Latest TDI News

By John Chauvin

 

Welcome to summer!  It’s our sincere hope that you’re enjoying this warmer weather for outdoor events, backyard fun and maybe even some well-deserved vacation time with your family.  I know in previous newsletters I’ve written about the new and exciting products Volkswagen has or will launch this year.  The all new Jetta is a huge hit as VW seemed to find the perfect match for just about everything one could ask for in terms of styling, technology, comfort, roominess and of course making The People First Warranty TWICE as long.  The all new Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan SUV’s continue to set all time sales records and our customers (and us as well) are simply amazed by these two vehicles.

I wanted to change the tune a bit and talk Pre-Owned cars, specifically - the VW TDI diesel. 

As we approach the final months of Volkswagen’s TDI buybacks, the focus has now shifted to the re-sale of those TDI vehicles back into the pre-owned market.  In continuation with VW’s vow to “make things right”, they have avenues set up for us to acquire these vehicles, fully recondition them and prepare them for sale. 

Of course, it goes without saying that part of that “reconditioning” process includes the emissions modification that must be completed prior to selling.  I must admit, I drove my first TDI with the emission modification the other day and frankly, I cannot tell a difference. They still have the same power and performance, and are just as “fun to drive”. If you purchase a VW certified TDI, Volkswagen will give you a two-year UNLIMITED mile warranty.  Talk about confidence!

That’s not all.  Volkswagen Credit, Inc. (VCI) has also put their money where their mouth is.  The financing packages offered are FAR more aggressive for these TDI’s than I’ve ever seen on any vehicle.  For example, you can buy a 2012 TDI model and VCI will finance it for up to 72 months!  Owe a little more on your trade than it’s worth?  No worries, they offer up to 140% advance as well.

This is such a great deal, that I am personally involved in trying to acquire as many of these TDI’s as possible so they are available for those of you who loved your TDI and want another one.  I shop for them one at a time, look at all the features and only acquire the lowest miles and clean history (Carfax) report vehicles.  I also try to find Texas-only cars.  Once we

•    perform the emissions modification,
•   recondition the vehicle,
•   bring the maintenance up to date, and
•    perform a complete safety check,

the TDI’s will be available for sale.  We’re up to about 30 now and plan to acquire more.  Selection is good, the vehicle is great and the financing options are phenomenal.   By the way, some of these cars had an MSRP of over $30,000 are now selling for about half of that and only have around 30k miles. 

While our excitement level is at an all-time high for the new Volkswagen products that are now available, this pre-owned TDI program has opened all kinds of new doors for us.  Sure, we’ve sold pre-owned TDI’s in years past but never have they had this many “customer friendly” elements available until now.  Check them out for yourself, we look forward to seeing you!

John Chauvin

General Manager – Hewlett Volkswagen