No, I'm not talking about Vin Diesel. I'm talking about Volkswagen Golf TDI Clean Diesel.
This time last year, I'd been having all sorts of issues with a 13 year old VW Golf GLS that I bought with fewer than 50 miles. It wasn't a paragon of reliability at any time, but spending US$500-$1000 nearly every month was difficult.
I searched for several cars and the dealership which serviced my car had two 2012 Golf TDIs in stock at a discount since the 2013 models had been available for months.
Switching to diesel wasn't a huge problem. I knew enough that I wouldn't put gasoline in the tank. Apparently, some TDI owners aren't that aware and VW had a couple of safety precautions that they used to help remind people. My only issue was finding the diesel pump, as it wasn't always out in the open. At one station, it was in the back, in the dark. Their price was lower, I guess, because it wasn't for the faint of heart to fill up. Many times, I've had to search for the diesel pump but a few stations mark it nicely. It's always amusing how many customers will pass the gasoline-only pump to use the combined gasoline-diesel pump to get gasoline. I love waiting. I love sarcasm more.
Finding stations with diesel has been an issue. While I was traveling, I would have loved to use Waze to help me there, but it doesn't allow me to customize it for the type of fuel, but then, neither does Scout. If I'm in unfamiliar territory, it's easier to have GasBuddy at the ready and switch to that, and it already knows that I'm looking for diesel fuel.
The price of gasoline has swung madly through the year, while diesel fuel has stayed within 40 cents, never being very cheap at US$3.899, though US$4.299 seems rather expensive. In my world, when I'm getting over 40 miles per gallon, I suppose it doesn't matter, but during the winter months, I may have trouble reaching 30 mpg because of warming up and moving slowly, staying in lower gears. I've seen just higher than 50 mpg, which is rather a bit higher than the 42 mpg stated. On my trip to Philly, I had 48.8 mpg, if I recall correctly, giving me a range of 664 miles.
Since I got the car just past 5500 miles, the first free maintenance had been finished. I took it for the 10,000 mile maintenance at the same dealer where I bought it. However, for 20,000 miles, I was between California and Ohio, so when I stopped in Arkansas, I had the service there. The mechanic botched the service, pinching the fuel filter. I had a huge leak. The next day, they took care of it, but the mechanic refused to reimburse me the fuel, even though he was given a voucher to do so. My next service will certainly not be there, especially since it's 12 dry hours from home.
The car really hasn't given me a cause for concern. If I look back at the first 30,000 miles of other VWs, I had a vapor lock problem with the 1985 GTI, plus a bent wheel. The 1986 GTI had a missing weld and a bent wheel and both front brake rotors had to be replaced. The 1990 Corrado had a bent wheel but it was quite a bit more reliable. The 1999 Golf GLS had 30 or so trips to the dealer for the power window regulator clips, plus an appetite for daytime running lights, and various electrical problems including the central locking system.
The only serious problem I've had with it is that it's all grown up. I found myself driving 90 mph when it felt like 65 mph with the 1999. It is very stable, though not flawless. The electrically-powered steering took some acclimation, but it's quite reasonable, and I don't have Asphalt 8 (video game) moments with it.
You might ask why I'm already over 20,000 miles. I took a trip from here to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, plus a trip to San Jose, California. Those totaled 1884 and 5702 miles respectively. Obviously, that's not a lot of the travel. The rest is rather local within the tri-state area. In fact, January 31st and February 1st, I was in southern Ohio photographing three basketball games. The trip is about 4 hours each way. I'm getting an average of about 10 mpg better than the 1999 Golf GLS, which is a good improvement. If I could drive more slowly on the highway and avoid little towns on the state roads, I'd do better. (I'm just past a total of 30,000 miles, meaning that I've added nearly 25,000. The MFI shows that I have another 2000 miles until the final free service.)
This was also my first car with an automatic gearbox. Yes, they had a manual available but between white and red, I chose red--and the better discount on the demonstrator. I might do it differently given the choice again. For some reason, I was completely uncomfortable with the transmission during the test drive. I suppose that shouldn't be surprising. Every Volkswagen I've had, the gear change was radically different in feel and it took a while to acclimate myself. Not only that, but the clutch was usually different also. I didn't want to be troubled with gearbox and/or clutch problems.
One thing is still certain. The car was certified as meeting ULEV II standards, so I can move to California without giving up the car, and that's a plus. It also means that it's not polluting as much as the old car, nor does it have a load of batteries to be recycled as a hybrid or fully electrically-driven vehicle would have. I can be concerned about the environment without being an activist.
Am I in love with my car on Valentine's Day? Not exactly, but I am satisfied. It's all dressed in red--maybe I should take it for a car wash.
Update 2014.05.06: I took my car for its 30,000 mile service a week ago Monday. I made an appointment, but they were so quick with it that I'd almost think that they didn't do anything. Supposedly, the change the oil and filter, rotate the tires, and other maintenance-type things. I suspect that they changed the fuel filter again, since the disaster at the previous VW dealer in Arkansas and my 20,000 mile service.
I'm heading toward California once the sale of my house is complete. While I was uncertain at the time I bought the car, I'm glad I settled on this certain model because it is a 50-states certified model. It's just too bad it's not much bigger in the back. I'm still not sure how I got to Florida in my 1985 Mazda RX-7 with my Japanese futon in the back and various things crammed in the front. I know that I had many things crammed into my 1999 Golf GLS when I moved up here. That Jetta Sportwagen looked like a winner but I bet it doesn't have all that much extra room.
Update 2015.11.24: At just over 80,000 miles, I've been busy.
When I sold my house in June 2014, I took a trip to New Jersey, to stay at the shore several days. It rained most of those days. As I wouldn't be on the east coast again, most likely, I took a weekend trip to Orlando to visit friends. That was 1100 miles each way. Returning to New Jersey, I had a nice day, picked up my things and started for California.
How did I put on 40,000 miles in just over a year, especially when I drove a lot of short trips? I really don't know. I'm about 70 miles from San Jose, California and I go there often. I've been to San Diego once, on one tank with some to spare. I've been to Orange County a couple of times. It is a big state. I haven't got as much fuel economy as I might have. 90 miles per hour is too easily achieved. Still, 35 miles per gallon and change is good. If I told it down to 60 mph, I'd see 42 mpg, probably, but traffic doesn't work that way in general.
The car has been good. Despite the emissions scandal, I still like the car. I'm disappointed in the company, but I suspect that they're not the only company to cheat. Apparently, Renault is being investigated at the moment, but it's difficult to believe that any company has not cheated.
I haven't had any major repairs, though the windshield had to be replaced once. About two weeks after having tint installed on the rear windows and colorless film on the front windows and windshield, a pebble propelled at the windshield started a crack that took over half of the glass. It couldn't have happened before the extra cost film, could it have?
As the year is ending soon, I'm wondering about so many things. Hopefully, the car will continue to be good, even after VW makes their modifications to the emissions control hardware and software. I don't need a car that coughs and sputters.
Showing posts with label ULEV II. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ULEV II. Show all posts
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Thursday, January 31, 2013
The fifth Volkswagen -- Golf TDI
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.
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.
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