Drive the Hyundai. Then drive the Golf. I think you'll find there is no comparison. In addition to being a much better car, the Golf has much more room -- real, usable back seats. If possible, upgrade to the GLS and get the 1.8T engine. The 2.0l is too slow.
I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. For me, it isn't about knocking off 30 seconds from my 30 minute commute to and from work each day. It's about sitting at the meter light at the entrance to the freeway. When that light flashes green, I have a very short distance to get up to the speed of the freeway traffic so I can merge safely. It's difficult and dangerous to merge in with traffic going 65 or 70 mph, when I'm only at 45 mph and I'm at the end of the merge taper.
It isn't the top speed that's the issue. I haven't had my GTI GLX over about 80mph. It's the acceleration. The 2.0 does 0-60 in 10+ seconds. Which results in slow acceleration on highway on-ramps. Here in MA, many on-ramps are quite short and traffic can be quite heavy, even when moving at 60 mph. Also, passing on a two-lane highway is going to be real exciting with the 2.0. You're right, fast acceleration doesn't reduce your commute. Of course, I never said it would. But it does often make it easier to merge in the real world. If you're satisfied with 0-60 in 10+, great. If the 2.0 was 0-60 in 8-9 seconds, it would be acceptable to me. But for me, 10+ is just too darn slow.
The upgrade to a GLS gets you 2 more doors, power windows, cruise control and velour fabric.
About the only options left after engine choice (both can get TDI - only GLS can have 1.8T) are auto transmission, sunroof, designer wheels and cd player/changer.
I am looking for a 1996 VW Golf 4 door hatchback. I have found one, manual trans. with 41,400 miles for $8,300 FIRM, which is below wholesale bluebook, but I am concerned about some cosmetic problems. It has scratches on the door (one 5 inch long on the passenger door and another smaller one the rear driver's side door and a bunch of tiny dirty looking scratches under and around the door handles), it has three cigarette burns on the front seats and the carpet on the cargo cover is very worn. Other than that the car seems to be in good shape.
The car was leased and the "owner" is going to buy out the lease and resell it for (she says) $200. over the buy-out price. She says it probably needs new tires soon and may need new break pads, so the price she is asking is taking all of that into account. She has all the service records and has no problem with me taking it to a mechanic to have it checked out. Assuming that there are no mechanical problems other than tires or breaks, I am interested in the car, but am concerned that:
1. If/when I try to resell it, I will get less because of the scratches and burn holes.
2. Maybe these damages are indications that the car wasn't cared for as well as it could have been.
3. Is she taking the time to sell it rather than trading it in (she says she is buying a new VW golf) because the dealer would charge her a lot for the cosmetic damages?
4. Since I can afford to pay a bit more, would it be better to try to find a car with less miles/wear and tear which will hold it's value better AND which I will feel better about driving?
5. Am I being too demanding of a 4 year old car -- maybe most cars will have similar wear and tear??
I'm also considering a 1996 GTI automatic with 25k mi. for $10,000 -- but I haven't seen it yet. I prefer the 4 doors, but hear the GTI is more fun to drive.
I'm shopping for a VW Golf GLS 1.8T, Silver ext., black int., luxury pack, and cold weather pack.
The saleperson told me that he believes that due to the scarcity and predicted popularity of the 1.8T in the Golfs, that I may have to pay MSRP. (His sales manager wasn't in, so he couldn't say for sure).
Does this sound legitimate to you?
I would think, that since the Golfs are such poor sellers in the US that they would be willing to sell the Golf 1.8T's with slightly more than invoice, and profiting from the more bountiful Jetta, and Passat (and even Beetle) sales. Am I wrong in thinking that? Any advice would be appreciated.
henninger2: That's almost exactly the car I'm hoping to buy (sans cold weather package since I live in CA) but I'm having a terrible time finding them in the Bay Area...even to test drive. Did you get to test drive the 1.8T? If so manual or automatic? I just drove a friend's manual 2.0 GLS and wasn't extremely impressed with the engine, so I'm hoping for an improvement with the 1.8T. Any suggestions/experiences would be appreciated Oh, how long is it going to take for your car to come in?
The LV VW dealership only had the 1.8T in a GTI, which is what I test drove. I also test drove the GLS 2.0, and let me tell you what a difference!! The 1.8T is a fast car!! (Both the car I ordered, and the GTI I test drove are/were manual). When trying to get on the highway (PA's on ramps are pretty short), I had no trouble at all. I punched the turbo and away I went!!
