It was with a bit of trepidation that I chose a new VW.
I've had four previously:
1985 (Golf) GTI
1986 (Golf) GTI
1990 Corrado
1999 Golf GLS
Each have had a wide array of entertaining problems.
The 1985 had vapour lock every summer, as though it was not ready for the gasoline/petrol sold in the U.S.A. Then, there was the clutch problem, and the pathetic Goodyear tires. One of the allow wheels was bent by a pothole.
The 1986 seemed to be unfinished as apparently someone working in the Pennsylvania assembly plant forgot to weld something, which ruined one of my cameras with water damage. All 4 disc rotors wore out in 30,000 miles. Another allow wheel bent on this one.
The 1990 had problems with the clutch, but overall, it was consistently good, until someone ran into it and made it impossible to use again. Within the first few weeks of owning it, a pothole bent one of the extremely light allow wheels, and I ended up switching to something more durable but detrimental to the light and lithe feeling of the car.
The 1999 was a much more conservative choice--no sport anything. I spent 30+ visits to the dealership while waiting for the window regulator clips to be replaced. The windows would not return to the closed position in the darker (black, dark blue, dark green) cars. The door trip loosened early and the electricals were faulty all along. The security system would suddenly decide with the door open that the car was locked and secured and the alarm would be activated. Of course, since it couldn't tell whether the door was open or closed, interior lights did not work properly. In order to see on arrival, I sometimes, turned on a light and forgot to turn it off, leaving the battery in trouble. The alarm for the headlights didn't work, and of course, the daytime running lights needed to be replaced frequently but only one side was easily accessible. Later in life, all sorts of problems arose, but it's not unusual at that point.
So, as a fifth VW was (barely) on my list of cars to buy, I had major doubts about another. In fact, the Subaru Impreza Sport had the top spot. What changed everything for me was the emissions control compliance and the ability to register the car in California. I was holding the 1999 Golf too long for that same reason. Who cares if I lose a US$500 car but who could trade a US$22,000 car so easily? What is the environmental impact? Is a clean diesel the best alternative? I believe it is. The ULEV II compliance means a lot to me. You'd think that hybrid vehicles would be a better match for the environment, but the environmental impact of the batteries is a huge drawback. Had it been a diesel hybrid with 75 mpg tops, instead of 42, I think it wouldn't be a difficult decision at all.
After the first 2.5 days, I feel that I made a good choice, thankfully. I'm still not quite at home with it, but it's still a bit foreign. I've never bought a vehicle with an automatic transmission, though I've driven one occasionally. This one incorporates their ecological idealism (Think Blue) and the feeling at 1500 rpm isn't 100 % comfortable, even though the engine has plenty of power. Given the winter weather, I'm not likely to push the car much.
I'm surprised at how much wider the car feels and overall, it feels more grown up. I would say that it feels like the Corrado but it doesn't have that light feeling to it and it's probably because of the electrically-powered steering and the extra 300 pounds. You can also thank the winter weather for somewhat dampening my desire to try the car's capabilities. The salesperson mentioned that it shares the platform with certain Audi vehicles, and it's not surprising and that's nothing new. It feels more upscale than the Golf GLS I had, even though the equipment would probably be similar with a similar age.
Of course, the look is completely the same while being almost completely different in the details. e.g., the bonnet/hood is almost difficult to see at all. Looking through the side mirrors, the back seems much taller and the contours more angular, like the Corrado. I believe the amber turn signals are gone from the rear of the car and the mirrors now have integrated turn signal lamps now.
Is it better? I hope so, but a couple of days won't reveal much. I don't even know the fuel consumption yet. The car started with over 5000 miles, so it is past the break-in period, yet they want me back in 45 days.
Update: It's not been a week yet, and I took a short trip for some shopping--about 90 miles round trip--and the car seems amazing. I suppose it's just that I'm becoming accustomed to it and getting things set for me. I'm amused at the instant fuel economy display. I'll take my foot off the pedal and it will read "---" but the slightest pressure will show 200 mpg. Travelling down I-70 into a valley, it was displaying about 75 mpg but on the way back up, it was only displaying around 25 mpg. It's a bit amusing that I played VW's Think Blue game where you try to drive smoothly and make the most of your fuel. Now, that game seems to be reality with this car.
The electrically-operated steering is growing on me but the all-season tires are not so handy with snow and slush on the ground, compared to the snow tires on my previous car. I don't really care for Continental brand tires, anyway. I prefer Dunlop brand. Last weekend, I was photographing a couple of basketball games and the bun warmers (heated seats) were great, given that it was around 11 degrees F outside. I only dislike the placement on the switches, as it's difficult to see the position of the heat/air conditioning distribution dial since the little icons are hidden. Acclimation will help. The sound system seems okay, but unintuitive. In fact, a lot of things seem less Volkswagen than in the past. They're trying to sell to Americans, I suppose, and just like the Chinese restaurant owner told me "we have to make it that way or they won't accept it".
