hANDYcaptd's 2011 Volkswagen GTI
07-16-2012, 08:06 PM
#122
Soooo my GTI turns 1 year old today! I figured I'd write up a review of sorts in case anyone is considering getting a GTI. Just the usual likes, dislikes, and plans for the future.
Likes:
1. The steering. I finally understand what the car magazine people mean by steering feedback. I always know exactly where I'm pointing this car. I thought the TL had good steering, but it IS a 10 year old car. The GTI is leaps and bounds better. I think this is what makes it so fun to drive. The meaty, flat bottom steering wheel is pretty cool too
2. Power. I know it's only 200HP/207TQ, but having torque down low was something I was not used to with the TL. It's a beautiful thing. I think this car has just the right amount of power for daily driving. Of course, this is purely subjective and I'm speaking just for me.
3. The seats. I absolutely LOVE these seats, both styling and comfort. My daily work commute is 1 hour each way and it was pretty high on my list to have comfortable seats. The longest commute I've had was a recent 3 hour trip from Greenbelt, MD back to Philly through Friday rush hour traffic and the seats made the trip much more bearable.
4. The suspension is a great balance of comfort and firmness. A quarter of my commute is through a highway under construction. While you do feel the bumps, it's never harsh or noisy. This goes along with my next like.
5. Fit and finish. I know I'm echoing what most people say, but it's true. Materials are soft and hard where you expect it to be. Panel joint are tight and thin. Buttons and dials have a firm, deliberate feel to them. Its hard to describe.
6. Aftermarket support and forum. I don't frequent the GTI forums, just lurk once in a while. From what I've read so far, they are a great group that are VERY helpful.
Dislikes:
1. I have a bone to pick with VW's ergonomics people about the sunroof controls. This is bottom-up view of the controls:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56418602@N05/7578984148/" title="20120715_201014 by handycaptd, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7117/7578984148_6ea24c6ae7_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="20120715_201014"></a>
Center position is closed. Settings to the right are to slide, settings to the left are to tilt. Pretty simple controls...from that angle.
This is the view from the drivers seat:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56418602@N05/7578983292/" title="20120715_200916 by handycaptd, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7578983292_78b7ecba33_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="20120715_200916"></a>
Can you guys tell where the closed position is? I couldn't for the longest time. And 1 year later, I still find myself having to look up at it and the sunroof just to make sure it's closed (the first tilt setting is pretty low).
2. The clutch behavior with and without the AC on is so different. I feel like I'm learning to drive manual again every time I turn on the AC. The heavy flywheel + extra load on the engine makes the RPM drop a good bit quicker
than with the AC off. It usually takes a few rows through the gears to get used (letting the clutch out faster on upshifts and revving more on downshifts to compensate for RPM drop). Just a little frustrating sometimes.
3. We recently had a week long heat wave where I first experienced major heat soak effects. I've felt it before. But AC usage and 99 degree heat and a hour commute just made it so much worse. I can see an IC upgrade in the future.
4. The headlights. For the cost, I really think this car deserved HID projectors. The halogens make it look so crappy. The HID projectors come with the Navi package and that's something like a $3k option. If it was a stand alone $500 option, I'd be all over it.
5. Pretty minor, but there's no exposed front jack point to lift the entire front end. You have to do it one side at a time. I guess I was spoiled with the TL's front subframe jack location.
Finally, plans. I don't plan on modding until the warranty is up. Given the amount I drive, this will be in about a year. One of my friends got a CPO 2010 GTI about 3 months after me. He recently went Stage 1, installed an intake and short shifter. All in the span of 2 weeks. I told him to not let me drive his car
I do plan to tint soon and that will be it. After warranty, I'll most likely go Stage 1 with an intake. Possibly and exhaust and an S3 intercooler (though I've read the install is painful).
I didn't notice it until this afternoon, but someone backed into me while parked this weekend. So my car didn't make it to a year without injury, but it's not too bad. Most of it is scuff marks that I can buff out. There are 3 nicks that go below the paint
I don't know if it's worth it to respray the bumper. Maybe in a year.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56418602@N05/7586756966/" title="20120716_190954 by handycaptd, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8001/7586756966_e82a95452d_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="20120716_190954"></a>
This is a great overall car. Very fun to drive, engaging, and comfortable at the same time. I had a few dislikes, but those were me nitpicking at the details. Here's how she looks as of this morning:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56418602@N05/7586756142/" title="20120716_070140 by handycaptd, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8020/7586756142_8640a62a43_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="20120716_070140"></a>
Almost forgot! I'm at 17k miles currently.