I was told that I can expect my new car in 3-8 weeks. I'm assuming 3 months max.
I recently bought a 2000 Golf GLS TDI and I think it is a great car. I have one minor problem and I was wondering if anyone else has run into the same problem. When slowing down on neighborhood streets ( usually 3rd gear, a bit below 25 mph or so ), as the tachometer falls to about 1800 rpm a rattling noise develops and continues until 1400 rpm. At that point the rattle abruptly stops. This noise also happens during acceleration but seems to be less noticeable, perhaps because I go through that engine speed range more quickly.
I took the car into the dealership and the mechanic took a ride with me. I was able to demonstrate the noise and he took a look under the hood. He also put the car up on the rack, removed the shield below the engine and inspected all sorts of things from that angle. He could not find any loose hoses or anything else that looked like it would cause a rattle.
To my ears, it sounds as though the rattle comes from the front of the car. I can't tell if it is coming from the engine compartment or somewhere under the dashboard.
Has anyone else run into this or a similar problem? If so, what did it take to fix it?
I test drove a Jetta TDI recently. It did make a typical diesel rattle at no load or light load and lower rpms, kind of a rattling sound of marbles in the engine. The Jetta made the same noise every truck diesel I've ever heard makes; to me it is just part of the diesel experience.
hi. i'm shopping for a CD changer for my stock 96 Golf GL. i don't know the brand of my headunit (it is changer-ready though), it's the stock unit with the blinking anti-theft red light. i don't know what brand of changer would fit. and crutchfield isn't much help. also, how hard is it to install the changer yourself? (instead of taking to the dealer) thanks.
I'm in love with my car. Have recently acquired a 94 GolfIII GL. I've read that A/C is std. on this model, yet mine does not have it. (?) I must be missing something somewhere. Am I? Or is it an option?
I'd like to hear more from 2000 Golf TDI owners. I was eyeing the 2.0's, test drove one, liked it but wasn't impressed with the pick-up (it was a manual). Now I have my eye on the 1.8T but haven't had a chance to test drive one yet.(the few that dealers here get in, sell like hotcakes) Now, along comes a friend of a friend who is buying a Golf TDI and can't say enough about it. I know I'll have to test drive it, but having never owned a diesel before, I still have that vision of diesels being loud, noisy, and pokey. I'd love to hear some feedback.
I'm Golf shopping right now and oh MY what a hassle! Not one dealer in the bay area has a stripped down version of the Golf GLS that we want. We don't want a Monsoon package or alloy wheels or even a sun roof! (I've heard that the sun roof seems to cut into the head room and my boyfriend is 6'3")
Finally we hope (fingers crossed!) we've found a dealer that has found one with the factory installed 6 CD changer and they're going to give it to us for 3% over invoice. All of the dealers in the San Francisco Bay Area wanted to gouge me for the car - one guy (the VW dealer in Vacaville) wasn't going to go under $19,900 OTD for the car - one that he didn't even have.
Why aren't there any Golfs here? Why is VW doing this to us? We want to buy one of their cars and they are making it difficult. I am frustrated.
Now I'm wondering - even though we're not using the car to commute - it's just a city car - should we try to get the 1.8T?
Glad to hear there are others in the same boat as me.
I've had my 98 (not K2 pkg, just a GL) since 10/97 and I love it!! I just passed 24K miles and now have no warranty (makes me nervous - but I enjoyed all the free service during those 2 years!).
The only problem I've had is the passenger visor fell off. It was replaced free of charge. It runs great, very easy on gas, peppy (5 spd.), pretty good stero, very cheap tires (had to replace one due to a nail) compared to my husbands truck! I have nothing but good things to say so far.
I am actually surprised that I like it so much. I sold a 95 Maxima SE to buy the Golf (period of personal downsizing!). But it's a great car to not have to worry about. I've also been amazed at the junk I can fit into the back.
jss4: The TDI is one great engine. So is the 1.8T. But they are very different. Surf on over to Fred's TDI website (TDIclub.com) and you'll learn all you possibly can about TDIs.
My signature block did'nt appear in my post, so let me tell you that I have a 2000 Golf TDI, and my wife has a 2000 Passat 1.8T, so I have experience with both engines.
