Dear Volkswagen,
I’ll begin by saying that I hope you enjoy reading this letter as much as I enjoy owning my 2004 Passat, which I affectionately refer to as “Crap On Wheels” (COW for short), “The Rolling Dungheap” and many other epithets too vile to mention. Of all the cars I’ve owned (a Toyota, several Fords, two Chryslers, and a Mini Cooper), this is by far the worst automotive ownership experience I’ve ever had.
With only 80,000 miles on the odometer, I’ve already spent at least $6,000 in maintenance on this “Certified Pre-Owned” car. The CV boots have cracked twice, the motor mounts have blown out, the battery cable has been severed twice by some unknown mechanism, and to top it off, the hood latch has broken off, most likely because someone is always raising the hood to find out what the hell is wrong with the wretched heap of trash this time.
I’d like to drive this car out into the middle of a field, set it on fire and make s’mores. I want to lock myself in a soundproof room and scream obscenities about German engineering. As this car sits disabled on my driveway for this month’s breakdown, it’s taking every ounce of my restraint not to go outside and whack this albatross repeatedly with a ball peen hammer.
In conclusion, I hate this car with every fiber of my being, albeit less than I hate Al-Qaeda and child molesters. I’m not sure what Fahrvergnugen means, but I have a two guesses: gut-scorching regret of a terrible buying decision, or the helpless sensation of watching your money blow away in a stiff wind. If either of those are correct, then I’ve got Fahrvergnugen.
Sincerely,
Addie
6 comments:
Ohhhh, Addie....
So sorry that you've had that much trouble with your Passat. We have a 2001 Passat with 100,000+ miles that's been wonderful. We bought it used through Car Solutions down at the Delta C.U. near the airport. Some pilots like to trade often, to the advantage of us 'more down to earth people', aka 'Ground Personel'. ;-) (However, I have long stories about my 13 y.o. Chevrolet turbo/diesel truck which has stranded me several times. If you catch me at such a time, I might be willing to set it up next to your Passat and we could grill hotdogs to go with the smores.)
{I just had to post this to confirm that strangers will tell you anything. Yep, it must be that face...) LOL
You know, I had a Honda Accord like that. Bought it used with 22,000 miles on it. What a lemon. Finally got rid of it at 80,000 miles after if flunked its emissions test. Estimate to repair so it would pass, $1,000 (and that was 15 years ago - I don't even want to think about what that translates to in today's dollars)
It had some of the same repairs you describe. In fact, that car is the only reason I even know what a CV boot is.
Maybe you could park it in a high crime area with the window rolled down for a day or two and see if it disappears.
P.S. Please tell me you actually sent that letter to Volkswagen. You know they always like fan mail!
You know, it's funny...sometimes I think you just get a lemon. I know lots of people who love their Passats (and Hondas usually get a good rap too), but my experience has obviously been a whole different ballgame. Debbie, I'd love to roast hot dogs and smores with you sometime over a flaming car-b-cue!
Zan, so funny you mentioned that Honda is the reason you know what a CV boot is...I'd never heard of one until about 1 week after I bought this hunk-o-junk.
I haven't sent the letter to Volkswagen, but I am considering it. :-) Maybe I could include a link to this blog?!
You gals both made me smile!
Adrienne
I had a Piss-aht wagon, which I loved dearly. Something about the V-6 and fast off the line while still hauling kids....However, it was a bit fussy, and Jim Ellis VW service department is a whole 'nother story. Would you care for some roasted service managers on the side?
I'd be up for the high crime area, if you needed a get away car. LOL
But Iit does look good sitting in your driveway, all black and shiny. And! its got leather seats, so at the very least it makes nice carport furniture.
-certified pre-owned jetta-grocery-grabber owner
Jen would gladly toss my Volvo in that fire. Give it a Nordic dash of flavor!
Although, I can relate with Debbie's domestic turbo diesel nightmares. Ever spent $1000 on a $20 oil pressure switch. Arrgggg!
Stephen
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