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VW cabrio issues
lolasf
Member Posts: 1
Does anyone else have this issue? I've taken my 1 1/2 yr old car into the dealer 4 times for the same electrical issue - the engine light and/or airbag light will be illuminated for days for no reason. I've even had it changed out by VW but this keeps on happening.
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Peggy
Kristen
Didn't see that someone already started a new topic =P Anyhow, i wanted to thank the person who suggested checking the groundwire (why wasn't this already grounded?) for the CD changer. That did the trick. My next question is where do you mount the changer? I temporarily mounted it on the right rear passenger side, in the space between the wheel well and tail-light, but that forced me to mount the changer side-ways(this position is not suggested in the changer manual). This seems to be the only place the changer will fit without intruding on trunk space. The problem is, CD's skip *alot* while driving on rough roads. Any suggestions or pics would help.
Also, I heard on the news lately (California), that the police will start cracking down on drivers without a front license plate. But, when i got the car, it only came with one license plate. And there is no predefined area on the front bumper of the car for the plate. Are we suppose to drill holes ourselves? Or will the dealer take care of this for free? And there were no extra screws included with the black plastic mounting plate. Pics would be appreciated.
I really hate to ruin the look of the car by mounting a plate, but i would rather not be ticketted for it either.
TIA
any help will do. any site that I could read to find out about that year.
Thanks Peggy
If I learn anything from this I'll post it here. The old Cabrio post I used to frequent has gone , so here is where I'll be. Bill C.
If so many of us are having the same problem, shouldn't we contact VW America about possible recall/replacement??
Other Serious Problem: Since my purchase of this new vehicle, I have had horrid squeaky brakes. The service dept. at the dealer originally stated it was silicon on the brake shoes and that it wou'd wear off. 4 mos. later, said I needed to hose them down periodically. Now, 2 years later, they've instructed me to simply drive in reverse for a while. Yea, that's likely. Anyone else with this sound-barrier squeaky problem?
Beverly
Dave B
I have a Cabrio 2001 GLX by the way. Besides these minor problems, I am having fun with the rabbit! Thanks to all and happy driving!
Thanks!
Now if I may ask for some advice- On my 2001 cabrio at 60 mph or above there is a rattle sound that appears to come from the area at or near the passenger front seat. I cannot find it. IF I sit in the back seat at 60mph it appears to come from under the car.I don't think it's in the actual seat. I've crawled all over and not found it....yet. Any Clues anyone can share with me? Thanks. Bill C.
does the electric top and heated seats and power windows in the GLX give anyone cause for concern? it seems like the base model has less possible issues....but it also does not have the luxury. opinions here? is the base model a safer bet or no?
also - what are the "real world" MPG's for the Cabrio 5 speed? anyone have the automatic? is it slower than molasses? any generally cheap mods for the cabrio, performance wise?
thanks!
Glad to find some of you again. Too bad our old board is MIA. I was on it from the very begining.
I've been in car he.. since we last chatted. I finally filed under the Califonia Lemon law again. First time they promised to fix my car and gave me a car payment.
This time, I want a new car. I figured since my car has 15K on it, let them give me a new one. That's another year out of this car. The latest issue is the seatbelt which has needed to be replaced 4 times. Does anyone else have seat belt issues?
I'll let you guys know what happens.
Justin, I have a GLX and while my car had been the shop 5 weeks out of the last 13 months, my only problem with lux. features was the heated seats and VW fixed them, they did no work when I bought the car. And I've had no issues since. Roof is great as well as the windows.
Bill C, my car does not have that noise, so no help here. I think we need to track down Mike.
Beth
What I was wondering is if anyone has the Batik Blue Pearl, and if they had any after-factory paint applied to it. How did it match up?? What should I look for when I bring my car to get the bumper repainted.
I hate low class people, could you at least leave a note when you hit someone because you apparantly do not know how to drive!!! (venting)
Thanks
After reading this board for over three months I've all but completely lost my desire to purchase a new Cabrio and am looking favorably towards a used Solara or, gasp, a new Sebring. Ironically, even a Chrysler appears to be more reliable than the Cabrio. I haven't read comments on any other board that suggest as many problems as those you have with your Cabrios. Safe mode. Fuel line trouble. Seats that won’t heat. Leather that peels-AAAAARG! I’d love to hear comparisons to other cars you all may have owned. Did they need to be serviced nearly as much as your Cabrios? My personal experience with VW was awful, I had an ‘87 VW GTI I called “the rattle box”. It was that was serviced 21 times for assorted problems including rebuilding the engine twice at VW’s expense. I’ve owned four different automobiles since that haven’t been serviced 21 times all combined! (Yes, each one of them was/is Japanese).
Complaints besides reliability? With the top up it’s the loudest ragtop next to a Miata. Cabrios’ roll bar makes excessive noise at highway speeds with the top down. Even the dang seat belts flap around at highway speeds. Power? There’s hardly any to speak of. It really bothers me that the engine supposedly averages 24mpg with relatively poor performance while Sebrings and Solaras net 22mpg with head jerking V6 powerplants. I’m not buying a convertible to go fast but need to merge on the highway with relative ease. One last nit pik: ever notice all the new Beetles on the road with one headlight out? Is this indicative of the sub-par parts used in Mexico-built VW’s of which Cabrio is a part of?
The most reliable 4 person ragtop out there is a Toyota Solara but at 32 grand it won’t be in my garage, at least not an ‘02. Saab has reliability questions and is even more expensive than Solara so that’s out. Mitsubishi–too small inside and kind of ugly anyway. Miata–an absolutely awesome performer but I simply don’t feel safe in it let alone prohibiting my 3 and 5 year old kids a fun ride on summer days. Chrysler– a great performance car at decent prices (when dealers loosen up-like now) but has American ergonomic and exterior design sufferings as well as ghosts from transmission problem years, supposedly pre-’97.
