Why buy a VW

[ichpen]

Just a friendly discussion.

From what I've heard and experienced VW build quality has really been going down the drain over the past 5 years.

They dropped off the JDPower ratings. Many widely reported issues with the latest Golfs/Jettas inc. serious electrical problems.

Just interested in hearing any reasons why people still want to pay a premium for a VW when japanese counterparts appear to be a better option.

[x-batman]

Because most people who will buy a VW wont have a clue about its problems

[clopinette]

i took a vw only because it was diesel and really cheap on gaz
as i said in previous message,never again :cry:

[MTL-TechY]

i HAVE JETTA 2002 GLS - american model, MADE IN MEXICO- thats the problem, its made in mexico and quality is horrible, electrical problems just keep getting worse and worse, electrical window broken, because latch inside is plastic, when they replace its metal, then engine message comes on from time to time, now brake signal almost always there, even when i put air conditining and starts beeping, now this week air bag deployement signal will not go away, even though never had air bags deployed. Buy the way, i love this year model - 2002, because of the nice curves, good construction, you feel the german ergonomy inside,well laid out, but they need to fix their problems and get out of mexico and go back to germany, even though it may cost more, better cars will be sold more.

ps. friends sister has 2002 jetta and has same problems

[Neb]

They are good quality to a certain point, buy the wolfberg edition. Or the higher model VW, passat, or the ridiculously priced phaeton :) those will be built in germany.

The new Passat and Jetta are just horrible looking, the golf is the only thing that's semi good looking.

[MTL-TechY]

They are good quality to a certain point, buy the wolfberg edition. Or the higher model VW, passat, or the ridiculously priced phaeton :) those will be built in germany.

The new Passat and Jetta are just horrible looking, the golf is the only thing that's semi good looking.


i agree 100 per cent with you, those are great buys, the new jetta and passat look hot for the people who generally buy vw, the behind, ummmmm... ya the golf, especially the gti. I heard great thing about the wolfsburg- german made, means better than mexico


THANKS GOD THE NEW JETTA WILL BE BUILT IN GERMANY ONCE MORE, VW WILL go bakc up in the ratings

[Taiphun]

The new Jetta's and Golfs will be built in Germany.

[blackhawk]

first car............72 beetle.....................loved it, simple, good offroader! and could do a lot of my own maintenance......10 gallon tank cost 5 bucks to fill and got mid 30's per gallon and top speed of 82 mph

[McLaren]

The new Passat and Jetta are just horrible looking, the golf is the only thing that's semi good looking.

Horrible looking? I think not, sex on wheels.

http://www.vwvortex.com/gallery/albums//Volkswagen/Passat/Passat%20VI/Passat%20Sedan%20(Europe)/021.jpg

[pandaharo]

omg so sorry post in wrong forum...my bad

[careener]

VWs are cute little cars. The interior is pretty well done. What I've never understood is how the Jetta made the move from competitor with the Civic --the proper equivalent, to a competitor with the Accord and company. VW owes its AD firms $$$$ for pulling that off.

The build quality out of Mexico is inferior, so much so that the Beetles they ship to Germany are finished there.

The other thing that's hard ti understand is all the hubbub about German Engineering..What does that refer to? The fact that VWs have had 15yrs of straight electrical gremlins that are most likely a design flaw (check out how many times the 1999 Passat wiring diagrams changed)?
The main issue recently besides the bad window regulators had been with the 1.8T (ignition coils ++)..

My recommendation for anyone who "must" buy a VW is to get as few gadgets in it as possible.

[MTL-TechY]

VWs are cute little cars. The interior is pretty well done. What I've never understood is how the Jetta made the move from competitor with the Civic --the proper equivalent, to a competitor with the Accord and company. VW owes its AD firms $$$$ for pulling that off.

The build quality out of Mexico is inferior, so much so that the Beetles they ship to Germany are finished there.

The other thing that's hard ti understand is all the hubbub about German Engineering..What does that refer to? The fact that VWs have had 15yrs of straight electrical gremlins that are most likely a design flaw (check out how many times the 1999 Passat wiring diagrams changed)?
The main issue recently besides the bad window regulators had been with the 1.8T (ignition coils ++)..

My recommendation for anyone who "must" buy a VW is to get as few gadgets in it as possible.


agreed, those window problems are horrible, but don't forget, that at least i think in the 2002 jetta and golf gti, many functions are built in, wiring installed but no buttons to operate, so that this can be installed later on, lets say heating front seats, etc.

