Any Former VW/Audi Owners here
06-13-2004 | 07:51 PM
#1
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Vancity
Any Former VW/Audi Owners here
Im new here..as you can all see
Just wondering if there are any former VW/AUDI owners in here??
Im driving a GTI 1.8T right now(trying to sell it)
and HOPING that I can get myself into a TSX
Now the hard part
6spd with NAVI
or
Without!
Just wondering if there are any former VW/AUDI owners in here??
Im driving a GTI 1.8T right now(trying to sell it)
and HOPING that I can get myself into a TSX
Now the hard part
6spd with NAVI
or
Without!
06-13-2004 | 11:54 PM
#4
Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 275
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From: Chicago
I have an '01 Audi S4 heavily modded but it will pass on to a new owner this fall. But I do have an '05 S4 V8 on order due to arrive in october but I'm not sure if I will get it yet because that would mean I'd have to give up the TSX. Although the S4 is much faster, I've been driving the TSX more lately simply because it is more fun to drive thanks to being such a joy to shift. The Audi's 6-speed gearbox is pretty crappy by comparison but supposedly, the new S4's are better.
The 1.8T motor is an excellent platform for modifications. Have you done anything to it? Before the S4, I had a '99 A4 1.8T which went stage 3. In stock, form the 1.8T in the Audi was an anemic 150hp but only $4K+ later, stage 3 brought that up to over 300hp although I never actually dyno'd it (but other people have).
I love Audis but my ownership experiences with them has been troublesome with many unscheduled warranty repairs of little annoying things (AC problems, radio problems, annoying check-engine light warnings, damaged airflow sensors, loose plumbing clamps, etc). I'd still buy one again because they are amazing cars on the track and roads with quattro despite the maintainance headache.
Get the Nav or you will most likely regret it. It's a nice toy to have and you'll be surprised by how much you will actually use it (and eventually depend on it). Voice-recognition is a cool feature but after you show off to your friends how it responds to your voice, you'll probably never use voice-recog again. The rest of the Nav system is very intuitive and in my opinion, the best system available on any mass-produced car on the road today.
The 1.8T motor is an excellent platform for modifications. Have you done anything to it? Before the S4, I had a '99 A4 1.8T which went stage 3. In stock, form the 1.8T in the Audi was an anemic 150hp but only $4K+ later, stage 3 brought that up to over 300hp although I never actually dyno'd it (but other people have).
I love Audis but my ownership experiences with them has been troublesome with many unscheduled warranty repairs of little annoying things (AC problems, radio problems, annoying check-engine light warnings, damaged airflow sensors, loose plumbing clamps, etc). I'd still buy one again because they are amazing cars on the track and roads with quattro despite the maintainance headache.
Get the Nav or you will most likely regret it. It's a nice toy to have and you'll be surprised by how much you will actually use it (and eventually depend on it). Voice-recognition is a cool feature but after you show off to your friends how it responds to your voice, you'll probably never use voice-recog again. The rest of the Nav system is very intuitive and in my opinion, the best system available on any mass-produced car on the road today.
06-14-2004 | 12:12 AM
#5
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 487
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From: Williamsburg, VA
The 2005 S4 is a well manufactured automobile... my mom had a 2001, and now has a 2004 S4, and it is a great car. The TSX actually reminds me of the S4 in terms of style... the interiors are very similar. However, I don't see how anyone could get a TSX over an S4. At least get a TL if you are getting rid of the S4 for an Acura 
06-14-2004 | 06:56 AM
#7
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Joined: Apr 2004
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Had 98 GTI VR6 and 99 Jetta. 98 GTI VR6 was the better of the two but still will never buy VW again. Too many little problems and when they get older watch out, too much expensive crap breaking for no good reason. I really take care of my cars and when parts start going for no reason when the cars have like 50-60k miles on them and are 4-5yrs old its not a good sign. Then I look at my relatives with honda's and toyota's who barely change the oil and don't take care of their cars and have like 200k miles on them and did nothing besides regular wear items (tires, brakes) and changed the oil it made me realize it was time to sell the VWs for something that was going to last.
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06-14-2004 | 10:02 AM
#9
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 218
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From: Dooram, NC
Similar experience with a GTI....things started to fall off "literally" post-40k miles.
Despite this negative stigma regarding the unreliability of VW/Audi, it's truly astonishing to see people still buy products manufactured by this company.