We got one. A silver 4 door GLS Automatic. It's SO GREAT - granted I've been driving a 4 speed manual '88 Honda Civic for a long time so anything will seem great, but my boyfriend and I are SO IMPRESSED. It's a wonderful car.
If you're in Northern California and you're looking for a Golf GLS Automatic with no luxury package or anything (which doesn't mean much since the car is so loaded as-is!) try Fresno - Michael Motors I think is the dealer? I will say no more but lets say my car buying experience was very cutthroat. I don't want to do this again for a long long long time. So I got the extended warranty on the car.
Just thought I'd let folks know about my experience the other day driving a 5 speed Turbo Golf. The difference, compared to the standard 2 liter engine, is phenominal! You will absolutely fall in love with this car if you try it. It was so responsive, and at all speeds. For example, I was doing 75 on the highway with it, then gunned it- it still accelerated quite rapidly, which means it can accelerate quickly at all ranges- The dealer told me it's quicker than both the Jetta and the Beetle- this because it weighs about 150lbs less because of the hatchback design. The 1.8T only comes in the GLS package. Forget the V6 GTI, this baby is all you need- and you get 4 doors!
Chel: I, too, live in the Bay Area. It'd be a great help to me if you can relate some experiences you've had w/dealers in the area...the good the bad and the ugly. If you're worried about slander issues,(because dealerships read these posts and even if it is Freedom of Speech,) click on my username and get my email address. I've done all the research, now it's just a matter of getting out there and test driving and deciding on which Golf I want. Thanks for any advice.
I'm not sure I understand. Henninger says he negotiated $18,806 (2% over invoice). Then he says his total was $16,217. What gives? Am I missing something here? $16,217 is way below invoice. Did you mean $19,217? Please clarify, as I'm about to negotiate a price for the same car as soon as I finish my homework on $$. Thanks. Also, did you get any indication on delivery time?
I HAVE A 88 GOLF GTI,BOUGHT IT FEB OF 1999 WITH 88,000 ON IT. THE CAR IS JUST WHAT A EXPECTED IT TO BE. A GREAT QUICK LITTLE SPORTS CAR. THE PICK SEEMS TO KEEP GOING LIKE THE CAR WILL GO AS FAST AS YOU WANT. I HAVE HEARD GOOD AND BAD REPORTS ON THESE CARS. THIS IS MY 3RD VW IN A ROW. HAD A 84 JETTA WITH PROBLEMS, BUT THE ENGINE WAS FINE. BUILT LIKE A ROCK, STARTED UP EVERY TIME. TRADED IT FOR A 86 JETTA GLI, SAME THING, ENGINE STRONG. TRADED IT FOR THE GTI I HAVE NOW. I LIKE THE WAY THE 99 AND 2000 GOLF'S ARE BIGGER, HOW DO THEY HANDLE? HOW DO THEY FEEL? HOW ABOUT SOME FEED BACK.
Basically, you have to go to the dealer that actually has the car! We ended up going to Bob Lewis and the experience was relatively painless. We had some specific needs - we needed to have an Automatic and wanted the GLS - so only one dealer had the car - we paid 18K + tax and tags. We also got a "Safety Key" which is an ignition kill basically which they charged us $299 for. Though we have to bring it back there to get it installed.
Broadway Volkswagen in Oakland wouldn't work with me on getting the 1.8 liter engine Golf that they had in stock - wanted over $21K before tax for it! They wouldn't deal. I felt bad for the salesperson I was dealing with because apparently she came in on her day off to do the deal.
Ron Price I've heard good things about but they just didn't have the car.
McNevin in Berkeley seemed good (and are the Auto-By-Tel people) - but they didn't have the car - and Dirito Bros in Walnut creek were nice but also didn't have the car.
The Redwood City dealer didn't have the car so I just couldn't deal with them. Also the San Francisco dealer I've heard nothing but bad things about, and they didn't have the car either. And didn't call me back about my interest in one of their used cars.
Mission Volkswagen in Daly City - they were nice - a little high pressure - said they could get the car but tried to really sell us on the Beetle which we really didn't want.
Well, that's my lowdown on San Francisco are dealers...like I said in my earlier post - if you want the GLS Hatchback, check with the Fresno dealer - you'll travel a little farther, but they were getting the car in so you'd probably have good luck there.
Sorry for the long post!
But as for feedback - we LOVE the car. It's awesome. So comfortable and drives excellent.