[actng]

If you have to ask, you shouldn't drive a VW.

[clopinette]

since im stuck with mine (gold tdi),too many kms and dents on it hehehe
do u have any recomendation ,gadgets etc..?

[gilboman]

its not just the made in mexico part thats killing VW... lots of pre mexican built jettas and golfs are horrible as well (lots of frds with 2000 golfs made in germany and GTI's which were built in germany a few years after) and all have had horrible problems with VW

lastly.. Audi which are not mexican built but share many parts with VW have had horrible reliability as well..

its not just an assemblyu issue, but choice of suppliers and most importantly poorly designed junk from VW

[d_jedi]

why people still want to pay a premium for a VW when japanese counterparts appear to be a better option.

I'd take a German engineered/built car over a comperable Japanese one any day.

[McLaren]

iits not just an assemblyu issue, but choice of suppliers and most importantly poorly designed junk from VW

Poorly designed such as: FSI turbo engines , CVT (gearless) transmissions and permanent all-wheel drive (circa 1980) ?

[Super strokey]

I had a 96 passat, and being a person that hates volkswagon i tried to kill it. I ran it with 3/4 of a liter of oil for a 2 week period... didnt die, i drove it off road over anything and everything... didnt die, i maxed out the top speed and set cuise just below that and let it go for almost 30 minutes (had the 3/4 liter of oil).... didnt die, thing had 250km by the time i was done with it... didnt die, i ran the car in first gear up to the fuel cut off all the time... didnt die, i eventually gave it to a kid i knew that needed a reliable car lol. I still hate VW's but they do have my respect now. ALso teh tdi's are great in my opinion.

[gilboman]

Poorly designed such as: FSI turbo engines , CVT (gearless) transmissions and permanent all-wheel drive (circa 1980) ?

poorly designed as in breaking down within two years and the japanese have way more advanced stuff than audi.

CVT are so passe anyways, but there's one in the prius and insight and ford 500 and etc.... and of course ACura SH-AWD blows away the german stuff.

japanese can incorporate technology and make it work, germans just incorporate it and have it break down in a couple of years.

besides Audi/VW cant even be compared to the BMW's and MB.. VW is like the suzuki of japanese automakers :lol:

3rd class citizen with inferior products across the board but hanging on the coat tails of its bigger cousins as a selling point

[careener]

since im stuck with mine (gold tdi),too many kms and dents on it hehehe
do u have any recomendation ,gadgets etc..?

Drive it off a cliff? Just kiddin'

[gilboman]

I'd take a German engineered/built car over a comperable Japanese one any day.

there is no comparison..germans are built like garbage compared to japanese build quality and reliability

[bionicbadger]

i HAVE JETTA 2002 GLS - american model, MADE IN MEXICO- thats the problem, its made in mexico and quality is horrible,

That is the problem. I think the wagons and maybe the TDIs are built in Germany. If you buy a VW it should be one built in germany. Just like a BMW, a couple models are made in the states and I would never buy one of those.

[Neb]

Mclaren, have you seen a picture of the back of that car???? I agree the front looks nice, but the back is like a corolla, why dont' u post a pict of it :) .



Horrible looking? I think not, sex on wheels.

http://www.vwvortex.com/gallery/albums//Volkswagen/Passat/Passat%20VI/Passat%20Sedan%20(Europe)/021.jpg

[hot_potato]

That is the problem. I think the wagons and maybe the TDIs are built in Germany. If you buy a VW it should be one built in germany. Just like a BMW, a couple models are made in the states and I would never buy one of those.

I think it depends on the manufacturer. My folks have a Chevy Cavalier that was built in Mexico that is absolute crap compared to the cavalier I drove that was made in the USA.. but I'm currently driving a Nissan Sentra that was built in Mexico and the quality is surprisingly good. It just goes to show you how quality control differs between companies even though they are built in the same country. Maybe the Japanese company execs are whipping the Mexican workers harder than the GM execs are. Just my $0.02.

[careener]

Info from an earlier post of my site re:perceived German build/engineering quality (apparently Swedish too!)

