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Volkswagen GTI: Reliability Experiences

22 messages,  Last post on Mar 24, 2010 at 11:23 PM

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What is this discussion about? Volkswagen GTI, Auto Repair, Hatchback

Messages Page 1 of 3

#1 of 22 Volkswagen GTI: Reliability Experiences by nightmancometh

Dec 14, 2009 (2:09 pm)

I recently test drove the 2010 GTI and was blown away. It's everything I want in a car.
 
I'm currently driving a 1997 Honda Accord LX w/ 250,000 miles on it. I purchased it new in 1996 and all I had to do is replace the radiator and the cluch has not been replaced!
 
I've owned a 1991 Jetta prior to owning my Accord which was plagued by Transmission problems, etc. Therefore, I'm a bit hesitant regarding purchasing a VW.
 
Nevertheless, I'm impressed with the 2010 GTI's handling, MPG, sound system, and especially the interior design. So my question is, do I go for driving enjoyment, or should I purchase a boring 2010 EX Accord and have piece of mind? Please post your experiences, good and bad regarding VW's as of late. I've heard that the GTI's are made in Germany whereas the Jettas are made in Mexico so perhaps the build quality is different between both models? Thanks much!

#2 of 22 Re: Volkswagen GTI: Reliability Experiences [nightmancometh] by zigster38

Dec 14, 2009 (10:25 pm)

Replying to: nightmancometh (Dec 14, 2009 2:09 pm)
The GTI is a great test drive, isn't it?
 
VW is better quality wise that they used to be 3 years ago...but not as good as Honda. But if you buy a new car, you are covered for three years anyway. That said, you are never going to get 250k trouble free miles from a VW. It just doesn't work that way.
 
But life is short. Drive what you want. Better mileage with the GTI as well.

#3 of 22 Re: Volkswagen GTI: Reliability Experiences [nightmancometh] by upstatedoc

Dec 15, 2009 (10:00 am)

Replying to: nightmancometh (Dec 14, 2009 2:09 pm)
Well this question is right up my alley.
I've pretty much owned a VW or Honda product for the last 20 years.(Save for that, ahem, oldsmobile I bought)
My experience has been that the honda will always be more reliable. I just parted w/ an '04 acura MDX that had virtually 70k trouble free miles. The '08 GTI that I have also just recently parted with had several issues w/ only a fraction of the miles. (trip computer haywire from day 1, tires wearing out at 8k miles, engine skid plate just falling off ) That aside, it was a real blast to drive. BTW it was made in Germany.

#4 of 22 Re: Volkswagen GTI: Reliability Experiences [nightmancometh] by extech2

Dec 17, 2009 (2:15 pm)

Replying to: nightmancometh (Dec 14, 2009 2:09 pm)
I have an 07 GTI with the DSG automatic. There are only 16,400 miles on it because it's our 3rd car. There are no problems, never stalled or failed to start. There was an air bag light taken care of during the 10K service and the car isn't as quiet as my wife's 04 Accord. But the GTI is much more fun and it's more secure at high speeds, like 80 mph or higher. It is a lease and I will return it next summer, but I will miss it tremendously. The only problem I have is that the GTI is difficult to drive slowly because it begs to be driven hard. After the second speeding ticket I'm taking it easy now - so I might as well take the Honda or the Toyota. Stay away from Arizona, they have hidden speed cameras in every small town. They make their revenue from photo radar but we won't visit there again.

#5 of 22 Re: Volkswagen GTI: Reliability Experiences [extech2] by upstatedoc

Dec 18, 2009 (7:42 am)

Replying to: extech2 (Dec 17, 2009 2:15 pm)
"After the second speeding ticket I'm taking it easy now ,hidden speed cameras in every small town,They make their revenue from photo radar "
 
You should look into the Escort 9500ix, you won't be disappointed.

#6 of 22 Re: Volkswagen GTI: Reliability Experiences [zigster38] by nightmancometh

Dec 18, 2009 (5:13 pm)

Replying to: zigster38 (Dec 14, 2009 10:25 pm)
Yes. It was a blast to drive and man that interior, especially the steering wheel is fan-effin'-tastic! Thanks for your response!
 
How's the resale value for GTI's or VW's in general?

#7 of 22 Re: Volkswagen GTI: Reliability Experiences [upstatedoc] by nightmancometh

Dec 18, 2009 (5:16 pm)

Replying to: upstatedoc (Dec 15, 2009 10:00 am)
Are all GTI's made in Germany? I'm surprised to hear about the issues you had with your GTI. You would think that the Germans would be as meticulous as the Japanese when it comes to build quality.

#8 of 22 Re: Volkswagen GTI: Reliability Experiences [extech2] by nightmancometh

Dec 18, 2009 (5:18 pm)

Replying to: extech2 (Dec 17, 2009 2:15 pm)
Would you ever consider buying a VW opposed to leasing one? Thanks for your response!

#9 of 22 Re:Escort radar detector by extech2

Dec 20, 2009 (2:40 pm)

Replying to: upstatedoc (Dec 18, 2009 7:42 am)
"You should look into the Escort 9500ix, you won't be disappointed."
 
I'm considering to get one. I know it has a built in GPS for speedcams and red light cameras. I don't mind the $ 500 but I'd like to get more information on that one. If you have the time, please write a review on how is it and how do you like it. We'll all appreciate a good review.

#10 of 22 Re:Escort radar detector [extech2] by upstatedoc

Dec 21, 2009 (8:39 am)

Replying to: extech2 (Dec 20, 2009 2:40 pm)
Check out radardetector.net., the escort forum. everything you ever wanted to know about the 9500 series (unbiased, well for the most part) and then some.

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