Reliability of New Volkswagens?

[WilsonFourTwo]

I've had my Jetta for 3.5 years now (bought brand new) and have had two problems with it.

1. The "Fuel Tank Door is Open" sensor occasionally goes off (couple times per year) when it shouldn't.

2. A piece of door trim came loose.

Both of these "Problems" were solved effortlessly at the dealer. I LOVE my Volkswagen, best car I've ever owned.

[WilsonFourTwo]

Just an observation about the thread so far.....

It seems that people that "Know a guy who owns one" all say to be wary, whereas those who actually own one themselves all seem fairly/very pleased.

Interesting, imo.

[SeeBass]

We OWN a Passat CC and it is a great car the mileage, speed and handling are incredible.

But we have had about 4 different repairs needed for electical issues. It is very fustrating having a car on a 42 month lease and on month 36 we have lost a rear tailight twice each. I bet there has been a warning light come on about 10 times.

[Torrie the Whaler]

In my opinion, Volkswagon and basically all German cars are built to last 5 years. Japaneese cars like Honda and Toyota are built to last 7. The domestic brands are the same 5 years. If you buy a Volkswagon, after 5 years the parts are very expensive. Look into the consumer guide for recommendations on specific models.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by WilsonFourTwo

It seems that people that "Know a guy who owns one" all say to be wary, whereas those who actually own one themselves all seem fairly/very pleased.

We used to own a Golf, and had a lot of the same issues people complain about. I think there is more to it than just random anecdotes when you hear these stories over and over.

Having said that, I've never met anyone who HASN'T loved driving their VW. At the end of the day, it's all about what you're willing to risk for that driving enjoyment. If you don't mind risking having to visit your dealer 2/3 times a year, they can be great cars to own.

Originally Posted by Torrie the Whaler

In my opinion, Volkswagon and basically all German cars are built to last 5 years.

Oh crap, I have .5 years to go.

[Tron_fdc]

Originally Posted by SeeBass

We OWN a Passat CC and it is a great car the mileage, speed and handling are incredible.

But we have had about 4 different repairs needed for electical issues. It is very fustrating having a car on a 42 month lease and on month 36 we have lost a rear tailight twice each. I bet there has been a warning light come on about 10 times.

That's what mine keeps doing. It keeps saying the right rear tail light is out, even after the dealer changed it out. It's really annoying.

My push button start rarely works on the first try as well.

[SeeBass]

Originally Posted by Tron_fdc

That's what mine keeps doing. It keeps saying the right rear tail light is out, even after the dealer changed it out. It's really annoying.

My push button start rarely works on the first try as well.

No push botton issues but the tail light things really tick me off. Usually a few days after taking it in for an oil change too, of course.

But despite these minor issues it is a hell of a great car. Did the US southwest road trip in it last year and it made 7,000 kms ver enjoyable.

My only design issue is no retractable sun roof and I am a big guy so it is hard to find a comfortable spot to rest your left arm too.

[shane_c]

Originally Posted by WilsonFourTwo

Just an observation about the thread so far.....

It seems that people that "Know a guy who owns one" all say to be wary, whereas those who actually own one themselves all seem fairly/very pleased.

Interesting, imo.

I posted as someone who knows someone that has a VW with a lot of issues, BUT also as a previous owner who's car was in the shop 30+ times in the 3 years I owned it and will NEVER buy another VW again. I was so happy to get rid of that car. Reliability wise it was by far the worst car I have ever owned and caused me a lot of stress and cost me a lot of money once the 2 year certified pre-owned warranty expired.

The flip out key fob was pretty cool though. At least that wasn't one of the things that broke.... although the alarm needed replacing.

[Sliver]

I've owned a Passat and a GTI. The Passat was one of the best driving cars I've ever had, but man what an unreliable, problem-prone vehicle with expensive repair bills.

The GTI was a huge let-down from a performance perspective. They're so well regarded in the automotive press that I thought I'd be blown away. Sadly, after getting my ass handed to me by Explorers, Camrys, and half the other cars out there, I started to wonder if I was driving a sporty car or an over-priced econo-box. Maybe they handle great, but I guess I need some 0-60 performance in what is supposed to be a spirited-driving car.

I know Pylon has chipped his GTI and it sounds awesome. I think less than 300HP out of the factory in those things in 2011 is a joke.

I'll never own one again. VW thankfully modeled the new Passat after an early-90s Accord sprinkled with a little Malibu so I can quit lusting after one.

[FlameOn]

My buddy's '07 Golf GTI was an incredible drive. Fun, responsive and good pick up. Bad thing was his interior lights (i.e. Dash and front panels) wouldn't turn on anymore after the first year. Took it back to the dealer, no problem after that. He still drives it.