Well, I hope someone finds use in these reviews. I sure love reading others' reviews on here. Anyone considering a GTI, I definitely recommend it. I've had no issues whatsoever.
Likes:
1. The steering. I finally understand what the car magazine people mean by steering feedback. I always know exactly where I'm pointing this car. I thought the TL had good steering, but it IS a 10 year old car. The GTI is leaps and bounds better. I think this is what makes it so fun to drive. The meaty, flat bottom steering wheel is pretty cool too
2. Power. I know it's only 200HP/207TQ, but having torque down low was something I was not used to with the TL. It's a beautiful thing. I think this car has just the right amount of power for daily driving. Of course, this is purely subjective and I'm speaking just for me.
3. The seats. I absolutely LOVE these seats, both styling and comfort. My daily work commute is 1 hour each way and it was pretty high on my list to have comfortable seats. The longest commute I've had was a recent 3 hour trip from Greenbelt, MD back to Philly through Friday rush hour traffic and the seats made the trip much more bearable.
4. The suspension is a great balance of comfort and firmness. A quarter of my commute is through a highway under construction. While you do feel the bumps, it's never harsh or noisy. This goes along with my next like.
5. Fit and finish. I know I'm echoing what most people say, but it's true. Materials are soft and hard where you expect it to be. Panel joint are tight and thin. Buttons and dials have a firm, deliberate feel to them. Its hard to describe.
6. Aftermarket support and forum. I don't frequent the GTI forums, just lurk once in a while. From what I've read so far, they are a great group that are VERY helpful.
Dislikes:
1. I have a bone to pick with VW's ergonomics people about the sunroof controls. This is bottom-up view of the controls:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56418602@N05/7578984148/" title="20120715_201014 by handycaptd, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7117/7578984148_6ea24c6ae7_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="20120715_201014"></a>
Center position is closed. Settings to the right are to slide, settings to the left are to tilt. Pretty simple controls...from that angle.
This is the view from the drivers seat:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56418602@N05/7578983292/" title="20120715_200916 by handycaptd, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7578983292_78b7ecba33_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="20120715_200916"></a>
Can you guys tell where the closed position is? I couldn't for the longest time. And 1 year later, I still find myself having to look up at it and the sunroof just to make sure it's closed (the first tilt setting is pretty low).
2. The clutch behavior with and without the AC on is so different. I feel like I'm learning to drive manual again every time I turn on the AC. The heavy flywheel + extra load on the engine makes the RPM drop a good bit quicker
than with the AC off. It usually takes a few rows through the gears to get used (letting the clutch out faster on upshifts and revving more on downshifts to compensate for RPM drop). Just a little frustrating sometimes.
3. We recently had a week long heat wave where I first experienced major heat soak effects. I've felt it before. But AC usage and 99 degree heat and a hour commute just made it so much worse. I can see an IC upgrade in the future.
4. The headlights. For the cost, I really think this car deserved HID projectors. The halogens make it look so crappy. The HID projectors come with the Navi package and that's something like a $3k option. If it was a stand alone $500 option, I'd be all over it.
5. Pretty minor, but there's no exposed front jack point to lift the entire front end. You have to do it one side at a time. I guess I was spoiled with the TL's front subframe jack location.
Finally, plans. I don't plan on modding until the warranty is up. Given the amount I drive, this will be in about a year. One of my friends got a CPO 2010 GTI about 3 months after me. He recently went Stage 1, installed an intake and short shifter. All in the span of 2 weeks. I told him to not let me drive his car
I do plan to tint soon and that will be it. After warranty, I'll most likely go Stage 1 with an intake. Possibly and exhaust and an S3 intercooler (though I've read the install is painful).I didn't notice it until this afternoon, but someone backed into me while parked this weekend. So my car didn't make it to a year without injury, but it's not too bad. Most of it is scuff marks that I can buff out. There are 3 nicks that go below the paint
I don't know if it's worth it to respray the bumper. Maybe in a year.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56418602@N05/7586756966/" title="20120716_190954 by handycaptd, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8001/7586756966_e82a95452d_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="20120716_190954"></a>
This is a great overall car. Very fun to drive, engaging, and comfortable at the same time. I had a few dislikes, but those were me nitpicking at the details. Here's how she looks as of this morning:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56418602@N05/7586756142/" title="20120716_070140 by handycaptd, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8020/7586756142_8640a62a43_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="20120716_070140"></a>
Almost forgot! I'm at 17k miles currently.