Update 2017.01.06: For over a year, the company has been in court over cheating on their diesel emissions output. Apparently, the real life results are much higher. My car went back to the company December 17, 2016, and several days later, I got money for it, and bought a Hyundai made for California. So endeth my time with Volkswagen.
Showing posts with label Impreza. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Impreza. Show all posts
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Buying a new car
2012 was a lousy year for my 1999 VW Golf GLS. A lot of things went wrong and needed repair and replacement. I've probably spent near $5000 with all the things that had to be handled. Since my mum's house sold, I have the money to do something all at once.
The latest problem happened in the last week where a plastic coolant junction broke. This reminds me of the stinking news that a Mr./Hr./Sr. Lopez was at VW for cost-cutting reasons. There was a huge clamour about it. It showed up in so many ways on my car, including the 30+ visits for the window regulator clips. It showed up in the armrest fabric that pulled away or the door sensor that doesn't know whether the driver's door is open or closed and when the security alarm decides to activate while the door is open. I was told that Lucas Electrics were used in the car, which is ridiculous since most cars built in the UK went to Bosch to get away from being stranded on the side of the road.
I've been considering cars from Suzuki, Mazda, Subaru, and mostly avoiding the thought of another Volkswagen. I have plenty of reasons to avoid VW but the worst was the person on the toll-free hotline who told me that there was no problem with the power window regulators. I was there for maybe the 14th time already and there were three other customers in the waiting room for the same problem, that apparently didn't exist.
The Suzuki SX4 Crossover AWD is quite nice. It's more of a wagon than an SUV/Crossover and the price is right. Unfortunately, Suzuki is to stop selling cars (but not SUVs) in the U.S.A.
The Mazda 3 has been on my list, more-or-less since I first had a Mazda RX-3 and drove my co-workers Mazda GLC/323. I liked the joy that seemed to come with the cars and the 3 is much sharper than either of those were. I only wish for a rotary engine getting 30 mpg in city driving, as well as one having low emissions.
Subaru's Legacy was on my list but the price continues to escalate. The Impreza seems more in my preferred range but it's big on the outside, small on the inside, like most Japanese cars.
Given my druthers, I'd prefer a Mazda 2/Toyota Yaris/Nissan Versa/Honda Fit-sized vehicle like my 1999 Golf GLS with 4-wheel disc brakes. They're not to be had, and from my experience driving in Florida's storms, I'd never again suffer drum brakes. Besides that, the cars really don't have that Volkswagen space efficiency and upscale feel.
Enter the VW Golf mk. VI (isn't it the 6th generation?), which is larger than the one I have, as two generations have passed, and it's about 300 pounds heavier which seems reasonable and fat. I hope they used more sound insulation. Despite what people say about the price of the Golf, it's a huge bargain. You get a lot for your money, especially in the upper models. Of course, the diesel version, TDI, has a substantial price premium, which you should be able to recover more quickly than with a hybrid.
Locally, the Mazda dealers seem to be jerks or clowns, playing games with the prices. I don't see anyone I feel I could trust. Obviously, when they have a lot of money for television-based advertising, it's coming out of your pocket. When they won't tell you their price, you're in for games, and you'd better play your part well or they will walk all over you.
The Subaru dealers seem to change their inventory very, very, very frequently. Given that it's winter and we just had a minor but not really minor snow, I suspect All-Wheel Drive is in demand, especially when you can get it in the low $20s. I suspect you can't order extras unless you order them through the parts department to be installed after your receive your new car.
I checked the web site for the VW dealer I already use and they had 2 Golf TDI models from 2012. Since they're last year's models, they're discounted. The manual is more expensive than the DSG Automatic. There should be an equipment difference but the web site is not properly informed. White cars with dirty snow (the manual) on them look horrible but I would think that red cars (the DSG Auto) would look almost equally bad, and be police bait.
After reading the review from a former Mazdaspeed 3 owner, I think there is no huge question but to buy one of the TDI models. My concerns about reliability seem to be unjustified, as this generation, introduced in 2010, seems to be better than my four generation model. Of course, the Subaru Impreza Sport Premium still looks a good option, but reviews call it rather utilitarian, instead of inspired. Plus, the ULEV II-compliance of the Golf TDI looks better than the PZEV-compliance of the Impreza.
