The VW thing

[GerudoX]

As an owner of an 02 Jetta, (not TDI) I'd say that drivetrain is great, not a single problem mechanically.  Only problem is the interior literally falls apart. 

My center console lid has popped off it's plastic hinge, the clasp that holds it closed broke off, the leather is coming loose off the door panels, the headliner is coming loose, the door handles are broken, a cup holder in the back is busted.

The worst issues are that the trunk lid is stuck closed due to the electronic latch not unlatching, I have even climbed through the back seat and tried the manual escape latch inside the trunk, stuck as well.  Also the windshield fluid jets are busted.  Also the wiring on my passenger headlight is a bit loose and needs a good jiggle now and then to work.  The passenger side window also came dislodged from the window montor falling INTO the door.  I was able to fix that one myself though.

None of this effects the mechanics of the car, but they sure do fucking suck.  All these issues have been in the 1.5 years I've owned the car, with only 65k  miles on it when I bought it.  It also chews through oil if I don't use an additive.  VW isn't known for their long term life, but initial quality is great.
These problems have led me to keep my eyes open for another car.  Hyundai Genesis coupe, is one of them as well as Zach's car the Mazda 3 hatchback, and the new Camaro is one I'm toying with too.

[Knossos]

It's kind of ironic because VW is typically well known for their 'fit and finish.' But because they are German, do things in weird, non-standard ways.

It's hard to say what the issue is, maybe 2002 was just a bad year?

As far as a TDI goes, just by the nature of a diesel engine, it should last at least through the next apocalypse, mechanically. Which is why I'd recommend it over something like a hybrid if you're planning on keeping it a long time.

[Cattabrye]

Ok, Zack.. the prius.. get 51mpg.. heehee thats why i was diggin it. My sister just got one. I like the hybrid thing.
Dont get me wrong. I LOVE MY TRUCK. Its sexy as hell. But, I dont live near my job and I spend 600 a month on gas right now.. and.. its killing me.
I wanted the new camaro but .. mpg isnt great.   I would look at a jetta and such but.. faw scared me. lol  Now.. normally.. i despise hatchbacks. i think they are ugly.. i actually like old muscle cars but .. mpg would be an issue. I wish i could drive the 67 mustang my uncle.. found.. all original.. pristine parts... and... it only has .. 20000 miles on it.. and no.. im not forgetting a zero.. SEXY!
I can get 17000 on my trade in.. so.. i can buy a more expensive car.. but.. not sure i want to.   SO MANY CHOICES..   

[Knossos]

1. Buy old Honda Civic beater, one that gets great MPG but doesn't do much else.
2. Buy your 67 Mustang for the weekends.
3. ?? ??
4. Profit.

[GerudoX]

Jesus the mustang is a find!!!

The camaro isn't good on mpg? Since when is a "sport" car that gets 29 miles per gallon on the highway and 18 mpg in the city bad?  True it's the v6, but still!!

If your getting that much for your trade, I'd get a used fuel sipper like the VW (it was just trim and minor problems, just a lot of em) for work travel and get something fun for the weekends, or keep the truck for round town.  I paid like 9.5k for my 02 Jetta and it's fully loaded, every option available is on my car.  It gets 30 highway, 20 city.  Obviously not all VW  have my problems, it gets the job done, with a bit of style I might add.  I've been able to over look everything (cept the wiper fluid and stuck trunk) and still feel comfortable that it will get me from point A to B without a hitch.

[Jafaelo]

I'll sell you my 67 cougar for your weekend car .  It's basically a mustang anyway.


And Cat, why buy a new vehicle? get a cheap little used saturn or something for your commuter vehicle and keep the truck for everything else.  Dont let the environmentalists win!

[movieextra]

I'll sell you my 67 cougar for your weekend car .  It's basically a mustang anyway.

What the deuce?  Didnt you come all the way to texas to pick up that car?  Meaning I thought that was one that you wanted really bad.

[Dimrod]

"He tried to screw her in a very uncomfortable place."

"What, like the back of a volkswagon?"

[Jafaelo]

What the deuce?  Didnt you come all the way to texas to pick up that car?  Meaning I thought that was one that you wanted really bad.

I did, but now I'm thinking that not having to make a car payment would be better.

[Holocaust]

you've already sold it once, i would have thought you would have learned your lesson.

[Jafaelo]

I've learned my lesson that a car is a car, there will always be another one available... it will just be more expensive.

[graiz]

Didn't you also meet your wife thanks to selling your car last time?