"Consumer Reports has published its preview of 2005 cars.."
Top 5 "least reliable"
• BMW 5 Series
• VW Passat all-wheel drive
• Pontiac Grand Prix super-charged
• Saab 9-3
• Volvo S60
*Ranking of the old RL
Source: Consumer Reports"

and

"..the list of least-reliable vehicles reads like a roll call of what traditionally had been the industry's most prestigious and pricey names: the BMW 5 Series and 7 Series, the Mercedes S Class and E Class, the Jaguar X-Type and S-Type. The Saab 9-3 and the Volkswagen Jetta, Golf and New Beetle also rate far below average for reliability. Of the 38 cars rated least reliable, 20 were from European makers."

[d_jedi]

there is no comparison..germans are built like garbage compared to japanese build quality and reliability
Umm.. no.

[McLaren]

there is no comparison..germans are built like garbage compared to japanese build quality and reliability

Okay so from your statements, japanese automakers are far superior than their german counterparts.


VW is like the suzuki of japanese automakers

Hmmm wait a minute... where do suzuki's come from? Way to contradict yourself einstein.

[downloader]

VW= PIECE OF CRAP. Thats the bottom line!!!!!!!!!!!!!
sure german car, You will be riding the bus, and subway more than ever when the dealer has you car sitting in the yard rotting.

[actng]

Mclaren, have you seen a picture of the back of that car???? I agree the front looks nice, but the back is like a corolla, why dont' u post a pict of it :) .

Neb you n00b. The back of the car that looks like a corolla is the Jetta. That's a Passat.

[Spidey]

VW= PIECE OF CRAP. Thats the bottom line!!!!!!!!!!!!!
sure german car, You will be riding the bus, and subway more than ever when the dealer has you car sitting in the yard rotting.

My VW Golf of 12 yeras has never left me stranded, always starts and runs like a dream.

I can still drive it down the highway with my hands off the wheel for miles and it still drives straight as an arrow.

[rc51]

VW= PIECE OF CRAP. Thats the bottom line!!!!!!!!!!!!!
sure german car, You will be riding the bus, and subway more than ever when the dealer has you car sitting in the yard rotting.

How many have you owned? What else have you owned to qualify that?

My wife has a Wolfsburg Golf... and it has given her lots of problems, nothing to really strand her but little pain in the butt problems, like coolant/oil leaks, (only when it gets really cold), trunk release is useless, rattles of all kinds... she started having problems after only 2 years of owning the car. Don't really know if it's the car or the fact that she puts on 50,000km a year on it, if you drive the crap out of it, I guess anything will start breaking on you.

If you guys think cars break down alot... try working on aircraft, there's almost a problem after EVERY flight!!!

[MTL-TechY]

My VW Golf of 12 yeras has never left me stranded, always starts and runs like a dream.

I can still drive it down the highway with my hands off the wheel for miles and it still drives straight as an arrow.

thats true they do drive straight as an arrow :D

[Spidey]

thats true they do drive straight as an arrow :D

is that sarcasm >:(

[MTL-TechY]

is that sarcasm >:(

no, i've driving a jetta since march and sometimes on the road, highway, country road, when NO CARS are around, i take my hands off the wheel and it drives perfectly straight, u never tried, very stable car - in fact what most attracted me was the design of the jetta in 2002 and inside, the blue lights inside give it sporty feeling

[henryh]

the blue lights inside give it sporty feeling

...because blue is the color of sporty-feel? ;)

[gilboman]

Okay so from your statements, japanese automakers are far superior than their german counterparts.



Hmmm wait a minute... where do suzuki's come from? Way to contradict yourself einstein.

um...no

thing is..there are several japanese automakers that put out reliable cars... but no german automakers that can accomplish that.

hey..who am i to tell you that vw or suzuki's are no good..buy one and have fun at the dealership..if it makes it there at all. or the fun of your window dropping down all of a sudden in a downpour and you look like a fool driving with your window open in a thunderstorm... you make it home all soaked along with the car, cover the window in plastic and drive to dealership and they tell you it'll be a week

[ichpen]

With regards to quality, it's usually not the country that matters but the dollar amount companies are willing to sink into core QA infrastructure. Fair enough most things that come out of Mexico (cars and electronics) do have a tendency to be utter crap (for want of a better word), but that is not always the case. Cars being churned out of eastern europe and south america with some guidance and expertise can be of decent build. Again, its all down to quality control.

I've been through about 2 Golfs (a Mk. 1 and Mk.2) and a Corrado myself. Back in those days they were actually pretty solid and reliable cards. Would not touch anything more recent than that. And yes, the reason why VWs are expensive is that once upon a time they were considered very reliable. Not sure about Audi's yet.