I punted and drove both of the Golf TDI models. I've never owned a car with an automatic transmission and which car gave me the trouble--the manual. I killed it twice during the test drive. I couldn't get the seat in a great position. The automatic had over 5000 demonstrator miles but was sold as new with full warranty. I like refurbished electronics so it was perfect for me. I was so nervous, but I think it worked out well, and my bank was directly across the street--even the driveways met. I just hope people will leave it alone. I already had a few close calls.
The latest problem happened in the last week where a plastic coolant junction broke. This reminds me of the stinking news that a Mr./Hr./Sr. Lopez was at VW for cost-cutting reasons. There was a huge clamour about it. It showed up in so many ways on my car, including the 30+ visits for the window regulator clips. It showed up in the armrest fabric that pulled away or the door sensor that doesn't know whether the driver's door is open or closed and when the security alarm decides to activate while the door is open. I was told that Lucas Electrics were used in the car, which is ridiculous since most cars built in the UK went to Bosch to get away from being stranded on the side of the road.
I've been considering cars from Suzuki, Mazda, Subaru, and mostly avoiding the thought of another Volkswagen. I have plenty of reasons to avoid VW but the worst was the person on the toll-free hotline who told me that there was no problem with the power window regulators. I was there for maybe the 14th time already and there were three other customers in the waiting room for the same problem, that apparently didn't exist.
The Suzuki SX4 Crossover AWD is quite nice. It's more of a wagon than an SUV/Crossover and the price is right. Unfortunately, Suzuki is to stop selling cars (but not SUVs) in the U.S.A.
The Mazda 3 has been on my list, more-or-less since I first had a Mazda RX-3 and drove my co-workers Mazda GLC/323. I liked the joy that seemed to come with the cars and the 3 is much sharper than either of those were. I only wish for a rotary engine getting 30 mpg in city driving, as well as one having low emissions.
Subaru's Legacy was on my list but the price continues to escalate. The Impreza seems more in my preferred range but it's big on the outside, small on the inside, like most Japanese cars.
Given my druthers, I'd prefer a Mazda 2/Toyota Yaris/Nissan Versa/Honda Fit-sized vehicle like my 1999 Golf GLS with 4-wheel disc brakes. They're not to be had, and from my experience driving in Florida's storms, I'd never again suffer drum brakes. Besides that, the cars really don't have that Volkswagen space efficiency and upscale feel.
Enter the VW Golf mk. VI (isn't it the 6th generation?), which is larger than the one I have, as two generations have passed, and it's about 300 pounds heavier which seems reasonable and fat. I hope they used more sound insulation. Despite what people say about the price of the Golf, it's a huge bargain. You get a lot for your money, especially in the upper models. Of course, the diesel version, TDI, has a substantial price premium, which you should be able to recover more quickly than with a hybrid.
Locally, the Mazda dealers seem to be jerks or clowns, playing games with the prices. I don't see anyone I feel I could trust. Obviously, when they have a lot of money for television-based advertising, it's coming out of your pocket. When they won't tell you their price, you're in for games, and you'd better play your part well or they will walk all over you.
The Subaru dealers seem to change their inventory very, very, very frequently. Given that it's winter and we just had a minor but not really minor snow, I suspect All-Wheel Drive is in demand, especially when you can get it in the low $20s. I suspect you can't order extras unless you order them through the parts department to be installed after your receive your new car.
I checked the web site for the VW dealer I already use and they had 2 Golf TDI models from 2012. Since they're last year's models, they're discounted. The manual is more expensive than the DSG Automatic. There should be an equipment difference but the web site is not properly informed. White cars with dirty snow (the manual) on them look horrible but I would think that red cars (the DSG Auto) would look almost equally bad, and be police bait.
After reading the review from a former Mazdaspeed 3 owner, I think there is no huge question but to buy one of the TDI models. My concerns about reliability seem to be unjustified, as this generation, introduced in 2010, seems to be better than my four generation model. Of course, the Subaru Impreza Sport Premium still looks a good option, but reviews call it rather utilitarian, instead of inspired. Plus, the ULEV II-compliance of the Golf TDI looks better than the PZEV-compliance of the Impreza.
I punted and drove both of the Golf TDI models. I've never owned a car with an automatic transmission and which car gave me the trouble--the manual. I killed it twice during the test drive. I couldn't get the seat in a great position. The automatic had over 5000 demonstrator miles but was sold as new with full warranty. I like refurbished electronics so it was perfect for me. I was so nervous, but I think it worked out well, and my bank was directly across the street--even the driveways met. I just hope people will leave it alone. I already had a few close calls.
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