For those that have bought a VW
#1
Pro
Thread Starter
For those that have bought a VW
Are you scared of racking hugh miles on the car because of VW's reliablity and high dealer mainteance costs? I drive a Honda and dont care about the miles too much because of their rep. This is my first Honda and I got it new and at 49k only thing gone bad was a lightblub.
I'm considering going to a 09 rabbit in automatic as the Seattle area traffic is making me a bit sick of stick shift cars.
I'm considering going to a 09 rabbit in automatic as the Seattle area traffic is making me a bit sick of stick shift cars.
#3
Pro
Thread Starter
I really like how some VW models make me feel younger when I'm driving it. GTI, Rabbit. Just the other side of the coin is something to think about. I want 100,200k plus of stress free driving and with VW I think I would be a lot more worried about high miles than on a Honda.
I wish I had enough money for both.
I wish I had enough money for both.
#4
Suzuka Master
Reliability of newer VWs and Audis has gotten better for sure. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a new dsg/GTi.
#5
The sizzle in the Steak
VW and Audi quality is vast improved...especially over the last few years.
My GTI has been trouble free. I have seen people on other boards with GTI's (MKV) with 80k mi with no troubles.
The GTI MKV is one of the most enjoyable cars I have owned.
Turbo & DSG FTW
My GTI has been trouble free. I have seen people on other boards with GTI's (MKV) with 80k mi with no troubles.
The GTI MKV is one of the most enjoyable cars I have owned.
Turbo & DSG FTW
#7
この道は毛むくじゃらのマンコだらけ..
We're getting rid of the Cayenne before warranty expires.
Already have a air bag light that stays on. Only driven 1700 miles too Hopefully it goes away soon I checked the onboard diagnostics and it found no problem... whatevers. Take it to the dealer at 3000 miles anyways.
Already have a air bag light that stays on. Only driven 1700 miles too Hopefully it goes away soon I checked the onboard diagnostics and it found no problem... whatevers. Take it to the dealer at 3000 miles anyways.
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#9
The Box
Obviously IMHO...
#10
dɐɹɔ ǝɥʇ ʇɐɥʍ
Both my brother and I had mid-late production MK IV and experience more then our fair share of problems. Having problems is one thing, it can happen to any vehicle, my problem was how all of the local dealerships treated us when we had problems, it was as though they were accusing us for creating the problems. So while they may have gotten better, I still wouldn't want to deal with the local dealerships who service them under warranty. Of course YMMV, my problems were with the 3 local VW dealerships, if the dealerships in your area are better so may be your experiences. Also never ask the dealership how their service is, search online, every dealership claims to offer the "best service in the business" but in reality only 10% of dealerships, in my experience, are up to par.
#13
Suzuka Master
While this is somewhat true, I think I've just always had extreme luck with german cars *knock on wood* and out of all the 6 or 7 german cars I've owned, all issues were minor.(Burnt lights, dead LEDs, horns etc) I've gained enough trust to own them even AFTER the warranty expired. However I'm fully aware of how wrong things can get and the price to pay when it happens.
#14
Disinformation Terminator
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I bought a 1995 Golf GL (2.0L) new and put 133K on it in 5 years. The only things that ever truly went wrong with it were a sticking front left brake caliper, a sunroof mechanism that required fixing a few times, and some squeaks and rattles. Other than that, it never refused to start, absorbed all that mileage without complaint, and was still on the road last time I checked.
Just one man's experience.
-Mirror
Just one man's experience.
-Mirror
#16
The sizzle in the Steak
For the record:
The last two German cars I have owned were far and away more reliable than my Acura CL-S was. Replacing transmissions (and the first one under 10k miles) is not reliable.
The last two German cars I have owned were far and away more reliable than my Acura CL-S was. Replacing transmissions (and the first one under 10k miles) is not reliable.
#18
Pro
Thread Starter
I think the 09 Rabbit is the most underrated car under 20k out there. Civic, Mazda3, Fit is behind imho in the fun dept. Its a GTI without the harsh ride and turbo.
#19
The sizzle in the Steak
#20
S E L L
My sister's got a 99 Passat 1.8T with 149K+ miles and it's still going. A few things have needed repair, nothing major. Rear passenger side window regulator needed replacement ($100 brand new from 1stvwparts.com, dealer wanted $300+!!), ignition module went out ($70-75 new off ebay, dealer wanted $600+!!), had to replace it again a little over a year later ($110 this time off autohausaz.com), and a battery $95 at Kragen Auto. Other than that, just typical maintenance and it's been good to go.
#21
Is a chargin mah lazar in
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The past VAG cars I've owned have been incredibly reliable..Had a C5 A6 with the 2.8l that lasted forever. So long in fact, that my family decided to keep it with 170k+ miles on the original tranny and motor, now it burns a little oil but still runs strong. My S4 on the other hand...well, the 2.7t motor was quite possibly one of the WORST ideas Audi ever came up with. Everything breaking all the time pretty much gave me an excuse to go Stg 3 though =)...until my motor grenaded itself.