Despite this negative stigma regarding the unreliability of VW/Audi, it's truly astonishing to see people still buy products manufactured by this company.
06-14-2004 | 11:05 AM
#10
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 140
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...it's not just VW...it's German cars in general...
German cars in general aren't aging well. Check out the April Car edition of Consumer Reports. The German cars are trailing the american cars on reliability post 5 years with the japanese in the lead ...of course.
I've owned BMW 3 series and a VW GTI (loved my GTI!) but my 3 series had rear diff & tranny problems, electrical issues and my GTI had no mechanical but also had electrical issues as it began to age.
Once these cars broke down and left me stranded a couple of times I began to think about whether the Fahrvergnugen was worth it all. I had had awesome driving experiences with these cars but being stranded sucked !
I work with Audi & Porsche cars and get to drive them. They are awesome cars, no question, but if you plan to hold onto a car for a few years as I generally do, the German cars aren't going to be as reliable unfortunately. It's sad, you'd think that a more expensive car would hold up better...
I've owned BMW 3 series and a VW GTI (loved my GTI!) but my 3 series had rear diff & tranny problems, electrical issues and my GTI had no mechanical but also had electrical issues as it began to age.
Once these cars broke down and left me stranded a couple of times I began to think about whether the Fahrvergnugen was worth it all. I had had awesome driving experiences with these cars but being stranded sucked !
I work with Audi & Porsche cars and get to drive them. They are awesome cars, no question, but if you plan to hold onto a car for a few years as I generally do, the German cars aren't going to be as reliable unfortunately. It's sad, you'd think that a more expensive car would hold up better...
06-14-2004 | 11:16 AM
#11
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,237
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From: Toronto
Originally Posted by pby
Similar experience with a GTI....things started to fall off "literally" post-40k miles.
Despite this negative stigma regarding the unreliability of VW/Audi, it's truly astonishing to see people still buy products manufactured by this company.
Despite this negative stigma regarding the unreliability of VW/Audi, it's truly astonishing to see people still buy products manufactured by this company.
BTW, BMW is able to against aging(my 328i still looks & drive like new after 5yr & 60k miles) but it is have to many small things break down! the good thinks is I have 8yr warranty on it, so not bordering me too much.
06-14-2004 | 01:18 PM
#12
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Joined: Nov 2003
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Yes, I commute about a hundred miles to work and back. I make a mental note of the types of cars that I see with one headlight out...Its generally VW or Volvos.
A friend of mine recently bought a nice Volvo XC90 but she's already been back to the dealership for several annoyances.
A guy I work with had an S4, what a beautiful car but he ended up getting rid of it and bought a Porsche due to all of the minor electrical issues he'd encountered with the S4.
A friend of mine recently bought a nice Volvo XC90 but she's already been back to the dealership for several annoyances.
A guy I work with had an S4, what a beautiful car but he ended up getting rid of it and bought a Porsche due to all of the minor electrical issues he'd encountered with the S4.
06-14-2004 | 02:48 PM
#13
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Vancity
WOW lots of X-VAG owners!!
I agree with you all, that the MOST german Cars lack build quality, but I have to say that My GTI has been trouble free, and any issues that I did have were fixed under warranty!
I dont think that most V.A.G. owners look down on any Japanese car manufacturer, I say it all boils down to TASTE.
I agree with you all, that the MOST german Cars lack build quality, but I have to say that My GTI has been trouble free, and any issues that I did have were fixed under warranty!
I dont think that most V.A.G. owners look down on any Japanese car manufacturer, I say it all boils down to TASTE.
06-14-2004 | 03:49 PM
#16
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My younger brother has a 99 GTI VR6 and he hasn't had any problems ....so yes, all in all they aren't all that bad. My GTI was also less problem prone than my BMW but I also didn't keep it as long. My BMW was more solid and aged better whereas the GTI started sounded more and more like an empty garbage can.
06-14-2004 | 04:38 PM
#17
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 218
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From: Dooram, NC
Originally Posted by toddstuh
My BMW was more solid and aged better whereas the GTI started sounded more and more like an empty garbage can.
In addition to replacing almost every external bulb on my "EX" Piece of Crap (POC) GTI, the side moldings came off except for the itsy bitsy one on the driver's side. I actually lost the one on the passenger side and had to pay 50 bucks. Yes, american dollars. The alignment would feel right for a only few days after getting it aligned, the engine would hesitate, antifreeze/coolant would dissappear every once in a while, the engine light would say "Hi sucker!" every couple of months, the rear breaks would wear prematurely, had the whip antenna stolen once, exhuast residue would accumulate in the rear spoiler.....and had the driver side lock cylinder slide out along with the key.