[MTL-TechY]

...because blue is the color of sporty-feel? ;)

no ding dong, its like some people put blue lights inside their car to give it sports feeling, i call it a modified vehicle, since volks has the light, no need for more modification inside

[MTL-TechY]

With regards to quality, it's usually not the country that matters but the dollar amount companies are willing to sink into core QA infrastructure. Fair enough most things that come out of Mexico (cars and electronics) do have a tendency to be utter crap (for want of a better word), but that is not always the case. Cars being churned out of eastern europe and south america with some guidance and expertise can be of decent build. Again, its all down to quality control.

I've been through about 2 Golfs (a Mk. 1 and Mk.2) and a Corrado myself. Back in those days they were actually pretty solid and reliable cards. Would not touch anything more recent than that. And yes, the reason why VWs are expensive is that once upon a time they were considered very reliable. Not sure about Audi's yet.

i second that, agreed, quality control is the way to go

[SoNgMaN]

hey..who am i to tell you that vw or suzuki's are no good..buy one and have fun at the dealership..if it makes it there at all. or the fun of your window dropping down all of a sudden in a downpour and you look like a fool driving with your window open in a thunderstorm... you make it home all soaked along with the car, cover the window in plastic and drive to dealership and they tell you it'll be a week

everyonei know that has had the window regulator problem had it fixed sameday for free. have you every owned a VW? oh and that driving straight as an arrow??? you don't get torque steer? for ppl that drive japanese cars torque=where the power really comes from.

[bug]

In my opinion VW hasn't made a decent car since they stopped making air cooled engines. Anyone who grew up with Vw's will know what I mean.My first car was a 1972 VW SuperBeetle.

[c0w]

VW are crap!!
I want to give away my Golf, and I don't think anyone will even want it.

They need to do something about their electrical problems. I had my windshield wiper, headlights all died out all me at the same time on a snowing night.

[Hogo]

VW are crap!!
I want to give away my Golf, and I don't think anyone will even want it.

They need to do something about their electrical problems. I had my windshield wiper, headlights all died out all me at the same time on a snowing night.

I'll take it.

I've had 3 VW's in my family (all Diesel) and they're actually fairly reliable. We used to have 2 old rabbits 1980 i belive. They ran like a charm to over 200,000km. Of course with all that wear the hoses started to break but those were quick and easy repairs.

Presently we have a 2000 Jetta TDI and it's sitting on 160,000 km and the only problem we have is that damn tailight malfuntion (Recalled by VW, they fixed it but it still goes out sometimes.)

Its a great car, my only problem with it is the high repair cost (the hand inside my glove compartment broke so it sorta falls out when you open it, that costs $200!!!!) The interior looks nice but isnt constructed well, but the heart of this baby the engine is running smooth and will go well past 200k km this time. :cheesygri

[warpdrive]

I've owned two VW/Audi products. VW Corrado VR6, and still own a Audi A4, both made in Germany, both bought new.

I can say that they've both been less reliable than any of the other Japanese cars in our family. Just niggling little things that break for no reason. And I also noticed that parts are pretty darn expensive.

The only car that was as bad was Mazda Protege (first gen) which was a lemon too.

I'm sticking to Japanese cars from now on for future purchases. My Subaru is serving me well.

[CSR]

Horrible looking? I think not, sex on wheels.

http://www.vwvortex.com/gallery/albums//Volkswagen/Passat/Passat%20VI/Passat%20Sedan%20(Europe)/021.jpg

one sexy beast

[gilboman]

everyonei know that has had the window regulator problem had it fixed sameday for free. have you every owned a VW? oh and that driving straight as an arrow??? you don't get torque steer? for ppl that drive japanese cars torque=where the power really comes from.

well then obviously you dont know people who had windows fixed in one day then, since i doubt you know all the VW owners.

and what's the talk about straight and torque steer comming from? VW cars have no power anyways and its mostly FWD, so no you wont experience torque steer in a VW. besides, its hard to experience it when your car is being towed anyways :lol:

[gh05t]

I'd take a German engineered/built car over a comperable Japanese one any day.

the trouble is VWs can't compare to 90% of japanese vehicles so i guess you are left with BMWs,Benz and Porsche.

These are the only german cars i would consider if i could afford one otherwise it's japanese all the way. Better in terms of value and reliabilty and the luxury brands can match BMW and Benz in quality, ride and usually have more features.

wouldn't touch the VW built audis either thought the higher end Audis like TT and A8 are much better in build quality than the A6s and A4s.

