Reliability of New Volkswagens?

[Sliver]

Here's something to consider, though. If you do buy a VW and you don't like it, there's nothing easier to sell on the used car market in Calgary than a VW. My Passat literally had a line up of people wanting to buy it standing on my driveway, my GTI was just as easy and I also sold my brother's absolute POS lemon of a Passat without any trouble. All for top dollar.

If you do buy a VW and it starts giving you trouble sell it right away. Don't think you can work away at the problems and end up with something good. When stuff goes wrong on those cars it's a nightmare.

[Regular_John]

Originally Posted by Sliver

VW is not the best choice if reliability is your main concern.

The Japanese cars are way more reliable and offer better value.

During those relatively brief stints when a VW is providing trouble-free transportation, they are damn nice. I still miss my '91 Passat 5-speed wagon and I sold it 10 years ago. Don't miss the huge, non-stop outrageous repair bills, though.

Hmm that's what I'm gathering from my online reading as well. I know my wife kinda has her heart set on a VW this time. But if we're visiting the shop a few times a year it's gonna get old fast.

Our grand am isn't dead yet, so we're not in a panic situation, so I'm gonna try to get behind the wheel of a few Hondas as well. But I will say the Passat we drove yesterday was beautiful, but our baseline for comfort is pretty low.

[Flabbibulin]

I bought a new jetta from Northlands back in '07 or so... Ive since passed it on to my wife and bought a new Explorer, but either way- it has been an ok vehicle/experience I guess. There were quite a few initial problems that were fixed under warranty easily enough, but everything good since then. We did have problems with the stone shield- which kept on turning to a piss yellow (white car)... The Stone shield is outsourced anyways, so can't blame VW I guess.

Looking back, Im not so sure the car was worth what we paid, but live and learn.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by jaydorn

Hmm that's what I'm gathering from my online reading as well. I know my wife kinda has her heart set on a VW this time. But if we're visiting the shop a few times a year it's gonna get old fast.

Our grand am isn't dead yet, so we're not in a panic situation, so I'm gonna try to get behind the wheel of a few Hondas as well. But I will say the Passat we drove yesterday was beautiful, but our baseline for comfort is pretty low.

I kind of thought she may have her heart set on the VW, that's why I added the comment on how easy they are to sell if you end up regretting it.

When we sold our Passat we bought an Acura for the reliability. It was a good decision...you should check those out, too. They still have a bit of class but are better vehicles. The TSX would be worth looking at.

[CaramonLS]

I find it amusing that a 1970's Diesel Rabbit is considered to be one of the most reliable cars built, while 40 years later, the same company can't seem to 'figure it out'.

I guess when your business plan is built on selling you parts to keep your car running, you stop building reliable cars.

[North East Goon]

You really can get a lemon from any and all car makers these day's. I dont think you can pin-point any makers and or models that will be any better than the next.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by North East Goon

You really can get a lemon from any and all car makers these day's. I dont think you can pin-point any makers and or models that will be any better than the next.

That's totally not true. People have been saying that for as long as I've been alive. Some cars are built better than others and have fewer problems as a result.

[bomber317]

Originally Posted by North East Goon

You really can get a lemon from any and all car makers these day's. I dont think you can pin-point any makers and or models that will be any better than the next.

I would have to disagree. Typically, mature car models will have less issues than a "new" car model. Keyword "typically".

ie: <insert fav car make> in the 3rd year of the redesign model vs a <insert fav car make> in the first year of the redesigned model.

The lemonaid book has stats in it describing this scenario. I would definitely read that book before buying a used car.

There are other reasons I disagree, but that's the simplest, comparing apples to apples.

[North East Goon]

Originally Posted by Sliver

That's totally not true. People have been saying that for as long as I've been alive. Some cars are built better than others and have fewer problems as a result.

History doesnt factor in the new car you are buying right now. It could be great, it could be garbage that's the risk you take with any model of any new car.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by North East Goon

History doesnt factor in the new car you are buying right now. It could be great, it could be garbage that's the risk you take with any model of any new car.

I don't know man, I think you're a off on this.

Let's take Lada and Honda as examples. Are you really telling me if you took one car made by each of those companies they would have an equal chance of being good cars?

[Regular_John]

Originally Posted by North East Goon

You really can get a lemon from any and all car makers these day's. I dont think you can pin-point any makers and or models that will be any better than the next.

With new cars that's probably true, but when your dealing with used cars over 5 years old you've got a good deal of history to pinpoint issues. Me, I'll never buy a Kia, even the new ones off the factory look "worn" in a matter of months.

[North East Goon]

Originally Posted by Sliver

I don't know man, I think you're a off on this.

Let's take Lada and Honda as examples. Are you really telling me if you took one car made by each of those companies they would have an equal chance of being good cars?

The Honda has a better reputation for sure, but there is no guarantee you will drive away with a winner.

[North East Goon]

Originally Posted by jaydorn

With new cars that's probably true, but when your dealing with used cars over 5 years old you've got a good deal of history to pinpoint issues. Me, I'll never buy a Kia, even the new ones off the factory look "worn" in a matter of months.

KIA is what Hyundai used to be, give them time and they will start producing results.

[bomber317]

Originally Posted by North East Goon

The Honda has a better reputation for sure, but there is no guarantee you will drive away with a winner.

No, but he's talking about the probability of driving off with a winner.

Why wouldn't you want to buy a model that has a higher probability of not being a lemon?