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For what its worth... Posted by DietrichOS [Email]  (#430) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from DietrichOS) on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:56:34
In Reply to: I love to drive!, Ray L, Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:22:25 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
I used to sell Volkswagens, I was with them when they launched the current TDI. The Jetta Sportwagen is a marvel of engineering in some ways, the packaging is incredible inside, the quality of the materials and body construction is head and shoulders above anything else in the class, the ride and handling are really good for what it is, and on paper the engine and gearboxes are brilliant.
In practice, buying any Volkswagen is a roll of the dice. If the dice come up in your favor, you will enjoy years of hassle-free spirited driving. If they don't, you are looking at years of wallet-numbing repair bills. Parts and labor for VW's is right up there with Mercedes Benz, and there is almost just as much stuff to go wrong.
With that being said, buying any car, new, used, any brand, you're always rolling the dice. But VW's can be a bit more problematic then competing brands, or my 21-year-old Saab. Or my two-year-old Subaru.
I certainly wouldn't tell you not to buy one, but I would say buy it new. Those things hold their value so well that buying a recent one with low miles makes no financial sense. Buy it new, and pay to change the oil at 5,000 miles for good luck. When Volkswagen went to their "Carefree Maintenance," they declared that first service (which was at 5,000 miles) was no longer necessary. Why? Because they didn't want to pay for it. 10k intervals are fine after that as long as you keep an eye on oil levels and make sure its topped up. They run full synthetic of course.
Also, having driven many TDIs with both the DSG and the six-speed, I'll tell you the DSG is a far better match for that engine. I love stick shifts, I have owned three myself, but I wouldn't even consider it in that car personally.
posted by 99.127.5...
, Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:36:57, Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:56:34 <-- Viewing This Message
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