Well, I hope someone finds use in these reviews. I sure love reading others' reviews on here. Anyone considering a GTI, I definitely recommend it. I've had no issues whatsoever.
07-16-2012, 08:38 PM
#123
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Excellent review! I'm glad the car has been treating you well.
07-16-2012, 09:40 PM
#124
Aint Doing Sh*t
Nice review. I was set on getting a GTI.
I just noticed your number two recently. The R clutch already has a high engagement point and the drop out kinda sucks. But it just means that I have to drive it like I stole it.
The sunroof doesn't bother me though. There is a bigger notch at the close postion.
I'm fighting the mod bug. I have a friend with a vmr intake, SS and a 42dd TBE on his GTI that I drove when it was stock. Im probably going to drive it just to see how it drives now.
I just noticed your number two recently. The R clutch already has a high engagement point and the drop out kinda sucks. But it just means that I have to drive it like I stole it.
The sunroof doesn't bother me though. There is a bigger notch at the close postion.
I'm fighting the mod bug. I have a friend with a vmr intake, SS and a 42dd TBE on his GTI that I drove when it was stock. Im probably going to drive it just to see how it drives now.
Last edited by batman; 07-16-2012 at 09:53 PM.
07-17-2012, 12:48 AM
#125
Suzuka Master
Great review.
I test drove the gti recently and it was great but i had only one complaint, and dunno if it was me or what, but from a stop when i quite nearly floored it, there seemed to be a bit of lag between me pressing the pedal and the engine responding (note this is not turbo lag) Other than that, it was GREAT!
I test drove the gti recently and it was great but i had only one complaint, and dunno if it was me or what, but from a stop when i quite nearly floored it, there seemed to be a bit of lag between me pressing the pedal and the engine responding (note this is not turbo lag) Other than that, it was GREAT!
07-17-2012, 11:29 AM
#126
Team Owner
Great review.
I test drove the gti recently and it was great but i had only one complaint, and dunno if it was me or what, but from a stop when i quite nearly floored it, there seemed to be a bit of lag between me pressing the pedal and the engine responding (note this is not turbo lag) Other than that, it was GREAT!
I test drove the gti recently and it was great but i had only one complaint, and dunno if it was me or what, but from a stop when i quite nearly floored it, there seemed to be a bit of lag between me pressing the pedal and the engine responding (note this is not turbo lag) Other than that, it was GREAT!
07-17-2012, 01:23 PM
#128
In the Mid-South meow
iTrader: (2)
Great review dude! It's cool to know if I ended up getting the GTI instead of the MS6 it's likely I'd be enjoying it. Hurry up and rack the miles on it so we can see some mods! 
07-17-2012, 08:01 PM
#129
Thanks guys!
Hmmm, I've never noticed that. I'll check out that last click tomorrow. Thanks.
And yeah, I'll be driving my friend's car some time soon. It's inevitable
Thanks man! I'm glad everything is well with the MS6. Believe me, I'm counting down the miles to 36,000...
And yeah, I'll be driving my friend's car some time soon. It's inevitable
07-18-2012, 10:01 AM
#131
Oh I see, your name is Andy, hence the capitol letters in you screen name.
07-18-2012, 01:22 PM
#132
Dislikes:
1. I have a bone to pick with VW's ergonomics people about the sunroof controls. This is bottom-up view of the controls:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56418602@N05/7578984148/" title="20120715_201014 by handycaptd, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7117/7578984148_6ea24c6ae7_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="20120715_201014"></a>
Center position is closed. Settings to the right are to slide, settings to the left are to tilt. Pretty simple controls...from that angle.
This is the view from the drivers seat:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56418602@N05/7578983292/" title="20120715_200916 by handycaptd, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7578983292_78b7ecba33_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="20120715_200916"></a>
Can you guys tell where the closed position is? I couldn't for the longest time. And 1 year later, I still find myself having to look up at it and the sunroof just to make sure it's closed (the first tilt setting is pretty low).
