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If all goes well I hope to be driving around in my 4 door GTI in a few weeks.
I'm wondering if the Rabbit with the 16" tires would need snow tires in the winter as well?
Check out:
MyVWLemon
I did a google search on honda lemons, & toyota lemons, and it returned a sizeable number of hits.
My point - every manufacturer has produced their share of lemons over the years... :lemon:
If you can show that all prescribed service WAS done in accordance with the recommendations, then perhaps you might have a bit more leverage at this point with VW regarding the warranty.
Out of curiousity, just what were the terms of the original powertrain warranty? Would VW be standing behind the car even if you were the original owner and had all your service records?
2. When I got the car it had 29,000 miles on it, so the previous owner would have had to have been truly negligent for your senario to be an issue. Judging by the condition of the rest of the car, I don't believe that to be the case. In any event I am working to track down the previous owner to see if there were any other issues. I know I have kept up with the maintenance specifications since I got the car.
3. I judge a 10% failure rate in quality to be way excessive for any major manufacturer. Particular for a manufacturer whose product is so critical to our safety and takes a significant percentage of the average family's income to buy.
4. I really liked this car. It is a blast to drive and feels tight and safe. I am very dissapointed in VW and the dealers response to this issue. I have been a big fan of this car and the VW marque since I got this car, despite the problems I have had.
5. The timing chain was in tact. It was the tensioner that failed. So I don't follow the scenario you went through. Per the mechanic at the dealer, the tensioner failed, the chain was loose and skipped some teeth, the timing was gone, the collisions between the pistons and valve occurred. My engine is toast. By the way, the pistons are not seized. The engine still turns over with the starter motor.
6. I believe we are all accountable for our actions. I am accountable in my job and the actions I take on behalf of my employer. I am frustrated that VW and the dealer do not feel the same level of accountability. I have some other issues here that I need to investigate further.
My point - and some more than others, and VW falls squarely into that category, I'm very sorry to say.
Some owners know how do deal with it, and others don't (I[m very sorry to say). In my experience (20+ year mechanical background), the majority of drivers do not know how to take care of their automobiles as well as they think they do. Most owners buy a car out of emotion or because it's "trendy" (without really taking the time to do their research about the vehicle - SUV owners are the biggest culprits). It's human nature to take the path of least resistence - especially when it comes to automobile maintenance - thinking that maintenance should only occur when something goes wrong - as opposed to taking a more pro-active approach and maintaining the vehicle at proper intervals.
You'll be surprised how many times I've seen owners bring their car in for simple routine maintenance like an oil change, and it was their first oil change in about 20,000, 30,000, 40,000 miles (this is not a rarity - it happens more frequently than not) - yet they are the first one to complain when something goes wrong with the car.
Yes, manufacturers are at fault at times - but it takes two to tango.
If every VW is a piece of junk, how do you explain the success I've had with them (and I've owned 5 - three currently) - and don't give me the same old, tired excuse that "I am a rarity". I'll be the first to tell you right to your face that not only is that argument weak - it's BS.
I've put at least 250,000 miles on my first three vehicles (2 VWs, 1 Nissan), and currently have 190,000 miles on my 1997 Jetta and 80,000 miles on my 2003 Wolfsburg Jetta, and I have yet to have any serious issues outside of routine maintenance and scheduled replacement of wearable items (clutch replacement on my 1997 @ 170,000 miles, timing belt replacement every 90,000 miles, voltage regulator replacement @ 150,000 miles). My secret: maintenance, my friend, maintenance.
Tell me, do you perform a routine visual inspection on your vehicle for the following conditions:
- checking for leaks
- belt wear
- all fluid levels
- tire condition
- any obstructions around or underneath the vehicle that may cause a potential adverse affect while driving (you'll be surprised how many drivers I've seen (of new vehicles) drive around with engine panels or body panels nearly dragging on the road) - and the drivers are totally oblivious.
- and that's just the tip of the iceberg.
I perform these checks on all three of my vehicles on a regular basis - and I have a very busy schedule, but I manage to make the time and it is now part of my daily routine.
So when I hear the complaints about Brand X or Brand Y, I'm more apt to believe that the owner has played just as big a role in their car's demise as the manufacturer. Call me a skeptic - but based on my years of experience, my skepticism is usually justified more often than not...
Thanks
I applaud you for your high standards of maintenance - and, ot answer your questions, yes, I do all those the same things that you do - HONEST!