[SoNgMaN]

well then obviously you dont know people who had windows fixed in one day then, since i doubt you know all the VW owners.

and what's the talk about straight and torque steer comming from? VW cars have no power anyways and its mostly FWD, so no you wont experience torque steer in a VW. besides, its hard to experience it when your car is being towed anyways :lol:

like i said everyone i know that has had the window regulator problem has had it fixed.

again have you ever owned one?

[gilboman]

like i said everyone i know that has had the window regulator problem has had it fixed.

again have you ever owned one?

i know several who have NOT had their window problems fixed in one day.. and i'm blessed in that i've only owned a german built golf in 2000 and luckily it was writtenoff before the problems mounted on it in the first year. but i've been cursed to have friends who own VW's and have to give them rides all too often, luckily, most have traded theirs in for more reliabile transport and i dont have to go drive them to/from dealership

[Samir]

If you guys think cars break down alot... try working on aircraft, there's almost a problem after EVERY flight!!!

:eek:

[elty]

VW is not that great... for that price i will buy a japanese car instead.

[downloader]

Hey for those of you that have a VW and are happy with it I'm glad for you, because you are very lucky.
http://www.suckercars.com/index.pl/discussion
http://www.myvwlemon.com/
http://www.suckercars.com/index.pl/lemon_cars
http://www.stahrinteractive.com/vw/resources.asp
http://www.zacheverson.com/Op-Ed/Business/Volkswagen_VW_sucks.htm

Just a little reading for those who want to own a VW

[careener]

Hey for those of you that have a VW and are happy with it I'm glad for you, because you are very lucky.
http://www.suckercars.com/index.pl/discussion
http://www.myvwlemon.com/
http://www.suckercars.com/index.pl/lemon_cars
http://www.stahrinteractive.com/vw/resources.asp
http://www.zacheverson.com/Op-Ed/Business/Volkswagen_VW_sucks.htm

Just a little reading for those who want to own a VW

Since you're listing gripe sites, let me add my favourite gripe site ever.
http://www.myaudittsucks.com

[bluetroll]

VW's suck.

www.vwlemon.com

[Super strokey]

lol. i never thought i would post this... in defence of a vw no less (sorta... in fact not at all!)... but *** crap isnt that much better now days guys. According to many findings *** cars are not the most reliable (no on average just brand based). NA cars have come miles in the last few years. like look at the 300c and the new mustang. They are awesome cars, fit and finish is as good or better than any of their competion and they are cheaper too. No real idea what this has to do with a vw defence, but vw's still suck... feels good to say that too.

[advantage21]

lol. i never thought i would post this... in defence of a vw no less (sorta... in fact not at all!)... but *** crap isnt that much better now days guys. According to many findings *** cars are not the most reliable (no on average just brand based). NA cars have come miles in the last few years. like look at the 300c and the new mustang. They are awesome cars, fit and finish is as good or better than any of their competion and they are cheaper too. No real idea what this has to do with a vw defence, but vw's still suck... feels good to say that too.

Spoken like a true Cavalier driver. Dollar for dollar, Honda and Toyota are the best built cars on the road today. Hyundai prolly has the biggest percentage rise in quality in the last 10 years. NA cars still can't touch the Japanese in terms of quality.

[gilboman]

lol. i never thought i would post this... in defence of a vw no less (sorta... in fact not at all!)... but *** crap isnt that much better now days guys. According to many findings *** cars are not the most reliable (no on average just brand based). NA cars have come miles in the last few years. like look at the 300c and the new mustang. They are awesome cars, fit and finish is as good or better than any of their competion and they are cheaper too. No real idea what this has to do with a vw defence, but vw's still suck... feels good to say that too.

according to CR and JD Powers...Japanese are still heads and shoulders above the rest...

as for the 300C and new mustang, yes they've come a long way, but look at the interior of a 300C and an accord and its quite clear the accord is miles ahead in terms of quality of materials and fit and finish.

lastly.. who knows when the 300C will fall apart like chrysler products do since its still relatively new..in 5years it could be like a VW :lol:

[Jeff]

They are good quality to a certain point, buy the wolfberg edition. Or the higher model VW, passat, or the ridiculously priced phaeton :) those will be built in germany.

The new Passat and Jetta are just horrible looking, the golf is the only thing that's semi good looking.

Nah even the German built versions have issues, why do you think VW is the 21st most popular car company in germany.

