[72GTOMN]

Since there's so many mechanics and automotive experts on this board I was curious about how you all feel about Volkswagen. Here is my situation. I am currently leasing a GTI. I really love the car. I needed something for commuting and running errands that was still fun to drive. When I looked at all the possibilities, nothing in my opinion came close to the GTI. I like that it gets good gas milage, is quick and agile enough to knife through traffic, and has some style (I work at a university and there's tons of hot chicks all around ). I think I would like to buy it after the lease but I'm afraid of Volkswagen's notorious reliability problems. It seems that every commuter car out there that is reliable is about as exciting as a toaster. Everything that is cool either is too expensive, gets crappy mileage, or isn't practical for everyday use in Minnesota. Is VW getting better, should I give them a chance and buy the thing? Throw more money at another lease? Take the bus? I appreciate the advise!

[arbys]

Is it manufactured in Europe? I've heard that the standards for producing insulated wiring in Europe cause it to fail in 3-4 years. Like an MB needing an entire dash harness. You should do some research on this.

[72GTOMN]

That doesn't sound good! It was assembled in Germany, the engine was built in Hungary.

[goatless]

I another recent thread several people have reported good experiences with VW... and a few voiced differing opinions.

The end of our 3rd modern VW is approaching. We've had 3 Passats- all bought new and driven until they had nearly 100K miles. No significant issues with any of them. The current one is a 2008 with almost 95K on it and it's been great. I all likelihood it will be replaced with another new Passat- TDI this time, I think.

All of our previous Passats have been German built, whereas many/most Golfs and Jettas are Mexican built- that may have some affect on higher rate of issues in those models. Is your GTI German built?

Is your GTI the 2.0T? All of our Passats have been 1.8/2.0T with manual trans.

[Stuart]

The deal with wire harnesses is some manufactures have used soy based insulation, and it is apparently attractive to rodents who like to chew on it. Mercedes and Honda used it, I don't know if other manufacturers did. From what I've found online it's an issue on cars from the mid 1990s.

[Ben M.]

One thing I noticed a few years back was to find out where the transmission was made. The German\USA made ones had better reliability than the ones sourced from Mexico. This is going on 7-8 years ago though, it could have changed.

[72GTOMN]

Is your GTI German built?

Is your GTI the 2.0T? All of our Passats have been 1.8/2.0T with manual trans.

Yes, it's German built with the 2.0T and a 6 speed manual. Apparently this new 2.0T is an improved design with a timing chain rather than belt. It always seems strange to me that VW is so popular in Europe and not as much here. Maybe the Mexico thing has something to do with it.

[Deadhead]

My mother has had a Passat for well over 100k. No major issues until a heater issue came up a week or so ago.

It is a Godsend that it has not had issues as all the mechanics I talk to basically refuse to work on them. If any major work of any kind needs to be done it is hell, and you are basically beholden to the dealer. They are not designed to be repaired IME. For this reason, if buying used, I would want to make sure I saw all the service records to make sure it had been mechanically well maintained.

[arbys]

Originally Posted by 72GTOMN

It always seems strange to me that VW is so popular in Europe and not as much here. Maybe the Mexico thing has something to do with it.

Maybe we're afraid that they are "illegals". Sorry, couldn't resist.

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Go onto vwvortex.com forum and start reading or asking actual real world owners of those newer GTI's .

i know a few locals with them - not heard anything bad.
But i focus on Vw Diesels and don't follow the gassers hardly at all.

[Old Blue 66]

Predicted reliability on a used car in this case might be judged by how its performed up until now. And since your the owner, that should play a part in your decision.

I like these cars and wouldn't hesitate to buy one.

[GpFreak]

Backwards engineering, bolts to hold the wheels on.

[goatless]

Originally Posted by GpFreak

Backwards engineering, bolts to hold the wheels on.

Most European and many new American cars have lug bolts.

[A.J.]

Wiring is not the issue with the Vw:s/Audi its the engines. Cam chains, DSG gearboxes and oilpumps together with the VAG-groups non interest in helping the car owners. There is apperantly a plan for group sueing VAG in sweden due to this....
When I get rid of my Passat it will take a long time before I'll buy a VAG car again.

