2015 TDI - Post fix issues

Keep in mind that there doesn't seem to be any indication of how Canadian provincial governments are going to handle unfixed vehicles. At least not in Ontario. In the US it's clear that they either want the cars fixed or off the road and won't renew registrations if the car is not fixed.

In Ontario, technically we could renew our stickers as long as there are no errors codes since we don't do "sniff" tests anymore. But that doesn't prevent the government from obtaining vins and flagging and require proof of fix prior to issuing the sticker.

Worst case scenario is you don't take the fix + $$ and you have to pay to have it fixed out of pocket in order to renew the sticker. Getting the fix and then the fix for the fix seems to be the best alternative.

I picked up a 2013 after selling back my 2010 and I am satisfied with its performance and fuel economy. The jurry is still out on adblue usage.

I can say towing @4500 lbs or perhasp @5000 lbs box trailer with a post fix the DPF consumption is about 2.5 gallons every 800 miles (perhaps less) and economy ranges depending on trailer type. Towing a 24' box trailer I got 10.5-11 mpg.



Towing a smaller Uhaul 16' trailer the same basic trip I got 16-20 MPG with an average of about 18 MPG. Not bad for a @3200 lb box trailer. No idea how a boat or open utility trailer would be.



But on a 1500 mile trip I found I added DPF 1 time during the trip assuming I had a a half full tank when I started. Considering I've found DPF at auto stores to be $10-$12 it doesn't bother me at all really.



However on the road DPF can be $18-$20 for 2.5 gallons. My advice when towing a trailer is to grab some DPF from your local store where prices are $10-$12 and throw it in the trunk or in the trailer and add it when it asks.



Not a huge deal. My only complaint is I wish there was an easier way to fill the thank than lifting the spare tire lid. I guess I COULD add an aux fill port somewhere with a good quality cap, But I'm not sure it's worth the time.

I had all the same questions you have. I was quite concerned especially as I believe I am more sensitive and tuned into how my vehicle works. I have a 2014 though and there are some subtle differences vs. the 2015/2016s it seems.

I got my emissions fix performed last month. Since I am second owner I am only entitled to ~3500 Canadian dollars. I was pretty mad that USA owners were getting 5X's that or more. But, life goes on.

I got the fix done last month after waiting about a year and reading reports. I decided that the warranty and the $3500 box was worth it and if worst come to worst I'd do the trans tune and a Malone ECU tune (although that has warranty considerations). I am happy to report, that on my vehicle, I am not unhappy with the emissions fix. Yes I notice the trans program but I don't notice anymore noise. I do notice up to 10% less fuel economy but we just had a cold snap too.

What I notice most is increased cold idle requiring much more break pedal pressure to keep her stopped at stop signs.

Regards,
David

Not noticing any real performance decline. Still drives well and tows well. Mine was "fixed" in late 2017. Took the money and the fix.

With a COLD (think winter) engine, it holds gears longer, higher engine rpms, until warm. This is likely so the engine heats up faster to reduce emissions. After it's up to temp, normal behavior. It's noticeable on my morning commute in the winter, which is only about 9 miles. The EGR is being worked hard during warm up. This is part of the VW fix. MORE EGR to warm up the engine faster.

I never really used sport mode, so I have seen no difference.

The is a definite reduction in engine braking, about half of what used to be a nice feature that saved brakes, now there's less. Not annoying, but it's there.

Absolutely uses more AdBlue!! I would say AT LEAST double the usage as pre-fix.

My emissions inspection is due in a month or so. It's purely OBD2 plug in for codes, and a visual inspection for the cat converter and DPF. I am contemplating a tune (as long as it does NOT throw any codes).

rfuss928 said:

snip....By selecting "S" or engaging CC, shifting seems no different than original regardless of temperature.

Click to expand...

Ignoring driving characteristics and extra wear items the issue I would have is the increased cost of fuel/adblue (through higher usage of course). One of the reasons I purchased the TDI Treg was due to the reasonable fuel costs of the TDI compared to similar sized SUVs with a gas engine. The problem with using S mode to compensate for lack of power is that it pushes the shift points up the rev range. As soon as you put it in S mode the fuel usage increases and the difference over time will add up to a significant amount.

When I bought my 2010 I calculated that the better fuel consumption alone would pay for the vehicle in about 10 years. According to my calculations, the restitution amount after the fix would have only covered the increased cost for about 5 years and that was at their stated difference which appears to be below actual values. Fortunately, I was able to sell it back to VW for a higher price than I bought it for given I bought it used.

I have decided to buy a 2013 because my buyback amount covers the cost plus extra fuel costs and I was ok with the performance of the car after the test drive. I'm happy with the mileage as the 2013 is significantly better on fuel consumption even postfix than my 2010.

As money does matter to me I would be pretty unhappy if I had bought the vehicle new and the fix reduced performance and to add insult to injury it cost more on fuel.