I recently bought a used Volkswagen Tiguan. After two weeks of driving I had to return to the dealer to repair coolant and oil leaks, which took four days. After two more weeks, the low-engine-oil-pressure light came on. I checked the oil level and it was good and the light went off. I drove home and now the engine needs to be replaced. Was the mechanic negligent? Did he actually repair the leaks? Does this seem like fair or foul play? – Lisa
I’m overstating the obvious, but the sole job of the low-oil-pressure light is to warn the driver of low oil pressure. It will illuminate when the engine is physically low on oil and also when an internal engine malfunction is occurring.
Checking and confirming that the motor did indeed have oil in it supports the prospect that the oil leaks were at least partly repaired and that the latter materialized.
You bought someone else’s problem, as I’m confident that these issues didn’t start the day you took the car home. It was likely traded in because the previous owner knew of the impending disaster.
The dealer’s attempt to rectify the problem was in vain. Unfortunately, this falls under the buyer-beware category, but given the short amount of time since the purchase, I have to believe that any reputable dealer is going to take care of you. Otherwise, you may have to seek legal advice.
Lou Trottier is owner-operator of All About Imports in Mississauga. Have a question about maintenance and repair? E-mail globedrive@globeandmail.com, placing “Lou’s Garage” in the subject line.
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