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VW Golf vs Honda Civic
666 messages, Last post on Jul 31, 2012 at 9:27 AM
You are in the Volkswagen Golf Forum.- Your Host is pf_flyer
What is this discussion about? Volkswagen Golf, Honda Civic, Hatchback
#36 of 666 shredhead by shredhead
Apr 15, 1998 (7:14 pm)
I would like to add something for all those people who are talking about A3 VW's(93-98) and reliability. For those people out there that are new to cars or just not that knowledgeble about how cars are made and produced. Remember this, the Golf and Jetta were totally remodeled in 1993. This is very significant because as with most car makers new or revamped vehicles the Golfs and Jettas right after this change have been reported to have some minor electrical problems and bad trim fit etc. However the models produced in 96, 97, and 98 have shown great improvements in reliability, even the car magazines like car and driver and consumer reports have written about this. This is not unique to VW this happens with most auto makers. So in your comparison of slightly used Golfs vs. Civics it may be fine to talk about the VW not being quite as reliable, this does not neccesarily apply to the 98 and 99 Golfs.
#37 of 666 Fred by zfarm
Apr 16, 1998 (3:36 pm)
The reason VW reliability is in question goes back to the "exploding Jetta engines" of a few years ago. For those of you who didn't hear (or didn't have friends who bought one of those terrible cars): Jettas, new, just from the factory, would have engine melt-downs. This happened to my buddy Rob ("Why didn't I buy a Honda!" was his only comment). VW is to be commended for replacing the engines under warranty, but, needless to say, the experience was unnerving for many owners.#38 of 666 carlady by mzn
Apr 21, 1998 (5:05 pm)
As you say, it is so important to have the current information on the cars you are evaluating. We have a '91 Honda CRX hatchback and it has been very reliable.We were surprised to meet someone at our local VW dealer who had a 6 month old Honda Civic hatchback and was ready to throw in the towel because she had already had so many problems with her brand new car! She came to look at the new Beetle (which is what we were doing there!) and was sorry she didn't wait just a little bit longer before buying her latest car.
#39 of 666 HFitz by HFitz
Apr 21, 1998 (8:51 pm)
wow. carlady has ruined things for me. i'm ready to buy the civic hatch - have heard all good reports and now this horror story...anyone else hearing of problems with new civic hatchbacks? my '94 camaro has been a nightmare and above all else i want a reliable car this time around. i thought honda would be a good place to turn for that. help!#40 of 666 Statistical Alert: Data Reduction Error by bnormann
Apr 22, 1998 (3:40 am)
HFitz,Don't take it too hard.
One OH NO erases 1,000 OH YEAHs.
GuyP has it right, Honda probably DOES have slightly higher reliability in the context of a gas-and-go daily commuter vehicle.
Almost everyone with direct experience of the two marques agrees that Hondas (and Toyotas) thrive on neglect, while VWs (and "insert European maker here") require more diligence to the preventive maintenance schedule in order to achieve the reliability that they are capable of.
Buy what you like the best, in this scenario. Neither car will remind you of your GM
experience {
Bruce, your roving host.
#41 of 666 boullosa by boullosa
Apr 23, 1998 (12:21 am)
I'm glad I found this site. I too am debating the positives and negatives of the DX and the GL. Does anyone have any knowledge on the "bargaining" aspect with the respective dealerships? I like the golf, but my hunch is that the dealership might not stray too far away from the MSRP. How much can I expect to add for air conditioning on the GL (for those hot Texas summers) . I know that at least one of the local Honda dealerships is tacking on just over a K for A/C. I just get the feeling that the honda folks might be more willing to "work" with me, if y'all know what I mean.Any suggestions?
#42 of 666 carlady by mzn
Apr 23, 1998 (1:53 am)
Eeeek, don't let me ruin anything for you, Hfitz! I'll be out on my ear!
BNormann is right, one swallow does not a summer make. But then, he's always right!
As for tips on bargaining with dealers, boullosa, why not try our Consumer Advice area for excellent information about how to deal with your dealer when you want a great deal! The time you take to read this material will be well worth it when you see the results in your pocket.
Keep us posted!
#43 of 666 HFitz by HFitz
Apr 24, 1998 (2:14 am)
I had offers of car at invoice plus destination on both Civic and Golf. Probably a good time to deal on a Golf 'cause of Beetle fever!#44 of 666 Fred by zfarm
Apr 27, 1998 (5:02 pm)
I've owned three Hondas, all excellent (150,000 plus miles with no problems)"Bad" Hondas? Sounds like GM (or VW) propaganda to me!!! Maybe that "person" that you "met" at the VW dealership was the owner's wife?!!
Again: Hondas = excellence, VW's = Mexican-made "quality". If you want German quality, buy a BMW.
#45 of 666 carlady by mzn
May 03, 1998 (2:43 am)
Well, she looked a bit young to be anybody's wife. Still, the car that is right for you is the one to buy! What's good for the gander isn't necessarily good for the goose!carlady/host
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