achieve in paractice, but just a thought.

Quinny_2

Also found these in Irlam:

http://www.awesome-gti.co.uk/index.html

Ken.

colin79666

You sold it to them more than 7 months ago - it's not your fault.
If anything if they had bothered to have had it serviced then the fault may have been spotted in time for a cheap repair.

chrisw

I'm always very reluctant to sell a car to a close friend or relative for that very reason. i would also feel guilty even though I know it's not my fault.

VWs are very particular about the oil used and I have heard other stories of engines failing due to non-vw spec oil, even if they are well known quality makes.