If I could make this a negative star rating I would. Beware, do not trust the service team, they are not there to help but to get as much money out of you and rip you off!
I have to share an experience with you all. My son, bless his heart had a moment where his brain left his body. He had been told he needed to "top up the oil" on his 2022 Jetta GLI, instead of adding a quart, he added 6. Yes, he overfilled the oil. He realized his mistake immediately, once he turned on the vehicle. He did not drive it, as the check engine light came on and the vehicle had smoke coming from the exhaust. He was in the parking lot of Canadian Tire in Maple Ridge where he had bought the oil. He called seeking help, we advised him to get the car into a service bay there and have them drain the oil. This was done, the vehicle moved approximately 50 feet with too much oil in it. Canadian Tire advised him, its still smoking maybe let the oil burn off. The check engine light was still on, so we were concerned. Across Lougheed Highway in Maple Ridge from the Canadian Tire is the Volkswagen dealership, we thought, best have a brand specific mechanic take a look at it. We took the vehicle, now overfill drained, fresh oil across the street to the dealership. This was Tuesday August 5th.
Left the vehicle at the dealership as service was closed for the day. The next day, no help, was told we didn't have an appointment so not a priority, understood. They said the service light was not flashing so if we needed the vehicle we could take it as it was ok to drive. The day after that, Thursday, in the afternoon they start to look at vehicle. There was no further update on Thursday. Friday morning no call or update, I call and leave a message and send an email. Then at 1pm Friday I receive a text message with recommending additional service. The recommendation was "Cylinder Block Assembly - Engine - Connecting Rod: disassemble engine to inspect. - QUOTE - $23,237.87. The check engine was not flashing, the dealership told us it was safe to drive, but then quotes $20K+ for repairs?
I wanted a second opinion, so on Monday August 11, I went to Maple Ridge Volkswagen, paid in full for the diagnostic work and advised I would have a tow truck come to pick up the vehicle the next morning. I confirmed the name of the towing company and was told by the team at the service counter, no problem.
I contacted a mechanic who we have used in the past, he made the arrangements for a tow company come to pick up the vehicle and bring it to him. On Tuesday when the tow truck tried to retrieve the vehicle, the VW dealership would not release the car stating it was not paid for. This was not the case. The tow truck driver wasted over an hour of time arguing with the VW dealer to get the vehicle released until a staff member finally said oh yeah that is paid its good to go. We were charged extra for the wait time.
The Jetta was taken to our mechanic who inspected it, cleaned the airbox, PCU, intercooler/intake tubes, replaced filters, reset service and check engine light. Advised that he could not find any damage, yes there was some oil overrun, but it was now cleaned and flushed out. He believes that a couple of good drives and the little remaining smoke will clear. Total cost, which included a $160 tow from our mechanic $946.40. Wednesday my son drives this vehicle to work, approximately 20km, no issues, no smoke no lights no problem. Now two months later of daily driving an no issues, no leaks, no lights or concerns.
I have to ask, why would Maple Ridge Volkswagen quote repairs at such an excessively high amount? Where they just trying to take advantage of someone in a bad situation? What was the intention here? After contacting the dealership (General and Service Managers) and VW Canada the Service manager reached out to me. His explanation was that they were busy and this was simply a lack of communication. I am not sure how what we went through could be considered simply a lack of communication? To me they either were hoping I would blindly accept the $20K quote or say scrap the car we cant afford that and then clean it up and sell it on their lot. I don't know I am just assuming. Maple Ridge Volkswagen did refund me the $207 for diagnostics that they charged, since they "wasted my time". I do think they should have also covered the cost of the tow to the shop, if Maple Ridge VW had actually inspected and fixed the vehicle the tow would not have been necessary. Only because of Maple Ridge VW trying to rip us off that we had to go to another mechanic.
I wanted to share this, many have heard mechanics will rip you off - some will, others will not. Get a second opinion. I will recommend Precise Automotive on King George in Surrey to any and everyone - Andrew - thank you for helping us out and not taking advantage of us. And most of all stay away from Maple Ridge Volkswagen if you don't want to be screwed over! read more