The new 2.0t motors are f-king bulletproof though. I do miss the MKIV GTis though, the VR6 motor with AWE exhaust sounds like pure sex. One of the best sounding 6 cylinders next to the 2JZ/1JZ and the VQ...
The only gripe I ever had with VW/Audi is that it takes an absolute assload of money to make them fast. When I say assload I mean about $2/3k+ to make 100whp reliably. Or you can go Stg3 with a custom file/turbo for around $3-4k more...and that's not even getting into modding the OUTSIDE of the engine bay (with the exception of a tbe)
The new 2.0t motors are f-king bulletproof though. I do miss the MKIV GTis though, the VR6 motor with AWE exhaust sounds like pure sex. One of the best sounding 6 cylinders next to the 2JZ/1JZ and the VQ...
The only gripe I ever had with VW/Audi is that it takes an absolute assload of money to make them fast. When I say assload I mean about $2/3k+ to make 100whp reliably. Or you can go Stg3 with a custom file/turbo for around $3-4k more...and that's not even getting into modding the OUTSIDE of the engine bay (with the exception of a tbe)
Last edited by Onese1f; 02-11-2009 at 11:47 PM.
#22
Audi Driving Snob
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The only gripe I ever had with VW/Audi is that it takes an absolute assload of money to make them fast. When I say assload I mean about $2/3k+ to make 100whp reliably. Or you can go Stg3 with a custom file/turbo for around $3-4k more...and that's not even getting into modding the OUTSIDE of the engine bay (with the exception of a tbe)
I don't know that I agree about it being expensive to get performance out of the 2.0t, at least. If you went the absolute cheapest route for performance and got an ATP catless downpipe + revo stage 2 tune you are talking 800 bucks for a car taht will put down at least 235whp(some up to 250) and 300lbft of wtq. TTs with the downpipe/stage 2 flash are hitting high 13s. It's all about what you consider fast I guess!
#25
I shoot people
on another note...
from the commercial... I'm REALLY liking the Passat CC
from the commercial... I'm REALLY liking the Passat CC
#26
Banned
iTrader: (1)
My wife had a toureg when they first came out, it went in the shop for several things, off the top of my head I remember, ball joints, something w/ ignition, alignment (which never got fixed) and electrical problems. The interior lights and fog lights would stay on after the car was off and alarm was armed. Traded it in on the lex is350
#27
Living the Dream
#28
LFG RANGERS!!!!!!!!!!!
iTrader: (6)
I have had several German cars (90 BMW 325 ic, 95 325I, 2001 Audi A3) all were fine cars, I kept the convertible until 2005 and never had any problems (60k)
I really liked the A3 the interior was great the 1.8T was spunky but at 20k kilometers it had several issues that as it was over a year old and car companies are ass*oles in Mexico and give a one year warranty I paid for the repairs, this was in 2003 so I am a bit fuzzy but I think it was ignition related, the coils maybe.
I loved the car but things failing that fast is unacceptable.
I really liked the A3 the interior was great the 1.8T was spunky but at 20k kilometers it had several issues that as it was over a year old and car companies are ass*oles in Mexico and give a one year warranty I paid for the repairs, this was in 2003 so I am a bit fuzzy but I think it was ignition related, the coils maybe.
I loved the car but things failing that fast is unacceptable.
#29
Suzuka Master
#30
The only gripe I ever had with VW/Audi is that it takes an absolute assload of money to make them fast. When I say assload I mean about $2/3k+ to make 100whp reliably. Or you can go Stg3 with a custom file/turbo for around $3-4k more...and that's not even getting into modding the OUTSIDE of the engine bay (with the exception of a tbe) [/QUOTE]
Not sure I understand this one- are you referring to n/a modding?. I have an 04 Allroad with 2.7tt, and for $600 bucks I get an APR chip that will give me and additional 70hp/90 ft lbs of torque. Looks like this works for all turbo VAG models
http://aprdealers.com/audi-allroad.html
Not sure I understand this one- are you referring to n/a modding?. I have an 04 Allroad with 2.7tt, and for $600 bucks I get an APR chip that will give me and additional 70hp/90 ft lbs of torque. Looks like this works for all turbo VAG models
http://aprdealers.com/audi-allroad.html
#32
The sizzle in the Steak
^^^ Trust me: You don't want the 2.0T w/ DSG.
#33
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I don't know that I agree about it being expensive to get performance out of the 2.0t, at least. If you went the absolute cheapest route for performance and got an ATP catless downpipe + revo stage 2 tune you are talking 800 bucks for a car taht will put down at least 235whp(some up to 250) and 300lbft of wtq. TTs with the downpipe/stage 2 flash are hitting high 13s. It's all about what you consider fast I guess!
