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Hatchbacks Volkswagen Rabbit 08 Rabbit concerns?
41 messages, Last post on Aug 05, 2008 at 6:07 AM
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I noticed many of the posts in the discussions date back to the 07 model. Any concerns with the 08? I've driven all the 08 hatchbacks with the exception of the Mazda(I'll do that this weekend). Right now the Rabbit and the Saturn Astra are at the top of my list. I drove the Dodge Caliber,Kia Spectra, Toyota Corolla, Subaru Impreza and Suzuki SX4. I'm just trying to decide between the Rabbit and Astra (with a leaning toward the Rabbit. Any reliability issues with the 08's?
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Replying to: muttonjavelin (Apr 09, 2008 4:37 pm) Both cars have been on sale in Europe for a few years - so new model design issues were not a concern. Both cars received less than optimal engines for their US release (Astra's is heavy and underpowered - Rabbit's is heavy, almost too much power, and can be thirsty if you're prone to spirited driving). Both cars have a solid build quality and interiors have an above average fit and finish for compact cars on the US market. I test drove both (as well as multiple versions of the BMW 1 series - to have a comparison to high end Euro sport car feel / suspension) - decided to purchase a Rabbit - 5S manual. I know your question referenced reliability issues with the Rabbit; let me share what helped me with my decision. #1 - $$$ - VW is currently offering 0% financing for 3 years. Saturn was not offering any finance incentives on the Astra a few weeks ago. I know how to drive a manual both for economy and for performance. Both cars can be driven conservatively and have acceptable fuel consumption (Astra slightly better), however, the Rabbit's 2.5 5c is clearly much more fun when you feel like driving with a bit more uumph from time to time. Also, I personally preferred Rabbit's interior; controls were laid out more intuitively for me (although I preferred the Astra's interior illumination colors to Rabbit's red & purple/blue), and the Rabbit seats fit perfectly (was in a severe accident 12 years ago - seats matter a lot to me). One point about Astra's Ecotec engine design - it appears that the oil pan isn't an oil pan; it's part of the lower 1/2 of the engine. Sure, saves weight and parts in manufacturing (could be argued as being more "green"), however, any damage to the oil pan (driving damage - pot holes, uneven road surfaces, high curbs, stripping the oil drain plug), would require an replacing the lower 1/2 of the engine itself. I live near DC, previously in NYC; have bottomed out cars a number of times and did not see this as a smart design feature. Counterpoint - VW is now recommending full synthetic oil changes for all models as of the 2009 model year (not a spec. for my 2008 Rabbit, but I will follow their updated recommendation and use synthetic following the break-in period and first oil change). Full synthetic oil changes will increase your lifetime maintenance cost. I like to drive and keep my cars for a long time - I picked the one that I know I will be happy with for the long term.
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Replying to: driveinalong (Jun 25, 2008 5:03 am) "Counterpoint - VW is now recommending full synthetic oil changes for all models as of the 2009 model year (not a spec. for my 2008 Rabbit, but I will follow their updated recommendation and use synthetic following the break-in period and first oil change). Full synthetic oil changes will increase your lifetime maintenance cost." 1) As far as I know, VW has recommended synthetic oil for virtually all of their engines for quite some time, and for sure the 2008 models were no exception. 2) I absolutely disagree that synthetic oil will "increase your lifetime maintenance cost". Why? You are only required to change your oil every 10,000 miles with this oil, and even though the oil changes aren't inexpensive, due to the fact that you're doing fewer of them, it's going to cost you less in the long run. Best Regards, Shipo
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Replying to: shipo (Jun 25, 2008 5:41 am) Item 1 - You might have me on this one - my info was from the sales staff at the local VW dealership; I had not taken the time to independently verify the 2008 factory spec oil parameters (which appear to be well hidden in the manual - the search continues). The story is - I asked about oil changes re: oil weight and viscosity. The original question went unanswered and the rep chimed in that as of next year (2009), VW was specificying full synthetic for all US vehicles (concern with possible sludge issues) - more so from a preventative standpoint so that VW image doesn't suffer v. other manufacturers that are currently dealing with sludge image control. I will follow up with the same question to a different rep on my next visit to the dealer. Interestingly, I asked what kind of oil was filled for vehicle delivery? Answer - conventional. So that's what I'm keeping for the break-in - then full synthetic. Item 2 - My maintenance expense concerns were from postings where drivers were paying $90. - $110. for an oil change; perhaps these prices also include tire rotation or some other inclusive service. Your math is correct - the 10,000 mile service interval negates the higher cost for synthetic oil. My bad - I did my "quick" math pricing 4 cylinder oil changes  $39.99 (my old car) every 5k. Probably should have thought of comparing apples to apples - a 5 cyl oil change (my wife's car) 49.99. Using this more accurate comparison, the VW dealer oil changes every 10k are competitive. I've not yet priced synthetic oil changes through local lube places (Jiffy, Valvoline etc.), nor priced a case at Costco/Walmart and the spec VW (Mann) oil filter - so no info here. I'm certain that that DIY solution could take a few $$$ out of this cost - hopefully enough to cover the cost of vacuum oil extractor to keep the driveway clean, wife happy, and oil changes as quick and mess-free as possible. |