I agree that many people don't maintain a proper maintenance schedule. That said, is it reasonable to think that VW owners take WORSE care of their vehicles than, say Toyota owners? If they took equally poor care, then we'd expect Toyotas to experience problems at a similar rate, wouldn't we? (We would). Yet, we don't. Why would that be? Because VW's haven't been designed/manufactured as well as Toyotas. There just isn't any other explanation, is there? (There's not)
You're attempting to perform a subtle re-definition of the the discussion when you say "If every VW is a piece of junk".
As someone a with a self-described "20+ year mechanical background" behind you, you of course understand how some parts/components/designs are more prone to failure than others. That doesn't mean that it will fail; merely that it is MORE LIKELY to fail. The more parts in a vehicle which are prone to failure, the more likely the vehicle will be spending a disproportionate amount of time on a repair rack. I believe that has defined recent VW's. I am hopeful that they're breaking free of that.
Anywhere you look - Consumers Reports, JD Powers, word of mouth - ANYWHERE - you see a disproportionate number of problems with VW products.
The coil pack fiasco was a classic - both for the fact that the problem occured, but more importantly for how VW chose to treat their customers where were victims of the problem.
Here's a fascinating piece which nobody here has ever been able to refute: Mechanic’s Tale: VW, Heal Thyself
Here you have Doug Flint - a mechanic/business man who's literally BEGGING VW to make better products! This guy feels his customer's VW pain, and wants them to not have to suffer. Anyone who reads through his other articles will agree with me that Doug is the salt of the earth, and the kind of person that we DREAM about having close enough by to take our cars to for repair/maintenance.
VW's own staff has remarked their quality is bad and their costs are too high. The costs are via the German Metalworkers union, who insist on 28.5 hour work-weeks and other perks that make the VW German factories the most expensive in the world.
And thanks for the Doug Flint article. Very Worthwhile info from someone who sees these cars from a service viewpoint.
---
Actually, VW just finished negotiating with the unions and got them to work 33 hours/week with no increase in pay.
(Boy, I want to work 33 hours/week. Yes, I do...)
:P
Now if VW Germany would only listen more to VW America.. :shades:
My last Gti was a 98 Mk3 4-cyl. So this is 8 years later, and what do I have? It cost 50% more. The seats are slightly less comfortable. In town driving is less easy and less fun, and while I can now overtake anything on Florida's freeways, that's hardly saying a lot. Oh, and fuel consumption is the same. Way to go VW. Seems you've spent 10 years working on airbags and sat radios. It's lucky your uncle made that Mk I when I was 16 and impressionable, and it doesn't surprise me that you're working on a redesign to this car 4 yrs ahead of schedule. I don't expect a Lamborghini for $25k, but this sure ain't going to win 16 year old converts for life.
...why'd ya buy it?
You musta liked it more than any of the other cars out there, otherwise you wouldn't have parted with $25,000.
Or are you in the habit of paying $25,000 for things you don't like or want?
(If so, let me know. I'm sure I could find something you don't like for sale at $25,000. Like, maybe some pocket lint or a empty box of tissues or used motor oil...)
:P
What say you? Put your cards on the table, brother... :shades:
Chalk it up to the sad state of affairs today. People today have been reduced to a bunch of overly paranoid, scared rabbits who would rather take an extreme play-it-safe approach instead of just going out there and living life...
Chalk it up to a sad state of affairs today. People today have been reduced to unthinking, follow-the-leader lambs who would rather take an extreme play-it-safe approach and own a vehicle which they've been told enhances their image instead of just going out there, making the smartest decision, and living life unconcerned about what "they" think of them.
IMHO, obviously. ;-)
Believe it or not, you and I are somewhat on the same page.
At my profession and income level, I could have given into the temptations of "yuppiedom" and bought a "cliche" car like an Audi, Acura, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, Porsche, Infiniti, etc. But to me they're a waste of money and tend to draw (what I consider to be) unwanted attention. And I didn't want to follow the crowd and go with what's "popular" whether its an SUV/big pickup truck from the Big 3, or by joining the "CamCord" crowd. I've been driving water cooled VWs before they were considered "hip" (starting with my 1975 Scirocco) - because I like driving them, so I definitely haven't bought into the "You are what you drive" marketing hype (I've worked with marketing types - reluctantly - and IMHO, most of them tend to be the biggest bunch of trendy, idealistic, clueless Barbie & Ken types). So needless to say I'm less likely to pay attention to propaganda from a group (necessary evil) that I basically despise...