Revo Stg 2 requires: Stg1 flash/injectors/new DV/TBE/and an upgraded FMIC.
You have your stages confused.
Stg 1: Chip/DV
Stg 2: TBE/Injectors + FMIC for ++
Stg 3: Turbo upgrade w/ replacement TIP etc etc
Doing a full Stg 2 for $800 is absolutely ludicrous, GSG/AWE/APR all have FMIC's that START at around $1.1k
Not sure I understand this one- are you referring to n/a modding?. I have an 04 Allroad with 2.7tt, and for $600 bucks I get an APR chip that will give me and additional 70hp/90 ft lbs of torque. Looks like this works for all turbo VAG models
http://aprdealers.com/audi-allroad.html
#34
Fahrvergnügen'd
Just hit 36k on my S4. Have put 11k on it since July 1.
Just did the 35k mile service and no problems.
I will be getting an extended warranty when the original one runs out in June.
VWs are not cheap. Neither are Audis.
My brother's Jetta wagon needed a new clutch and I think it was $1500 at the dealer.
But every day I drive my Audi I realize that it's worth the extra expense over my Mazdaspeed3. It's just a better car in every way.
Just did the 35k mile service and no problems.
I will be getting an extended warranty when the original one runs out in June.
VWs are not cheap. Neither are Audis.
My brother's Jetta wagon needed a new clutch and I think it was $1500 at the dealer.
But every day I drive my Audi I realize that it's worth the extra expense over my Mazdaspeed3. It's just a better car in every way.
#35
Burning Brakes
The only gripe I ever had with VW/Audi is that it takes an absolute assload of money to make them fast. When I say assload I mean about $2/3k+ to make 100whp reliably. Or you can go Stg3 with a custom file/turbo for around $3-4k more...and that's not even getting into modding the OUTSIDE of the engine bay (with the exception of a tbe)
Thanks for making me feel like an asshat for the amount of $$$ I've dumped into my car to gain 100whp...
#36
Instructor
Before I got my 03 CL 6spd I owned a 01 A4 2.8 5spd w/sports package. I bought it used with a little under 50K on it and had the extended warranty up to 100K.
It was a great car. The AWD made it a lot of fun! I only had to go to the dealer for small things, like speakers going out once or twice and some other electrical problems. I paid the $50 deductable and that was it. Other than that it was just regular maintenance.
I did sell it a little after 100k but not because anything was wrong with it. I moved south and didn't need the AWD anymore and wanted to try something different. My car before the Audi was a older MB C230 K, so I wanted to get something that wasn't Germany.
It was a great car. The AWD made it a lot of fun! I only had to go to the dealer for small things, like speakers going out once or twice and some other electrical problems. I paid the $50 deductable and that was it. Other than that it was just regular maintenance.
I did sell it a little after 100k but not because anything was wrong with it. I moved south and didn't need the AWD anymore and wanted to try something different. My car before the Audi was a older MB C230 K, so I wanted to get something that wasn't Germany.
#38
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So over my winter break I test drove a few cars (new TSX, TL, Maxima, Impreza) and we were going to go home but I decided to stop by the VW dealership since there was still some time before closing. They didn't have many GTIs on the lot but I got a guy to open one up for me. I sat in it, really liked it, and then egged him on to test drive it, since he originally said he couldn't take it out because there was no gas, which was true, but only the light was on and the needle wasn't on empty, so we took it for a quick spin.
I haven't stopped thinking about it since! I'm actually almost mad I decided to stop by. What a car. That DSG is a piece of work. I'm used to driving Honda/Acura cars (96 TL, 99 TL, 04 TSX, 06 TL, 06 Civic) and it was a totally different experience. I've been driving a 97 Altima since June 03 and I'll probably be buying my first car in spring '10.
Here's my dilemma though: the new GTI will be out by then but hell if I want to buy a first MY German car. Being used to Honda/Acura/Nissan, will it be too much of a shock in terms of maintenance? I guess there's a lot of time until then but I just can't stop thinking about how much I want a GTI, lol.
I love the 5dr hatch in United Grey... mmm.
I haven't stopped thinking about it since! I'm actually almost mad I decided to stop by. What a car. That DSG is a piece of work. I'm used to driving Honda/Acura cars (96 TL, 99 TL, 04 TSX, 06 TL, 06 Civic) and it was a totally different experience. I've been driving a 97 Altima since June 03 and I'll probably be buying my first car in spring '10.
Here's my dilemma though: the new GTI will be out by then but hell if I want to buy a first MY German car. Being used to Honda/Acura/Nissan, will it be too much of a shock in terms of maintenance? I guess there's a lot of time until then but I just can't stop thinking about how much I want a GTI, lol.
