If you’re driving a diesel-powered four-cylinder Volkswagen, you’re stuck with a fun-to-drive machine that’s belching unhealthy pollutants from its tailpipe. Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking of suing or selling or are unsure of what to do next.
Q. Is Volkswagen fixing the problem?
A. The EPA has told VW to fix the cars so the company can comply with pollution regulations, but there’s no word from VW on how or when that will be done.
Q. Did my car lose value?
A. Eric Ibara, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book, is encouraging owners to hang on to their VWs, at least until the company comes up with a fix.
Ibara says the impact on VW’s resale values might not be known for weeks. The price that dealers agree to pay for vehicles being auctioned this week will be the first indication.
Q. Legal action?
A. At least five U.S. lawsuits have been filed against VW, some alleging the cars’ values will fall because of the scheme. Joining one of these lawsuits or a different one is an option, although it likely will take years to get any relief.
In 2012, Toyota agreed to pay more than $1 billion to resolve hundreds of lawsuits filed by owners who said their vehicles lost value after the company’s unintended acceleration problems.
