US Opponauts, would you buy a VW within the next six months?

"Carbon Fiber Sasquatch" (turbopumpkin)
09/27/2016 at 22:15 • Filed to: None

I’m getting ready to buy/lease a new car but I’m having some trouble picking. I’d rather not go too far beyond $30k and would really only go for it if I was getting a good deal. The problem? The car that ticks all the boxes is a Golf GTI in sport trim.

I was all for it and was going to lease it in the spring but then all the fallout of dieselgate had started to happen and I’ve been nervous about getting a VW ever since the rumors of VW pulling out of the US started. I really don’t want to get stuck with a car with no dealership network.

What are your thoughts? Are any other American Oppos confident enough to get a new VW? Am I just worried for no reason? Or should I get something else?

If you suggest something, it needs to baby fyi.

EDIT : As an insurance agent I ran the numbers on the ST and GTI, the GTI is absurdly more expensive to insure. Nearly 60% more!

DISCUSSION (40)

Saracen > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/27/2016 at 22:21

VW isn’t pulling out of the U.S.

Get a GTI Sport, be happy that you bought the best damn all around car money can buy.

The only new car I’m considering right now if I sell back my GSW TDI is another Golf R. I’m not selling back my GSW TDI because I’m dissatisfied with the car...it’s been great. I’ve just decided to shift the plans for my stable.

HammerheadFistpunch > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/27/2016 at 22:21

Yup

Land_Yacht_225 > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/27/2016 at 22:21

You mean if I had the money? Personally, I love the current Passat. That back seat has as much legroom as my S-Class.

I bet the Passat 3.6 SEL is going for dirt cheap right now, and I’d take one of those home all day long.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/27/2016 at 22:21

Despite all that’s happened, I seriously doubt VW will pull out of the US. Further, I don’t think Audi’s brand has been hit nearly as hard I wouldn’tbe surprised if VW owners would be able to get warranty service at Audi dealers in the event the VW brand leaves the US. The Mk7 GTI is a seriously awesome car. I almost bought one, but ended up tightening on finances and didn’t want to spend above $20k. It was pretty much my favorite thing in the $25-30k bracket.

CB > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/27/2016 at 22:22

My advice is useless since I’m looking at used Saturns.

LongbowMkII > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/27/2016 at 22:23

I wouldn’t worry. I don’t think VW as a brand is pulling out. But even if they did, I doubt that Audi would also be pulled. Audi in the US is a cash cow for VAG.

So you’d be able to find support for your 1.8t MQB platform car at least.

dogisbadob > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/27/2016 at 22:23

The Focus ST seems like the most obvious other car to consider.

There’s also the 2017 Civic hatchback, and you might even be able to get an Accord in your budget, too.

The Elantra GT is available with a panoramic sunroof (but only with the automatic transmission) and a 10-year warranty :)

I love Toyota, but the iM isn’t available with a sunroof, so it wouldn;t be on my list.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/27/2016 at 22:24

I wouldn’t buy a VW in the next 60 years. That’s for different reasons than their current diesel futzup though.

dogisbadob > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
09/27/2016 at 22:25

promoted by the color red > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/27/2016 at 22:29

I’d still buy one if I wanted a VW. But as a JDM nerd who’s bad with money and despises practicality, I’d take my money to the Mazda dealership and walk out with a 2016 Miata Club instead.

We’re not living in the 1980's anymore. Even in the unlikely chance that VW pulls out of the US market, you can still order bits and pieces over the internet and it’ll show up on your doorstep in a reasonable time frame. If Honda guys can order half an Integra/Civic over eBay, there’s no reason why you can’t keep your 2016 GTI on the road for the next decade.

I guess if you want an absolutely sure-fire deal, your next best bet is the FiST/FoST. Ford ain’t going nowhere, despite what Mr. Trump wants you to think. You can walk out with a fully trimmed Focus or Fiesta ST for $30k, but it’s brasher than the GTI.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/27/2016 at 22:30

Leasing it would be nice because it won’t be your problem after the 3 years

But...