Problem is I just love the size, style and relative affordability of the Cabrio. I love the rumble of the muffler with the top down. I love the way it handles and soaks up bumps, or potholes, as we call them here in Minnesota. I don’t know for sure but I believe it’s a fairly safe car compared to others due to the roll bar and side impact air bags. I never drive fast enough to merit a roll over but with all the nuts on the road who knows? Lastly, I love the way a smaller, front wheel drive vehicle drives through the snow and VW is known as a solid performer in this department.
The two VW dealerships are twice as far as alternative brands for me. Each service visit means another car rental which begs the inevitable question-what price does one pay for reliability?
Can any of you convince me that I won’t be servicing this car every 6 months for some idiosyncratic problem or another???
I’m waiting until spring when the snow melts here in Minnesota and more importantly, the economy improves enough to take on a car payment. Any comments from you owners would be appreciated.
I wouldn't rule out the Cabrio for a Solara...I would never trade mine for one. My friend has one the SLE V6, and that thing rattles like crazy. It is my understanding that that car is a chopped coupe solara, so to speak.
It's too bad all of our complaining has turned you off!! I have had service on mine maybe 5-6 times since I got it in Feb. but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I love it!! I have the 5 speed, and I have no trouble with it's pickup. These frequent service visits had me irritated, but it was never a question of reliability, the car was always in driveable condition, I am just very fussy with things. My previous Nissan Altima was never back to the dealer - just put gas in her and that was it.
Like you said, the car is great in the snow!! I have nothing to worry about this winter. In fact, I still have my old Nissan, and last winter I was going to drive it in the snow, but my Cabrio totally outperformed the Nissan!
Convertibles are notorious for small rattles, leaks. But look what you get in return: a solid performing fuin little car. This is the only convertible I would buy less a BMW/Mercedes. Germans make the best convertibles.
I had a LeBaron conv't, and that will forever dissuade me from buying another Chrysler...I will not elaborate...but 40K miles and a burned out engine...need I say more.
Well good luck to you!
That’s the defense I was hoping to hear, thanks for your response. Your right, I shouldn’t expect a convertible to be as quiet as a hardtop. I’m remain loyal to the cause of finding the least problematic one, however. A point in Cabrios favor for 2002 is the upgrade to a 4-year bumper to bumper warranty.
I too am fussy about my cars. Fortunately, the Japanese vehicles I’ve owned alleviated the rattles, misfittings, and mechanical problems experienced with VW and domestic brands. Other than fluid changes My ‘95 Maxima has been into the shop twice in 6 years, once for a fouled fuel injector ( fixed under warranty) and last week for a burned out tail light bulb...that’s all! My ‘00 Toyota van has been in once for a inoperable seat belt, nothing more.
Kris’ comments reminded me of a key observation in favor of Cabrios: the absence of what I believe is called cowl shake. This is where the car actually flexes abnormally from the lack of a hardtop. I test drove my dream car, a Toyota Solara, at a car dealer and thought we might buy it until I experienced it’s dreaded cowl shake. The entire upper portion of the car shook so bad over nominal bumps that I couldn’t safely see out any of the mirrors! I suspect it’s why this gold edition vehicle was on the used car lot with only 7000 miles on it. New Solaras don’t exhibit this problem so perhaps it develops over time. I enjoy test drives from used car lots because you get a peek into a cars’ future vulnerabilities without bothering private party sellers. The same cowl shake was experienced in a couple of used Saabs that I test drove as well, very scary stuff. I’ve driven about six new and used Cabrios without a hint of cowl shake, however.
So there‘s a distinct point in Cabrios’ favor. Any others? Is it worth the risk? I appreciate the experience and words of wisdom you Cabrio owners have.
P.S.-FYI, it’s all but confirmed that 2002 will be the last year for Cabrio to make room for the Beetle convertible this spring and Jetta convertible next year. Naturally, there’s already a waiting list for the Beetle convertible which could be all the rage depending on our nations economy next year. Hopefully we'll have a handle on the terrorist mess and begin seeing brighter days then...
You can still get in a few days of top-down driving if you buy now. (Even in Minnesota). I've had lot's of late season top down driving in the Northeast. I have had my Cabrio since last October and have been very satisfied. Problems have been minor.
I purchased my car after reading the published reviews, all of which were positive. I hadn't heard of problems until I started reading the message boards. Then I began to wonder if I made a mistake in purchasing this car. However, after 12,000 miles my only problem has been static on the Radio Disney AM channel. The dealer just replaced the radio under warranty. No questions asked.
It's difficult to compare the quality and reliability from the message boards. My theory is that we VW drivers are enthusiasts and love to discuss our cars. Owners of other makes just don't have the farfignugin to write about their cars. The natural tendency is to express the bad stuff. The good stuff goes undocumented because we already know about it.
Rampinoj enlightened me that maybe some of the problems you all are experiencing are due in part to poor VW mechanics. This would perhaps reflect some of the troubles I had with an '87 GTI. His positive Cabrio experience is a tremendous assurance. I take great care of vehicles and generally get the same in return.
I had a chance to drive an '01 Cabrio with 2400 miles a couple of hours ago and I can honestly say there’s a soul to that car that others seem to lack. It’s 30 degrees here with 35 mph winds so I couldn’t put the top down to review my previous complaints about the rollbar/seatbelt noise. I'm only looking now admidst snow reports because there's some good year end deals to be found.
I’m perhaps coming around again...cautiously.