Getting rid of my VW 1.8T - What to buy?

[Tosh]

Quote:

---

I can't decide what I want to do. I think I need to wait a while, until I can be as close to 100% sure about what I want as possible. In the last week, I've gone from wanting a Mazda 3, to 2 different Subarus, to a couple of domestics, to wanting a new GTI 2.0T, which I REALLY like. What's wrong with me!?

---

New car bug bites pretty hard sometimes (especiallly since your wife just got her new SUV?). That's understandable. But what's most important, whether keeping your old car or getting a new one, is how much you like it. Don't get talked into liking something or rationalizing your decision. Make an emotional connection. Life's too short to drive a boring car.
That said, it sounds like waiting for a used year-old GTI might be right for you, since you like it so much.

 

[Jim 5]

Quote:

---

Make an emotional connection. Life's too short to drive a boring car.

---

I couldn't agree more. For me, vehicles are much more than just transportation. They are a blend of emotion, driving enjoyment, transportation as well as the added benefit of the joy of working on and maintaining them. I can personally justify spending a little more money on a car/motorcycle I find interesting because I am spending my transportation dollars like everyone else, plus I choose to spend some of my entertainment/hobby dollars here instead of on golf or something similar.

For others, a car is transportation, and is no more interesting than a refridgerator. For those people it makes sense to spend their extra time and money on other interests like golf, travel etc.

 

[rjundi]

Quote:

---

Life's too short to drive a boring car.

---

I concur!!! I was the happiest person selling my 225k Civic bought brand new since I was told practical/reliable. Such a let down from my previous VW Jetta GLI 16V.

I test drove a Subaru WRX in 2002 and absolutely loved it however could not swing it financially. I came up with a rapid decision in 2004 sold my Civic in two hours and purchased a 2004 WRX wagon by phone after calling around for lowest price. Could not be happier, no regrets after 3 years

 

[moribundman]

Quote:

---

The GTI has no major mechanical issues, just some little things I'm not going to fix before I sell it.

---

Little Red is gone?

Hmm, now it's "just some little things"? Didn't you complain frequently for the past couple years how this car was such a PITA?

Go with a Civic or Corolla and enjoy the reliable performance and handling of a Japanese car.

 

[kelpie]

I would consider a Ford 500 or Impala. Lots of room, gets good mileage, handles well.

 

[wavinwayne]

Quote:

---

Little Red is gone?

Hmm, now it's "just some little things"? Didn't you complain frequently for the past couple years how this car was such a PITA?

---

Me, a pinnochio!? That's harsh!

It's these little things with the VW that are a PIMA. It's a domino effect.

FWIW, I still have Little Red, but she may get traded in on a new GTI within the next 12 months. Yes, you read that right; I am now considering purchasing another VW. Some other things must fall into place first, though........

 

[moribundman]

Quote:

---

It's these little things with the VW that are a PIMA. It's a domino effect. [snip] I am now considering purchasing another VW.

---

I see you follow the Costanza principle and do the opposite of what seems reasonable. I can't wait for the ensuing hilarity!

 

[VeeDubb]

Like the mult-million dollar marketing campaign says: once you get into a VW, it gets into you.

You know the problems are coming and you know you shouldn't buy it, but there's nothing you can do about it.

 

[wavinwayne]

mori & veedub,

Yeah, something like that.

 

[crw]

My 1.8T has certainly gotten in to me. I love it. This engine rocks!

I've had this 2001 Jetta for the last six months. Not a single problem with it. Seems solid as a rock. Handling is so nice, I don't know how I'd live without it.

VW-hater-ology seems rampant on the web. I guess there has got to be something to justify it. But my experience has been just the opposite.

Knock-on-wood.......

 

[Tornado Red]

Quote:

---

VW-hater-ology seems rampant on the web. I guess there has got to be something to justify it. But my experience has been just the opposite.

---

80% or 90% of the time, the problems lie with the dealerships. Common problems are not fixed properly on the first trip to a dealership -- the service advisors and mechanics act as though every problem is a brand new never-before-seen problem that requires lengthy diagnosis and the replacement of several expensive parts.

I just read a post over at tdiclub. The guy's Jetta needs a new alternator pulley -- this is a common problem, the alternator is fine, it will last for another 100k miles. But the dealership is replacing the alternator and the pulley. So an extra $400-500 on the bill, because the dealership figures the customer will pay without complaining too much.

 

[VeeDubb]

Quote:

---

VW-hater-ology seems rampant on the web. I guess there has got to be something to justify it. But my experience has been just the opposite.

Knock-on-wood.......

---

I agree. I had a 2002 Passat, which was supposedly one of the worst years, and really, I had an average of one unscheduled trip to the dealership per year. My experience with that car was positive enough for me to buy an 2007 Passat. So far, I love the car. There is no car in the same price range that I would trade it for, I don't care what the reliability reports say.

 

[crw]

Yep, I can see that. My "triage" for doing repairs:

1. Get a really good repair guide and do it yourself.
2. Go to an independent repair place you trust.
3. Go to a dealer only if absolutely necessary. Hopefully #3 will never happen.

 

[Cutehumor]

Are VW bring the turbo diesel back for 2008? 50 mpg is enticing

 

[Tornado Red]

Quote:

---

Are VW bring the turbo diesel back for 2008? 50 mpg is enticing

---

Somewhere around 45-50 mpg highway, with either 6-speed manual or 6-speed DSG (direct shift gearbox) transmission. Horsepower up from 100 to 140. Jetta sedan in early 2008, Jetta wagon in April or May.