I’ve heard of people getting crazy deals buying VWs because the dealers are kinda desperate to move things. I think it was even someone in here who got a fully loaded Passat for like $9k less than sticker.

Phyrxes once again has a wagon! > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/27/2016 at 22:31

I want my TDI gone and since the 4wd GSW with a manual isn’t making it here until the spring I am likely jumping ship. But if they pitch an amazing deal I am not totally against a 4wd GSW with a DSG.

And no GTI for me due to baby #2 arriving next week.

RallyWrench > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/27/2016 at 22:32

Yep. There is no damn way VW leaves the US. If I could afford or justify car payments, I’d buy an E-Golf right now.

Justino6969 > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/27/2016 at 22:32

I’m definitely looking at a GTI for my next car. I wouldn’t be afraid to get a VW; my current VW has almost 200k on it and I abuse it every day. If my mk4, regarded as one of the worst/lest reliable VWs made, can survive what I put it through daily, then I have no trouble buying another. I’ve never been to a dealer since I got it, so the dealer network thing doesn’t bother me too much. But I highly doubt VW would pull out of the US. They make way too much money here.

smobgirl > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/27/2016 at 22:34

I wouldn’t have a problem leasing one but I don’t see myself ever owning a VW.

shop-teacher > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/27/2016 at 22:43

Personally, I wouldn’t touch a VW with a 10' pole, but I don’t think their dealer network is going anywhere.

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/27/2016 at 22:45

I seriously doubt VW would pull out of the US.

But in that category I’d be looking seriously at a Focus and a Mazda. I know a lot of people with Focuses (Foci?) and they all really like them.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/27/2016 at 22:45

Me? No I would never buy a VW. If I was buying a family car right now and I did not have a dog I would be looking at a Mazda 6, Honda Accord, used toyota avalon or similar.

Old Red Wagon > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/27/2016 at 22:48

VW isn’t going anywhere. I own a 2016 GTI and it’s a fantastic car. Ticked all the boxes on what I was looking for in a car. Perfect mix of practicality and fun when you want it to be. If you’re into modding the EA888 responds to mods extremely well. Pic of my car after I had new wheels put on. Good luck with your search.

Kinja'd!!!

Textured Soy Protein > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/27/2016 at 22:49

What about the Honda Civic Hatchback in either Sport or Sport Touring trim? 180 hp, stick shift, plenty of gadgets and baby-ability. It’s not as overtly sporty as the GTI but not as far off as you might think. Otherwise the Si and/or Type-R won’t be too much longer of a wait.

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/27/2016 at 22:56

I wouldn’t listen to my advice. But I have owned two VW products (One 1.8T Beetle and a 2.7T S4).

No. Not if I had to rely on it for getting places.

You could get one of the four door Minis, or a Focus hatch. Since I don’t have kids, I chose a Clubman S (three door model) over a Focus ST (hated the seats since they don’t fit me) and a GTI (after what we went through with the Beetle [ludicrous clutch wear and engagement] and my dealing with the Audi [best not to ask about that], I won’t spend that kind of money on *any* VW/Audi car)

Carbon Fiber Sasquatch > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
09/27/2016 at 23:00

Yeah, our VW dealer was actually completely out of golfs/GTIs a couple weeks ago. Impressive, I wonder what deals they were offering.

Carbon Fiber Sasquatch > RallyWrench
09/27/2016 at 23:06

If I could have anything, it’d be a Golf GTE but no such luck here

cluelessk > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/27/2016 at 23:07

Just wait a little bit. Auto market is supposed to crash soon ish. Could be in for some even better deals.

Carbon Fiber Sasquatch > dogisbadob
09/27/2016 at 23:11

I love the Focus ST too, but they are a little brash. That being said, the Focus RS is a hell of a lot easier to find than a Golf R. If I can afford it, I may find a white or blue one.

Carbon Fiber Sasquatch > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs
09/27/2016 at 23:14

Yeah the hot Focii are on my list. I hope the RS starts to come down in the spring. There’s 7 around me just sitting on the lots

jkm7680 > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/27/2016 at 23:31

I did, got a car $6,000 off MSRP.

