L Baures in Trusted Auto Pros 6 years ago

Should I Buy A Post Emissions Modified Volkswagen (TDI)?

What is a post TDI settlement Volkswagen?

To get up to speed real quick, back in 2015, the EPA issued VW a notice of violation for cheating on emissions tests. Making headlines across the world, named ‘Dieselgate‘. Volkswagen bought back all of those affected turbo diesel vehicles (TDI’s) from customers or provided restitution to owners. These are now called a post-emissions modified Volkswagen.

VW TDI Engine, Photo: Volkswagen

What happened to the vehicles and how are they are fixed?

After Volkswagen bought the vehicles back, they came up with a fix. The official term is AEM (Approved Emissions Modification). This fix approved by CARB (California Air Resource Board) and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Modifications include engine and transmission software updates as well as a new emissions system.

2015 VW Golf SportWagen TDI is one of the affected vehicles. Photo: Volkswagen

Which Volkswagens are we talking about here?

The following vehicles equipped with the 2.0 TDI turbocharged diesel engine (EA288) have the modification (or are eligible for it).

Beetle and Beetle Convertible
Jetta
Passat
Golf
Golf SportWagen

Source: Volkswagen

Look up affected vehicles on the VW website.

Advantages of buying a post-emissions modified Volkswagen TDI

Fixed, discounted and new emissions warranty

VW dealers across the nation are now getting these vehicles back, fixing and selling them.

In an effort to aid dealers, Volkswagen (the manufacturer) is providing an extended emissions warranty. All sorts of financing deals are also available to make the purchase for consumers very appealing.

Authorized VW dealerships participating in the post emission modified TDI program also do all the servicing and maintenance needed.

Extended emissions warranty

Post emissions modified vehicles get a 10 year / 120,000-mile warranty (from in-service date). If longer, (depending on the age of the vehicle) it’ll get 4 year/48,000 mile emissions warranty from date of modification. Emissions warranty covers anything the emissions system affected. ie; entire exhaust system, particulate filter, catalytic converter, engine long block, head, internals, glow plugs, injectors EGR system, and turbocharger.

Gen 3 engines (2015) get an 11-year/160,000-mile emissions warranty (from in-service date) or 5yr 60k miles after modifications. In-service date is the date the vehicle was originally purchased/put on the road the first time.

Click for more info on the extended emissions warranty or you can call VW on 1 (800) 822 8987.

2012 Jetta TDI. Photo: Volkswagen

Some of the vehicles even qualify as certified.

What does certified mean?

If the vehicle meets certain requirements, it is classed as part of the Volkswagen Certified Pre-Owned Program. Meaning there is additional warranty.

Certified vehicles come with a 2-year unlimited mileage comprehensive limited warranty for models 2011 and up. Special financing deals for CPO vehicles start with rates as low as 2.99% (for well-qualified customers). This, you will need to check with your VW dealership on for the details.

How do the modifications affect the cars?

What are the pros and cons of the modification and do they affect fuel economy and performance?

Engine sound may differ
Automatic transmissions will shift sooner at low acceleration in ‘Sport Mode’
DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) usage may increase
Smoother acceleration
Improved throttle response
Golf models with auto transmissions, shift pattern will adapt to high altitude (higher revs).
OBD (diagnostic system) emissions threshold adjusted

Volkswagen no longer manufacturers new diesel vehicles, so this could be an opportunity to swipe up a commuter that gets over 30 mpg.