Complaint Review: Volkswagen of Athens GA - Athens Georgia

After dealing with this dealership's service department last week, I have never felt more, for lack of a better word...raped.  I purchased my car from this dealership several years ago.  Fortunately, I have had little need to have my car serviced, but every time I have used this dealership, I have been appalled at their price gouging.  Last week, I was working about 40 miles away from home.  While I was driving into work, I noticed that the blue temperature/coolant indicator came on, followed by the check engine light.  Since the car was driving ok, I continued to drive into work.  Later that day when I got into the car to go to lunch, it would not start. 

I smelled a strong odor of gas, so I suspected that the engine may have flooded.  After nearly an hour of trying to get it started, against my better judgement, I ended up having it towed all the way back home to the VW Dealership.  The next day, I was called and informed that the repair would cost me $1380.  I was told that I needed a new Throttle Body.  Diana in the service department stated that the cost of the throttle body would be $800...just for the part alone, no labor.    As she was stating this on the phone, I began to look online and do some research.  It only took a few minutes to realize that I was being taken for a fool. 

I found a brand new throttle body for my car, top of the line brand, for $300.  Even the official VW parts site sells them for $500!    She must be paid on commission!  I told her to hold off on doing anything to the car and that I would be in touch the next morning.  The last thing I asked her before hanging up was, "were they able to get my car started"?  She responded with, "no, they tried but were unable to".    The next morning, we drove over to the VW Dealership with intentions of towing my car home.  Upon arrival, we saw the car sitting out in lot.  We walked over and tried to start it and it cranked right up.  

After paying them a ridiculous $120 diagnosis fee (FALSE diagnosis, I should add), we drove the car home and had an independent certified VW mechanic look at it.  Cost to repair it:  $9.00   Yes, NINE dollars.    The problem was the coolant/temperature sensor.  It had failed & sent a false message to the car that the engine was very cold.  As a result the car overfueled (too much fuel was sent when I tried starting it) and it flooded and would not start.  The sensor replacement fixed the issue.  After much research online, I also discovered that throttle bodies RARELY, if ever, "go bad".    Why was I lied to?  Why are these people taking such brutal advantage of people?  Just out of curiosity, I called this dealership and asked what their cost is for the sensor that I paid $9 for....I was quoted $45.

I've never dealt with a more dishonest place of business.  BEWARE!  They will rip you off before you can blink!  400% or more markup on parts, misdiagnoses the problem just to unnecessarily replace expensive parts, you name it!  Do your homework...don't take their word on ANYTHING!  They need to STOP the underhanded abuse of their customers who don't know any better!  Their practices should be deemed ILLEGAL and the entire operation should be shut down immediately!   I feel sorry for the people who feel as if they have no other choice and fall victim to their cruel and unethical practices.