Chel, Bob Lewis has SCREWED you on this completely unnecessary add-on! The 2000 VW's all have a very sophisticated immobiliser system already built in - your car won't start without its OWN key(s), which are programmed to match the instrument cluster. The "safety key" you describe sounds like it's meant to provide the same protection, making it redundant. The dealer should be SHOT for bamboozling you into paying money for this.
I'd go in there and scream bloody murder at the GM until you get your money refunded. If they balk (and they may very well do so) go to the owner, then to VWoA! This kind of crap shouldn't be tolerated.
I Paid $8200 for my golf cl last year with 108km. I love the way it handle with city zip and highway get and go and any speed. But year one has been hard on cost, I've spend $1000 on repairs (exhaust system, Catalytic Con., Flex Couplers, Wire Set, Plugs, Rotor+Cap, Front Left Wheel Barrings) Plus another $310 on reg maintance ($200 on 48k tune-up). Tires summer - Yokahomma A520's ($490) winter - Nokian Hakkapeliitta ($495). I drove 32000 km's this past year.
I got nicked driving on the mass purnike all loaded up with three windsurfer a mountain bike on top and related gear inside at 92 miles/hr that in the mountains. The car handles great. Pretty good for 118 hp. (gas this year $1450) All $ Canada fx about $1cad=$.69US
I HAVE HAD MY 99 1/2 GOLF4 FOR 10 MONTHS. IT IS A SILVER METTALIC AND BLACK INTERIOR GLS 2.0L AUTO WITH LUXURY PACKAGE AND I NOW HAVE 16,000 MILES ON IT. HERE ARE THE FEW GRIPES I BLOWN REAR BULB AND 1 BURNT INTERIOR LIGHT(REPLACED BY DEALER). ALSO MY GAS GAGE IS WAY OFF FOR SOME REASON(DEALER WORKING ON PROBLEM OTHER THEN THAT GREAT CAR) GETTIN 30MPG ON HIGHWAY NOW THAT ENGINE BROKEN IN.
I have a 2k Golf GL and love the way it handles, of course I had to put real tires on it. The Mich. tires were not very good but once I put some Z rated 55 profile tires on the car it is a joy to drive. It is not a fast car but the power comes on quickly and for around town it is fun to drive. It is a very solid feeling car. I only have 2500 miles on it but so everything is perfect.
I LOVE the look of the red golfs, how they are kind of "stipped-down" looking (I mean it in a good way) without lots of black or chrome stuff. The VW red is such a nice bright color. I bought a focus ZX3 because of the lower price ticket, but I couldn't buy the red after seeing it near the VW red, it was so much darker looking in close comparison!
Hi. I am considering buying a 95 Golf 4-door automatic for $7,000, and I'd like some advice.
I took it to get inspected by a mechanic and they found what they said was a lot wrong with it, but the dealer explained to me that he was willing to fix everything, and that it's all stuff that was ready to be replaced anyway (two torn CV boots, very bad back brakes, front brakes 50% left but will need new rotors when replaced, low coolant and possibly coolant leak, scorched transmission fluid are the main things). Body looks good has minor scratches and one small dent on driver's side very low (not even on door, don't know what that part is called sort of like a fender).
One thing that made me trust the dealer (who is small, and never claimed anything about the car, since he had just gotten it a week ago) was that the mechanic said the transmission pan was scraped up as if the car had been "bottomed out" i.e. dragged along the bottom. The dealer showed me how what they thought was the pan was really a steel cover that protects the pan, which rides low and is somewhat scraped up (which means it did it's job)!
I also have other reasons to doubt the mechanic's total expertise, but I go to them b/c they are women-owned.
Anyway, it comes with a 30-day 50% warranty and he offered me a longer one, showing that he is willing to stand by the car. He also told me it was a VW owned lease car --so obviously the lessee just did not take care of it at all (what a shame).
One peice of info that I cannot resolve that the mechanic gave me was that the blue book value for the 95 GL 4-door is about 3k-4k different depending on whether the car is in fair or good condition. It's only 2k something for fair condition, but 5k something for good condition. The 2-door GL and the GTI for 1995 do not reflect such a gap. She suggested that this means something was wrong with the 4-doors for 1995.
