Hello, first time user and could use some help. I just had some recent work done on my 03 Passat GL. Back in 2008 around October/November we had a mechanic doing the following work on the car: Brakes, fix 2 half shafts and he claims to have replaced the motor mount. Since then we have had nothing but problems with the car. It started with a constant rattle every time we hit a bump. The car was taken about 2 weeks ago to Tires Plus where we learned the front left shaft had split and the other side was ready to go. Those were both replaced. After all the work on the car, the speedomster and odometer isn't working at all and the fuel gage is erratic. The car was taken back to TP, they are unable to fix it. They have no idea why the gas gage is acting up and they think the other two problems could the instrument cluster and/or speed sensor.

The car will be taken to the dealership tonight to have whatever work done needed to fix this. But I was wondering how much this would cost us. We have spent close to 4k at Tires Plus alone and that's not counting what the mechanic had done to the car back in 2008.

Any help, answers would greatly be appreciated. Thank you.

 

I don't trust the dealers but, in this case it sounds like they are right. The problem with the dealer is the labor and parts mark up. Here in Missouri they charge $90 an hour. I know in California they charge $130. I've been there looking for parts a couple of times. Just as an example they wanted $750 for a throttle body, I said no thanks and got a factory one for $300 online so, I'm not positive but, I think it will probably be around $800-$1,000 bucks. Sorry for the bad news.

 

Thank you. It's worse than that. Now mind you, the car runs fine, it works. The dealership said the only way for the odometer and speedometer to work is for the car to get a NEW TRANSMISSION!!!! I can't believe it. They claim the gas gage is a separate issue, and that part alone is $600.00. The manager told me if it was him he wouldn't bother getting that fixed, he said it will past inspection. I was able to get the labor charge to go from $90 to $70, and he lowered the price of the transmission. Total is $3350.00. But we are going to call a friend and see how much a transmission really costs. $3000 is still a lot of money especially for a car that works, you can drive it. Makes no sense.

I would like to know what happens to this transmission now, the old that does work fine. Do they sell the parts or something?!?!!

 

Wow... I would have thought it was the gauges but, it seems they would just have needed to replace the sensors on the trans. The transmission price sounds about right for one from the dealer. I had to replace mine but, it's a manual and the new ones I found online were around $2,500. I ended up finding a used one from a car that was wrecked in 2002 for $600 so, I went that route. It's in great shape. Nice job getting them to lower the labor rate. I've never heard of that being done. Well, I'm sorry to hear that. You've got a high priced Passat now, just as I have a very expensive Jetta. Best of luck.