When I test drove the VW Golf, the check engine light came on

When I test drove the VW Golf, the check engine light came on. I told the salesperson I would only purchase the vehicle if that issue was resolved. What I did not know at the time was that the check engine light was caused by an EVAP code, and the dealership’s “repair” consisted only of replacing the gas cap and clearing the code—likely just long enough to complete the sale. No disclosure was made regarding the true condition of the vehicle or the recurring nature of the problem. The very next day, the check engine light returned with the same EVAP-related code. I immediately contacted the dealership. Staff agreed that driving with a constant check engine light was unsafe, because if a new problem occurred I would have no way to know until it was too late. Rather than addressing the issue, they told me I “should have purchased the warranty or a newer car.” A customer’s financial limitations do not justify being sold an unsafe or undisclosed defective vehicle. The dealership then performed a smoke test and repaired one EVAP-related issue. Within a few days, the check engine light returned again with another EVAP code. I contacted the dealership once more to request a proper repair, refund, or resolution. As of now, I have received no response. This pattern shows that the dealership either failed to diagnose the underlying problem, or knowingly sold the vehicle with an unresolved and recurring defect. The issues should have been fully disclosed, including the nature of the EVAP system fault and the potential costs associated with diagnosing and repairing it. Without this information, I was unable to make an informed decision about purchasing the vehicle.