ajzepp Posted November 19, 2006 Posted November 19, 2006 I've always wanted to buy a VW, but the last two times I've been in the market for a car (I keep my cars a long time) I couldn't find a VW offering that had a good balance of value, performance, and reliability. A few years ago my ex-wife's Jetta was acting up and we took it to get repaired. They gave us a Golf as a rental, and when I heard about that I started making fun of it. Once I actually sat in it and drove it, it wasn't so funny anymore. I thought it was actually a pretty cool car. Well, to make a long story short, I'm goign to be buying a new car in January and the VW GTi has dropped onto my radar. The Jetta has a trim level that is a bit more sporty and performance minded....the Passat looks nice, but I don't really want a "family car"....but the GTi looks (on paper) to be the right combination of what I want. I really don't want to go over 20k, so this is pushing my budget to the limit, but I want a car I'm excited about. Any of you guys driving a newer (say, 2004+) VW?? If so, what do you think of it? Ps. I'm also considering a Mitsubishi Eclipse. I bought a 1990 Eagle Talon (turbo) back in '93 and it was easily the most fun car I've ever driven/owned. I'd love to hear feedback on this vehicle, too.
meazza Posted November 19, 2006 Posted November 19, 2006 I've always wanted to buy a VW, but the last two times I've been in the market for a car (I keep my cars a long time) I couldn't find a VW offering that had a good balance of value, performance, and reliability. A few years ago my ex-wife's Jetta was acting up and we took it to get repaired. They gave us a Golf as a rental, and when I heard about that I started making fun of it. Once I actually sat in it and drove it, it wasn't so funny anymore. I thought it was actually a pretty cool car. Well, to make a long story short, I'm goign to be buying a new car in January and the VW GTi has dropped onto my radar. The Jetta has a trim level that is a bit more sporty and performance minded....the Passat looks nice, but I don't really want a "family car"....but the GTi looks (on paper) to be the right combination of what I want. I really don't want to go over 20k, so this is pushing my budget to the limit, but I want a car I'm excited about. Any of you guys driving a newer (say, 2004+) VW?? If so, what do you think of it? Ps. I'm also considering a Mitsubishi Eclipse. I bought a 1990 Eagle Talon (turbo) back in '93 and it was easily the most fun car I've ever driven/owned. I'd love to hear feedback on this vehicle, too. 842419[/snapback] Every mechanic I know tells me the same thing, stay away from VW. Personally, I like the new GTI, but it was way oevrpriced. They are reliable but from what I hear, have computer issues.
/dev/null Posted November 19, 2006 Posted November 19, 2006 Every mechanic I know tells me the same thing, stay away from VW. 842434[/snapback] Every VW owner I have known said the same thing. Service and maintainance are a pain
ajzepp Posted November 19, 2006 Author Posted November 19, 2006 That's what I've always heard too, which is why I stayed away.....I was starting to think maybe that was an issue of the past, though, with all I've been reading lately. Are you guys still hearing this about the current/recent models?
meazza Posted November 19, 2006 Posted November 19, 2006 That's what I've always heard too, which is why I stayed away.....I was starting to think maybe that was an issue of the past, though, with all I've been reading lately. Are you guys still hearing this about the current/recent models? 842447[/snapback] It's too early to know. Generally I'd expect a car to be problem free for at least, the first 2-3 years. That's why I like the Civic I bougth off a family member, since it was first purchased in 2000, not one mechanical problem.