I could go on. I really could.
There is not a day that goes by that I do not thank God that the POC is GONE!!!! :fingerfawk:
Had to vent. Sorry. Years and years of stress hehe.
06-14-2004 | 05:44 PM
#18
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,237
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From: Toronto
Originally Posted by TSX=XTC
I dont think that most V.A.G. owners look down on any Japanese car manufacturer, I say it all boils down to TASTE.
1/4 of Volvo,
1/3 of VW,
7/10 of Audi, Jagura
9/10 of BMW,
10/10 MB,
11/10 Porsche/Ferrari,
owner will look down to Japanese car. No matter how a japanese car can beat the euro counter part in every aspect, they still will say "not safe, no soul, no class, no taste". And they just like to define every jap cars are rice!
06-14-2004 | 05:57 PM
#19
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 5,241
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Well, I'm still driving a 2001 Jetta 1.8T Wolfsburg. The TSX is on my short list, but so is the new Jetta GLI 1.8T.
I'm finding it rather hard to go back to NA having driven a turbo motor for 3 years.
I agree that it's largely a matter of taste. I owned an 88 Integra for 11 years. If the TSX had been around when I replaced it in 99, no question that I would be in one. Byt they didn't, and I ended up in a Maxima, may she rest in pieces. I have since found the torque/weight ratio of all the 4-cylinder Acura offerings to be somewhat lacking.
I'm finding it rather hard to go back to NA having driven a turbo motor for 3 years.
I agree that it's largely a matter of taste. I owned an 88 Integra for 11 years. If the TSX had been around when I replaced it in 99, no question that I would be in one. Byt they didn't, and I ended up in a Maxima, may she rest in pieces. I have since found the torque/weight ratio of all the 4-cylinder Acura offerings to be somewhat lacking.
06-14-2004 | 06:49 PM
#20
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 80
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From: NJ
I had a 96 Golf 2.0, put 140k miles on it.
Major problem: clutch return mechanism broke ( a few dealers wanted entire clutch redone - $1500) - friend mechanic did it for $80 labor + $20 part.
Misc problems: windshield wiper switch was shorting out when it was humid and caused smoke coming from the steering wheel (looked like an airbag smoke at first, also wipers didn't work when I needed them most), last few years engine wouldn't start when it was raining, starter was replaced at around 110k (I can see this as normal), heavy white sludge in the oil every winter, bulbs burning out very quickly.
I generally liked the feel of the car but the engine was crap - inelastic and inefficient.
At this point I would not buy a VW although I really considered the Passat when it came out.
I'm really happy (so far) with my TSX.
Major problem: clutch return mechanism broke ( a few dealers wanted entire clutch redone - $1500) - friend mechanic did it for $80 labor + $20 part.
Misc problems: windshield wiper switch was shorting out when it was humid and caused smoke coming from the steering wheel (looked like an airbag smoke at first, also wipers didn't work when I needed them most), last few years engine wouldn't start when it was raining, starter was replaced at around 110k (I can see this as normal), heavy white sludge in the oil every winter, bulbs burning out very quickly.
I generally liked the feel of the car but the engine was crap - inelastic and inefficient.
At this point I would not buy a VW although I really considered the Passat when it came out.
I'm really happy (so far) with my TSX.
06-14-2004 | 07:31 PM
#21
Cruisin'
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 24
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From: Denver, Colorado
I just had my 2000 Jetta GLS TDI totaled out when it was hit on the driver's side with a 2002 Toyota 4-Runner at the end of May. It was a great car, I had an Upsolute Chip upgrade, Eibach Pro-System spring and struts, 16" TSW VX1 Wheels with Yokohoma tires. Hands down the Turbo Diesel Engine is one of the best engines V.W.A.G. is putting out. I had a range of 500-700 miles on a full tank with 40 to 60 M.P.G. I really liked the car but it was my fourth Jetta and my first diesel. My other Jetta's were of the 16 Valve GLI variety. There a just too many little and repeat issues with German cars. This is why I'm really leaning towards the purchase of an Acura TSX. I was going to get a Passat 1.8T with 4-motion but the more I think about it I most likely will get the TSX. German cars all together are having major issues right now, I read in Germany, the top seven cars are Japanese, number 8 is Porsche. Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi/Volkswagen are all towards the bottom. This article is from http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=7162.
