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Anyone have a new VW Rabbit?
- Thread starter Stridder44
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BakedBeans said:
Thats exactly what I got. I just need a chip and an exhaust that sounds similar to stock. Oh and the software to let me put the windows up/down from the FOB.
BakedBeans said:
YAH. VDUB IN DAH HAUS.
I hated those commercials... and then they grew on me... and now i miss them.
Just a Thought,
If the rabbit is so awful, why is it selling so well already? ( I've just been talking with my dealer on the phone this morning, and he said it could take 2 months to get another 2door 5spd in!! )
If the rabbit is so awful, why is it selling so well already? ( I've just been talking with my dealer on the phone this morning, and he said it could take 2 months to get another 2door 5spd in!! )
I kind of have to...
I've got kind of a crappy record thanks to having a lead foot. ( plus i had a bad month in july and wound up getting two tickets in 2 weeks... )
My insurance is almost $400 a month on the wrx, because of my record.
and, I am a commuter, the WRX is not the best commuting car, especially not mine because its got the larger engine.
big turbo + AWD = mediocre mileage
i spend over $500 a month in gas.
I don't want to have to sell it. It is by far the most fun I've ever had in a car, and I will be sad to let it go.
If you have a clean record, and don't have to commute too far, then its an amazing car to own.
I've got kind of a crappy record thanks to having a lead foot. ( plus i had a bad month in july and wound up getting two tickets in 2 weeks... )
My insurance is almost $400 a month on the wrx, because of my record.
and, I am a commuter, the WRX is not the best commuting car, especially not mine because its got the larger engine.
big turbo + AWD = mediocre mileage
i spend over $500 a month in gas.
I don't want to have to sell it. It is by far the most fun I've ever had in a car, and I will be sad to let it go.
If you have a clean record, and don't have to commute too far, then its an amazing car to own.
I've been interested and, having spent some time at the dealership for my recurring power window problem, I find the new, much larger VW Rabbit and Jetta nice. The GTI is quite a bit better.
Unfortunately, they've gained 600 pounds to go with their crashworthiness. They're also about the same size as the competition having been much smaller outside for a while now. Since its inception, Golf has been fewer than 160 inches in exterior length but is quite a bit larger, though perhaps still fewer than the 175 inches of similar vehicles. It didn't seem to be much larger on the inside but for more storage space without losing the rear seats, it's a good thing.
I noticed the controls on the steering wheel lately and they have paddle shifters for those willing to go the automatic route. I suspect the performance is less than Formula 1, don't you think?
With 97,000+ miles on my 1999 Golf, I'm hoping that they've learnt something but models from later years seemed to be plagued with more problems than mine. Excusing the (under-regulated) window regulator issue, it's been a good car.
I suspect the new versions will be more reliable because they've gotten so much negative feedback in recent years.
Unfortunately, they've gained 600 pounds to go with their crashworthiness. They're also about the same size as the competition having been much smaller outside for a while now. Since its inception, Golf has been fewer than 160 inches in exterior length but is quite a bit larger, though perhaps still fewer than the 175 inches of similar vehicles. It didn't seem to be much larger on the inside but for more storage space without losing the rear seats, it's a good thing.
I noticed the controls on the steering wheel lately and they have paddle shifters for those willing to go the automatic route. I suspect the performance is less than Formula 1, don't you think?
With 97,000+ miles on my 1999 Golf, I'm hoping that they've learnt something but models from later years seemed to be plagued with more problems than mine. Excusing the (under-regulated) window regulator issue, it's been a good car.
I suspect the new versions will be more reliable because they've gotten so much negative feedback in recent years.
I hope they're back to that kind of reliability.AGoglanian said:
My 2002 Passat 1.8T (Curr. around 115K miles) has had its share of real issues, mainly the &%*^(@# ignition coils. I've had two in-use failures, one after all four were replaced under warranty with the improved design. The other issue I have with it in today's market is its reliance on premium gasoline, which I presume the new Golf^H^H^H^HRabbit still shares.
Overall I'm still quite happy with the car, but I don't think my next car will be a VW.