1. I have a bone to pick with VW's ergonomics people about the sunroof controls. This is bottom-up view of the controls:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56418602@N05/7578984148/" title="20120715_201014 by handycaptd, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7117/7578984148_6ea24c6ae7_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="20120715_201014"></a>
Center position is closed. Settings to the right are to slide, settings to the left are to tilt. Pretty simple controls...from that angle.
This is the view from the drivers seat:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56418602@N05/7578983292/" title="20120715_200916 by handycaptd, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7578983292_78b7ecba33_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="20120715_200916"></a>
Can you guys tell where the closed position is? I couldn't for the longest time. And 1 year later, I still find myself having to look up at it and the sunroof just to make sure it's closed (the first tilt setting is pretty low).
Closed position is pointing forward.Didn't see any mention of it, but have there been any mechanical or other problems that required going in to dealer for?
I like the 18" Laguna wheels they're offering on them now... so much better looking than the Detroits (IMO). The Serron's aren't too bad either.
Last edited by AZuser; 07-18-2012 at 01:26 PM.
07-18-2012, 04:28 PM
#133
Yeah, I've always wondered how many people picked up on that. So no problems so far!I actually don't like the new wheels, I love the Detroits. Machined face FTW!
07-18-2012, 04:59 PM
#135
09-18-2012, 08:15 AM
#136
:(
So I was going to update you guys because I recently got my car tinted. I've been really busy the last few months and I guess no news is good news. But here I am with some news....
I got into a big accident this morning coming into work. I'm fine, the other driver I believe is fine. I saw her being put on a stretcher but I asked the police officer and he said they were just going to get her checked out.
I wasn't at fault but it's such a hassle. I have to get things squared away with insurance and rental. I think my car is totaled, every panel is damaged except the rear hatch and maybe one of the rear quarters. I'll post pics soon.
What a way to start off the morning....
I got into a big accident this morning coming into work. I'm fine, the other driver I believe is fine. I saw her being put on a stretcher but I asked the police officer and he said they were just going to get her checked out.
I wasn't at fault but it's such a hassle. I have to get things squared away with insurance and rental. I think my car is totaled, every panel is damaged except the rear hatch and maybe one of the rear quarters. I'll post pics soon.
What a way to start off the morning....
09-18-2012, 08:28 AM
#137
I spend 2 much time here
sorry to hear about your accident.
i really need to test drive one of these cars. i have been close to pulling the trigger on a new TL however that car is probably bigger than what i need.
i'm sure i could get a loaded GTI for cheaper than a TL-shawd-tech that i have been looking at.
i really need to test drive one of these cars. i have been close to pulling the trigger on a new TL however that car is probably bigger than what i need.
i'm sure i could get a loaded GTI for cheaper than a TL-shawd-tech that i have been looking at.
09-18-2012, 09:25 AM
#138
Race Director
iTrader: (7)
sorry to see Andy. I'm glad you're OK. Seems we both got new cars and got into an accident. Mine just happened sooner.
Good luck with insurance. Do not go through the hassle I did.
09-18-2012, 10:48 AM
#139
In the Mid-South meow
iTrader: (2)
Dood soooo sorry to hear about your accident. What exactly happened???
The important part is you're ok and cars can be replaced. What do you think you'll get next if it is indeed totalled? Stick with another GTI?
What exactly happened???The important part is you're ok and cars can be replaced. What do you think you'll get next if it is indeed totalled? Stick with another GTI?
09-18-2012, 12:06 PM
#140
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Wow, I'm so sorry to hear. I'm glad you and the other person involved weren't injured.
09-19-2012, 08:02 PM
#142
Thanks, guys. I've been trying to wrap my head around what happened, still. It's surreal.
Anyway, I was driving in the left lane of a 3 lane roadway. Just left an intersection, maybe a few hundred feet beyond when I heard a tire screech/chirp. Started to turn to the where the sound came from, passenger rear. I was able to see for a split second this car coming for me. She slammed into the back passenger side and pushed my car into the guard rail. I clipped about a dozen guard rail posts until my car finally was slow enough to get caught on one and it spun me 180 degrees to a stop.
Probably the scariest thing I've ever been a part of. It's amazing that I walked away uninjured, except for a minor soreness/strain in my shoulder/neck muscle. VW engineering at its best
The roadway was still wet from overnight rain. From witness accounts, the lime green Pontiac Trans Am was hauling ass and lost control. When she regained traction, she was already aimed for my car and it was too late. It all happened behind me so I only have their accounts to go by. I learned later that it was a 19 yr old driving the Trans Am.