Germans in quality crisis
Germany is undergoing an automotive crisis it never expected as the birthplace of the first production car. Quality, by many measures, has tanked at three of its revered brands: Mercedes, Porsche, and Volkswagen. The fourth, BMW, still is holding steady on quality, according to a recent J.D. Power survey of initial quality and durability, but many of its owners have had trouble adjusting to the high-tech controls on the 7-Series and 5-Series products.
The fact that Mercedes trailed Infiniti and Lexus in the dependability survey rankled Germans last year more than a little, but when DaimlerChrysler's American "populist" brands, Chrysler and Dodge, pulled ahead of the luxury icon, the downward trend became a national disgrace. Salt was added to the wounds when Porsche and Volkswagen finished 35th and 36th out of 37 brands rated by Power. "German standards are going down," Professor Claus Leggewie, a political scientist at the University of Giessen, told the New York Times (May 20). "We're no longer in the position of being expensive but very good."
German automakers are not taking the bad quality news lightly. U.S. Volkswagen executives are engaged in "teardown" examinations of vehicles shipped from Germany to their headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Porsche has pointed a finger at the VW plant in Bratislava, Slovakia, where parts are made for both the Porsche Cayenne and VW Touareg SUVs. Somewhere in the mix, production and quality wires are being crossed. "Globalization makes the debate over quality less important," says Professor Leggewie. "When you create transnational companies like DaimlerChrysler, the idea of 'made in Germany' matters less."
U.S. dealers, for that matter, have not complained much about the X5 SUV and Z4 roadster built by BMW in Spartanburg, S.C., or the M-Class SUV coming from the Mercedes facility in Vance, Alabama, though the M-Class routinely finishes among the lowest of the SUVs in Power surveys. Not having been built in the Fatherland was a concern to the proud automakers at first, but southern workers have shown they can build 'em as good as the Germans, if not better. -Mac Gordon
Germany is undergoing an automotive crisis it never expected as the birthplace of the first production car. Quality, by many measures, has tanked at three of its revered brands: Mercedes, Porsche, and Volkswagen. The fourth, BMW, still is holding steady on quality, according to a recent J.D. Power survey of initial quality and durability, but many of its owners have had trouble adjusting to the high-tech controls on the 7-Series and 5-Series products.
The fact that Mercedes trailed Infiniti and Lexus in the dependability survey rankled Germans last year more than a little, but when DaimlerChrysler's American "populist" brands, Chrysler and Dodge, pulled ahead of the luxury icon, the downward trend became a national disgrace. Salt was added to the wounds when Porsche and Volkswagen finished 35th and 36th out of 37 brands rated by Power. "German standards are going down," Professor Claus Leggewie, a political scientist at the University of Giessen, told the New York Times (May 20). "We're no longer in the position of being expensive but very good."
German automakers are not taking the bad quality news lightly. U.S. Volkswagen executives are engaged in "teardown" examinations of vehicles shipped from Germany to their headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Porsche has pointed a finger at the VW plant in Bratislava, Slovakia, where parts are made for both the Porsche Cayenne and VW Touareg SUVs. Somewhere in the mix, production and quality wires are being crossed. "Globalization makes the debate over quality less important," says Professor Leggewie. "When you create transnational companies like DaimlerChrysler, the idea of 'made in Germany' matters less."
U.S. dealers, for that matter, have not complained much about the X5 SUV and Z4 roadster built by BMW in Spartanburg, S.C., or the M-Class SUV coming from the Mercedes facility in Vance, Alabama, though the M-Class routinely finishes among the lowest of the SUVs in Power surveys. Not having been built in the Fatherland was a concern to the proud automakers at first, but southern workers have shown they can build 'em as good as the Germans, if not better. -Mac Gordon
06-14-2004 | 09:28 PM
#22
Intermediate
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 46
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From: Little Rock, AR
When I was test driving cars before making up my decision, I drove a VW Jetta GLI with the 1.8T. I'd have to say that the car seemed very fun to drive and had quite a bit of low end torque (something lacking on the TSX). However, I usually keep my cars for 5-6 years and during that time put ~150K miles on them. In the end, I've heard too many negative things regarding VW reliability and so I chose the TSX. Almost everybody in my family drives a Honda - and none have had any problems. I thought I'd be the first to graduate to the Acura.
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