[SoNgMaN]

Volkswagen lemon Results 1 - 10 of about 253,000 (http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=volkswagen+lemon&meta=)
Honda lemon Results 1 - 10 of about 365,000 (http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=honda+lemon&meta=)
Toyota lemon Results 1 - 10 of about 365,000 (http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=toyota+lemon&meta=)

hmm numbers from google make your prized honda/toyota look just as bad. actually worse.

[gilboman]

Volkswagen lemon Results 1 - 10 of about 253,000 (http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=volkswagen+lemon&meta=)
Honda lemon Results 1 - 10 of about 365,000 (http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=honda+lemon&meta=)
Toyota lemon Results 1 - 10 of about 365,000 (http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=toyota+lemon&meta=)

hmm numbers from google make your prized honda/toyota look just as bad. actually worse.

bwhahahah..bwhahaha... :lol: :lol:

this makes you look so stupid it really cracks me up , at the sametime i feel sorry that such stupidity exists

if anything it shows that VW's are much worse.. since toyota outsell VW by a huge margin yet VW's sales is not 2/3rds of toyota yet its lemon search results are 2/3rds. but of course this means jack

here is smth for you though
http://www.jdpa.com/presspass/pr/images/2004055bfull.gif

ith seven models topping their vehicle segments and Lexus ranking highest among nameplates, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. captures the top corporate ranking in the J.D. Power and Associates 2004 Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS) released today.

The success of Toyota Motor Sales is further evidenced in the improvements of two of its segment-leading models. The Toyota Corolla, which consistently performs well in the highly competitive compact car segment, improves an impressive 30 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) from 2003. The Toyota MR2 Spyder also makes significant improvements, recording 20 fewer problem incidences per 100 vehicles in the sporty car segment.

here is initial quality
http://www.jdpa.com/presspass/pr/images/2004037cfull.gif

sad to see VW in second last place

[SoNgMaN]

bwhahahah..bwhahaha... :lol: :lol:

this makes you look so stupid it really cracks me up , at the sametime i feel sorry that such stupidity exists

i'm sorry i'm so ****ing stupid.

did you boyfriend dump your civic driving ass for a VW owner.

[gilboman]

i'm sorry i'm so ****ing stupid.

did you boyfriend dump your civic driving ass for a VW owner.

i rather be driving a civic and be dumped than thinking a google serach of car make and lemon and some how beliving that the number of results is indicative of the dependability of that make.

in other words, i rather drive a civic get dumped than be as stupid as you.

[SoNgMaN]

i rather be driving a civic and be dumped than thinking a google serach of car make and lemon and some how beliving that the number of results is indicative of the dependability of that make.

in other words, i rather drive a civic get dumped than be as stupid as you.

yes like i said i'm a ****ing stupid idiot, where's the line for the darwin awards.

[mjl_toronto]

Hahaha, this thread has gone down the hole so fast.

Personally speaking, I love my VW GTI and I haven't had any problems with it yet (been 4 years now), except it's a magnet for accidents. No, none my fault, only small fender benders from stupid drivers.

I have admitted before and will readily admit again that VW has a lot of issues with many of their cars. But if I had a choice between a perfectly running VW GTI and a perfectly running Honda Civic, well let's just say I don't want to be associated with that dumbass "Civic Nation" commercial :lol: .

So answer to the original question, don't buy a VW 'cuz I don't want it to become as popular as Honda's and have to watch embarassing commercials promoting funny looking ricers.

"V-tech baby! V-tech!"

[ngjo]

i took a vw only because it was diesel and really cheap on gaz
as i said in previous message,never again :cry:

same here, i got the TDI for its mileage - over 1000 km per tank.
if u want better quality. all golf made before 2000 march were made from germany. their quality are better. to identify them, their VIN # start with WVW** and not 3**.

[gilboman]

Hahaha, this thread has gone down the hole so fast.

Personally speaking, I love my VW GTI and I haven't had any problems with it yet (been 4 years now), except it's a magnet for accidents. No, none my fault, only small fender benders from stupid drivers.

I have admitted before and will readily admit again that VW has a lot of issues with many of their cars. But if I had a choice between a perfectly running VW GTI and a perfectly running Honda Civic, well let's just say I don't want to be associated with that dumbass "Civic Nation" commercial :lol: .

So answer to the original question, don't buy a VW 'cuz I don't want it to become as popular as Honda's and have to watch embarassing commercials promoting funny looking ricers.