Does anybody have any opinions on whether I should buy this car? I'm partly committed to it b/c it's an automatic and it's hard to find automatic Golfs. Also, it looks really good. It also feels pretty good, but I cannot judge well b/c I'm used to driving my 1998 Honda Civic Hatchback, which is a darling to drive, and which has spoiled me. The only reason I'm giving it up is to give to my mother. The Golf does seem to accelerate so easily that I am not really aware that I'm zipping down the street....
Anyway, my question is about the 1995 4-door model. Any tips or info would be appreciated.
I think you should look elsewhere. Golfs and very solid on the road and all that, but the things you described above are not minor items. Also, if the tranny fluid is scorched, what makes you think the previous owner changed the oil??? Think about that one. Don't do it. Search out a good used Civic or Corolla. Golfs and very trouble prone.
My 1996 GL is great, as was my 1987. The kinds of repairs you are talking about are pretty involved. I'd keep looking to see if you can get a Golf with a cleaner repair report.
I am considering buying a Golf GLS in the next few months. I currently drive a Toyota Carolla. How does the reliability of the Golf compare to Toyota's?
The sports suspension should be available on Golfs, GTi's and Jettas in 2001.
Volkswagens are, IMO, as reliable as Toyotas nowadays. In fact, VW and Toyota are forming a partnership and sharing some of their engine technology, such as Toyota making use of VW's super-efficient direct injection engines. Although I think their partnership grew out of a defense against their common enemy, Honda. lol
Installed by a dealer? Big no on that one. Leather can be added by upholstery shops but the cost is extremely prohibitive. You'd be better off just to buy some Recaro's or other seats and get them in leather and have them installed, although that would be extremely expensive also. Only other option would be to cruise junkyards and look for leather seats there.
Comments
Jared
'00 GTI GLX
If it could do 0 to 60 in 7 seconds, how much time would that cut off your commute? 30 seconds?
It has a top speed of 115 mph. That's fast enough for me!
please comment... send me an email at trouphaz@hotmail.com if you are having similar problems.
Jared
'00 GTI GLX
The upgrade to a GLS gets you 2 more doors, power windows, cruise control and velour fabric.
About the only options left after engine choice (both can get TDI - only GLS can have 1.8T) are auto transmission, sunroof, designer wheels and cd player/changer.
For a V6 and leather you have to go for a GTI.
The car was leased and the "owner" is going to buy out the lease and resell it for (she says) $200. over the buy-out price. She says it probably needs new tires soon and may need new break pads, so the price she is asking is taking all of that into account. She has all the service records and has no problem with me taking it to a mechanic to have it checked out. Assuming that there are no mechanical problems other than tires or breaks, I am interested in the car, but am concerned that:
1. If/when I try to resell it, I will get less because of the scratches and burn holes.
2. Maybe these damages are indications that the car wasn't cared for as well as it could have been.
3. Is she taking the time to sell it rather than trading it in (she says she is buying a new VW golf) because the dealer would charge her a lot for the cosmetic damages?
4. Since I can afford to pay a bit more, would it be better to try to find a car with less miles/wear and tear which will hold it's value better AND which I will feel better about driving?
5. Am I being too demanding of a 4 year old car -- maybe most cars will have similar wear and tear??
I'm also considering a 1996 GTI automatic with 25k mi. for $10,000 -- but I haven't seen it yet. I prefer the 4 doors, but hear the GTI is more fun to drive.
Advice highly appreciated!
The saleperson told me that he believes that due to the scarcity and predicted popularity of the 1.8T in the Golfs, that I may have to pay MSRP. (His sales manager wasn't in, so he couldn't say for sure).
Does this sound legitimate to you?
I would think, that since the Golfs are such poor sellers in the US that they would be willing to sell the Golf 1.8T's with slightly more than invoice, and profiting from the more bountiful Jetta, and Passat (and even Beetle) sales. Am I wrong in thinking that? Any advice would be appreciated.
That's almost exactly the car I'm hoping to buy (sans cold weather package since I live in CA) but I'm having a terrible time finding them in the Bay Area...even to test drive. Did you get to test drive the 1.8T? If so manual or automatic?
I just drove a friend's manual 2.0 GLS and wasn't extremely impressed with the engine, so I'm hoping for an improvement with the 1.8T.
Any suggestions/experiences would be appreciated
Oh, how long is it going to take for your car to come in?
