Here’s the latest reader question, along with my reply!
Mark asks: Because of your excellent coverage and explanation of the VW diesel issue, I am determined to get one! Below is the list of candidate vehicles I am considering. Once I locate a vehicle, how do I find out or verify that the car still has the original programming and hardware? I don’t want the emissions to be “fixed” – I want the original, higher, mpg.
2009–2015 Audi Q7 3.0L V-6 TDI
2009–2016 Volkswagen Touareg 3.0L V-6 TDI
2014–2016 Audi Q5 3.0L V-6 TDI
My reply: Thanks for the kind words, Mark! Unfortunately, I have bad news. At least, partially.
If you find any of the models on your list at a dealer they will have been “fixed.” VW/Audi (corporate) requires it and I think also it is part of the terms and conditions of their resale.
However, you could buy one from a private seller … in “unfixed” condition. That’s what I’d do.
Also – and you didn’t hear it from me – you could “un-fix” a dealer-bought example. Most of the changes being software rather than hardware (in most cases).
. . .
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