I'm now driving a Prius rental. The fuel efficiency is a nice change
Here are the pictures:
I'd be SHOCKED if they decide to repair it. What do you guys think? Totaled?
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56418602@N05/8000169974/" title="20120918_071650 by handycaptd, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8032/8000169974_5f9c3c27e4_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="20120918_071650"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56418602@N05/8000168583/" title="20120918_071736 by handycaptd, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8305/8000168583_7f97ff4a9b_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="20120918_071736"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56418602@N05/8000167931/" title="20120918_071710 by handycaptd, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8307/8000167931_d78c0ae142_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="20120918_071710"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56418602@N05/8000169371/" title="2012-09-18_07-40-53_31 by handycaptd, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8178/8000169371_b487d13490_z.jpg" width="640" height="361" alt="2012-09-18_07-40-53_31"></a>
Anyway, I was driving in the left lane of a 3 lane roadway. Just left an intersection, maybe a few hundred feet beyond when I heard a tire screech/chirp. Started to turn to the where the sound came from, passenger rear. I was able to see for a split second this car coming for me. She slammed into the back passenger side and pushed my car into the guard rail. I clipped about a dozen guard rail posts until my car finally was slow enough to get caught on one and it spun me 180 degrees to a stop.
Probably the scariest thing I've ever been a part of. It's amazing that I walked away uninjured, except for a minor soreness/strain in my shoulder/neck muscle. VW engineering at its best
The roadway was still wet from overnight rain. From witness accounts, the lime green Pontiac Trans Am was hauling ass and lost control. When she regained traction, she was already aimed for my car and it was too late. It all happened behind me so I only have their accounts to go by. I learned later that it was a 19 yr old driving the Trans Am.
I'm now driving a Prius rental. The fuel efficiency is a nice change
Here are the pictures:
I'd be SHOCKED if they decide to repair it. What do you guys think? Totaled?
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56418602@N05/8000169974/" title="20120918_071650 by handycaptd, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8032/8000169974_5f9c3c27e4_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="20120918_071650"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56418602@N05/8000168583/" title="20120918_071736 by handycaptd, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8305/8000168583_7f97ff4a9b_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="20120918_071736"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56418602@N05/8000167931/" title="20120918_071710 by handycaptd, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8307/8000167931_d78c0ae142_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="20120918_071710"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/56418602@N05/8000169371/" title="2012-09-18_07-40-53_31 by handycaptd, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8178/8000169371_b487d13490_z.jpg" width="640" height="361" alt="2012-09-18_07-40-53_31"></a>
09-19-2012, 08:13 PM
#143
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Totaled.
09-19-2012, 10:35 PM
#145
In the Mid-South meow
iTrader: (2)
Holly sh*t dude, that's way worse than I was expecting. No doubt that's totaled. It really is amazing you walked away from that with just a little soreness.
No doubt that's totaled. It really is amazing you walked away from that with just a little soreness.
09-20-2012, 12:22 AM
#146
Suzuka Master
damn sorry to hear for your loss
at least you came out ok though, be glad you had a nice safe car
I'd honestly hope its totalled cause repairing that, who knows if it would ever be the same again...
at least you came out ok though, be glad you had a nice safe car
I'd honestly hope its totalled cause repairing that, who knows if it would ever be the same again...
09-20-2012, 12:22 PM
#148
Three Wheelin'
Extremely totaled!
Glad to hear that you're ok. Make sure you go get your back/neck checked out asap at a doctor. You may think it's just a little tightness but it can get worse quickly.
Also, get all your receipts together from the mods you spent. (i.e tint, wheels, etc..)
Don't let them just give you value based on that car, you may have another $1,000 into the car and they owe you every penny of that. Also, make sure her insurance company has enough coverage. When my car was totaled, the other guys insurance company accepted blame but after 2 weeks when it was time for them to cut me a check they realized the guy only had $5,000 in property damage. (Stupid PA minimums)
Sorry about your luck but glad to hear you're okay.
Glad to hear that you're ok. Make sure you go get your back/neck checked out asap at a doctor. You may think it's just a little tightness but it can get worse quickly.
Also, get all your receipts together from the mods you spent. (i.e tint, wheels, etc..)