ajzepp Posted November 19, 2006 Author Posted November 19, 2006 It's too early to know. Generally I'd expect a car to be problem free for at least, the first 2-3 years. That's why I like the Civic I bougth off a family member, since it was first purchased in 2000, not one mechanical problem. 842460[/snapback] Yeah, there are a few cars that are pretty much sure bets....obviously the Civic is one of them. I just want something I'm a little more excited about and that everyone and their mother isn't driving, you know? I think if I went with a Civic, I'd go for the Si..... I'm actually pretty excited to take a drive in the new Eclipse, though. The only knocks I've heard about the new ones (redesigned in 2006) is their 1) visibility, 2) turning radius, and 3) back seat comfort. My Talon had all three issues too, though, and they didn't bother me. Only one who will be in my back seat is the mutt, and he's not much of a complainer Supposedly the front seats have a 10/10 rating for comfort, the styling is very slick, and I THINK they still have a 100,000mi warranty. So my short list as of today is (in no particular order): VW GTi, Civic Si, Mitsu Eclipse, Mazda 3, Toyota Camry, Scion tC
meazza Posted November 19, 2006 Posted November 19, 2006 Yeah, there are a few cars that are pretty much sure bets....obviously the Civic is one of them. I just want something I'm a little more excited about and that everyone and their mother isn't driving, you know? I think if I went with a Civic, I'd go for the Si..... I'm actually pretty excited to take a drive in the new Eclipse, though. The only knocks I've heard about the new ones (redesigned in 2006) is their 1) visibility, 2) turning radius, and 3) back seat comfort. My Talon had all three issues too, though, and they didn't bother me. Only one who will be in my back seat is the mutt, and he's not much of a complainer Supposedly the front seats have a 10/10 rating for comfort, the styling is very slick, and I THINK they still have a 100,000mi warranty. So my short list as of today is (in no particular order): VW GTi, Civic Si, Mitsu Eclipse, Mazda 3, Toyota Camry, Scion tC 842474[/snapback] GTI = nice car, overpriced, a B word on repairs. Civic Si = I don't consider the Honda Civic a sports car. I have the DX because it cost me nothing. The SI will cost you more on insurance and probably break down more often because you will beat it up since it is a sportier car. Eclipse = Uh, it's nice but it's American. I don't trust American sports cars unless they are the Corvette or the Viper. Kind of a class above the other cars you mentioned though. Mazda 3 = I love it. My sister bought one and I wish it had been me. For an inexpensive car, it's fun to drive. Camry = Family car Scion = Know nothing about it. That's the problem. Sportyness costs money. Personally, I think I'm going to keep my Civic till it dies, which at the current mileage is in a very long time, and go pick up a second used sports car or SUV. Something that I would drive just to go out or on different occasions.
ajzepp Posted November 19, 2006 Author Posted November 19, 2006 Yeah, that's why I'd only go with the Eclipse if the 100k mi warranty was in place. My Talon had a couple issues when I owned it, but not to the degree that it was a deal breaker. It was pretty reliable until around 110k miles. I'll probably end up with a Mazda 3....loved my Protege, I just want to make sure I get somethign I'm excited about, too. I never cared much for how Camry's looked, but I saw one at work a few days ago and thought it was pretty sharp. It was a 2006, black (is there another color??) and a tan leather interior. Very sharp.
MattyT Posted November 20, 2006 Posted November 20, 2006 How about a 2005 Subaru WRX? Sporty, all-wheel drive, more reliable, and faster than the GTI (50 more hp). You could get a used one with low mileage and get more car for your money.
meazza Posted November 20, 2006 Posted November 20, 2006 How about a 2005 Subaru WRX? Sporty, all-wheel drive, more reliable, and faster than the GTI (50 more hp). You could get a used one with low mileage and get more car for your money. 842638[/snapback] I agree. The WRX is sick. My friend had one.
bartshan-83 Posted November 20, 2006 Posted November 20, 2006 Eclipse = Uh, it's nice but it's American. I don't trust American sports cars unless they are the Corvette or the Viper. Kind of a class above the other cars you mentioned though. 842485[/snapback] The Eclipse is American?
meazza Posted November 20, 2006 Posted November 20, 2006 The Eclipse is American? 842677[/snapback] From what I heard, the engine is made by Chrysler. I'm not 100% sure but I believe it is just a newer version of an Eagle Talon. I could be wrong though.
bartshan-83 Posted November 20, 2006 Posted November 20, 2006 From what I heard, the engine is made by Chrysler. I'm not 100% sure but I believe it is just a newer version of an Eagle Talon. I could be wrong though. 842719[/snapback] Cool...fair enough.
