Volkswagen Diesel Models Are Holding Value Almost As Well As Gas Counterparts Inspite Of Buybacks

The news about Volkswagen's post-Dieselgate woes keep pouring in. Consumers are angry about their cars, and have even resorted to stripping them of parts before turning them in for the buyback. US consumers are happy to turn in their cars for a cash buyout, but European owners were not offered the same program, and for good reason. The whole reason why VW has been forced to buy back cars is because the diesel models were supposed to lose residual value due to the scandal. Automotive News Europe says that might not be true.
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TheSteve - 12/19/2016 4:21:47 PM

+4 Boost

I have an affected Audi Q5 with a 3.0L diesel. I'm seriously pissed at VW for Dieselgate... but I love the engine. It combines great fuel economy (if treated gently, I get a legitimate 51.8 MPG US) with brisk acceleration (0-60 MPH in about 6.4 sec). The fuel is also cheaper than premium unleaded, so not only do I get more miles per gallon, I save on cost per gallon too.

Add to that no smoke, no smell, no clatter, and always easy starts (unlike earlier diesels), and it's an all-around winner... except for that Dieselgate thing (Grrrr!)

I'm a diesel fan, but I've lost trust in the Volkswagen Audi Group. I'd get another diesel SUV, likely the Mercedes GLC SUV (diesel engine coming around end of Q1 2017, according to MB).

atc98092 - 12/19/2016 7:28:18 PM

+1 Boost

When I went looking for a replacement for my Passat, I really wanted a Q5 TDI. They are almost impossible to find, and the ones that are available are priced near new. So I bought an older gas model and will see what I can find in another year or so.

MDarringer - 12/19/2016 8:51:17 PM

-5 Boost

"Inspite" is two words.

As for this value holding, it will be fleeting if not pure BS in the first place.

Diesel is dumb technology for cars. Hybrids, PHEVs, and EVs are simply better.

Agent009 - 12/20/2016 8:55:50 AM

+3 Boost

So far they are holding their own.

mre30 - 12/20/2016 1:23:06 PM

+2 Boost

The VW/Audi Diesels are holding their value because they are fantastic vehicle packages. Performance, refinement, and fuel economy all in one. Once emissions are fixed, VW will resell every one of them.

VW is also extremely foolish for not paying to fix all serviceable vehicles in customer possession - whether the solution was financially feasible or not. If they had to add bluetec tanks to the 1.8L vehicles, they should have figured out how to.

At this point, VW might as well pack up and exit the market - they have so alienated the one segment, diesel enthusiasts, that truly loved them.

atc98092 - 12/20/2016 8:23:26 PM

+2 Boost

I agreed with your first paragraph, but then you lost me. At least here in North America, there is no 1.8L engine, only 2.0 four cyl and 3.0 V6. Adding urea to the smaller Golf and Jetta is impossible, as there's no place for the tank. But I agree that the cars already equipped with urea should be fixable (all Passats and V6 cars, 2015-16 Golf, Jetta and Beetle).

But no, they should not exit the market. I still like many of their current and upcoming products, and will most likely continue to buy them.