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Comments
My apologize if anyone likes the automatic!
and prefer the direct link and in control feel
of the drivetrain but in So Cal the stop and go
traffic is so bad a manual is a pain.So it depends on where you live. If I lived in a
rural environment I would have a stick shift
for sure.So people choose auto trans not because
they are too dumb to shift but the traffic
situation dictates it. :P
It's much less of a hassle to drive an auto around the city. That's why I use one, and I'm sure that's most others use one.
The only reasons to have a manual around town are:
1. It's cheaper.
2. it's often more fuel efficient.
The fun factor in the city is negated by the fact that it's a hassle constantly changing grears at every intersection.
It's weird that there is some cult status in having a manual. Maybe the manual zealots think they're "special" or something. It's like saying that it's cooler getting around the city on a horse!
I purchased a 2dr with the 6 speed auto Tiptronic and have been amazed by the mileage. It's the only car I've owned that always beats the EPA estimate. I get 25 around town and as high as 33 on the interstate. I really like this after owning a slow, non turbo PT Cruiser that got 19/21 mpg. I drive fairly aggressive and fast too.
I have some tech questions about this Tiptronic auto transmission. People often refer to it as the DSG, even in articles, but it's not. The DSG, in the GTI and other products, is a true clutchless manual in that it does not have a torque convertor (viscous coupling) but rather computer controlled clutches. It also features quick shifts due to the above and below gear being pre-engaged while driving in a gear. So my questions are:
1) Does the Rabbit (and New Beetle, Jetta) Tiptronic have a torque convertor like a conventional auto or does it use computer controlled clutches? I know it doesn't have pre-selected above and below gear feature like the DSG.
2) What are the comparable gear ratios and axle ratios for the 6 speed Tiptronic vs. the standard manual? I know the Tiptronic (auto) has two overdrives which really help highway fuel economy and the lower gear spacing helps around town as well. The power loss advantage and fuel economy of the 5 speed manual has to be offset by the gearing of the 6 speed Tiptronic. Does the 5 speed manual only have one overdrive?
On another transmission note, anyone with an auto played with the 'S' setting on the transmission? Thought it meant snow or something related to low gear, but I read the manual and it means Sport. It will hold the revs forever on a country road, really limits upshifting. Not as fun as a manual on a back road, but it's still a nice surprise.
It's the most basic version, no extras - we paid MSRP + a $400 fee. The only thing I wish I had is a sun roof. Otherwise, this car comes with enough features. In the older days, the Germans made everything an extra but I think with the hard competition the Rabbit is currently a steel. In Europe, they charge you the same amount in EUR - so you save over 25% here in the US compared to European market. The 150hp make the car agile and I am pleased with the way the car looks inside and how it drives. Definitely German engineering. The space for the rear passenger is also very decent. Everything feels really solid. Compare this to a Japanese $15k car - the Japanese guys surely know how to build things reliable but something on the inside feels always cheap to me.
I think the rabbit is a winner!
Also, the powerband is so wide that it is very easy to drive around town. 170 ft/lbs of torque is great. Other small car owners will need to rev their engines to get the power they need. Not us!
The interior is great, too. I had heated seats and mirrors before, them did not have them. Never underestimate the value of these options if you live in New England like I do.
I am so impressed with this car and very happy with it.
msrp was 20,295.00
got the car for 19,500.00 plus ttl.
iam in hollywood,fla and wanted to know if this is a good deal.steve
helps. Congrats on the new car man and enjoy!!
No rattles,plenty of room and lots of head room.
Runs like a dream and a quiet transmission.
Lots of guts...I rate it a solid 10.
Jnathan from Las Vegas
I was up visiting a friend in Maine (I'm from MA) and we stopped by the local VW dealership to check out the rabbit. I had a 2004 New Beetle TDI at that moment. I asked them if they had any 2 door manual Rabbits that were in the "United Gray" with traction control. Turns out the only 2 door on the lot was just that. We took it for a test drive and I was hooked. I left an hour and a half later waving goodbye to my Beetle (i think it was crying). For an entry level car it is pretty well loaded with goodies. I drove back from Maine today in it and it handled just fine. The clutch is easy to handle and it got about 25 mpg. I am thrilled so far. I will give a more detailed update once I get to know my new "baby" a bit better.
where'd you get yours from? Desert or Findlay?
can anyone tell me whether the ESP is worth getting? i don't mind a bit of slipping and sliding here and there...
can't wait to get it! i already have a cd burned with "birds and the bees" from the commercial waiting to be played driving out of the dealership
I only have city miles on it, but in July
am taking a trip from Las Vegas to Santa Rosa, California
and then to Reno and back to las Vegas.
Enjoy your new car....Joe
i'm excited! has anyone fitted an aftermarket stereo? or at least an amp and sub to one? easy to do? it looks like a double-din sized whole, is that the case (obviously the fascia isn't)??
His name is Joe Seymore at 702-942-4000
Just mention my name Joe Nathan.
This is Desert on Sahara
it's so nice to drive, everything about it says quality, well, at the price it is anyway. everything else at the same price looks and feels cheap in comparison...in my opinion.
haven't taken it above 80, or 3,000rpm yet, gonna wait 'til 500miles, maybe take it to LA this week (5 hr drive each way) but i can see it has some power, even going up a slight hill in 5th, at 40mph and it still pulls well. gotta love that 170lb ft torque!
i got the steel wheels, as i figured i'd probably put some alloys on later, other than that, it's got the sunroof, that's it, and it's more than you get with other cars even with options.
now i wanna get another one for my wife, she loves it too.
I got the four door, loaded, automatic...just a bit more than I paid for a loaded beetle a few years ago, but omg, so much more car...the stability and drive is unreal...the feel....
I got sage green and I adore the color...very classy....
ENJOY Rabbit owners!!!
I know I am...
It drives incredibly well in the snow/ice!! All through the big storm that just hit the northeast I was driving around - no problem. Its heavy and very well balanced.
Fit-Civic-Corolla/matrix-mazda3-versa were all contenders for my purchase.
The rabbit won hands down.
Anyone in the PA/NJ/DE/NY should consider northeast VW in philadelphia. They gave me an incredible deal.
But a warning to all rabbit buyers. You must test drive the exact rabbit you are buying!!! I drove one that was literally a clunker. It suffered from every problem I had previously read about. It had the clunking in the left front wheel when hitting any bump. The engine sounding like [non-permissible content removed] and the radio had the 'changing volume" problem.
I drove a total of 8 rabbits over a week and it was the only one with any issues but be careful. Don't assume they are all the same. I know this a standard truth for all cars.
I love this car. Just an amazing car.
I previously owned to passats so I know all about the older VW problems especially electrical. I tried to by a toyota and/or honda but nothing compared to the rabbit once you drove them and compared.
Also I know they say 9 secs from 0-60 but with the 5 speed it feels much quicker. One other thing United Gray looks much better in person than on the VW web site.
If the dealer won't do anything for you call
VW and they will.
VW Rabbit is the best and I love the ride and I can see
why Car & Driver has made it the number 1 in its
class.....Joe..Las Vegas
Hope this helps!!
Tnaks all :shades:
I cleaned the trunk and dry it. I was happy for two days there was no water in my trunk. Last night rained outside. I the morning I opened the trunk, got the cover out I saw the spare tire floating on water.
I called the dealer who sold me the car, and they said “that’s impossible”.
I am sure dear dealer that’s possible it happens to me on a two weeks old 07 rabbit!
Anyone else got this problem?! Did they manage to fix it somehow?!