...anyone who has known me personally (as a fiercely independent Libertarian type) will definitely tell you that I haven't submitted my form and checked in my identity. Quite the opposite, my friend... :shades:
Well things changed when somebody broke into my car, stole it, and totaled it. Suddenly I was in the market for a new vehicle. I walked into a dodge and a chrysler dealership dutifully and looked at the models and just didn't see anything there for me. A strong family bond and legendary muscle cars just weren't enough to have me stick with mopar. I walked into a lot of dealerships: ford, mercury, honda, toyota, pontiac ... things started to go someplace when I went to mazda. The Mazda3 was a fun little ride, but it was pretty obvious that the higher end trim levels were still dressed up econoboxes. Right around this time the GTi ad campagn kicked up and brought the car to my attention. If you asked me about VW the week prior images of beetles, golfs, and cabrios came to mind. Sneer - not exactly the type of car I was interested in. However I took a chance and walked into a VW dealership. I mean what the heck.
So what sold me on the GTi was indeed the GTi ... certainly not my perceived notion of VW. Seven months later I'm still impressed every day by the amount of torque the car has. When I hit the gas to merge it can still catch me off guard at how quickly I accelerate to speed. I still smile when I have to drive someone and their first comment upon getting into the car is how nice the interior is (and I smile even more when they look for a place to hang onto). Best yet I still look forward to taking long drives.
In contrast my friend got a new honda civic EX w/ sunroof a week or two before I got the GTi. After he bought the Civic I took a look at it. I wasn't exactly impressed with the weird two tier instrument cluster, the oddly curved plastic piece over the radio, or the huge ac/vent nobs. Poking around I was dissapointed that none of the trim that looked like it could be metal was actually metal. Just glossy coated plastic. Overall I felt the car to be rather asexual on the inside. Two weeks later I show up in my GTi. Sure the car is rated as less of a 'value', gets worse mileage, and is perceived as being less reliable ... but after seeing the GTi my friend regrets getting the Civic. The civic makes sense on paper but it doesn't match the GTi in excitement or looks.
So lets say my friend holds out 5 years before he gets a new car. How much does he lose in depreciation on the civic? Certainly not as much as a domestic car, but he'll still be on the losing end of a trade in. Honda's and Toyota's may appeal to many people for their applaince like qualities (and probably these people are the majority of the population)... but they don't seem to appeal to many people who love to drive (unless they mod the heck out of them). It's not like my friend hates his civic now - but as he puts it "the car's fine". I don't want my car to be fine. I want it to be FUN!
So, while my friend drives his civic I enjoy my GTi!
Also, as part of my options package... i'm supposed to have XM. But my radio console has not "SAT" button... instead it says "MIX" -- and does nothing when you press the MIX button in radio mode; it simply mixes the song playlist from the CDs in the changer. I'm guessing I didn't get satellite service, right? I'm not really wanting it anyway, but would like to leverage this ommission (if it is one) to get an iPod adaptor installed by my dealer.
Thanks for your help!
Go to www.tirerack.com to research tires in your tire size. They have user surveys on different types of tires and a breakdown of tire performance ratings. They have really good prices on tires, but you still need shipping and installation which adds up.
I'm probably going to order a set of Bridgestone Potenza G 009's (not sure they make them in the 18" size off the top of my head). Installation at my dealership is $20/tire which is decent. With shipping and installation the set will run about $625 ... the tire store down the street want 700 for the job. Best to shop around.
I'm older than you by several years, and GTI is still on my short list.
Btw - I've seen gray-haired men driving Corrado's in Germany (when they were new), too!
4 door, automatic, decent mpg, reliable, comfortable/confident at 85+ mph, and FUN to drive
I’m considering the GTI (4dr), GLI, S40, TSX, WRX, EVO IX, Accord V6, and Legacy GT. Your advice, experience, or opinion would be greatly appreciated.
The Honda is the roomiest and although peppy is far from being fun to drive. It transmission is old (the 04 I drove had only 4 gears)and the driving quiet and not much involving the driver.
The GTI and GLI are both fun to drive with great quality feel, but cramp in the back seat. If that not an issue it is a great buy. I heard on VW reliability issue, but I am driving Passat 07 for 6 months and so far Tfu Tfu...no issue (My Saab gave me much more headache). The downfalls here are mild power and lacking of 4 wheel drive.
The WRX would have been my first choice for a combination of fun day to day practicability. However it is due to be replaced new year, plus Subaru could have done much better job on the interior design and quality and add 6 gears to be on par with its competition.
The TSX is a great car with 6 speeds, better quality and reliability of the VW and together with full maintenance from the manufacture could be a great buy. I also heard that it is due to be replaced next year.
