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I'm just back from my first real roadtrip in the new car; 1,000 new miles (more than half of my odometer's current total!) earned winding through the bluebonnets in Texas' hill country. Beautiful, I tell you. One highlight (though it did result in a semi-spilled cup of coffee -- grr) was Fossil Rim, a huge wildlife park not too far southwest of Dallas that's home to wild and endangered animals roaming around in their natural habitats. With the car topless on Saturday, I had gigantic ostriches and llamas and even a zebra sticking their heads into the car (hence spilled coffee) to check things out. They couldn't do that with the sedans and SUV's on the trail, now could they? Mmmhmm. I daresay they liked my Cabrio the best, as it gave them the opportunity to indulge their curiosity as much as we were indulging ours.
I installed my windstop for the trip but the only advantage I could detect was that it kept maps and things in the back seat from being whipped out into the countryside. Not sure I think it's worth hundreds of dollars...then again, I haven't driven a sustained 80 mph without it, so maybe it cuts down the wind more than I think. What do you all (y'all) think?
I’m lucky enough to own an ‘02 GLX with automatic that I’ve been driving for exactly 4 months. Some of you responded to my concerns about purchasing this car when I was shopping for one last fall (see comments 28, 33) and I thank you. I still have some regrets about the purchase but ironically, after babying the heck out of it during the break-in miles, it’s been the least problematic of my car purchases, most of which were Japanese. Some of you cynics are probably saying just wait, you’re turn will come and perhaps it will. My most pleasant surpise has been finding just enough power with the automatic serve my needs. The tricks are that the engine HAS to be warm and to keep the rpms high, then it moves somewhat like my old “87 GTI. I live in Minnesota and thanks to a mild winter I drove with the top down almost 20 times whenever the temperature got above freezing, without seat heaters this number would’ve been cut in half.
I’m pretty passionate about ragtops and altogether finicky about cars so I beg the question to you fellow owners; how do you deal with the dang blasted wind noise caused by the roll bar??? In other converts there is no such sound because they have no roll bar, the only noise you hear is quiet wind passing by. Often it’s so loud in the Cabrio that I retreat by rolling up the front windows at least part way which stinks ‘cause I like feeling the open window effect (naturally). I’ve also experimented with cranking up the radio but then I have two things howling in my ears. Fortunately, I knew about this shortcoming before purchasing the car but wonder if any of you could suggest a remedy. Does Linda’s (or whatever her name is) homemade windnet help alleviate the rollbar noise? I don’t know how it could since it goes BETWEEN the rolbars and simple physics would indictate a noneffect.
This car is otherwise a winner, especially when there are no mechanical difficulties, knock on wood. The forthcoming beetle convert doesn’t have a rollbar so maybe that’s the avenue I’ll take down the road. Interestingly, BMW will be offering a smaller cabrio in the near future for around 28 grand (almost reasonable) with 115hp 4cyl. engine; sound familiar? Ironically, I believe it has a rollbar but someone more knowledgable that me could better qualify that.
To steal a line from the long absent “Mike”– later Cabers!
It's good to see the posts picking up again. (Hi Mike!) Sorry to hear about the problems people are having. It seems like they go in spurts. I bought mine used (green/black/beige '97) and had lots of things go wrong in the first couple months but I haven't had any problems recently. (Except for my engine light coming on, but that was due to me getting a tune up at All Tune & Lube and them duct-taping my spark plugs wire instead of replacing it. UGH!)
About the windstop questions - and yes I am totally biased since I sell them - I believe it makes a HUGE difference with a windstop installed, especially at freeway speeds. When I first installed mine after coming up with my alternative design last year, I started really noticing the difference at about 45-50 mph. I also commute on the freeway at 70mph, and with my then shoulder-length hair (longer now), I would get whipped in the eye by my hair and it would be a complete mess when I got to wherever I was going.
I also think it makes a difference with noise around the rollbar because the wind is basically only going over the top of the rollbar and not around it since the bottom of the rollbar is "blocked" if that makes any sense. Customers have also told me they noticed a noise reduction. I agree that it's not worth the $300 VW charges, but that's why I designed my own. You can check it out if you'd like: http://www.geocities.com/laurie_kuntz/windscreen.html
Mike can tell you about windstops too since he bought one from me last year. See post #94.
Laurie
"To all owners of the 98 Cabrio Convertible - champagne or creme colored top:
I have one of these cars and two years into ownership, the top started developing black marks that were very hard to remove. It then turned an orange color and became very sticky. Into my third year of driving htis car, it is now ripping everywhere and literally "breaking down". It has also become very noisy when driving - with the top up.
VW is admitting this is a "manfacturer's problem" and they are willing to pay for half of the replacement cost. This is unsuitable to myself and
other people that I have gathered, all of whom have the same vehicle with the exact same problem. We are mounting a charge against VW to pay 100% of the replacement cost and start a possible recall for this year's Cabrio."
Contact: Anne Crutchfield
Exponent, Inc.
