Catalytic convertor gone in '05 golf plus

folkswagen

car bought new in july '05 so warranty period is up....

has anyone come across the cat going so early? (57k kms)

and how do you rate my chances with VW customer service???

colm_mcm

replaced a cat @25,000 miles on a 04 Mk5 Golf 1.4 earlier this year, also at 45,000 on a Mk4 03 the year before.

Not unusual, but annoying nonetheless. Never tried claiming from VW either time though. wouldn't be very hopeful.

folkswagen

thanks for the info Colm - what sort of money am I looking at to get it sorted?

Will I need to do it straight away?

colm_mcm

Crosstownk would probably advise you better than me,
I think VW will charge €700, an independant will fit the same (Bosal, I think) part for around €450

How do you know the cat is actually gone?

folkswagen

two mechanics - I was in denial!!!:)

I thought myself that it was little stones caught in the wheel hub/brakes because it happened about 6 months ago and the symptoms were similar

It won't be too bad if I get a spurious part fitted I suppose...

thanks for the info:)

crosstownk

I'd say colm's estimate on the cost is close enough.

I strongly suggest you go to your local VW dealer and ask him to submit a goodwill request. The mileage is not really that high and it is quite soon for a cat to go (but by no means unheard of). If you have correct service history, VW may well offer to pay some (or all) of the cost. You have nothing to loose so it's well worth asking the question.

folkswagen

thanks for the advice - I will let you know how I get on:)

kluivert

In the Uk the warranty is 3 years. Again another Rip off Ireland joke.

Regardless of the road conditions here, you shouldnt have a problem like that.

craichoe

I doubt VW will replace a cat on goodwill

You can damage it if you leave the car run our of Petrol/Diesel. A backfire will shatter the Ceramics. Same can happen if you Jumpstart it.

TheWaterboy

are you sure that there isnt a 3 year warranty on your car - I though on 05 cars and after that there was a 3 year warranty..

craichoe

TheWaterboy wrote: »

are you sure that there isnt a 3 year warranty on your car - I though on 05 cars and after that there was a 3 year warranty..

Even on new cars they only offer:

2 years unlimited mileage, 3 years paintwork, 12 years body perforation, mobility warranty.

Taken from
http://www.volkswagen.ie/configurator/index.cfm?fuseaction=vw.Technical&variantID=5837

folkswagen

I have some more info now -

was in touch with the main dealer I bought it off - at first I got a straight answer of - we're sorry but the warranty is 2 years and that length is up now -

but after a little more talking they decided that certain things are actually covered on an extended warranty with VW as a goodwill gesture - and luckily the cat is one of those!!!

Anyway, at a quoted price of €980 just for the cat alone:eek: - it is a relief - however, they may still get it out of me with the labour

Not looking as bleak today as it was yesterday anyway:)

thanks

crosstownk

folkswagen wrote: »

Anyway, at a quoted price of €980 just for the cat alone:eek: - it is a relief - however, they may still get it out of me with the labour

Just to be clear - extended warranty should mean that it is completely covered. Certain components that are regularly failing are usually put on an extended warranty list. Current Ford Focus power steering hoses would be an example. Usually this extended warranty has time and/or mileage limitations. Every dealer will have a confidential bulletin listing what components are subject to extended warranty.

A goodwill gesture usually indicates that the manufacturer is willing to cover some or all of the costs irrespective of the fact that the warranty period has expired. Usually this is based on mileage and whether or not you have a full VW service history.

LOL @ Goodwill Gesture - it's been a VW catchphrase for decades. They make you feel like they are really pushing the boundaries to help you out :rolleyes:

colm_mcm

it'd be interesting to see how much labour will be charged on the job, if the cat alone was priced at €980

folkswagen

So far I have gone to two independent mechanics and spoken to the dealers only by phone...

I have to take it to the dealers for an inspection next Wednesday and they will then decide if it is required and I will chat to them about whether or not the parts and labour is covered....and we'll take it from there -

Meanwhile - I will drive around with it sounding like a tin of loose nails:D

crosstownk

folkswagen wrote: »

Meanwhile - I will drive around with it sounding like a tin of loose nails:D

Ah yes - the old 'stones in a can of Coke'

Let us know how you fair out.

folkswagen

Car was booked in today to be examined by the main dealer where I bought it -

they confirmed that it was the cat that is gone -

and they will order a new one and will book the car in again when the part arrives -

and there will be no charge for the part(s) and labour-all covered under extended warranty:):):)

In the meantime I continue to drive the rattly car:D:D:D

Delighted that there will be noubt to pay anyway:)

crosstownk

Glad to hear it's all sorted for you - and your wallet