anyone know about cars? or their FI/DH?

My car right now is in the shop. I have a '99 VW passat with only 22,000 miles on it. The long story short is the dealer told me that my air filter was clogged and water got into it (leaked into it) which caused the water to back up and leak which traveled under my car and wound it's way to the rear passenger side floor which is soaked and that backed up and the water traveled into my transmission and ruined it. I need a new air filter, transmission and carpet. The estimated cost is $7,000! but I do have extended warrenty, but this dealer doesn't accept it, where I bought my car will (problems with them if you remember the baby toy incident). I know there is deffinately a problem with the transmission and a leak. Could this really happen?

Thanks!
Lora

Re: anyone know about cars? or their FI/DH?

Hmmmm...something sounds really fishy to me. 1. an air filter generally costs around $10.00 at any auto supply store. 2. carpets also cost next to nothing at auto supply stores. Unless the ENTIRE air filter system is ruined, this should no way cost $7000.00 Transmissions aren't generally more than $1K or so.
I wouldn't get it fixed there...I'd take it somewhere else for a second (and more honest) opinion.

Re: anyone know about cars? or their FI/DH?

I wouldn't trust them. I would take it somewhere else for another opinion. Thats a ridiculous amount of money.

Re: anyone know about cars? or their FI/DH?

my father owns a gas station... first rule of thumb.... once you buy a car @ a dealer - unless you have an in there - never EVER go back for service...... they always try to take people for more $ than need be!

Re: anyone know about cars? or their FI/DH?

Also be careful of those pull in oil change places. They messed up my brakes.

Re: anyone know about cars? or their FI/DH?

agreed - i've seen too many people w/almost blown engines for stupid reasons!

Re: anyone know about cars? or their FI/DH?

My hubby's family own's and operates a car and truck dealership and has a service shop too. I believe they are fair to their custoners.

I will ask him about your situation and see what he says. Be right back....

Re: anyone know about cars? or their FI/DH?

LOL--I have a funny story about jiffy lube. I had just bought my car--brand new and only had it for about 2 months. At the time, I have been driving about 50 miles each way to my job so it needed an oil change.
I brought it in--with only about 1000 miles on it--and they came out and told me I needed new brakes, a new air filter, etc.
I laughed in thier faces...idiots!!
I feel like these people ALWAYS try to scam women!!!

Re: anyone know about cars? or their FI/DH?

thanks ladies. All I know is that I can't drive my car.. It just own't go and that my back passenger seat is flooded with water. I just want my car back. I take really good care of it and it's almost like new! Who else has 22.000 miles on a 5 year old car? It's spotless! Well, I'll continue to check to see if there are more repliees to this post befor I make my decision. Thank you again for your help!

Lora

Re: anyone know about cars? or their FI/DH?

I would call Volkswagon directly, there should be a toll free number on your warranty and explaint to them

Re: anyone know about cars? or their FI/DH?

Lora-I have the SAME problem with my car right now. The back driver and passenger floor is flooded with water. My car smells so musty inside I can't even stand to drive it. I have been busy lately so I haven't had a chance to bring it in yet---but know way am I paying that much money to fix it---it's a lease and it's up in July so I don't care.

Re: anyone know about cars? or their FI/DH?

Lora,

I sold my old Corolla last year. It was a 1995 with only 31K miles on it. So I know what you mean about the taking care of your car.

Well, I explained to hubby what you had mentioned. Now he is not a VW dealer, but he has experience. He said, 'Hmm, I dunno. The air filter is for the engine. Are you sure there's not engine trouble? Transmission? Could be I guess. If a new transmission is in order, the $7000 sounds like a new one. She should look into a rebuilt one if that's the case.'

I'm so sorry I can't offer any thing else. I would also call VW and see what they have to say. Or call around to other VW dealerships on LI and see if they will take the warranty coverage.

Good Luck with getting your car up and running again.
Trish

Re: anyone know about cars? or their FI/DH?

I read what you wrote to my FI who knows a lot about cars this is what he said:

1. He believes the one possible scenerio where this could have happened was if your car was submerged in water. Did that happen?

2. As for the air filter being clogged, if you are talking about the engine air filter - if water got in there it would only harm the engine and not the transmission. If it's the in cabin micro air filter, and water got in there it is possible that water would have leaked into the car ( in back seat). However, the air filter being clogged should have nothing to do with the water in your car. In either case a clogged air filter would only prevent water from leaking into the engine or the car. Sorry if this doesn't make sense. I am only writing what he is telling me to write.

3. As for the transmission he does not believe that water from the inside of the car could damage your transmission.

FI suggests that you get a second opinion. If you have any further questions you can reply or FM me. Good luck!

Re: anyone know about cars? or their FI/DH?

JR515, no, my car was not submerged in waer. Not even in a big puddle. What people are saying are leaving me to think I need a second opinion. Thank you all for your info. Dani- I will fm you tomorrow. right now I'm so tired and sick of this all that I'm going to bed.

Re: anyone know about cars? or their FI/DH?

I just told FH about what you wrote and he also thinks it's b.s.! FM tomorow-sleep well

Re: anyone know about cars? or their FI/DH?

get a second opinion

if you live near the new hyde park area.. there is a GREAT auto shop called 'Tip Top Auto' on Denton Avenue...
they have always given us lower rates than all other places...

Re: anyone know about cars? or their FI/DH?

Hmmmm...Lora - seems that the advice here is EXACTLY what my hubby said - no?

The transmission is completely sealed....unless submerged, this shouldn't have happened. And the engine would have been affected FIRST, with signs of stalling etc., then the transmission!!

Re: anyone know about cars? or their FI/DH?

Thanks everyone! I am taking your advice and getting a second opinion. It just S U C K S that I won't have a car for a while. Oh well. Perhaps I can get a rental. It's a good thing that my DH and I work together. Just a bit inconvienient.

edited to add: Yep Marni, you and your DH are 100% correct! Good going girl! Now go and enjoy your S E X! LOL!

Re: anyone know about cars? or their FI/DH?

If one VW is willing to accept the warrenty...they ALL should...

VW is very big on giving 'excellent' service...

I used to go to Amityville VW and always got good service from them...



ps...my dealer just killed our engine and they covered EVERYTHING!!! (not a VW though)

Re: anyone know about cars? or their FI/DH?

yabobay...