[goatless]

A.J., can you fill us in a little on your troubles? Year, model and engine? More info would help to determine if the problems you've had are relevant to others.

[salem1912]

Originally Posted by Stuart

The deal with wire harnesses is some manufactures have used soy based insulation, and it is apparently attractive to rodents who like to chew on it. Mercedes and Honda used it, I don't know if other manufacturers did. From what I've found online it's an issue on cars from the mid 1990s.

Found that true for Dodge and Jeeps.

[The Champ]

Originally Posted by 72GTOMN

It always seems strange to me that VW is so popular in Europe and not as much here. Maybe the Mexico thing has something to do with it.

The VW has always been inexpensive transportation in Europe. It's basically the lowend Ford or Chevy of Germany. It's not that it a highly desireable car - it's just cheaper than most every other option.

I lived there for over three years. People settled for VW's while wanting something better.

[65WJ]

I have a 2002 VW Jetta 2.0 5sp manual. 210,000
I have replaced the spark plugs and wires 2 times. Had to replace the original battery last year. Yes it lasted 9 years. One timing belt at 180k. I finally replaced the alternator last weekend. Died on me coming home. Very easy to replace.
I like the ergonomics of the VW over anything made in detroit. Ford is close with thiers but GM is way off for me. 35 mpg on the highway.
My next one will be a TDI.
Oil changes with filter every 3k. Iirc replace the air filter 2 times.
a couple sets of brake pads and some tires. thats it. Nothing major.
Had a recall on the heated seats back in 04 I think.
I named mine Timex. I have been in two rear end collisions. Due too resale value they replaced the back end both times. Cost a lot more to fix me than it did my Jetta.

patrick

[NBF823]

I haven't heard anything bad about them.

In fact, I have some family members who own, and are crazy about them.

I however am not a fan. Many German cars are really well engineered, and I wish the domestics would step up their game. But unfortunately, I find that I often clash with German car owners. Many of them seem to purchase these cars with an air of social status and believe them to be superior machines, which like I said in many cases they are. But when I was consistently beating many 6-cyl 3-series cars with a 25 yr old 4-cyl datsun, I in fact had one owner refer to my car as a poor man's BMW - which, makes me really, really not care for those guys.

I had viewed a reallty nice orange GTI at the dealer a few years back. I sporteda 190hp motor with a 2-door hatch and fwd for $27k. Down at the Subaru dealer they had a 225hp, all wheel drive 4-door or wagon for the same price. I do believe the VW would probably last longer, and gain that social status German thing I seem to notice, but there is no way, as a car enthusiast, and a "poor man" that I would opt for the VW.

And there you have it; that's what I think of VWs. But remember, that's just my opinion - take it with a grain of salt.

[Qball]

I used to be into the VW scene. Going to vwvortex.com is good advice. VWs have superior fit and finish but reliability can suspect. Regular maintenance schedules MUST be adhered to. Especially when dealing with timing belts and timing chains. Snap a belt or chain and you will be buying a new head as most VW engines are interference in nature. If you keep the the maintenance schedule, you should have a decent ownership experience.

The trouble is, a lot of people don't stick to the schedule, so you get a VR6 Jetta with 80K on the clock and the chains were due at 75k. It's going to run you over $1,000 do have the chains done. So the car gets sold and the new owner is stuck having it sone of the chains break and you're out another 3 grand to have the head replaced.

Another thing. Historically, the service experience at the dealer is bad, at best. If you're lucky enough to find a friendly dealer, stick with them. An independent shop is usually the way to go. Much less expensive, too.

In a nutshell, KNOW THE SERVICE HISTORY or don't buy a used VW. Learn to do a lot of the maintenance ir get real chummy with a shop that specializes in VW. For you Illinois VW owners, I'll plug my buddy's shop. Mobile One www.mobileoneinc.com The owner, Jason, is a wizard and is damn honest. He's the only guy I ever trusted with my Corrado and he does fantastic work.