My wife has a 2006 VW Jetta GLI with ~84,000 miles. About 7 weeks ago, the check engine light came on. The local VW dealer told us it was the cam adjusters, so we had them replaced, but when we went to pick it up, the engine light was still on, so we took it back. They proceeded to replace the cam adjusters two more times (for a total of three), and now they’ve determined that it needs a new head. The head, with labor, will cost about $2500.
The dealer said this is a known problem, but VW told us won’t cover it because our powertrain warranty has expired. It’s been in the shop for the entire 7 weeks because that’s how long it took VW to decide that they wouldn’t pay for it because of the expired warranty. In the meantime, my wife and I went and bought an '07 Hyundai Santa Fe, which is great.
Tonight, my wife and I went to the dealer and got her VW back, and now the check engine light is off. She says it has some power issues now, which is new. My question is this: Do we spend the $2500 to get the car fixed and then sell it, or do we find someone to buy it as is? I know it’s not worth much with it needing such a major repair, but we’d like to get whatever we can for it.
Thanks!