And VW is here for good.

mazda616 > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/27/2016 at 23:48

I also refuse to own an orphan car, at least as a new car that I’m daily driving. Which is why I need Mazda to succeed since my household owns two.

But, I don’t think VW is going anywhere. They won’t make or sell diesels anymore, but they’ll still do some stuff.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/27/2016 at 23:52

Bought a GTI in January. No regrets.

Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing. > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/28/2016 at 00:12

Nope. I’ve owned 5 over the years and don’t plan on doing so again unless I have something reliable to drive when something else electrical melts down on the VW or another head gasket blows out.

I still want another Rabbit GTI despite my past experiences, another Vanagon (Westfalia, this time around) and an early Scirocco, but I’ll probably just get a Miata instead.

I did have one VW that was completely reliable, but I had done so much work upgrading it that there was very little left untouched so I can’t say that the factory got it right. It was a Rabbit Pickup and was as bare-bones as possible, with very little that could break since it had zero options.

I haven’t had a VW since 1990, but there really isn’t anything that makes me think that they’ve become any more reliable over the last few decades. I’ve had friends that have owned some since then, and they always seem grateful when I can provide them with a ride to or from the dealer or mechanic or taking over transportation duties when our scheduled ride is down. This has led to strange and uncomfortable things such as four adults driving 50+ miles in a 968 due to yet another Jetta meltdown.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/28/2016 at 00:57

I nearly leased a Tiguan SE (mid trim) because it was $200 a month with $0 down! Was crazy stupid!

bhtooefr > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/28/2016 at 05:09

The A3 Sportback e-tron is basically the same thing AFAIK, but it’s not actually that competitive in the PHEV market AFAIK.

bhtooefr > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/28/2016 at 05:15

I don’t think VW is pulling out of the US market at this point (it might still happen, I dunno), but I still wouldn’t buy their products at this point.

They’ve treated the US market as a dumping ground for crap product (correctly figuring out that they had gone too far upmarket for their place in this market, and that we want cars about a half-class bigger than Europe for the same class... but then cheapening things to the point that they’re uncompetitive with even the poorer cars in their class, and making very strange powertrain choices for downmarket products - and I don’t mean the 2.5, that was probably the smartest one they’ve made, even though it had its own problems), I’ve heard multiple times that they use VWoA as a dumping ground for executives they want to fire without actually firing them, VWoA has long had an attitude of “we don’t care, you bought the car, it’s your problem” when a problem happens, they don’t train their dealer techs properly or give them the resources necessary to fix cars properly, they’re quick to blame the customer for problems (sometimes it is the customer’s fault, yes, but so, so many people who definitely didn’t misfuel TDIs got accused of it), and they don’t seem to learn from their mistakes.

Noodles > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/28/2016 at 08:36

My brothers wife has a GTI, she absolutely loves that car. washes it every week. So much fun, really quick, nice interior. Get the GTI, and if anything breaks in the first month... get rid of it! VW is good at making 2 things, fun cars & lemons. you should know in a month which you’ve bought.

Tatanko > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/28/2016 at 08:41

Me too! I own a ‘16 GTI and love it to bits, but as a huge nerd the GTE really speaks to me. Only downside is that it isn’t available with a manual like the GTI (and GTD elsewhere).

Carbon Fiber Sasquatch > bhtooefr
09/28/2016 at 09:06

It does better as a warm hatch with better gas mileage than its competition lol

Carbon Fiber Sasquatch > Tatanko
09/28/2016 at 09:08

Buh, a perfect car is still a GTD wagon. Too bad we’ll never see one here in the US

Carbon Fiber Sasquatch > bhtooefr
09/28/2016 at 09:21

I’ve gotten the same feeling from owners and even from visiting dealerships. If they would have stuck with the their guns, they’d probably be doing better in the US.

Honda in the US is kind of like what VW is in Europe, a little more expensive but also a little nicer and perhaps a little more brand prestige.

wiffleballtony > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/28/2016 at 09:36

As it is currently, there isn’t a single product that they make that interests me. Even if reliability wasn’t an issue.

CaptDale - is secretly British > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
09/28/2016 at 18:47

Nope, but I don’t like their cars