Are VW's that bad!?

[lovcom]

Originally Posted By: 01rangerxl
Maybe not directly, but didn't the V2 kind of put the idea in their head?


True, but it was primarily the Jewish scientists that came out of Germany that inspired the American programs...and at the time, Germans didn't consider a German born Jew a German.

 

[ARB1977]

I just did a tune-up on my wifes 97 2.0L. From what i thought was a [censored] auto tranny (held third gear alittle too long for my liking) turned out to be a loose plug. Now the car shifts smooth and quick.

What i dont like about her car is when it get cold the passenger door likes to stick. Once the inside warms up the door works like it should.

 

[01rangerxl]

Originally Posted By: ARB1977
I just did a tune-up on my wifes 97 2.0L. From what i thought was a [censored] auto tranny (held third gear alittle too long for my liking) turned out to be a loose plug. Now the car shifts smooth and quick.

What i dont like about her car is when it get cold the passenger door likes to stick. Once the inside warms up the door works like it should.

Try putting some silicone lube on the weatherstripping. It should keep it from sticking in the cold.

 

[hillclimber]

I'll just show up late in this discussion to say how much I continue to enjoy my '03, German-made, Passat. It's been reliable, it's a hoot to drive (I love the tiptronic tranny and the turbocharged engine), it seats 4 comfortably, it's capable of terrific highway mileage, it has a handsome interior and a great paint job. I still get compliments on it, I still love to drive it.

It has been reliable, but I've also enjoyed learning how to do a lot of the normal maintenance myself, which has only increased my ardor for this car (thank you, Passatworld!). The 1.8 is pretty easy to work on, I would think. So.. after a few more years pass and it's time for a new car, I'll kick the tires on a VW. I'd really like to drive a Jetta with the 2.0, that could be fun.

 

[Quattro Pete]

hillclimber, have you chipped it yet?

 

[VeeDubb]

The 2.0T FSI is a great engine. I continue to be more and more impressed by it. My Passat racks up 34MPG on the highway and has a 0-60 time that is neck and neck with a V6 Accord auto (of course I have a manual). My only worry is the fuel dilution issue caused by the DI engine. But some 2.0Ts have just crossed the 100K mark on vw vortex so there is hope.

 

[Spitty]

VW would be long gone if the British had not rebuilt the factory after the war. There was some resentment that time and money was being spent on German infrastructure when so much needed to be done at home. But maybe something was learned from the 1st WW?

We have an 03 Golf, great car, No problems in 50k except the radio is the pits! (poor reception) The antenna was (supposedly replaced at the dealership under warranty, but to no effect!
Seems incredible that such a simple established car accessory should cause problems in this day and age.

 

[hillclimber]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
hillclimber, have you chipped it yet?


No. I think about it often but I don't want to sacrifice everyday reliability, driveability and economy. For me, the car is terrific, as is.

Still... I think about it often. It may yet happen some day.

1.8's rock.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: hillclimber
No. I think about it often but I don't want to sacrifice everyday reliability, driveability and economy. For me, the car is terrific, as is.

Still... I think about it often. It may yet happen some day.

1.8's rock.

Hehe... it took me about 2 years before I decided to chip my '01 A4. There were no ill effects in terms of economy, driveability, nor reliability in everyday driving. But the power/torque improvement was noticeable. The A4 was AWD and being kind of heavy, it seemed like it did need that little extra 'oomph' to feel a bit more sporty.

 

[hillclimber]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: hillclimber
No. I think about it often but I don't want to sacrifice everyday reliability, driveability and economy. For me, the car is terrific, as is.

Still... I think about it often. It may yet happen some day.

1.8's rock.

Hehe... it took me about 2 years before I decided to chip my '01 A4. There were no ill effects in terms of economy, driveability, nor reliability in everyday driving. But the power/torque improvement was noticeable. The A4 was AWD and being kind of heavy, it seemed like it did need that little extra 'oomph' to feel a bit more sporty.


Where did you get your chip? Did you replace the diverter valve or anything else?

 

[Quattro Pete]

I got the GIAC X-chip. And yes, I replaced the diverter valve with Forge DVR. Didn't do anything else.

 

[hillclimber]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
I got the GIAC X-chip. And yes, I replaced the diverter valve with Forge DVR. Didn't do anything else.


Cool. I've heard good things about both, if I chip mine I'll probably do the same thing.

 

[ARB1977]

Originally Posted By: 01rangerxl
Originally Posted By: ARB1977
I just did a tune-up on my wifes 97 2.0L. From what i thought was a [censored] auto tranny (held third gear alittle too long for my liking) turned out to be a loose plug. Now the car shifts smooth and quick.

What i dont like about her car is when it get cold the passenger door likes to stick. Once the inside warms up the door works like it should.

Try putting some silicone lube on the weatherstripping. It should keep it from sticking in the cold.

Yea i heard about that, i may try that.

 

[BayouTodd]

We have owned two vw's in the last few years: my wife had to have a new beetle 2nd year they came out, she put 68k miles on it and all were trouble free, then we bought an 07 jetta wolfsberg edition a few months back, other than the fact that my 19 year old daughter keeps using it has a crash test vehicle, the car itself has been fine. I prefer the vw's over teenagers any day ...LOL

YMMV

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: rpn453
Originally Posted By: crw
I changed the AT fluid. No, it doesn't have a dipstick, but if you KNOW HOW to do it, it's the simplest one I've ever done. Dare I say, dipsticks are for dipsticks? I mean, come on, if there is a smarter, simpler way to do it, why route a dipstick up to the top of the engine bay?


I agree that tranny dipsticks aren't that important. Unlike an engine, there's nowhere the oil can go but onto the ground. My mother's Sunfire has no dipstick on the tranny. I change the fluid every 30k miles and I think the check plugs are just as good as a dipstick.


Agreed... I never understood the purpose of AT dipsticks... Between GM, toyota, chrysler and MB, I can never get an accurate read on a single one.

JMHY

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2

Agreed... I never understood the purpose of AT dipsticks... Between GM, toyota, chrysler and MB, I can never get an accurate read on a single one.

JMHY

Ever considered your own skills to be at fault? I've never had an issue with obtaining accurate readings from a Toyota, Honda or GM AT dipstick.

I'll agree though, that AT dipsticks aren't as beginner proof as oil dipsticks. One needs to quickly remove and insert the dipstick in order to obtain an accurate reading.