Golden Wheels Posted November 20, 2006 Posted November 20, 2006 I wanted a fast hatchback last year, and I looked into the Golf. Unfortunately, they are not made in Germany anymore. They are assembled at VW's plant in Brazil, and the cars made there have reliability issues. I ended up getting a used '03 Civic SI with 23K miles on it. Very nimble. Sneaky fast. It's great on gas, and since I don't "beat it up" it runs well. Great little car for road trips. I'm not too fond of the redesigned SI. I sat in one and don't like the sightlines. The new issue of Road and Track rates the best cars for less than $30,000. You might want to check that out before buying a car: link They listed these cars and reviewed them: Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged | Ford Mustang GT | Honda Civic si Mazda MX-5 Miata PHRT | Mazdaspeed 3 | Mini Cooper S JCW Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution RS | Nissan 350Z | Pontiac Solstace GXP Scion tC TRD | Subaru Impreza WRX Limited | Volkswagen GTI
meazza Posted November 20, 2006 Posted November 20, 2006 I wanted a fast hatchback last year, and I looked into the Golf. Unfortunately, they are not made in Germany anymore. They are assembled at VW's plant in Brazil, and the cars made there have reliability issues. I ended up getting a used '03 Civic SI with 23K miles on it. Very nimble. Sneaky fast. It's great on gas, and since I don't "beat it up" it runs well. Great little car for road trips. I'm not too fond of the redesigned SI. I sat in one and don't like the sightlines. The new issue of Road and Track rates the best cars for less than $30,000. You might want to check that out before buying a car: link They listed these cars and reviewed them: Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged | Ford Mustang GT | Honda Civic si Mazda MX-5 Miata PHRT | Mazdaspeed 3 | Mini Cooper S JCW Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution RS | Nissan 350Z | Pontiac Solstace GXP Scion tC TRD | Subaru Impreza WRX Limited | Volkswagen GTI 842743[/snapback] The thing I don't like about the Honda sports cars is that the HP and V-Tech only kick in near the high RPM's. I find they lack in torque.
taterhill Posted November 20, 2006 Posted November 20, 2006 buy a Buick LeSabre..chicks dig them..old people dig it, and you get senior discounts everywhere....
ajzepp Posted November 20, 2006 Author Posted November 20, 2006 How about a 2005 Subaru WRX? Sporty, all-wheel drive, more reliable, and faster than the GTI (50 more hp). You could get a used one with low mileage and get more car for your money. 842638[/snapback] Never heard of that car...I'll check it out though, thanks!
ajzepp Posted November 20, 2006 Author Posted November 20, 2006 buy a Buick LeSabre..chicks dig them..old people dig it, and you get senior discounts everywhere.... 842845[/snapback] I'm on it! I didn't even know Buick was still around
ajzepp Posted November 20, 2006 Author Posted November 20, 2006 Stay away from the dealerships('Stealerships') if you value your hard earned money.Find a VW specialist in your area.I drive two VW diesel TDI's .I get 45 MPG and maintainance is a breeze.I do most of the work that the car needs myself.The oil change interval is 10,000 miles.Air,and fuel filters get changed every 20,000 miles.The timing belt must be changed every 100,000 miles as the diesel is an 'interference engine' That's pretty much it beside tires,and brakes.-If the timing belt breaks from overlooking the service interval,you will find out the hard way what the term 'interference engine' means. I've rebuilt the fuel injectors in my '99 New Beetle for an additional 20HP.I'm going to 'chip' the engine computer in the spring which will give me around 140-150 HP and torque that will be pretty close to that of a V-8 engine. The beetle is already a pretty spunky car and it's a blast to drive. I should still gett over 40mpg after chipping it unless I really run it hard.... The beelte has 114k on the engine and it runs like new.My '97 VW Passat TDI has 241,000 miles on it.The car runs beautifully and does not use a drop of oil.I expect to be driving both cars well into the forseeable future.With proper care,the VW TDI engine is very sturdy and can run a half a million miles-or more... 842779[/snapback] Ah yes, I remember the importance of the timing belt. My ex had a Jetta TDI and we dropped $800 on the belt at around 90k mi. Are those Passats fun to drive at all, or are they a bit on the sterile side? I live near some really great mountains and stretches of road and I'd love a car I can just take up there and rock out. My last car (Protege) did everything I asked of it, but I want something with some bigger balls. My old Talon was nearly perfect, cause it got decent mileage and I could just open it up and FLY when I wanted to. That thing was so damn fast off the line that it would throw you back in the seat....just a cool damn car.
ajzepp Posted November 20, 2006 Author Posted November 20, 2006 I wanted a fast hatchback last year, and I looked into the Golf. Unfortunately, they are not made in Germany anymore. They are assembled at VW's plant in Brazil, and the cars made there have reliability issues. I ended up getting a used '03 Civic SI with 23K miles on it. Very nimble. Sneaky fast. It's great on gas, and since I don't "beat it up" it runs well. Great little car for road trips. I'm not too fond of the redesigned SI. I sat in one and don't like the sightlines. The new issue of Road and Track rates the best cars for less than $30,000. You might want to check that out before buying a car: link They listed these cars and reviewed them: Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged | Ford Mustang GT | Honda Civic si Mazda MX-5 Miata PHRT | Mazdaspeed 3 | Mini Cooper S JCW Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution RS | Nissan 350Z | Pontiac Solstace GXP Scion tC TRD | Subaru Impreza WRX Limited | Volkswagen GTI 842743[/snapback] very cool link! thanks, bro!
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