[pylon]

I won't disupte there are certain models with highest incidences of repair. Touareg and Passat are "quirky". However, it is kinda a double edged sword. When you buy a previous gen Passat (not so much the new one) or Touareg, even our regular cars, you are getting technology so far beyond what you get in a Japanese vehicle it is not even funny. Plus you get ALOT more of it.

Example - previous generation Touaregs were so ridiculously over built it was almosty laughable. The separation between it and a Porsche Cayenne pretty much ended at horsepower. I think if my memory from the sales floor days are correct, the thing had 6 different types of traction control. Most others were usually 1 at that time (anti slip regulation) and maybe ESP if you were lucky. The think could ford through water up to the headlights, had 4 diff lock modes, auto level air suspension (front AND rear) one of the first implementations of KESSI (touching the door handle and the car just opens....quad zone climate controls... the thing even had a refrigerated glove box for gods sake.etc etc etc. Well, guys like Toyota jumped on us... "Touareg isn't reliable compared to 4Runner" No sh1t, the thing has 3 times the features, more to go wrong. Meanwhile at that time Toyota was HIDING recalls, and doing them without the customers knowledge on service appts to maintain what was false reliability ratings in JD power. Had that sludging issue been made known to customers at that time, Toyota would have fallen from grace much sooner.

I see just as many ex Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Toyota... etc people sating, "I will never buy another one of those, they aren't reliable." I have owned 7 GTI's since I have been with VW (12 years). All were 100% trouble free, claim free, except my '07. And I drive em hard, chip them, lower them etc. But on that 07.. Turbo went, A/C compressor, power steering servotronic motor, catalytic converter... it was a DUD. I happens with all of them. We took a 2008 Sienna on trade 2 weeks ago with 80 k, on its THIRD engine. It happens everywhere. And to every brand.

[North East Goon]

Pylon, where are the Golf Wagons assembled?

[pylon]

Originally Posted by North East Goon

Pylon, where are the Golf Wagons assembled?

Puebla Mexico. Contrary to popular belief, it is ranked as VW's top factory for QC. I would never let it affect my buying decision.

[pylon]

Simple rule of thumb for you guys.

Serial #'s that start with 3 Mexico.

Serial #'s that start with W Germany.

And I guess with the new Passat, I should add 1 for USA

[North East Goon]

Have you heard of much problems with 2.5L Comfortline Golf Wagon's? 2011 & 2012?

[pylon]

2.5's are awesome across the board. 06's had their issues but that was more related to the new datalink wiring system and an all new engine at the time. I think the fact it is the base engine in the new Passat will do wonders for it's realiability rating. It is a solid engine. No timing belt to worry about, runs on regular, and 15,000 km svc intervals if you are so brave.

Also the fact that a bunch of the internals are the same as the Gallardo V10, that's cool. You can brag to your friends you have half a Gallardo.

[Tron_fdc]

Yeah, I'll echo that pylon.

My Touareg has so many wicked features compared to a Toyota, it's laughable. We used to be strictly Toyota leases at work, and although they were decent trucks, other than the sliding rear window there wasn't much in there that was all that groundbreaking.

VW's definitely have a lot more in them that can break or go wonky. That said, I still wouldn't drive anything else righ now. The TDI is quick, fuel efficient and comfortable. I can literally drive to Kelowna on less than half a tank, or a little over 3/4 if I pull my boat.

[-TC-]

I've had 3 VW's (a Rabbit GTI, fantastic car, a Jetta III, not so much, a Jetta V..ugh) and I'll never buy another, no matter how beautiful the CC is.

I'm sticking to Honda's ( 2 Accord's, a '99 and an '04, both perfect) and Acura's (a TL) from here on out. I prefer bullit proof reliability to beauty.

I put oil and brake pads in my car, it just runs and runs.

When the note on it is paid, I'm headed right down to Acura to get another one.

I'd consider a Lexus, but you couldn't give me a VW, ever again.

[pylon]

Originally Posted by -TC-

I've had 3 VW's (a Rabbit GTI, fantastic car, a Jetta III, not so much, a Jetta V..ugh) and I'll never buy another, no matter how beautiful the CC is.

I'm sticking to Honda's ( 2 Accord's, a '99 and an '04, both perfect) and Acura's (a TL) from here on out. I prefer bullit proof reliability to beauty.

I put oil and brake pads in my car, it just runs and runs.

When the note on it is paid, I'm headed right down to Acura to get another one.

I'd consider a Lexus, but you couldn't give me a VW, ever again.

That is too bad, I was going to offer you a free GTI.

Oh well.

[lazypucker]

Pylon,

Can the same things be said in terms of reliability for Audi's, since many of them share the same platform and engine with VW's?