I love the 5dr hatch in United Grey... mmm.
#39
Audi Driving Snob
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Absolute cheapest? $800? That's if you buy everything used.
Revo Stg 2 requires: Stg1 flash/injectors/new DV/TBE/and an upgraded FMIC.
You have your stages confused.
Stg 1: Chip/DV
Stg 2: TBE/Injectors + FMIC for ++
Stg 3: Turbo upgrade w/ replacement TIP etc etc
Doing a full Stg 2 for $800 is absolutely ludicrous, GSG/AWE/APR all have FMIC's that START at around $1.1k
No not n/a modding. Sure, thats just the price of a simple chip. Now go look at the recommended DV replacements (2.7's have two) and the cost for either an FMIC or a SMIC and a full TBE then get back to me
Revo Stg 2 requires: Stg1 flash/injectors/new DV/TBE/and an upgraded FMIC.
You have your stages confused.
Stg 1: Chip/DV
Stg 2: TBE/Injectors + FMIC for ++
Stg 3: Turbo upgrade w/ replacement TIP etc etc
Doing a full Stg 2 for $800 is absolutely ludicrous, GSG/AWE/APR all have FMIC's that START at around $1.1k
No not n/a modding. Sure, thats just the price of a simple chip. Now go look at the recommended DV replacements (2.7's have two) and the cost for either an FMIC or a SMIC and a full TBE then get back to me
Stage 2 is dowpipe and updated software flash to take full advantage. All you need for stage 2 is a downpipe. Not even an intake is required, though reccomended.
Stage 2+ includes a new high pressure fuel pump and a software update to make use of it. This is not required on the new TSI as it has a better pump stock.
Stage 3 = ugraded turbo. Not until here do you need injectors etc.
An upgraded DV is never required unless yours breaks. Chris from Revo is running a stage 3 kit on his stock G valve. He's also using stock injectors on a larger turbo.
Again I'm not saying you wouldn't want a fmic etc for maximum gains but doint a stage 2 as cheap as possible I stand by you being able to make it happen for as little as 800 dollars.
Last edited by TinkySD; 02-12-2009 at 07:49 PM.
#40
Is a chargin mah lazar in
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You are incorrect. Stage one is software only.
Stage 2 is dowpipe and updated software flash to take full advantage. All you need for stage 2 is a downpipe. Not even an intake is required, though reccomended.
Stage 2+ includes a new high pressure fuel pump and a software update to make use of it. This is not required on the new TSI as it has a better pump stock.
Stage 3 = ugraded turbo. Not until here do you need injectors etc.
An upgraded DV is never required unless yours breaks. Chris from Revo is running a stage 3 kit on his stock G valve. He's also using stock injectors on a larger turbo.
Again I'm not saying you wouldn't want a fmic etc for maximum gains but doint a stage 2 as cheap as possible I stand by you being able to make it happen for as little as 800 dollars.
Stage 2 is dowpipe and updated software flash to take full advantage. All you need for stage 2 is a downpipe. Not even an intake is required, though reccomended.
Stage 2+ includes a new high pressure fuel pump and a software update to make use of it. This is not required on the new TSI as it has a better pump stock.
Stage 3 = ugraded turbo. Not until here do you need injectors etc.
An upgraded DV is never required unless yours breaks. Chris from Revo is running a stage 3 kit on his stock G valve. He's also using stock injectors on a larger turbo.
Again I'm not saying you wouldn't want a fmic etc for maximum gains but doint a stage 2 as cheap as possible I stand by you being able to make it happen for as little as 800 dollars.
But even still, supporting mods that come along with staging haven't even been taken into account either. Sure you could do $800 for Stage 2. But it would suck. Normally when people go Stage 1, they do chip along with a dv replacement. I had Baileys on the S4, as well as the Forge 007's. Again, I'm guessing the 2.0t motor got a better functioning DV because the normal 710N/P diaphragms on the B6's SUCKED, and with more boost the last thing you want is a rip in your DV. Also, a boost gauge to monitor boost is typically a good idea when going Stage 1.
Now I KNOW we're talking different engines here, I don't know how aggressive the Revo tune is on the 2.0t, but I remember GIAC being the most aggressive for the 1.8t, next to unitronics. And most people go with siemens/genesis injectors with a Stage 2 upgrade as well as an FMIC. Not REQUIRED, but totally a good idea. Sure an upgraded DP is a great idea, but I think you'd be going 3'' DP to 2.25'' exhaust piping. I remember full 3'' exhaust being TOTAL overkill for stock turbos, as Ko3's/Ko4's run out of breath pretty fast.
When you say larger turbo on Revos car, do you mean like GT3076r large? or GT28rs large?
To each his own. Your car, do what you want with it, as long as you love it at the end of the day, to hell what everyone else thinks
Last edited by Onese1f; 02-12-2009 at 09:01 PM.