My Jetta is worrying me

[chuckster1]

So I bought my '09 Jetta Wolfie with 29K as a CPO in Jan. of 2011. As soon as I got home I had a check engine light. After calling the dealership and having them think it was a loose gas cap, they eventually replaced the PCV valve and line free of charge. So I went on my merry way.

Next up, the gas cap kept giving me a CEL. They replaced it free of charge.

Four months later, another CEL came on and they replace the flap on the intake manifold. Replaced free of charge.

Another few months go by and my fuel line burst for no reason. Luckily it was in the winter and I didn't have my engine catch fire! Replaced free of charge.

Six months later another CEL and I had to have the whole intake manifold replaced, free of charge.

Now just a week ago I am driving home and I get an EPC and my engine goes into limp mode on the interstate doing 70 MPH. I get over to the side of the road, turn off the car, wait a few seconds, turn it back on and the EPC comes on briefly, then goes away. Have not had it reoccur. But I am 300 miles out of my warranty so VW wants me to pay 25% of the $344 cost to have something in the drive by wire system replaced.

What gives? I love my Jetta. Other than the rash of engine problems and the crappy red paint that gets chipped all the time, I'm happy with the car. But I have new tires to purchase soon, it needs plugs and air filter, probably brakes soon, and I just had an oil change. Can't see dumping $800 more into it when I am right-side-up on my loan. I'm thinking a used/CPO 2010 Jetta TDI Cup Edition. Better gas mileage and different engine, so win-win. I drove a TDI and was impressed with the acceleration.

What say you? Am I being paranoid, or is this a lemon I need to rid myself of?

[sfdxsm]

300 miles out of warranty and that many failures? I don't know much about Lemon Laws and the financial requirements for a lawyer to help you but it may be worth your time.

Or if you can just dump the car. I probably would at this point.

[VR6Now]

300 miles out of warranty and that many failures? I don't know much about Lemon Laws and the financial requirements for a lawyer to help you but it may be worth your time.

Or if you can just dump the car. I probably would at this point.

Lemon laws typically are for new vehicles not used ones. Getting a lawyer is pointless since no laws have been violated.

[VR6Now]

...But I am 300 miles out of my warranty so VW wants me to pay 25% of the $344 cost to have something in the drive by wire system replaced....

...What say you? Am I being paranoid, or is this a lemon I need to rid myself of?

75% goodwill is a bargain and I'd take it. 300 miles out of warranty is still out of warranty. You've had bad luck and only you can judge when enough is enough. It could be partially dealer misdiagnosis issues or just a rash of problems. The dealer could be part of the problem. If it is economically feasible, I'd probably let it go.

The current TDI also has issues (very expensive too) with a weak fuel pump. The failure rate appears to be small but when it goes, it is much more expensive than all the problems you've had combined.

This may the last issue for a while or more to follow.

[chuckster1]

75% goodwill is a bargain and I'd take it. 300 miles out of warranty is still out of warranty. You've had bad luck and only you can judge when enough is enough. It could be partially dealer misdiagnosis issues or just a rash of problems. The dealer could be part of the problem. If it is economically feasible, I'd probably let it go.

The current TDI also has issues (very expensive too) with a weak fuel pump. The failure rate appears to be small but when it goes, it is much more expensive than all the problems you've had combined.

This may the last issue for a while or more to follow.

Are there better aftermarket pumps? Or is VW replacing them with better pumps? I won't buy a TDI unless it's a CPO or very low miles, so I'd be covered for awhile.

[1.8Tango]

I would un-ass myself from a vehicle like that. Shop your vehicle at several dealerships to get trade-in quotes.

[VR6Now]

Are there better aftermarket pumps? Or is VW replacing them with better pumps? I won't buy a TDI unless it's a CPO or very low miles, so I'd be covered for awhile.

No aftermarket. Do a search for "TDI HPFP failure" and judge for yourself if its a road you want to travel. Again, the failure rate appears to be small but if you are the unlucky few, its a replacement of the engine and fuel lines along with the pump worst case.

[GLgod]

Lemon laws typically are for new vehicles not used ones. Getting a lawyer is pointless since no laws have been violated.

Completely incorrect.

My buddy's '06 GTI had a TON of issues when he bought it used with about 20k on the ODO. After almost weekly trips to the dealer, he contacted a "lemon law" lawyer and worked with him to have the dealership replace the entire engine.

You may not get an entire car out of the deal, but if there is some underlying problem, the lawyer will work to have fixed by the dealer! It doesn't hurt to give a lawyer a call, the consultation is free