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It may be that I'm a bit spoiled. I've owned 4 Hondas over the last 20 years and have had very few problems with them. In particular, none of their control switches fell off or stopped working within 1 year of purchase.
VW's are much more complex than a typical Honda (especially electronics) so it makes sense that there is more to go wrong. ABS, ASC(traction control) 6 airbags, remote entry, power mirrors, locks etc. etc. are standard on even the most basic VW.
I've never had a control knob fall off my VW's.
What difference does it make if you have Hungarians working in the Wolfsburg factory making your car or Brazilians in the Brazilian factory making your car? All are managed by Germans, in some cases that I've heard, quality reports are better from Brazil.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I just bought a Wolfsburg now and sold my GTI, so I have to worry about 4 windows failing.
That's the diagnosis I got from my dealer who is asking for $350 to fix it. The car starts fine, but when I put it in gear and disengage the clutch, the whole car shuts down. I've only had this car for a year and together with the window regulators, this is my third trip to the repair shop. I'm just over the 24,000 mi warranty, so VW USA is giving me the stonewall. I've never had repairs with my previous experiences with Acura and Honda, so now I'm regretting I decided to make the switch to "German Engineering". On top of that, why doesn't VW offer loaner cars to their consumers. I'm sure if I brought in an Audi or Porsche, I'd get one no problem. With Acura, I could get one on a whim. Anyone have any suggestions on how I could convince VW to pay for this repair......service bulletins, implied warranties, lemon laws? I think there is a big discrepency in the fact that 2002 VWs come with 48,000 mi warranties, while 2001 models only come with 24K.
Have you tried talking directly with VW 800 customer service to what they could do to help you out, since you're just over the 24k warranty? If you're not getting a response, you may want to try speaking directly to someone a little higher up the ladder... instead of just the customer service phone advisor. Also, sending a letter detailing your disappointment might be more effective than just simply reporting the situation over the phone. Just an idea.
Others here may have more to add. Good luck, and please keep us posted on your situation.
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
A decent guide is http://www.vwmkiv.com/lampupgrade.htm
You can also purchase fog light kits that goes into the grills from Hella.
Appreciate the detailed help! I will most likely go aftermarket...Fog lights mounted apart from the headlights look better(I think)
I plan on doing the same myself to the Golf.
If you want to do the OEM switch install...you need the switch. You can get the Euroswitch for about $57 (check the classifieds for the never ending group buy on the vortex).
The actual wiring from the kit, not sure...but the site I posted earlier may be a good guide to use with the Hella instructions
First, the steering wheel issue. I read a few posts back something about the steering wheel on the '02 model being different (4 spoke and thinner?) than the '03 or the leather optioned '02. How big is the difference, and are there pics available of the 4 spoke wheel somewhere?
Next, stability control. The '03 has this as an option - but not the '02 1.8t? Is this correct? Does the '02 still have traction control? Is this a feature that is needed on the GTI?
Next, leather. The '02 leather option only mentions the front seats, while the '03 option says all seats. Is this a typo for '02, or do you get cloth seats in the back?
Next, performance. Nowhere can I find acceleration numbers for a 1.8T with auto. I suspect a full second slower than the manual (so about 7.5 0-60 now?) but couldn't be sure. Also, has anyone tested the auto and can tell me what it's like, and how well the tiptronic works, etc?
Next, future models. I would hate to buy a car, then turn around a year later and see they have redesigned it significantly (hence Mk3 to Mk4 etc) or came out with a better model I would have waited for. So, when is the Mk5 due out? Is this the same as the Golf5 I read about? Is the Golf5 coming to the states, and what are the specs etc? What about the R32? I would love the 4motion in a GTI - is this happening in the USA soon? 3.2l VR6?
Thanks in advance. I can wait to buy, but I'd prefer to get something within the month. The '02s are a good bargain now ($1,200 under invoice), and the '03s have special financing for the next few weeks (not great, but a slight savings).
Likes-
The interior was very comfortable and luxurious, and the driving positon was great. I felt instantly at home in the car. We also have a Passat, and the detailing is quite similar.
