Volkwagens. How Bad, or Good are they?

[UNC197]

With my Mazda 3 nearing 16 years old and being the original owner, I've been eyeing a few cars as a new replacement.
The new 2022+ Mk8 Volkswagen GTI has caught my eye and I like the styling, engine HP and torque ratings, and fuel economy rating.
I've done some research online about the engine it uses, the EA888. This engine is now in it's 4th generation in this model year of GTI.
I've seen complaints of carbon build up and leaking or cracking water pumps and housing on previous generations of this engine.
I visited the local VW dealer last week and while they did not have any GTI in stock, there are 2 coming in mid March. However, they had a 2020 GTI which was an employee's car that I was welcomed to sit in and I was impressed.

What's the chance of VW's lasting 15+ years with just regular maintenance and without the need of major repairs like my Mazda?
So, people of BITOG who have experience with VW's, please enlighten me with your experiences with these cars. Anything I should be concerned about or lookout for?

(Yes, I know current times may not be ideal to purchase a new car.)

 

[Oillover]

Wonderful cars. I'm sure you'll be smitten with one

 

[RooflessVW]

VWs are awesome.

 

[Zee09]

I doubt you will get 15 yrs out of anything these days.

 

[Kjmack]

As a owner of many VWs over the years the current Volkswagens are pretty good if preventative maintenance is done . I can say with 1000% confidence that they are better than Ford or Gm period . I can't believe the quality that Ford puts out . I have a 2021 F250 by the way .
The GM vehicles are from 2014-2020 all new from dealer . I've had 12 new Fords from 1991-2021 so it's not just a single car issue . Ford and GM people are just conditioned to live with their issues and accept it . Lucky my Ford truck isn't used much it should last a couple of years .

 

[RooflessVW]

I doubt you will get 15 yrs out of anything these days.

I'm closing in on 15 years with my Touareg with only a few hiccups and there are plenty of 20 year old Jettas still out there being abused by teenagers.

IMO the new VWs are as mechanically sound as they've ever been - maybe there's a bit of dice rolling involved but the good ones are good.

 

[Zee09]

I'm closing in on 15 years with my Touareg with only a few hiccups and there are plenty of 20 year old Jettas still out there being abused by teenagers.

IMO the new VWs are as mechanically sound as they've ever been - maybe there's a bit of dice rolling involved but the good ones are good.

I am new to the VW game but am most impressed and as many here know I have had many vehicles and many makes. I'm not a long termer..
But if it stays problem free so to speak i will buy again...very impressed so far.

 

[JavierH19]

They're ok just be on very top of maintenance and even then don't be surprised when something goes. Unless you really want it lean more towards a Toyota or Honda since its beaten to death but all in all they will generally have the least amount of overall issues and repair costs. Of the two I'd rather spend my money on an elantra than a Jetta.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

not as good as Toyota

Get a Corolla hatchback if you can find one

 

[xgmad]

There are minor problems here and there, alot of them were sorted out in late mk6 for that generation, wouldn't know about mk7 jettas but appear to be overall major problem free.

Maintenance is everything. Actually I am going to change the timing belt on the jetta tomorrow along with everything else.

 

[vw7674]

dealers want $1,600 to clean the intake valves.
have no idea if the new ones feature a 'tamper proof' radiator leash.
Apparently it's a patented 'ozone scrubber'?
Not making that up.
Better off leasing .

 

[dishdude]

Owned 3 or 4...no issues I wouldn't hesitate to consider another. 2 were GTIs and they were the best of the bunch by far, great performers. The detuned 2.0T in the Tiguan is a from a performance perspective.

 

[tom in boise]

I bought a 2019 GTI in November of 2019 and it now has 17k miles on it. I bought it primarily as a autox/trackcross/hill climber for my son and I, and it has performed well in that role. In other words, it has been beaten on since I've owned it. Nothing has broken other then one overhead grab handle, which was replaced under warranty. I have changed the oil about 4 times if I recall correctly. Everything is tight and the car is now my wife's daily driver (still my autocrosser). I did change the brake rotors and pads with Hawk pads this winter, to improve the braking performance in the service I use it for.

We had a 1999 Passat that we put 165k miles on, and this car is much better in design. Also had a 2012 Jetta TDI that was a great car but got bought back and a 2006 Jetta 4 door that was a good car but got totaled in a rear end collision.

VW goes back and forth as the largest car company in the world. They are German engineered product so some things are over engineered and kind of goofy. In my opinion, one shouldn't buy any German car unless they have a full toolbox and the skills to use them.

 

[dgunay]

You read reliability stories and vote of confidences above, so here is an "unreliability" story coming from a new (and first) VW owner.

2021 Jetta GLI DSG bought brand new in Sep 2021 - had my first check engine light around 1800 miles 2 days ago. Codes are P1264 & U0287, which is a transmission related check engine light.

The car still runs fine though. I didn't have a chance to push it hard since I bought it, it's mostly driven like a regular Jetta. The drivetrain is completely stock and always used non-ethanol Shell 91. Changed first oil early around 1000 miles even though you don't have to, as I plan to keep it for long term.

I also have few other problems such as front passenger door rubber seal is sagging, and it has rattling around 2500 rpm coming from the passenger floor side, which is a common problem that fuel line causes it.

