VW Golf Approved - not warned not suitable for low miles

martin1959

Hi All

Interesting one and would appreciate views. Bought a VW approved used 66 plate Golf last July with 9000 miles on it. 7 months on I have done 3000 miles and in that time the DPF (diesel particulate filter) warning has come on 3 times. Each time I have to take it on a 30 mile trip up a dual carriageway to ‘blow’ the shoot out of the filter.

The dealer I use sympathises, but said it will continue to happen as diesel cars are not meant for low mileage users.

My point is that I was never told this when I bought the car, or even asked what kind of mileage I would be doing. The fact I would be a low mileage user, and this could cause issues, user never crossed my mind. Therefore, I feel I should be able to argue the car was not suitable for my needs.

I have written to the dealer, on the advice of VWUK and asked if they would take the car back in part exchange for a petrol version, but at minimal changeover cost. I will also be approaching VW for a possible contribution.

This issue should be highlighted to customers of all diesel cars.

Would appreciate views as to whether I may have a case.....

gardner1

Maybe you should have done some research before you bought it.......is it really the garages fault

hollydays

Seriously?....................

pinkshoes

This is very basic common knowledge for diesel cars.

You should have done some basic research BEFORE buying, and if not let the car shop know exactly what your needs were.

You can but ask as a good will gesture but the car retailer is not to blame here.

martin1959

hollydays wrote: »

Seriously?....................

Yes seriously

Where a problem is know about by a manufacturer, surely they have an obligation to make consumers aware. This did not affect earlier models as they did not have a DPF fitted.

Fosterdog

I only past my driving test a couple of years ago but I've known for at least a decade that Diesel engines are not suitable for short distance stop start travelling. It's just common knowledge. They can be used for that sort of driving but just need additional maintenance to keep things running smoothly and that will attract additional costs.

I chose to get a diesel for my 5k miles a year driving because everything else about the car was what I wanted and it wasn't available in a petrol version but I make sure I give it a good blow out at least once a month and you can get additives to add to the tank to help reduce problems. That coupled with regular servicing should keep on top of it and keep it running smoothly.

SuperHan

They're also really useless at being driven into a brick wall. Or even into curbs (as my husband constantly remind me :rotfl:). Should the manufacturer have told you that too?

Did they tell you to never put petrol in it? And that the tyres probably aren't suited to winter weather?

Unfortunately, you can't expect a manufacturer to tell you everything. It is relatively well known that diesel cars need to be taken out for longer drives. They are hugely uneconomical and environmentally unfriendly on short journeys (which is why there is frequently talk about introducing a diesel 'congestion' charge).

If you specifically asked if it was suitable for short journeys and they said yes, then you may have a case. Otherwise you have to take some responsibility for choosing a car that wasn't suited for your needs.

gardner1

martin1959 wrote: »

Yes seriously

Where a problem is know about by a manufacturer, surely they have an obligation to make consumers aware. This did not affect earlier models as they did not have a DPF fitted.

You make sound as if its a fault.....its not.....either drive more miles or sell it and buy a petrol

"This issue should be highlighted to customers of all diesel cars."......no because most will know that you need to do the miles

sheramber

martin1959 wrote: »

Yes seriously

Where a problem is know about by a manufacturer, surely they have an obligation to make consumers aware. This did not affect earlier models as they did not have a DPF fitted.

We have a 2011 diesel that has a DPF so you would need to go back a few 'earlier years'.

We knew about the mileage requirement at that time

BoGoF

Should the warn people buying a fiat 500 that it is not suitable for a big family?

Serious question......why did you buy a dieselin the first place. Despite sales falling I believe yiu are still paying more for a diesel engine that can only be recouped by doing much more mileage than you are doing?

waamo

Did you tell the dealer what your needs were? He isn't a mind reader and will be wary of telling a customer who wants a certain vehicle they don't know what they are talking about.

Unless you tell him then he has no reason to believe you don't know a thing about cars and he doesn't want to treat you like an idiot.

If you did tell him specifically that you wanted it for short, round town trips you might have a case.