The engine had great torque, and good power. The car felt fast -- the 200hp must be a rocket! The shifter and clutch were similarly smooth, and there seemed to be little torque steer.
High speed cruising was effortless, much like the Passat only a little more wind and road noise.
The cargo area was quite large for a car this size with the seats folded (this is important to me). The seats fold fairly flat.
Like the Passat, the car had a great ride/handling compromise especially considering it has 17" tires.
And, of course, I love the understated look -- more "stylish and restrained" than "boy racer."
Dislikes:
I have read many tests where the autowriters have complained about the handling. I wanted to see what they were talking about so I pushed the car through some tight turns on a road I know well. I found the turn in a little numb -- there was a distinct hesitation while the body rolled before the car's weight set up and the tires gripped. This is not a deal killer for me, as I rarely drive at the limits, but the turn in feel could be sharper. I should note that I've not tested any other recent performance cars . . .yet.
The center stack is poorly designed - the radio is too low, and those silly cup holders are useless!
In summary, I liked the car a great deal and will seriously consider one when I'm ready for a new vehicle (within a year hopefully). I was wondering if any of you VR6 owners could give me your thoughts about the engine's reliability and gas mileage. Also, has anyone driven or bought the 200hp version and if so what are your thoughts on the extra 30hp and extra gear? I'm leaning toward a VR6 primiarily because of torque and smooth high speed cruising, but will probably drive a 1.8 for comparison before I buy.
Volkswagen chairman Bernd Pischetsrieder confirmed to AutoWeek the performance-oriented R32 Golf is indeed coming to the U.S. market. We last reported a decision on whether to sell the car stateside was dependent on whether it could meet U.S. crash standards.
Apparently, the car passed the tests because now Pischetsrieder is saying the R32 will arrive within the next year as a 2004 model.
The R32’s launch date depends upon how quickly the car can be adapted to meet U.S. certification standards, he says.
Expect 5000 to 10,000 R32s priced somewhere between $25,000 and $30,000 to be earmarked for the United States, although Pischetsrieder left the door open for more if demand exists. Technical changes from the 237-hp European R32 will be limited only to those required under U.S. standards.
5,000 to 10,000!!! starting at $25k!!! Sign me up!!! Seriously - I dropped my GTI off at my dealer for service today, I'm writing a deposit check for an R32 when I pick it up.
VW currently sells a VR6 4Motion Golf in Europe - I've seen and sat in one. The R32 is VW's answer to the WRX and Lancer EVO VII. Knowing the VW performance tuning scene like I do - I can't wait to see the performance goodies that will be available for the R32. I want a 300 HP all wheel drive hatchback - the R32 appears to be my ticket.
Check this out - The VW R32 German website:
http://www.vw-online.de/golf/popup_r32_flash.htm
The sound of that 3.2 VR6 is awesome - download the movie as well
The Hella's come with a toggle switch, which would go into one of the positions between the vents in the dash center but my GTI VR6 has all those 4 positions occupied, with heated seats controls, and other things......so..I decided against the toggle because I couldn't;t figure out where it would go(where I would mount it)
Now, this is important...
If you decide to go with using the Euroswitch, than you have to snip off the connector that would have gone to the toggle switch, and you have to put in its place the very tiny, .85(cents) partVW 000 979 133 .Rapid had the part.
Rapid wants $225 to do the complete install. I would like to attempt it but not doing these things on a regular basis make me lean toward not taking a chance. I was told it's a 2-3 hour job...and that's if one knows what their doing. Any ideas?
The rear view dimming mirror is better, now having an on off switch, and seemingly does a better job of dimming he lights (Why VW does'nt have dimming on the side mirrors is beyond me. That's where all the glare comes in from!!
Yo! VW !! listen up...
Its like the old GTI was ok but now its got it'self really together, The new one is what the old one should have been. Also, the way too low hanging oil pan of the 2000 has been raised up.
Get the new one!
Currently being crash tested - supposedly ran into a few issues with the rear crumple zone and the haldex all wheel drive system.
MkV will be here as an 05 model.
