Well it was a good 300 miles - dead clutch

[sleds4ever]

We picked up our 2001.5 Beetle on Wed. Here's the stats:
2001.5 Silver GLX Certified Pre-Owned
1.8t with a manual tran
31,600 miles.

We picked it up on Wed, 3/1. 3 days and 300 miles later the clutch needs replacing(according to another dealer)

How common is this? Don't they check the clutch in the CPO program or was that just talk? Will I be replacing the clutch in another 30k miles?

This is our first VW. We loved the car for the first 300 miles and now to say the least we have some concerns.

To top it all, the CPO warranty does not cover clutches and I'm feeling a huge fight with the dealership.


Brian

[Oyveychris]

Does your state have a "cooling off" period? Something like 3 days after any major purchase you have the right to return it. I would fight with the dealer. Unless you were pulling a boat and doing smoky burnouts, there's little chance you could have killed the clutch in 300 miles. It sounds like the previous owner didn't know how to drive....

[Deserion]

Only three days? The dealer should do the coverage, even though the clutch is technically a "wear" item. I mean, really, three days later and the clutch dies? It just doesn't happen like that. :(

-Des

[yelojkt]

Brian you need to call VWOA and file a complaint on the dealership that you bought the bug from if they do not fix it. I mean it is a CPO. If your clutch went out in 300 miles that is something they should have replaced but didn't. If you wind up having to replace it yourself (or having a shop do it) think about a clutch set-up from ECS Tuning. Just a little bit stronger clutch. Oh and by the way I have 97,000 mile on Yelojkt and just started to notice some clutch slipping at the drag strip. This was the only time that I put my car on the strip and I ran like 10 runs almost back to back before noticing any slipage. I also auto-crossed my car last year and I did not take it easy on him.

[SMG]

I got a free clutch under warranty. My pressure plate ended up being defective, which in turn killed the clutch.

Best thing I ever got out of that warranty. :D

SMG

[greasybug]

Don't they check the clutch in the CPO program or was that just talk?

Glad you got it fixed! I fell for the CPO first time around and never will again. I certainly don't want to "piss in your Wheaties" with my horror stories, but long story short, I will never buy a used car again, or from a Desert Auto Group dealer.

Go Findlay VW!

[digitalputty]

A used car dealership is NOT responsible for replacing a clutch. It is a wear item. If the previous owner rode the clutch (I see this EVERYWHERE) ... then, there is a chance the clutch will go out. Perhaps that is why they got rid of the bug in the first place ... clutch slipping ... didnt wanna fork over the dough to get it replaced.

[cyberbeetle]

They should cover it especially since it has only been 3 days!

[GatorBeetle]

A used car dealership is NOT responsible for replacing a clutch. It is a wear item. If the previous owner rode the clutch (I see this EVERYWHERE) ... then, there is a chance the clutch will go out. Perhaps that is why they got rid of the bug in the first place ... clutch slipping ... didnt wanna fork over the dough to get it replaced. The point is though, this was a VW CPO vehicle...they make a HUGE deal that they thouroughly check the CPO vehicles...they should have fixed this one with ZERO arguement...my wife's NB was a CPO car. We drove 3 hours to Orlando to get her, because she was exactly what my wife wanted, Cyber Green, black interior...when we got her home, there began problems with the front brakes after a week...the stealer in Orlando said "wear item, not our problem..." we called a local VW stealer, and they took care of the issue ASAP...we had no further issue, and the CPO warranty was awesome, everything which went wrong...they fixed. My wife blew a front speaker...and they replaced it. I was totally happy with the CPO.

[digitalputty]

If the clutch was a CPO item then yes ... I can see the dealership being responsible but ... if it isnt ... it is a wear item and they are not responsible for it. If the clutch was on its way out and they didnt know ... then again, I dont think they are responsible...???

[GatorBeetle]

One of the points of the CPO program is that the car is CERTIFIED from defect...it is supposedly a 112 point inspection program...I can't imagine the clutch is not one of those items...they should have fixed any iminent problems before certifying the vehicle. It is not just an extended warranty.

[GatorBeetle]

This works well for me. Keep buying 'em new so I can buy 'em cheap used. :)Agreed...I have only ever bought used...have ony had few problems with used cars, you just have to be careful. Sure, you could miss an issue with a clutch (OUCH) but the savings in the cost of the car almost make it worth the risk, at least for me.

[oil pan 4]

They won't be inspecting the clutch. Other then a test drive.
The only way to see the clutch is drop the transmission, pull off the pressure plate and then you can see the clutch.
Might as will change it at that point.

[GatorBeetle]

well, yeah, I wouldn't expect a visual inspection of the clutch itself, but if it is about to catastrophically fail ,it would probably not feel right on the shake out drive...I've had a clutch about go on me, it is OBVIOUS. Even so, if it is a certified vehicle, and the clutch goes out in 300 miles, they had better prove I was drag racing, or replace it...quickly, and quietly, or hear from my attorney.

