Discount Hunters Find Silver Lining In Volkswagen's Diesel Clouds

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

While some declare Volkswagen dead in their betrayed hearts over the recent emissions scandal, others see an opportunity for a discount on a diesel.

According to Forbes, though diesel sales during the first month of the scandal would resemble Kuwait circa early February 1991, VW could start moving diesels again once the general public’s memory fades enough to do so. However, selling diesels to new-car buyers would entail throwing a ton of cash on the hood in the form of “up-front rebates, no-charge extra equipment, free-fuel cards,” as well as “some kind of environmental-justice reparation like buying a rain-forest tree in your name.”

Further, the fallout would likely affect other automakers in the diesel passenger car game, such as BMW, Audi and Mercedes, though possible discounts forthcoming wouldn’t keep one’s wallet too fat as the rebates VW could offer.

Some consumers, however, aren’t waiting until the first fires are extinguished. The Guardian reported on a couple visiting a VW dealership in Blackburn, England for the sole purpose of buying a Golf with as much cash on the hood as they could get. The husband, Warren Marvelley, knows all about the ongoing emissions scandal thus far, but isn’t bothered by it, not when it could benefit him and his wife, Jane, anyway:

VW have said they want to be transparent and do the right thing, and I’m pretty confident they will. They’re a good company, so I think they’ll feel obliged to compensate people.

Photo credit: University Volkswagen/ Facebook

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • John Horner John Horner on Sep 28, 2015

    Doesn't the cost of maintaining a diesel car kill the value of any fuel savings for those who keep a vehicle long term?

    • Brettc Brettc on Sep 28, 2015

      It can if something major fails like a DPF. Luckily VW has extended the HPFP and exhaust flap warranties to 120K for a lot of cars. But the DPF or turbo isn't covered by any extended warranty. I bought my car for the fuel economy and the torque. If something breaks I'll be mad but so far it's been good in the 40000 miles I've had it. I was looking at HR-Vs yesterday, I might end up with one of those if some sort of buyback occurs.

  • Corey Lewis Corey Lewis on Sep 28, 2015

    "They’re a good company, so I think they’ll feel obliged to compensate people." No, they're a guilty company which got caught very red handed at cheating and lying. Stop rationalizing your selfish cheapskate nature, you wank.

  • Mjz Mjz on Sep 28, 2015

    Um, isn't there an embargo on the sale of Diesel VW's? So how are you going to get a "deal" when they can't sell them?

    • Andrew717 Andrew717 on Sep 28, 2015

      The dealers will be motivated to move their non-TDI inventory, and VW is putting cash on the hood to help keep the dealers afloat. I admit, my wife and I looked at the used listings this weekend to see if there had been any serious down movement. Her ideal next car is a TDI Beetle convertible.

  • Irvingklaws Irvingklaws on Sep 29, 2015

    Just paid off my '10 Golf TDI before the summer. Then the turbo failed at 80k. Exhaust flap thing failed a couple months prior (related?). A big part of the appeal of these cars was that they retained their value so well over time. What's my kryptonite trade-in worth VW? If anyone gets a "sweet deal" it better be me. Go ahead, convince me to buy another one. I'm waiting...

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