Posted on Wednesday 23 April 2008
Volkswagen’s U.S. division has confirmed it will offer free scheduled servicing for its entire 2009 lineup under its new ‘Carefree Maintenance Program.’ The new program covers owners for up to three years or the first 36,000 miles and includes three scheduled maintenance intervals at 10,000, 20,000 and 30,000 miles.
According to VW the previous 5000-mile service is no longer required for most of its vehicles because they have all switched to synthetic oils. The launch of the new program coincides with the local launch of the Tiguan SUV, and it also includes a courtesy checkup at dealerships within 90 days or 6,000 miles so new owners can ensure that their vehicles are running properly.
“Volkswagen’s Carefree Maintenance Program is a great way to improve our owner loyalty for our brand, as well as increase consumer consideration,” said Mark Barnes, VW of America chief operating officer.
This is not nearly enough on the part of VW to erase the negative image it has with most consummers in the US. I still wouldn’t buy one on account of their reputation and because of their infamous dealer service.
And here’s another problem, nobody needs service at 10,000 miles. Here’s a way to get people to want to buy the car: Offer a huge warranty on EVERYTHING for 10 years, 100,000 miles. Sure, give some oil changes and little stuff away (I mean really, how much does a car cost in the first 30,000 miles, should be next to nothing or something is wrong) but the real meat, the real deal is how well you stand behind the car, the WHOLE car, and for how long…
You know what impresses the hell out of me? Chrysler’s LIFETIME warranty. I know it’s only on powertrain, but seriously can you imagine buying a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and using it off-road knowing you’ll NEVER have to pay for a repair, unless you totlly beat the heck out of it?
That’s balls on Chrysler’s part; To be willing to replace a 20 year old transmission…wow.
Now I know why the Golf is so expensive in its home country
Bad dealer services…when they will understand the USA cuture??
Yes! Thank you Gus! Something was bugging me about this 10K, 20K, 30K thing. Do VWs really need to be serviced at such short intervals and so soon after they left the assembly line?! If they do that only goes to reinforce my commitment not to buy one.
Maybe if they start being built in the USA instead of Mexico… Honestly, if Hyunday can offer a 100K mile warranty VW should be able to offer double.
guys, take a look at the service plan on any new car. the factory suggests regular maintenance every 5k-8k mi. “regular maintenance” means oils change, lube the points, stuff like that. its only at 30k that you see air filter changes, trans fluid check, etc.
what this article fails to mention is that they’ve REDUCED their 4 year bumper to bumper to 3 years to get this warranty package. THATS what bugs ME about this.
yeah gus, you’re absolutely right. if i wanted an SUV to do SUV things, i’d be buying a wranger right now, and babying the hell out of it. so long as they’re still around, they have to warranty it.
back to the VW warranty,… i think a lot of people WILL buy into it. first of all, you tell me i only need to change the oil 3 times on a 3 year lease? thats great!!! and i just roll into the dealer and they do it and all the other suggested maintenance for free!? AWESOME!
and I’m sorry guys, but most people think VW is just like audi, bmw, and merc. its german. its cheap german, but its still german, which means its gold. WE know they’re the most recalled brand besides toyota, but most people think VW craps diamonds.
LOL!
In South Africa BMW has had its “Motorplan” since the 90’s, included in this 5yr/100 000km deal everything is covered!
In the mid to late 00’s VW on some cars and Audi have sold their cars with a similar program.
On these EVERYTHING is taken care of, brakes, clutch, wipers, electrics…. I think BMW’s is still the most comprehensive but the afaik Audi and certain VW’s carry as good a product. All included in the sale price of the car when new.
Also afaik BMW started the ball rolling and have had international representatives come out to SA to study hoe the plan works & work it does! We had a 01′ 525 that had the full front suspension and brakes replaced at no charge to us.
In SA the BMW 3 is often in the top 5 sellers selling (don’t laugh) aprox 2000-3000 per month. Merc C has only just started to match this figure with the current model and Audi… Audi? Well Audi sells a LOT LESS!(VW image? who knows!)