[Fooled Ya]

We picked up our 2001.5 Beetle on Wed. Here's the stats:
2001.5 Silver GLX Certified Pre-Owned
1.8t with a manual tran
31,600 miles.

We picked it up on Wed, 3/1. 3 days and 300 miles later the clutch needs replacing(according to another dealer)

How common is this? Don't they check the clutch in the CPO program or was that just talk? Will I be replacing the clutch in another 30k miles?

This is our first VW. We loved the car for the first 300 miles and now to say the least we have some concerns.

To top it all, the CPO warranty does not cover clutches and I'm feeling a huge fight with the dealership.


Brian


Is this your first Manual car or have your drivin a stick before?
I would look through the CPO contract and see if is includes the clutch.If it does not the next steo would be a sit down wiht the GM and Service manager at the VW dealership you purchased it from and discuss any options. I have had a few clutches fail and most of the time they fell odd to me before they go. The key word there is "me". If I didn't drive the car everyday then it may feel fine to me. If they will not cover it out right then maybe they can work out a discounted price for you. If they are just not willing to help you the by all means call VWOA.Here is some helpfull information.
All CPO Volkswagens are covered by a 2 year or 24,000 mile (whichever comes first) comprehensive limited warranty. A few of the finer details: There's no deductible charged when you visit a dealer for covered repairs. In the U.S. you also receive the balance of the 5 years or 50,000 mile limited powertrain warranty and any remaining corrosion perforation warranty.

The VW CPO limited warranty begins when the new car limited warranty expires or the used sale date, whichever occurs later. Warranty repairs can be made at any authorized Volkswagen dealer in the US or Canada.

Obviously there are a few things you'll have to be responsible for - like normal wear and tear, any alterations you make and (heaven forbid) accidental damage. You'll also have to take care of regular maintenance services like oil changes.

2 Years of Roadside Assistance program coverage in the 24 hours, 7 days a week in the US or Canada at no charge. Roadside Assistance in the US is provided by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and its affiliated clubs. Roadside Assistance in Canada is provided by Professional Dispatch Group.

Customer Care

Hours are 8:00 am — 5:00 pm Mon — Fri
1.800.822.8987

Information Center

Hours are 9:00 am — 7:00 pm EST Mon — Fri
1.800.DRIVEVW

VW Roadside Assistance


Hours are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
1.800.411.6688

CONNECTICUT, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK
125 South Greenbush Road
Orangeburg, NY 10962
914-578-5000
800-822-8987
ALL OTHER STATES
Consumer Relations
3800 Hamlin Road
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
800-822-8987

http://vwcertified.vw.com/flash/brochure/cpobrochure.pdf

In this brochure on the CPO it does state the transmission is covered and that the vehicle is tested for road worthiness. To test road worthiness it should be drivin more than around the block.

Pick up the phone and call the dealeship and talk to the GM and the Service Manager. You will not get anywhere with a service writer. Good luck

[nyum96]

Before changing out the clutch, look into the Clutch master cylinder. I have replaced 3 so far. When it breaks (for me) it kept the pressure on the pressure plate and caused the clutch to go/slip. Since then, I knew the signs and replaced it. My first problem with the clutch was at 20,000 miles. Since then, VW has changed the part so many times that now they use the Jetta one. If you are changing out the clutch anyway, change the clutch master cylinder.

BB

[Kawabuggy]

Good advise on replacing the clutch master cylinder. It should be noted that the VW has a "special" dual mass flywheel in the vehicle. This presents several potential problems when it comes to clutch replacement. For the record-you CANNOT resurface a dual mass flywheel. Further, even if the flywheel "looks" good, you must NEVER put a new clutch in without replacing the flywheel. This type of flywheel is spring loaded-for lack of a better description. I am NOT impressed in the least with VW, or any of their mechanical antics. Have you guys priced out a clutch replacement on these things yet? If you don't know what a clutch costs in one-be prepared for a very SHOCKING surprise. You can almost buy a used commuter car for what a replacement clutch with labor is going to run you.

For the record, this is my first post and I am actually here seeking information. I work at Cottman Transmission. We are currently working on an '04 VW Beetle that has 21,000 miles on it. It came in as a "no move" situation. Essentially the clutch blew up and left the customer stranded on the side of the road.... Did I also mention that these cars take a fiber type of clutch????????

Anyway, we have the clutch, flywheel, slave cylinder & clutch master replaced. We got it all back together and now the ASR/ESP light is illuminated and won't go out.... We have checked all of the grounds, we have checked the vehicle speed sensor, we have checked EVERYTHING that we touched and all is in place exactly as the FSM specifies... Short of taking it in to a dealership we are at a point where we just can't figure out why this light is on, and how to get it off. We have scanned it and no codes are set. Anybody have any ideas as to what we should try next???

[Shay]

We have scanned it and no codes are set. Anybody have any ideas as to what we should try next???


Unless you are scanning the car with a VAGCOM you wont get anywhere with the scanning.