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Replying to: driveinalong (Jun 25, 2008 9:47 am) Despite the synthetic, the dealer does still puts a sticker on the VW indicating 3 mo. or 5000 for next change and apparently many people actually do this. VW does not technically specify synthetic, they specify that oil must meet VW specifications...it turns out that only (some) synthetics have been able to demonstrate that they meet these specs. |
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Replying to: driveinalong (Jun 25, 2008 9:47 am) 1) I believe that all VWs since about 2006 have come with Synthetic oil from the factory. 2) To be sure, all 2.0T engines require synthetic oil that meets the VW 502.00 oil specification, and it is my understanding that the 2.5T and the 3.2 and 3.6 liter VR6 motors have come with 502.00 synthetic oil since at least that time as well. 3) The three most commonly available oils that meet the 502.00 (or the more stringent 503.01 gasoline engine oil specifications are as follows: - Castrol Syntec 5W-40 (meets 502.00) - Castrol Syntec 0W-30 (meets 502.00 & 503.01) - Mobil 1 0W-40 (meets 502.00 & 503.01) 4) The above oils can usually be found at Napa, Autozone and Walmart (usually just the Mobil 1 0W-40), at least in our area, and typically they carry a price that ranges from $5.50 to $6.00 per quart. 5) I've heard from folks who've been able to get their oil changed at their dealership for ~$60.00 and others who've paid more than $100.00. Given the cost of this oil, I'm thinking that $60.00 is something of a loss-leader, and $100.00 is a bit of a rip off. Best Regards, Shipo
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Replying to: shipo (Jun 25, 2008 11:35 am) Car does come with synthetic oil from factory - following taken from '08 Rabbit S 2.5L M manual 3.2 "Tips and Advice" - "Your engine was factory-filled with a high-quality, all-season engine oil that meets Volkswagen oil quality standards and has a viscosity grade of SAE 5W-40..." "If you need to add oil between oil changes, use only a high quality synthetic based oil that expressly complies with VW oil quality standard 502.00. If viscosity grade SAE 5W-40 is not available, you can use SAE 5W-30 as long as it complies with VW oil quality standard VW 502.00" "At the time this manual was printed, engine oils available in the U.S. that meet the standard are synthetic oils. ...However, not every synthetic engine oil will meet VW quality standards. Always use an approved oil that meets Volkswagen oil quality standard VW 502.00..." On my first go around, I read the "3.3 technical data" manual which did not include oil quality standards. I'm thinking I would do well to RTentireFMBinder in more detail before returning to the dealership for technical information. 
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Replying to: driveinalong (Jun 26, 2008 4:58 am) FWIW, some of the worst advice regarding the care and feeding of a modern automobile has come from dealership service advisors and technicians. Is this to say that none of them know what they're talking about? Nope. The rule I follow is, "Trust, but verify." Best Regards, Shipo |
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Good evening VW drivers. This is my 1st VW question as I've been on the Scion Forum for 3 years. My 19 yr. old son is looking at the 08 VW Rabbit as his first new car. Do any of you folks have any concerns about longevity and maintenance costs of the Bunny? Since he's a college student that commutes 40 miles daily, he'll need reliability, comfort, good MPG, and low maintenance costs. He's saved a nice chunck of down payment money and has been very meticulus with his previous car. We've tested a sage 2 door with auto., arm rest and mats. Dealer quoted $17100 plus T&T. Is this a fair quote? Thanks to all.
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Replying to: crazedcommuter (Jun 27, 2008 4:26 pm) We have a 2005.5 Jetta (maintenance requirements should be pretty similar to the rabbit) and have done all maintenance at the dealer according to the VW schedule and in 3 years total cost has been about $455 (we did get one free oil change). Note that apparently as of 2009 models, VW will include no charge maintenance over the first 3 years or 36K mi. This would appear to be worth ~$500, based on our experience (assuming it includes everything). I believe that it comes at the cost of dropping the full warranty to 3 years/36,000 mi. for 2009 models.
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