I will also look at the SAAB 9-3, great fun and by now they fixed all the SW glitches I have experienced back in 03. I will also look at Audi A4 and A3 especially when I heard that they are going to offer the Quattro also on the A3 2.0T (currently only on the 3.2L).
The Evo may be too rough for you and also due to be replaced soon. This is more for hardcore drivers who wish to forgo the convenient goodies and are ok with Spartan interior.
The Legacy GT seems to me more marketing badge then a real serious sporty intention
I hope it helps
I am pretty sure the phone button is worthless. I had read once that the deal with bluetooth fell through and it was never installed. I have an aftermarket Motorola.
I'm not sure about your radio. Mine says SAT - we have the navigation so it may be a different setup.
I own a 2005 1.8T GTI. While I love my car, I just happenned to test drive a 2006 2.0T GTI. These two cars, IMO, cant even be put on the same page. The 2.0T is that much better.
Do any of you know by how much, if at all, the 2007 2.0T GTIs suspension has been lowered by? I know the 2006 had it suspension raised to adhere to some pedestrian safety standards which lead to magazines bashing VW for distilling the GTIs handling capability. Then there was a rumor floating around that the 2007 GTIs were lowered by the factory. Is this true? Please clarify. Thanks.
1) The dealer did not have cars in stock with that option
2) The salesman indicated the 18" wheels would negatively impact ride quality to a substantial degree (probably a ploy to sell the car immediately, I realize)
3) My long-term girlfriend thought they were garish (lame, I know)
In the end I caved, but am now suffering a serious case of buyer's remorse and thinking about rectifying the situation. So, I have two questions for the audience:
1. To those with 18" wheels, are you satisfied with the ride quality?
2. To those who have had both the 17" and the 18" wheels, what are the pro and cons of both?
Thanks in advance for your help.
---
Well, first off, I hope you live in an area of the country that doesn't get any snow.
Mainly because the 18" wheels are summer performance tires only. Meaning that if you live anywhere that gets snow, you'll need to buy a separate set of snow tires for when the temperatures drop.
Summer performance tires do not handle well in snow or ice, not at all.
As for the 17" wheels, you can get the all-season tires stock, which means that they'll handle a lot better in snowy conditions.
As to ride quality, though, I really only noticed that the 18" wheels are a bit noisier than the 17" ones.
:shades:
When I did this, in every case, the cars with the 18" wheels have the harsher ride, but somewhat better handling on __smooth__ roads.
But anyway, If you have the space and budget, why not buy your desired set of 18" wheels and summer, performance tires? That way, when the weathers good, you can blitz the buyers remorse and drive the big rims. When weather gets bad, go back to the 17's, or (if you live in the snow belt) use the 17" as foundation for a good set of winter tires!
I was at a VW dealer last month.... and sat in that model in the showroom.. Pretty loaded up.. Stickered at $27,XXX..
I didn't want to leave without it.
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So far a quick few pros and cons of this car.
Pros:
1) Seats (cloth) comfort are great in my opinion. Supportive yet comfortable.
2) Torque! The 2.0t has lots of low end torque. Car just scoots nicely. Wide powerband with this motor.
3) DSG - As I mentioned before, I usually just drive sticks, but this tranny is great. Doesn't have the downside of slow/late shifts that a normal slushbox has and really puts the powerdown quickly and effectively.
4) Ride. While it obviously isn't flat out tuned for the track, it is a nice mix of being able to hold the road without crashing over ever imperfection in the road. A very nice (and typically European in my opinion) mix of sport and comfort.
Cons:
1) Back to the seats. Yes I know VW has used that quirky "wheel" on the side of the seat to adjust how far back the seat leans, but it is still less than ideal in my opinion. Say...oh just hypothetically...you're waiting for your wife to come back out of a store from shopping and you go to lean back the seat to nod off for a sec......you'll be there for a week getting the seat back and probably pick up carple tunnel while you're at it ;-)
2) Stereo. All in all, pretty good unit, but could have just a little bit more low end. Just could use a wee more bottom end.
3) Daytime running light configuration. The DRL's are the type that only turn on the headlights and not the tailights. I hate this configuration just because these are typically the cars you come up on at night or in a fog where they don't have any tailights on because the driver can see ahead and doesn't think to turn them on.
Obviously a short stint with the car so far, but those are a few pro's and con's (yes I know some of them are weird). Great car though and I really love it. Also, am I weird for liking the pattern of the cloth seats?