Still not sure why I got check engine light this early, so I'm not blaming VW - booked appointment for Tuesday want to see why it happened before saying anything. However, I've never had any type of check engine light in my 12 year old Acura till it got totaled, so it's kind of disappointing. So I'd say they are definitely over-engineered like other German manufacturers, and as a result they feel more refined and smoother.

Not saying VWs are bad, but I'd just avoid first model year. If you really want a sporty VW, try to find slightly used MK7.5 Golf R. You'll be much happier with AWD and MK7.5 interior is better than MK8 in terms of plastics & overall quality, assuming you are okay with rear passenger legroom/headroom of a Golf (I wasn't, that's why decided to buy the Jetta GLI as it offers much better rear passenger space, mainly for rear facing child seat).

Either way, if you want to buy any German car, make sure you have decent OBD tool to be able to see/repair it yourself especially after the warranty period.

 

[billt460]

I owned one all through the 80's. (Rabbit Diesel). One of the best cars I ever had. Still had the original Michelin's on it when I sold it with 113,000 miles on it. (Never rotated). Original brakes as well. All I ever put into it was a set of glow plugs at 65,000 miles, or thereabouts.

It was slower than a century old Tortoise with arthritis. But I got an honest 50 MPG with it. The only reason I got rid of it was because it didn't have air, and we were moving to Arizona. Otherwise I'd still have it.

I remember when I bought it, Volkswagen was ranked one of the worst in Consumer Reports for reliability. Mine ran like a Rolex.

 

[vtec260]

I had one experience with 1992 VW Jetta. Good handling car, but as the warranty was ending, electronic gremlin set in along with AC issue, cracked headlight, and non-starting in summer climate (winter was fine for some reason). I haven't touched any German cars since then. Might be better now, but first impression did not impress. However, subsequent ownership of Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Dodge, Ford, and Acura were all positive.

 

[charbaby]

Visit VW forums as well to see what other owners are saying. Personally I've never owned a VW however, I've never driven one that I didn't love driving. Very nice indeed and same with AUDI. There is always that "BUT"! It is sometimes the little things on VWs that need repairs and quite often at very high costs. I've heard it said that if a similar part on a domestic car cost $**.**, it cost $***.** on an Asian car and $****.** on a German(EURO) car.

 

[skyactiv]

I once owned a 2013 I bought new. It was my favorite car I ever owned. I liked it more than a WRX I had. Was it trouble free, no. I was able to fix everything myself.

Wife put a ton of company paid miles on it. My brother now owns it and uses it his work car being a WM pharmacy manager not wanting to get his SUV dinged up in the parking lot. Had in the high 180K mile wise last time I heard. Still has the original turbo, timing chain and head gasket. I had to replace the clutch & flywheel, intake manifold, oil separator/PCV and high pressure fuel pump.

The VW support community seems better.



We looked for a new GLI with a 6 speed manual last year to no avail.

 

[sparky123]

Own a German built 2012 Golf. Bullet proof so far. 2.5 cast iron block 5 cylinder. NOT DI. Full size spare tire. How's that for a dinosaur!. Dislike the 6-sp auto transmission greatly. (Wish I could disconnect the 6th gear in "D" w/o going to manual shifting.) Are you thinking of buying a DSG transmission? Hard to avoid a DI engine these days it seems. So, you will have issues/maintenance that's going to have to be done. I heard the 8th generation is more touch oriented vs. knobs to control various functions. See if it's for you. Life is short and I'm sure the car will put a smile on your face every time you drive it.

 

[JXW]

With my Mazda 3 nearing 16 years old and being the original owner, I've been eyeing a few cars as a new replacement.
The new 2022+ Mk8 Volkswagen GTI has caught my eye and I like the styling, engine HP and torque ratings, and fuel economy rating.
I've done some research online about the engine it uses, the EA888. This engine is now in it's 4th generation in this model year of GTI.
I've seen complaints of carbon build up and leaking or cracking water pumps and housing on previous generations of this engine.
I visited the local VW dealer last week and while they did not have any GTI in stock, there are 2 coming in mid March. However, they had a 2020 GTI which was an employee's car that I was welcomed to sit in and I was impressed.

What's the chance of VW's lasting 15+ years with just regular maintenance and without the need of major repairs like my Mazda?
So, people of BITOG who have experience with VW's, please enlighten me with your experiences with these cars. Anything I should be concerned about or lookout for?

(Yes, I know current times may not be ideal to purchase a new car.)

I have owned many VW's dating back to 1982. 82 Rabbit, 85 GTI, 90 Corrado, 90 Passat, 01 Golf, 92 Passat. My son has a GLI, 2017. Mom has a Golf 2012 I think.

15 years is possible but predicting a labor of love for sure based on history on mine. Comparatively, ownership with Hondas delivers that "low cost of ownership" experience. Rock solid, reliable etc. The difference is the driving experience. The Germans have developed cars that "Feel" better and more connected to the road. Tradeoff here is driving experience is #1 you will face some costs most likely not found with the Japanese cars of Honda and Toyota.

My favorites: The Corrado (MT) with 4 cylinder supercharger--My 1st experience with Full Synthetic oils here... and the 92 Passat GLX, 6 Cylinder, 6MT. I left the VW brand back in the 2000's when the oil consumption issue on the highway driven Passat was explained to me as "being absorbed into the metal of the engine" by the long time service advisor (30 years plus). While the car was delightful to drive I could NOT handle it drinking a quart every 1K miles and out of basic warranty status.