149 Commonwealth Drive
Menlo Park, CA 94025
650-688-7154
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cabrioletandcabrio/message/7307
Laurie
Sounds like you live in California?? Know you will enjoy the drive...especially with the great weather. If your cabrio handles like my 2000 cabrio, I know you will delight in the handling.
I just drove my 2001 Cabrio GLS home last night and I assume we are both going through the same wonderful experience. I'm also road tripping to the beach this weekend, but I'm sure the Eastern Shore isn't much like California. Have fun!
I drive a 97 cabrio (base model) and it has been lots of fun. I have had people stop and give me compliments but...I also have experienced problems.
1) The steering is really hard. I have checked the fluid levels .. that seems alright I have taken it to few mechanics and they can 't find any problems with it but I know it wasn 't this bad when I bought it 4 years back
2) The car shakes at high speeds and riding it is less smooth say as compared to Nissan Altima
3) Door handle... yes that is peeled off.
4) Top: That also has gotten black over a period of time.
I am planning to get it detailed so it looks better. Is there any body else who has complaints regarding the steering. I will be interested in hearing from them.
cabriodriver
members) :}
My brief experience has been positive, one rattle in the dash that the dealer immediately fixed. It burned a half quart of oil during the 1st 1000 miles but non since. As far as safety there's no getting around the fact that a hard top will always be better in a roll over accident versus a convertible even if it has a roll bar. However, the Cabrio is by far and away the safest convertible on the road due to VWs committment to safety, i.e. side air bags and antilocks as standard equipment in addition to mandatory front and side air bags that everyone has.
My e-mail is sean.cleary@provell.com until 7/12/02
Hi! I purchased my 2002 GLX (Automatic) 1 month ago today! I love it! I have had no problems...and once you break the car in....over 1,000 miles the acceleration is great. I would recommend this car to anyone. It is fun to drive especially with the top down...living in So. CA I seem to drive everyday with the top down! I have received numerous compliments on the road. I bought the Reflex Silver with the Grey top. If I were you I would go for it and buy it! No worries....
My 2001 Desert Wind GLS (manual) is everything I dreamed she should be. We are having way too much fun together. Yesterday's seven hour trip home (topless under mostly sunny skies) from a wedding was hardly as dreadful as what all of my hard-top friends had to endure. I'm with you, Foxy Sox- when I see her parked outside I always smile and I still can't believe she's mine. (I'm also just above five feet tall- and I agree that she is very petite friendly!) My boyfriend even loves to drive her. My only complaints are about the massive amount of sunscreen I go through and the defrost system (and not to mention when it rains and the top HAS to stay up). Does anyone else find themselves scrambling around to make the windows de-fog? I bet with a little more time, I'll figure out what works best- so far I've been blasting the heat for a few seconds.
Anyone slightly interested in this car should buy one. Within this past month a co-worker of mine bought a 2002 cabrio due to my convincing!!! You'll never be in a bad mood with the top down, believe me!
enjoy!
gl1
Well, I was afraid of this- the pulling-apart seam that was 'just a cosmetic thing' (why I thought that sounded reasonable when I purchased my car- which I love, by the way- I have no idea) has finally turned into a full-blown hole on the seam. It's just now moving past ugly and slightly embarassing to potentially a real problem. I have a 97 cabrio- has anyone had to replace their top and have any words of advice? I have been quoted $1000 for top/labor. Once I got over the sticker shock, I figured that was pretty standard. Thoughts?
Thank you!
Molly
and for Princess 786, there are lotsa lotsa really good and bad posts on this board alone, simply scroll thru, i think after driving one, with top up OR down,, you'll be impressed....dont ask me, cuz i am so biased, i have vowed that I will never own another hard top car...i told my hubby, "i will always have a convertible" so hopefully they will have that jetta coupe hardtop convertible out by the time i am ready to retire coco....but that s a few years away.;...!!!!
keep on keepin on!
foxy
To all 98 Cabrio Owners with a "light colored/creme or white top":
Myself, as well as 4 other owners of this year/color convertible top,
were recently interviewed last Friday by a TV reporter for a consumer
action show. The vinyl tops on our cars are defective, VW is aware
of the problem, and we are fighting the corporation to get 100% free
replacement of these disintegrating tops. VW is currently only
offering a 50% reimbursement for replacement and claim that it was
covered under the two year warranty. It might have been covered, but
I took my car in before that time and they were unaware of the exact
problem and not suggesting that it was a "warranty issue". If you or
anyone else knows of anyone with this light color top, 98 model,
where orange and black marks are developing (along with ripping and
tearing, please email me at acrutchfield@exponent.com. There is a
good chance that we will win this fight over VW to get a full
replacement since they used a vendor and sold us a defective
product. If you want to join the growing list, please email me.
Thanks. Anne
My email is acrutchfield@exponent.com
PLUS 6 CD Changer Magazine (REGULAR $27.65)
I am selling both above plus mounting bracket,cable,and hardware for $250.(ship included)
Guaranteed in like-new condition <<<<<<
E-mail Cheryl @ > realizetrue.com
Other than that...I also have to say that i have that same experience, almost daily... when i approach my car from a distance... i think ... my God... is that really mine? its SO unbearably cute! Happiness is my cabrio!
