Volkswagen owners consider their options

DETROIT — 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.

Until the company figures out how to fix its bogus emissions controls, there isn’t much you can do about your dirty diesel.

Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking of suing, selling or are unsure of what to do next.

The problem

VW’s software turned on pollution controls for government tests, which are done on a treadmill device called a dynamometer. When the software deduced that the cars were back on the street, the controls went off and the cars polluted too much. About 500,000 of the cars were sold in the U.S.

VW hasn’t said how it will fix the problem. Owners worry the repairs will cut fuel economy and performance — the reasons they bought the “clean” diesels in the first place.

The Environmental Protection Agency has told VW to fix the cars so they comply with pollution regulations, but there’s no word from the company on how or when that will be done. The EPA says it could take a year.

A recall fix may be coming soon for 2015 and 2016 models, neither of which can be sold until repairs are made. But it’s a mystery how the company will fix models from 2009 through 2014, including whether software and equipment changes will be needed, AutoNation CEO Mike Jackson says.

Did my car lose value?

Worried about their cars losing value, some owners might rush to put the car up for sale.

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.

VW’s resale values may not be known for two or three weeks. VW diesels traditionally have higher resale values than gasoline counterparts.

Legal action

Joining a lawsuit against VW is one option for owners, although it likely will take years to get any relief.

At least five U.S. lawsuits have been filed, some alleging the cars’ values will fall because of the scheme.

Consumers could have some success in the courtroom. In 2012, for example, 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.

Also, politicians are calling on the Federal Trade Commission to investigate because VW often advertised the cleanliness of the vehicles. The FTC, which monitors advertising claims, can seek remedies for all of the car owners.