- Anthony
What has your experience been with gas mileage? I'm more concerned about real world highway cruising mileage than I am about around town (which I know will probably be in the high teens, low 20s).
Why do you miss the 5 speed? Are the ratios in the 6 speed that much different?
Would I take an old 5, over the new 6 ? No. The transmission feels much improved. I am very happy with the car, and I may get completely used to it.
My dealer has heard from VW that the R32 will be here around next summer. They are taking deposits for the R32 - started a waiting list this week.
If you read VW Driver magazine from the UK, it's V6 4Motion...
And you can get the 2.0L 4Motion, 150 TDI PD 4Motion, & 130 TDI PD 4Motion
I took a look at that website - you can only get 4Motion with the V6 meaning VR6.
My dealer has heard from VW that the R32 will be here around next summer. They are taking deposits for the R32 - started a waiting list this week."
There has been no official press release that the car is coming. VW sales leaked to their dealers that the car is coming to create interest in it.
They are still testing the rear crumple zone for US standards, and the Audi TT is different than the Golf 4motion. There is an issue with the floorpan - but it shouldn't be a big deal. Trust me, my sources aren't wrong.
And yes, the VR6 is called the V6 in Europe.
- Anthony
"Performance-oriented R32 Golf is U.S.-bound, Volkswagen chief says" I think the title of the article says it all.
Here is a link to the Autoweek article from 10/15.
http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=vw&cat_code=v_home&loc_code=index&content_code=04359659
Revka
Hatchbacks & Wagons Host
However, you can get the side skirts rather easily from some aftermarket vendors. I think RPI carries them. www.rpi-equipped.com
- Anthony
When I bought my previous 2000 VR6 the instructions were to wait until 5,000 miles until the first change. I was told the engine oil that came in the car, when new was "a special break-in oil"
Anyone out there, feel they know what is most likely the best advice?
Also, I was told to avoid synthetic oil until the car had 25,000 miles. Synthetic too early would prevent the valves from"seating"properly(I was told).
What is it.... synthetic,or regular oil. and when can synthetic begin to be used...if not right away?
Also,VW recommends 5-40...super difficult to find....but they say 5-30 is ok....ideas??
I know oil is an opinionated topic, and everyone swears theirs is the right way
thanks!
You should be able to use Mobil 1 0w40.
YOu can use 5w30 also.
The TDI's come with synthetic from the factory anyway. If you want switch to synthetic at 5000 or 10,000 miles, and you'll be fine.
Stick with 5w30 oil, Mobil1 is my favorite.
VW clearly has a problem with quality (see CU reports). They either get a handle on this or their current renaissance will be shortlived. Suggest that they send us German-built cars again and really concentrate on getting quality right for the U.S. market.
The MQ350 transmission in the 337 is described by Car & Driver as being "similar to the one in the Audi TT Quattro," although VWVortex says that it's an "all-new MQ350 six-speed transmission first introduced here [i.e., in the U.S.] in the New Beetle Turbo S and soon to be introduced with the new 24v VR6 models." Assuming you have the 200hp VR6, this is your transmission.
I haven't had any problems like you describe with my transmission, and have found it to be one of the better-shifting transmissions outside of the ones found in the Civic Si and Acura NSX (the extremely-notchy RSX Type-S transmission excluded). You should probably have yours looked at while you can make the warranty pay for it.
What upset me though, was a tranny that whined and howled between 1.5-3 k, especially when decelerating.Dealer mechanic verified it, and that it was unique to the 6-sp. District service manager was consulted and after waiting a month to hear from VWOA, a new tranny was installed.
BTW, the engine and transmission were made in Germany and shipped to Brazil for final assy.
It seems some gears were cut incorrectly (explained as a computer or CNC error by the mech.) from feb. thru mar. The new one has a slight whine but it's acceptable. Sooo,If you have a 6-sp. made in this time frame you need not accept the whine - it's not normal.
Other than that, and a slightly mooshy suspension which I plan to remedy with the addition of some Konis, I love this car - especially the gusto and sound of that 24v engine!
FYI: VWOA now warranties the window regulators for 7 years - warranty transferrable.