Alanna1122- I just wanted to commend you on your cabrio-induced enthusiasm. I can tell that you're my type of person by your love for the cabrio. The blue is such a pretty color- definitely my next choice (mine's a 2001 Desert Wind GLS). Coming up soon my CabRIO-driver friend and I are hosting a dueling cabrio day trip- two cabrios filled with 8 eight girls looking for trouble. Should be fun.
I wanted to report that ever since I wrote about my defroster problems, I have not since been in a foggy situation- not that I've had the occasion to try any of y'all tricks, it's just that it hasn't rained all that much here. Nevertheless it's good to know that I'm prepped for the worst. Thanks!
I also wanted to report one small annoyance: one day I turned on my radio to find out the safety feature had clicked on (for no apparent reason) and the system was locked and read "SAFE". I followed the manual's instruction and entered in my secret code, but to no avail. I called my nearest dealership for assistance and the earliest appointment they offered me is at the end of next week. Are there any vw stereo smarty-pants out there who might know what can be done to get me cruising with tunes again?
Happy trails to all!
My e-mai address is :
RealizeTrue@aol.com
I drove an automatic 2002 GLS on a 100 degree day. It was SLOW. I felt like I had to force it to downshift. Is that normal? Or does the fact that it was so hot, and I had the A/C blowing, have anything to do with it?
I really like the style. And yes, I am a MALE
i would think i wouldn't notice the difference after a day or two of driving.
no sticks are being made, from what i understand.
i also hear that 2002 is the last year, but some say 2003 still has the Cabrio on the docket. i don't mean the Bettle Cab - but the regular one.
The purchase....
We went to the closest dealer (North Penn VW in Pennsylvania) and talked to them about the Cabrio. They agreed to order one for us (Blue/Grey interior). We waited a couple weeks and then went to go pick it up. It was the wrong car. This one had a black interior which we thought was a bad idea for a convertible (scorched buns and all)
Plus, they were jerks about the whole thing.
We then went to Holbert's VW/Audi/Porsche. It was a little further away but the service was incredible. Our salesman got a printout of every Cabrio coming into the area and the details. We chose the one we wanted and drove it away a couple weeks later.
The driveability (Fahrfegnugen?)....
I drive (abuse?) a '95 200SX SE-R which I think has a decent amount of power and handles great. I was concerned that the Cabrio would be lacking from a driveability standpoint.
It's not.
The engine is small... but with the 5-speed I can rev it up to get moving quickly.
The suspension is amazing on this car. There is a lot of body roll, but the wheels stay down. It takes bumps/manholes/potholes without a hiccup.
The brakes are better than amazing. The rotors are huge on this tiny little car. This car stops better than anything else I've driven including Maximas, Aleros, Mustangs and my 200SX.
The overall build is incredible. Everything is solid and the overall engineering is very thorough. The car is well thought-out and well-built.
Now the maintenance....
We've already had to replace the top once.
My wife was using the power-washer at the local car wash and it damaged the cloth top. There was a patch below the rear window where the fibers were all bunched-up and deformed. After some conversations with the owner of the car wash and our contact at Holbert's VW the top was replaced free of charge. That's nearly $2000 in parts and labor that didn't cost us a dime.
Other than that, the car has about 8k miles on it and we've had no mechanical/electrical problems.
The wheels show a lot of brake dust, but that's a common drawback of high-performance brakes. The heated seats have allowed us to ride around with the top down on fall/spring days where it would've been too cold otherwise.
The stereo is fantastic. Even blasting along at 80mph it cranks up loud without distortion.
Advice......
Don't power wash the top.
CD Changer with all accessories included from me
for $250 (including ship)
Satisfaction Guaranteed or $ back <<<<<<
realizetrue@aol.com
BTW we've put over 30,000 miles on it and it's been great. We have had 3 minor problems all covered under warranty. A bad sensor caused the engine light to come on, the seal around the driver's side window was deformed, and the muffler separated from the exhaust pipe. They fixed the exhaust even the it was 1,000 miles out of warranty. I'm glad they did because we only had the car for 1 year at that point.
anyone here had any oil consumption issues? i have a VW turbo, no probs at all, but i understand the 2.0 has some people upset.
thoughts?
i saw a bright red GLX with black leather and black top the other day. BEAUTIFUL car.
Great little car runs great plenty of power but one annoyance...when car is warmed up there is a skip in the engine at idle.
Mechanic changed wires, plugs, distributor, filters and cleaned throttle plate....skip still there, mechanic says not valves so live with it!! anyone else experienced this? If so what was resolution?
this is my first time here but i think i might get some answers. i currently own a 98 passat ( which i love!) but am looking at purchasing a used 92 vw cabriolet from a private party. i'm trying to do some research on the car but i'm not finding much of any.
what is the difference and how can you tell between the std style and the carat, and does anyone know about this year such as rating or any kind of problems? i've been looking for the last couple of days on the computer and at the library but i'm not able to turn up anything.
it's a gorgeous car and runs great with 106,000 miles on it.
please help with any info you might have!!!!
thanks