I was told that I can expect my new car in 3-8 weeks. I'm assuming 3 months max.
it is a great car. I have one minor problem and I was wondering if anyone else has run into the same problem. When slowing down on neighborhood streets ( usually 3rd gear, a bit below 25 mph or so ), as the tachometer falls to about 1800 rpm a rattling noise develops and continues until 1400 rpm. At that point the rattle abruptly stops. This noise also happens during acceleration but seems to be less noticeable, perhaps because I go through that engine speed range more quickly.
I took the car into the dealership and the mechanic took a ride with me. I was able to demonstrate the noise and he took a look under the hood. He also put the car up on the rack, removed the shield below the engine and inspected all sorts of things from that angle. He could not find any loose hoses or anything else that looked like it would cause a rattle.
To my ears, it sounds as though the rattle comes from the front of the car. I can't tell if it is coming from the engine compartment or somewhere under the dashboard.
Has anyone else run into this or a similar problem? If so, what did it take to fix it?
Thanks!
i am interested in any horror stories or good-news tales.
also, how hard is it to install the changer yourself? (instead of taking to the dealer)
thanks.
Have recently acquired a 94 GolfIII GL.
I've read that A/C is std. on this model, yet mine does not have it. (?) I must be missing something somewhere. Am I? Or is it an option?
I'd love to hear some feedback.
Finally we hope (fingers crossed!) we've found a dealer that has found one with the factory installed 6 CD changer and they're going to give it to us for 3% over invoice. All of the dealers in the San Francisco Bay Area wanted to gouge me for the car - one guy (the VW dealer in Vacaville) wasn't going to go under $19,900 OTD for the car - one that he didn't even have.
Why aren't there any Golfs here? Why is VW doing this to us? We want to buy one of their cars and they are making it difficult. I am frustrated.
Now I'm wondering - even though we're not using the car to commute - it's just a city car - should we try to get the 1.8T?
Glad to hear there are others in the same boat as me.
I've had my 98 (not K2 pkg, just a GL) since 10/97 and I love it!! I just passed 24K miles and now have no warranty (makes me nervous - but I enjoyed all the free service during those 2 years!).
The only problem I've had is the passenger visor fell off. It was replaced free of charge. It runs great, very easy on gas, peppy (5 spd.), pretty good stero, very cheap tires (had to replace one due to a nail) compared to my husbands truck! I have nothing but good things to say so far.
I am actually surprised that I like it so much. I sold a 95 Maxima SE to buy the Golf (period of personal downsizing!). But it's a great car to not have to worry about. I've also been amazed at the junk I can fit into the back.
It gets rave reviews from me. Good luck!
carlady/host
If you're in Northern California and you're looking for a Golf GLS Automatic with no luxury package or anything (which doesn't mean much since the car is so loaded as-is!) try Fresno - Michael Motors I think is the dealer? I will say no more but lets say my car buying experience was very cutthroat. I don't want to do this again for a long long long time. So I got the extended warranty on the car.
I've done all the research, now it's just a matter of getting out there and test driving and deciding on which Golf I want. Thanks for any advice.
The vw website show's the cost at $17,400, but Edmunds, and the VW dealer shows it at $17,900.
Why the discrepency?
negotiated $18,806 (2% over invoice). Then he says his total was $16,217. What gives? Am I missing something here? $16,217 is way below invoice. Did you mean $19,217? Please clarify, as I'm about to negotiate a price for the same car as soon as I finish my homework on $$.
Thanks. Also, did you get any indication on
delivery time?
We were told to expect the car in 3-6 weeks.
AS YOU WANT. I HAVE HEARD GOOD AND BAD REPORTS ON THESE CARS. THIS IS MY 3RD VW IN A ROW. HAD A 84 JETTA WITH PROBLEMS, BUT THE ENGINE WAS FINE. BUILT LIKE A ROCK, STARTED UP EVERY TIME. TRADED IT FOR A 86 JETTA GLI, SAME THING, ENGINE STRONG.
TRADED IT FOR THE GTI I HAVE NOW. I LIKE THE WAY THE 99 AND 2000 GOLF'S ARE BIGGER, HOW DO THEY HANDLE? HOW DO THEY FEEL? HOW ABOUT SOME FEED BACK.
BROWN64
Broadway Volkswagen in Oakland wouldn't work with me on getting the 1.8 liter engine Golf that they had in stock - wanted over $21K before tax for it! They wouldn't deal. I felt bad for the salesperson I was dealing with because apparently she came in on her day off to do the deal.
