vw offers free maintanence for the first 3 yrs/36k now. and getting more power out of the 2.0T is relatively cheap.

 

^^
The cost for maint. is ZERO.....it's included with '09 models.

 

I've owned an '03 Jetta GLS w/the 1.8T engine. That was a very fun car to drive!

The engine was very rock solid.

 

I'm running APR Stage 2 right now. Stage 1 costs $750, and that price (in addition to 93 Octane mode) also included the option to switch to Stock Mode (with APR's reflash, you can switch modes via the cruise control stalk. It's useful for trips to the dealer). Stage 2 was free as soon as I got my downpipe and intake. Forge Diverter Valve, and a ton of other minor modifications. Currently running roughly 290 HP (if you just add up all the numbers), with gobs of torque all over the power band. I have not taken it to the races yet, but I can say that I've taken a Cayman, modded 350Z, modded SRT-4, G35, and '08 V8 Mustang the rare times that I've had a chance to mess around with someone.

DSG really helps, but these engines are seriously fantastic. They respond extremely well to bolt ons, and the gas mileage when you're not mashing the throttle is pretty impressive. In the summer, I tend to get about 25 MPG all around (includes my driving to work, driving like an ass, short highway cruises, city driving).

 

wow. i stand corrected then.

that is definitely impressive. i guess i should look towards a vw for my daily.
09 gti in white, 6speed, stage 1 APR tune and done. makes a perfect, speedy little city driver.

 

Check out this opinion about the 2.0T. Its probably because the 2.0 is carrying so much weight. Not a good match for a Small Suv.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28055267

 

That "clicking" and diesel-like sound comes from the FSI (direct injection). Also, I've never driven the Tiguan, but any critic of this engine will be in the minority. It has won awards all over the world from the media (Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson: "this engine is an absolute peach", 5th Gear, Automobile, Car & Driver), along with being on Ward's Best Engines. It's potent, fuel-efficient, and smooth. Even with a chip the engine feels just as refined as stock.

 

Couldn't agree more! I traded my 01 CL-S and picked up an 07 GTI 4 DR Hatch a couple monts ago and I abosolute LOVE this car.

 

Man, Accord values are crap now. KBB say my car with 46k is worth 13,500 tops in good condition. This is for a loaded 06 V6 with everything but NAVI. I think I am going to be too much upside down to pursue a GTI. I owe about 17k before taxes on the buyout. So I am 3,500 bucks negative.

I am already 9k over on my lease with 3 months left! What can I say I enjoy the open road, I'm stuck in a cubicle all day and need to get out at night.

 

It only covers routine maintenance...oil changes, fluid topoffs and such...doesn't include normal wear and tear like brakes, etc....I wish they covered the wipers under warranty, because they are DAMN expensive (I paid $70 to change all 3 wipers on my car last month)

 

I hate that 2.5L 5 cylinder....it's got such an annoying drone for an exhaust sound...it does have some decent pep though...I was never a fan of 5 cyl motors in general though...

 

70 bux for all 3 wipers ? wow em East Coast dealers must make a killn on parts ! I just put on new wipers on my R32 which uses similar wipers and they where 11 bux each for the fronts FROM VW. I happen to do a used car inspection on a MINT 06 GTi DSG for my dealership (one of our salesman traded it on a TSX) and I recommended new wipers and other small things on the car.... it was 40 bux for all 3 wipers.

I don't associate myself w/McGrath Acura at all, even thou I USED to work for them.

 

What you need to do is negotiate a buy out price with the dealership. That is if you decide to keep your car, because when you are returning/terminating your lease you have an option to buy the car. Lets say your car's price is 17K at the end of the lease (they assume its in excellent shape) the dealer you are returning your car too can buy that car (your car) for approx 13K bux. Dealers are there to make some $$$, this is how they survive and how the world goes on. What you could do is offer the dealer 14500 for the car and buy it W/O certification. That way the dealer makes some $$$ on it and you get a car for below market value. I have seen this done at my dealership. I don't know the exact figures that these cars are worth, but the 4K dollar gap sounds bout right. I seen a MDX once where the gap was about 6K bux between what the customer's buy out @ end of lease was and what the dealer could buy it for.

Certification on a Honda/Acura Certified Used Car costs approx 1500 bux, this gets you the 7yr/100K mile warranty and what not. This does not include any service the car might need to meet the certifications.

Hope this helps.

2.5L Rabbit needs to be maintained right, or the engine sludges up very fast. Stick to VWs recommended oil change intervals and it will last quite some time. Its a chain driven design like VR6s. Its leaps ahead of the old 2.0 SOHC 8V motor, which IMHO blows azz chunks.

I seen some 2.5s lock up due to lack of oil changes - with 50K miles even.

 

Why? You can't get much more HP out of them with such high compression engines. I do like them though, but I'd rather own a GTi. More stylish and refined, plus endless mods.

 

oh I don't know, I was looking to get one when the prices on cars were high, so I did a little research. And I have always loved the VW, I don't know why. I think they are such cool little cars. From mkI to mkV and now the MKVI. I wish I had the money and skills to make a nice mkIII vr6 turbo or just a low ass 2.slow. My friend has an early 99 mkIII vr6, and he wants to go turbo this summer too.

 

If you want a turbo VR6, don't waste your time with a FWD setup. The amount of power even a mild turbo kit produces on a 24V VR6 is quite significant.

Most people end up doin AWD conversions using R32/TT bits and pieces.

If it was me, I would just get a MKIV R32 and throw a C2 Motorsports turbo kit on it. The Haldex AWD system can take the beating and the stock clutch will handle the 400/400 AWHP/TQ as long as you don't do any crazy power shifting. The gearing is also strong enough to handle even the craziest power levels.

That is also the exact reason why I got a MKIV R32, they are awesome cars with 450ish WHP.

 

You are stuck with that av.....the GTI bot is MINE!!!!!

 

Honestly, the 2.5 has good power and plenty of pep to it. It's not the fastest thing in the world, but the Rabbit sure beats its competitors in terms of power.

 

One consideration are VW dealers -I've never had a good experience with any of them. 09 Rex or wait for the new mazdaspeed3 next year...Mazda is on a roll.