"V-tech baby! V-tech!"

i would choose a perfectly running VW GTI over a civic too, but thing is, its usually falling apart/ arm and leg to fix VW GTI or perfectly running civic

[weedb0y]

How many have you owned? What else have you owned to qualify that?

My wife has a Wolfsburg Golf... and it has given her lots of problems, nothing to really strand her but little pain in the butt problems, like coolant/oil leaks, (only when it gets really cold), trunk release is useless, rattles of all kinds... she started having problems after only 2 years of owning the car. Don't really know if it's the car or the fact that she puts on 50,000km a year on it, if you drive the crap out of it, I guess anything will start breaking on you.

If you guys think cars break down alot... try working on aircraft, there's almost a problem after EVERY flight!!!


I say thats real bad for the premium she paid for her GOLF. Domestics have better realibility than that.

And i have owned both german and american cars and OWN one..right now...german benz is giving me probs.. :S

[kmltick]

I'll chime in on this thread...

Buddy of mine bought his Jetta new in 2000....

Less than an hour after driving off the lot, his car engine dies / shuts down...

Gets it towed to the dealership, and after 2 WEEKS they find out it's a faulty relay, when the engine gets hot... it shorts out and the engine dies...

How's that for quality... 1st day... not even an hour off the lot.

Ever since that incident... I can't say I'll ever buy a VW...

[JonnyS]

We have one of these and it's the biggest POS I have ever owned. It's been in the shop 28 times for the same problem with the turbo, and it only has 60k on it. The dealer has even admitted they cannot fix the problem correctly and I just have to keep bringing it back whenever the symptoms arise.

There has also been issues with the power sunroof (2 days after taking ownership), as well as problems with the power windows.

I will never buy or lease a VW again.. Thank God the lease is up in 2 months.

[radeonboy]

I think the informed people will say don't buy a VW.

It's not like Im anti VW, but VW sucks. So many problems Im hearing with them. The cars may look good (some), but thats where it stops.

[radeonboy]

Hahaha, this thread has gone down the hole so fast.

Personally speaking, I love my VW GTI and I haven't had any problems with it yet (been 4 years now), except it's a magnet for accidents. No, none my fault, only small fender benders from stupid drivers.

I have admitted before and will readily admit again that VW has a lot of issues with many of their cars. But if I had a choice between a perfectly running VW GTI and a perfectly running Honda Civic, well let's just say I don't want to be associated with that dumbass "Civic Nation" commercial :lol: .

So answer to the original question, don't buy a VW 'cuz I don't want it to become as popular as Honda's and have to watch embarassing commercials promoting funny looking ricers.

"V-tech baby! V-tech!"

I know your stupid. It's spelt VTEC. Not V-Tech the telephone maker. :cry:

[weedb0y]

Spoken like a true Cavalier driver. Dollar for dollar, Honda and Toyota are the best built cars on the road today. Hyundai prolly has the biggest percentage rise in quality in the last 10 years. NA cars still can't touch the Japanese in terms of quality.

Its definately getting there though. You will get a good bang for the buck with em now.

From my experience, my old Honda gave me more problems than my current GM car. Then again, luck also works and at the same time I don't drive like a idiot.

[advantage21]

Its definately getting there though. You will get a good bang for the buck with em now.

From my experience, my old Honda gave me more problems than my current GM car. Then again, luck also works and at the same time I don't drive like a idiot.

And Weedb0y previously stated:


I say thats real bad for the premium she paid for her GOLF. Domestics have better realibility than that.

And i have owned both german and american cars and OWN one..right now...german benz is giving me probs.. :S

So you previously owned a Japanese and German and American cars but currently own a GM and a Benz?

[prof_frink]

My wife and I have a 98 acccord and Jetta, and I've barely put any money into my car (just routine maintenance) and I'm at 170k, the jetta is at 140k and we've put thousands into that car, and to top it off, its rusting now. Rusting!

The mechanic we use who is a 'german car only' guy and loves VW has said that there quality has gone to crap ever since they went to Mexico.

Mind you the engine itself is fine, its everything around it that's given us problems. Once the alarm system decided to go nuts and lock her out of her own car and disabled the engine. Good times.

And I had a friend who had a 2000 Golf TDI and the engine SEIZED at 80k. That is not normal. And that car was in and out of the shop with electrical problems from day 1.

Suffice it to say VW is never getting my money again.

[ichpen]

Before this thread degrades into more name calling, it's sufficient to say that a large number of people (not to mention studies) agree that VW quality is not what it used to be and certainly not enough to justify any premium. No doubt you can get a lemon of any make, but the concensus here is no coincidence.