Ron Price I've heard good things about but they just didn't have the car.
McNevin in Berkeley seemed good (and are the Auto-By-Tel people) - but they didn't have the car - and Dirito Bros in Walnut creek were nice but also didn't have the car.
The Redwood City dealer didn't have the car so I just couldn't deal with them. Also the San Francisco dealer I've heard nothing but bad things about, and they didn't have the car either. And didn't call me back about my interest in one of their used cars.
Mission Volkswagen in Daly City - they were nice - a little high pressure - said they could get the car but tried to really sell us on the Beetle which we really didn't want.
Well, that's my lowdown on San Francisco are dealers...like I said in my earlier post - if you want the GLS Hatchback, check with the Fresno dealer - you'll travel a little farther, but they were getting the car in so you'd probably have good luck there.
Sorry for the long post!
But as for feedback - we LOVE the car. It's awesome. So comfortable and drives excellent.
I'd go in there and scream bloody murder at the GM until you get your money refunded. If they balk (and they may very well do so) go to the owner, then to VWoA! This kind of crap shouldn't be tolerated.
-kc-
winter - Nokian Hakkapeliitta ($495). I drove 32000 km's this past year.
I got nicked driving on the mass purnike all loaded up with three windsurfer a mountain bike on top and related gear inside at 92 miles/hr that in the mountains. The car handles great. Pretty good for 118 hp. (gas this year $1450) All $ Canada fx about $1cad=$.69US
IT IS A SILVER METTALIC AND BLACK INTERIOR
GLS 2.0L AUTO WITH LUXURY PACKAGE AND
I NOW HAVE 16,000 MILES ON IT. HERE ARE THE
FEW GRIPES I BLOWN REAR BULB AND 1 BURNT INTERIOR LIGHT(REPLACED BY DEALER). ALSO MY GAS GAGE IS
WAY OFF FOR SOME REASON(DEALER WORKING ON PROBLEM
OTHER THEN THAT GREAT CAR) GETTIN 30MPG ON HIGHWAY
NOW THAT ENGINE BROKEN IN.
I took it to get inspected by a mechanic and they found what they said was a lot wrong with it, but the dealer explained to me that he was willing to fix everything, and that it's all stuff that was ready to be replaced anyway (two torn CV boots, very bad back brakes, front brakes 50% left but will need new rotors when replaced, low coolant and possibly coolant leak, scorched transmission fluid are the main things). Body looks good has minor scratches and one small dent on driver's side very low (not even on door, don't know what that part is called sort of like a fender).
One thing that made me trust the dealer (who is small, and never claimed anything about the car, since he had just gotten it a week ago) was that the mechanic said the transmission pan was scraped up as if the car had been "bottomed out" i.e. dragged along the bottom. The dealer showed me how what they thought was the pan was really a steel cover that protects the pan, which rides low and is somewhat scraped up (which means it did it's job)!
I also have other reasons to doubt the mechanic's total expertise, but I go to them b/c they are women-owned.
Anyway, it comes with a 30-day 50% warranty and he offered me a longer one, showing that he is willing to stand by the car. He also told me it was a VW owned lease car --so obviously the lessee just did not take care of it at all (what a shame).
One peice of info that I cannot resolve that the mechanic gave me was that the blue book value for the 95 GL 4-door is about 3k-4k different depending on whether the car is in fair or good condition. It's only 2k something for fair condition, but 5k something for good condition. The 2-door GL and the GTI for 1995 do not reflect such a gap. She suggested that this means something was wrong with the 4-doors for 1995.
Does anybody have any opinions on whether I should buy this car? I'm partly committed to it b/c it's an automatic and it's hard to find automatic Golfs. Also, it looks really good. It also feels pretty good, but I cannot judge well b/c I'm used to driving my 1998 Honda Civic Hatchback, which is a darling to drive, and which has spoiled me. The only reason I'm giving it up is to give to my mother. The Golf does seem to accelerate so easily that I am not really aware that I'm zipping down the street....
Anyway, my question is about the 1995 4-door model. Any tips or info would be appreciated.
hb
carlady/host
Volkswagens are, IMO, as reliable as Toyotas nowadays. In fact, VW and Toyota are forming a partnership and sharing some of their engine technology, such as Toyota making use of VW's super-efficient direct injection engines. Although I think their partnership grew out of a defense against their common enemy, Honda. lol