Volkswagen Is Offering Huge Discounts on Repaired 2015 Diesel Models, but Isn't Advertising It
Earlier this year, Volkswagen received the necessary approvals to begin fixing vehicles equipped with 2.0-liter diesel engines that had been modified to circumvent emissions testing. While older VW and Audi models with TDI powerplants continued amassing on vacant lots via its mandatory buyback program, 2015 MY units have begun undergoing engine control module alterations.
Those vehicles are now back on sale and Volkswagen is offering them with a considerable discount attached, though the manufacturer hasn’t made a peep about the deal. Instead, the automaker is leaving it to dealers to break the news — or not.
Volkswagen’s website has been free of any diesel-related content since the emissions scandal took hold, and the company is allowing dealerships to decide how best to market the incentives. However, if you’re in the market for a “new” 2015 diesel VW with a reflashed ECM, they can be found with discounts of up to $8,500 — with zero-percent financing.
The window appears to be rather short, though. CarsDirect confirmed that the allotted period for the deal only runs from April 14th to May 31st of this year.
That applies to 2.0 liter TDI-equipped Beetles, Golfs, SportWagens, Jettas and Passats. Qualified buyers can see zero percent APR for up to 72 months plus a $5,000 finance bonus, and lessees can see $8,500 in incentives in addition to promotional factors equivalent to zero-percent financing over 24 months. While Audi is also running below-average financing options for its fixed 2015 TDIs during the same time frame, it doesn’t appear to be providing any cash back.
However, with VW running silent on the matter, some dealerships are listing the 2015 diesels at or near MSRP. Supplies of new TDIs may be extremely limited, but a price tag anywhere near suggested retail means the seller has essentially ignored the factory discounts. If you want those incentives, you may have to fight for them — VW has no intention of spreading the word.
“We will not be advertising the available incentives from our financing arm as they [sic] vehicle availability will vary per dealership,” VW spokesperson Jeannine Ginivan told CarsDirect.
Then again, you may want to reconsider shopping for a fixed diesel altogether. We reported on a batch of repaired European TDIs were tested last month and the results pointed to an overall reduction of performance and a new torque curve biased toward higher engine speeds. While that might not be enough to change your mind if you’re dead-set on purchasing one of the very last diesels Volkswagen likely ever to produce, it may be another bargaining chip to use against the dealer.
Just make sure you also mention those incentives nobody is talking about.
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
More by Matt Posky
Comments
Join the conversation
I tried to lease one. It is a lease to own where they want you to pay for 40% of the car in the 2 year lease period. the 33k MSRP SEL GSW was going to be over $500 per month after the $8500 discount. I am going back in to get my deposit today. VW is out of their minds again.
People are nuts/really stupid. Buying a 2 year old car for only $5000 off sticker is lunacy on its own. Buying a 2 year old car with a very complicated emissions system that will never be sold in the U.S. again for a 5K discount is beyond words. But to each their own I guess. I have no interest in participating in the insanity.