Don't let them just give you value based on that car, you may have another $1,000 into the car and they owe you every penny of that. Also, make sure her insurance company has enough coverage. When my car was totaled, the other guys insurance company accepted blame but after 2 weeks when it was time for them to cut me a check they realized the guy only had $5,000 in property damage. (Stupid PA minimums)
Sorry about your luck but glad to hear you're okay.
09-20-2012, 12:50 PM
#149
Race Director
iTrader: (7)
Extremely totaled!
Glad to hear that you're ok. Make sure you go get your back/neck checked out asap at a doctor. You may think it's just a little tightness but it can get worse quickly.
Also, get all your receipts together from the mods you spent. (i.e tint, wheels, etc..)
Don't let them just give you value based on that car, you may have another $1,000 into the car and they owe you every penny of that. Also, make sure her insurance company has enough coverage. When my car was totaled, the other guys insurance company accepted blame but after 2 weeks when it was time for them to cut me a check they realized the guy only had $5,000 in property damage. (Stupid PA minimums)
Sorry about your luck but glad to hear you're okay.
Glad to hear that you're ok. Make sure you go get your back/neck checked out asap at a doctor. You may think it's just a little tightness but it can get worse quickly.
Also, get all your receipts together from the mods you spent. (i.e tint, wheels, etc..)
Don't let them just give you value based on that car, you may have another $1,000 into the car and they owe you every penny of that. Also, make sure her insurance company has enough coverage. When my car was totaled, the other guys insurance company accepted blame but after 2 weeks when it was time for them to cut me a check they realized the guy only had $5,000 in property damage. (Stupid PA minimums)
Sorry about your luck but glad to hear you're okay.
^ i had the exact same thing happen to me
but yea, i gotta say totaled. sorry Andy. Im glad you're ok, but id go get yourself checked out..just to be on the safe side
09-20-2012, 06:05 PM
#150
The sizzle in the Steak
oof! Yea, it's a total loss....no doubt.
Glad to hear you are ok!!
GTI held up very well in the crash.
Time to go car shopping!
Glad to hear you are ok!!
GTI held up very well in the crash.
Time to go car shopping!
09-20-2012, 06:33 PM
#151
Aint Doing Sh*t
Wow man. Glad you are okay. That's crazy. I'm sure the true owner of that TA is just as angry as you are.
How many of your airbags deployed? I see the curtains. There is a picture out there of a Golf R with a truck sitting on top of it and the driver crawling out.
How many of your airbags deployed? I see the curtains. There is a picture out there of a Golf R with a truck sitting on top of it and the driver crawling out.
09-20-2012, 07:36 PM
#152
Thanks for the advice guys. I did go to the doctor the next day. Most of the soreness went away overnight. But he said to note anything unusual since it may get worse.
I got a call from the body shop and they had the estimate at a little over $20k in damages, not including the suspension. The lady said maybe $22-23k after suspension.
That seems VERY low to me. I hope they're not cutting corners to get the work (I had it sent to my insurance's select shop, may not have been the brightest idea....)
Do you guys know what my options are regarding a third party estimate? I want a VW dealer to look at the engine bay damages. I don't want to accept anything less than genuine VW parts in that estimate.
This is such a frustrating situation.
I got a call from the body shop and they had the estimate at a little over $20k in damages, not including the suspension. The lady said maybe $22-23k after suspension.
That seems VERY low to me. I hope they're not cutting corners to get the work (I had it sent to my insurance's select shop, may not have been the brightest idea....)
Do you guys know what my options are regarding a third party estimate? I want a VW dealer to look at the engine bay damages. I don't want to accept anything less than genuine VW parts in that estimate.
This is such a frustrating situation.
Last edited by hANDYcaptd; 09-20-2012 at 07:41 PM.
09-20-2012, 07:51 PM
#154
Also, get all your receipts together from the mods you spent. (i.e tint, wheels, etc..)
Don't let them just give you value based on that car, you may have another $1,000 into the car and they owe you every penny of that. Also, make sure her insurance company has enough coverage. When my car was totaled, the other guys insurance company accepted blame but after 2 weeks when it was time for them to cut me a check they realized the guy only had $5,000 in property damage. (Stupid PA minimums)
Don't let them just give you value based on that car, you may have another $1,000 into the car and they owe you every penny of that. Also, make sure her insurance company has enough coverage. When my car was totaled, the other guys insurance company accepted blame but after 2 weeks when it was time for them to cut me a check they realized the guy only had $5,000 in property damage. (Stupid PA minimums)
Yeah side and curtains deployed. Oddly only on the passenger side. My side had no airbags deployed. May have done more harm than good if it did deploy, though.
