Update: Volkswagen Took Back Our Car!

Welcome to Saving Money with Andrew!

Over two years ago, we pre-ordered an EV (a VW ID.4). A year later, after the car we ordered was destroyed in a cargo ship fire, our replacement ID.4 arrived.

It was a joy to drive, and with our time of use electric plan, it cost little to recharge. But storm clouds appeared on the horizon only a few months after we bought it. The software was sluggish, it had random errors from time to time, and we started to hear reports about issues that could cause the car to randomly shut off while driving.

Three months ago, we brought the car in for repairs. Unfortunately, while repairing the car, the electronics failed and the car refused to turn on. The dealership had to order replacement parts, and we were without the car for nearly two months.

In June, our car was finally repaired. But as we drove away, things didn’t seem right. Error messages flashed, and while the car drove totally fine, our confidence in it was completely shaken. It didn’t help that Volkswagen had recently announced yet another recall (this time, doors that could open unexpectedly while driving!!).

So I began to follow the advice in my prior post on Lemon Laws. While we qualified under our state’s law (car less than two years old and undrivable for more than 30 days), the state lemon law office was hesitant to help us and it looked like we were going to need to hire a lawyer.

But it turned out there were two other options, one of which led to the return of our car for a full refund.

First, our car’s manual mentioned an arbitration program run by the oft-maligned Better Business Bureau. We started the BBB arbitration process, but then found out that Volkswagen also has a buyback program for problem vehicles. After many emails and calls to customer service, we managed to get in touch with the right department and submitted a formal buyback request.

A few weeks later, Volkswagen offered to buy our car back for our original purchase price, and two weeks after that I dropped it off at the dealership and received a full refund. While we were happy to end up slightly ahead of the game (we did get a free year of use of the car, after all), the entire process was a big hassle and quite stressful.

I hope you never end up in a similar situation, but if you’re ever stuck with a problem vehicle, make sure to consider all your options, from Lemon Laws to arbitration to buyback programs like these. And, above all, think twice before buying a first-year new model car (like we did) so you’re less likely to have to use these tips![1]

And now, Andrew’s pick(s) of the week:

Netflix has found a winning formula in their new series of sports documentaries. Formula 1: Drive to Survive is the runaway hit (and a former pick of the week), and we’ve really enjoyed Break Point (Tennis) and Full Swing (Golf). Their newest sports docuseries, Quarterback, is also terrific and a fascinating look at life in the NFL.

Also, I enjoyed A $25,000 Prize Still Sits in the Maine Woods. Meteorite Hunters Aren’t Giving Up.

I hope this has been helpful. If you liked it, please share it on social media! Also, please send me your feedback, requests, and success stories.

[1] In fairness to Volkswagen, I've heard the more recent ID.4 model years have had fewer issues.