Don't get me wrong, I personally like VW, 5 or 6 years ago given a choice between a Golf or a Civic, I wouldn't hesitate to take the Golf at the drop of a hat.

I don't think this is symptomatic of all German manufacturers though, BMW are still solidly built, still the best handling in their class and are not consistently cheaping out on parts and interior.

[gilboman]

Before this thread degrades into more name calling, it's sufficient to say that a large number of people (not to mention studies) agree that VW quality is not what it used to be and certainly not enough to justify any premium. No doubt you can get a lemon of any make, but the concensus here is no coincidence.

Don't get me wrong, I personally like VW, 5 or 6 years ago given a choice between a Golf or a Civic, I wouldn't hesitate to take the Golf at the drop of a hat.

I don't think this is symptomatic of all German manufacturers though, BMW are still solidly built, still the best handling in their class and are not consistently cheaping out on parts and interior.

BMW are good compared to other german makers, still behind the japanese but the driving experience of a Bimmer makes up for it.

but VW dont offer better drive, they have solid rear suspensions, use chasis from the 70s, FWD, worst tranny (compare a VW manual to a Honda, day and night) and VW engines are pretty weak as well. just compare a VR6 to a *** V6

[bionicbadger]

I don't think this is symptomatic of all German manufacturers though, BMW are still solidly built, still the best handling in their class and are not consistently cheaping out on parts and interior.

You should change that to BMWs built in Germany. The ones built in the states suck.

[ichpen]

BMW are good compared to other german makers, still behind the japanese but the driving experience of a Bimmer makes up for it.

but VW dont offer better drive, they have solid rear suspensions, use chasis from the 70s, FWD, worst tranny (compare a VW manual to a Honda, day and night) and VW engines are pretty weak as well. just compare a VR6 to a *** V6

Have not driven a US made beamer so can't comment on quality.

Handling wise though 3 and 5 series are still top-notch. Near perfect weight distribution, rear wheel drive and superbly tuned suspension. Out of the Japs Lexus is pretty close, but still not quite there.

My 93 Corrado VR6 was pretty nippy.... But then again it used to weigh about as much as a door panel on the current Golf. Engines of VWs are not too bad, it's just that they weigh so much these days. Makes them feel sluggish.

[bluetroll]

the windows fall out of the GTIs

[mjl_toronto]

I know your stupid. It's spelt VTEC. Not V-Tech the telephone maker. :cry:

It was meant to be a joke.

[prof_frink]

I know your stupid. It's spelt VTEC. Not V-Tech the telephone maker. :cry:

it's always funny when people misspell 'spell'

[romsan04]

Before this thread degrades into more name calling, it's sufficient to say that a large number of people (not to mention studies) agree that VW quality is not what it used to be and certainly not enough to justify any premium. No doubt you can get a lemon of any make, but the concensus here is no coincidence.

Don't get me wrong, I personally like VW, 5 or 6 years ago given a choice between a Golf or a Civic, I wouldn't hesitate to take the Golf at the drop of a hat.

I don't think this is symptomatic of all German manufacturers though, BMW are still solidly built, still the best handling in their class and are not consistently cheaping out on parts and interior.

100% agree

[Freezer]

hm... my dad is a VW fanatic. He burnt down one VW vanagon and killed another lol. The second one died almost 20 years after it was manufactured. I think it had over 360K's on it. We went on so many trips with that van.

Old reliable until it bit the dust on a trip to Stettler AB.

Would I but a VW? Maybe not, I'd rather spend just a tad more for a driver's car, BMW.

How's the IS300 compared to a 328i?

[charger]

Just for your information. The german built gulf's and Jetta's have the same reliability as the ones built in Mexico.

My parents have a cavalier and it has had almost no problems against all odds. It must have been a good day in the factory.

[lucretius]

Wow, looking at that chart, I can see that VW really does suck -- it's not just me. Add to that all the reports of crooked dealerships and lack of support from both dealerships and VW and I'm really wondering why folks are still buying VWs.

[new_vr]

worst tranny (compare a VW manual to a Honda, day and night)

Compared to a honda, yes it is worse.
Compared to a toyota...at least it doesn't feel like it was made of plastic.
Compared to a subaru...it's heaven

[sixer]

80's and early-mid 90's VW's were good.

They're now all crap and should be cheaper then a GM product.