09-20-2012, 08:00 PM
#156
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Thanks for the advice guys. I did go to the doctor the next day. Most of the soreness went away overnight. But he said to note anything unusual since it may get worse.
I got a call from the body shop and they had the estimate at a little over $20k in damages, not including the suspension. The lady said maybe $22-23k after suspension.
That seems VERY low to me. I hope they're not cutting corners to get the work (I had it sent to my insurance's select shop, may not have been the brightest idea....)
Do you guys know what my options are regarding a third party estimate? I want a VW dealer to look at the engine bay damages. I don't want to accept anything less than genuine VW parts in that estimate.
This is such a frustrating situation.
I got a call from the body shop and they had the estimate at a little over $20k in damages, not including the suspension. The lady said maybe $22-23k after suspension.
That seems VERY low to me. I hope they're not cutting corners to get the work (I had it sent to my insurance's select shop, may not have been the brightest idea....)
Do you guys know what my options are regarding a third party estimate? I want a VW dealer to look at the engine bay damages. I don't want to accept anything less than genuine VW parts in that estimate.
This is such a frustrating situation.
So sorry to hear about this man. You are okay, and that's all it matters.
If I were you, I would hire the lawyer to deal with this. Everytime I was involved in an accident, I always hired the lawyer to deal with the insurance company. I never did anything myself, the lawyer would handle everything. And in the end, I always received a fat check. You don't pay the lawyer since they just take like a half of the check you get.
Good luck man.
What are you going to get for your next car? GTI?
09-21-2012, 06:25 AM
#159
Three Wheelin'
It'd ridiculousif they try fixing that. Once the estimate gets within 75% of the car its considered totaled pretty much. The insurance will make a few thousand from selling the car for parts and that estimate will go up 10% min once the body shop finds hidden damage. Also remember if they want to argue about repairing that you would seek deminished value since no one would ever buy your car since the car fax report would be murderous with those repairs.
As for being underinsured just go through your company and once they find you 0% at fault they'll cover the payout minus what you owe. Then get whatever they can from the other insurance company and then try suing the girl to get the rest.
Much luck.
As for being underinsured just go through your company and once they find you 0% at fault they'll cover the payout minus what you owe. Then get whatever they can from the other insurance company and then try suing the girl to get the rest.
Much luck.
09-21-2012, 07:01 AM
#160
OMG. I'm really not frequent at Car Talk these days and this is not the update I wanted to see.
So sorry to hear about this man. You are okay, and that's all it matters.
If I were you, I would hire the lawyer to deal with this. Everytime I was involved in an accident, I always hired the lawyer to deal with the insurance company. I never did anything myself, the lawyer would handle everything. And in the end, I always received a fat check. You don't pay the lawyer since they just take like a half of the check you get.
Good luck man.
What are you going to get for your next car? GTI?
So sorry to hear about this man. You are okay, and that's all it matters.
If I were you, I would hire the lawyer to deal with this. Everytime I was involved in an accident, I always hired the lawyer to deal with the insurance company. I never did anything myself, the lawyer would handle everything. And in the end, I always received a fat check. You don't pay the lawyer since they just take like a half of the check you get.
Good luck man.
What are you going to get for your next car? GTI?
As for my next car, I have absolutely no idea yet. I've made a list but my head spins when I look at it.
It'd ridiculousif they try fixing that. Once the estimate gets within 75% of the car its considered totaled pretty much. The insurance will make a few thousand from selling the car for parts and that estimate will go up 10% min once the body shop finds hidden damage. Also remember if they want to argue about repairing that you would seek deminished value since no one would ever buy your car since the car fax report would be murderous with those repairs.
As for being underinsured just go through your company and once they find you 0% at fault they'll cover the payout minus what you owe. Then get whatever they can from the other insurance company and then try suing the girl to get the rest.
Much luck.
As for being underinsured just go through your company and once they find you 0% at fault they'll cover the payout minus what you owe. Then get whatever they can from the other insurance company and then try suing the girl to get the rest.
Much luck.