D*mn you must have a heck of a commute or the WRX really has crappy mileage. I drive 120 miles a day and still only spend about $300/month on gas for my Passat and that's with premium gas at $3.5/gal.AGoglanian said:
B
I drive 126 miles a day, in orange county traffic. monday through friday.
i average 20MPG if i am lucky.
the wrx is the most fun car i have ever driven ( i've driven some nice cars, i just haven't OWNED them ) it just isn't practical for commuting. ( or if you have a bad insurance record like me )
I think im going to seriously consider either the Nissan Versa ( as i just found out it has a 6spd! and reminds me of the Renault Clio Sport ) and the Honda Fit Sport
i average 20MPG if i am lucky.
the wrx is the most fun car i have ever driven ( i've driven some nice cars, i just haven't OWNED them
) it just isn't practical for commuting. ( or if you have a bad insurance record like me )I think im going to seriously consider either the Nissan Versa ( as i just found out it has a 6spd! and reminds me of the Renault Clio Sport ) and the Honda Fit Sport
Well we can compare the two.DMPDX said:
The Rav4 has a passenger volume of 108.2 cu.ft. while the Rabbit has 94.0 cu.ft. The Rav4 has a maximum cargo volume of 73.0 cu.ft. with a volume of 36.4 cu.ft. when the seats are up while the Rabbit has 15.0 cu.ft. with the seat up and I'm not sure how much with them down (or if that is even an option?) The Rav4 puts out 166 HP while the Rabbit does 150. The curb weight of a Rav4 is 3,373 lbs. while the Rabbit is 2,974 lbs. Plus if you move up to the 4x4 V6 you still get a mileage of 21/28.
So I'd say for an entry into the "small car" market the mileage of the Rabbit is definitely sad. The Yaris gets 34/40 mpg, the MINI Cooper gets 28/36, the Honda Fit 33/38 etcetera. But of course buying a car is all about personal preference. For me mileage is a priority.
balamw said:
Why do you need premium gas? I get the same mileage from my car on regular as I do on premium. If you want premium gas, get regular gas and add fuel additives.
The few times I've tried regular or mid-grade, I have noticed that the mileage drops by about 10-15% and it idles a lot rougher. I'll stick with premium until I get rid of it, or gas prices make it uneconomical.benthewraith said:Why do you need premium gas? I get the same mileage from my car on regular as I do on premium. If you want premium gas, get regular gas and add fuel additives.
Good to know. I occasionally think about how much I could save annually by switching to a Yaris or Fit or even a Prius or Civic hybrid... I've got a spreadsheet that compares the cost of different mpg vehicles and grades of gas which I update once a month or so and the ROI still doesn't look compelling.nosen said:
B
i always buy premium gas, mostly because my last two cars have both had turbos and if i put anything less they get mad at me.
I love the look of the rabbit. but sadly. fuel economy is dictating my purchase right now. I just need a inexpensive, safe, ( decent handling would be a blessing ) car. while im in this financial rut. I've got some big things ahead of me though, so this will just be a temporary.
I've ruled down to the Fit Sport or the Versa ( kinda leaning towards the fit, but a test drive will dictate everything )
I love the look of the rabbit. but sadly. fuel economy is dictating my purchase right now. I just need a inexpensive, safe, ( decent handling would be a blessing ) car. while im in this financial rut. I've got some big things ahead of me though, so this will just be a temporary.
I've ruled down to the Fit Sport or the Versa ( kinda leaning towards the fit, but a test drive will dictate everything )
benthewraith said:Why do you need premium gas? I get the same mileage from my car on regular as I do on premium. If you want premium gas, get regular gas and add fuel additives.
My mom has a Passat and the manual says 91 octane or higher. Efficient motor I guess.
VW recommends 91, but you can put plain unleaded and the engine will adapt to it.
The MKV Golf/Rabbit started selling in Europe 2-3 years ago, they held out in the US until now. It's just the thousands of people who were drueling for 3 years.
On another note, I have one year old Touareg and I am happy to say that I have had 0 problems (knock on wood, am I using that right?). As for VW's overall quality in their cars, I think the newer models (B6 Passat, MKV Jetta, Rabbit, Phaeton) have better reliability, especially the Rabbit, since it was on the market for about three years already before it hit our shores.
Cars like the Yaris are good in concept, affordable, efficient, but extremely lacking in soul and fun. I find that German brands are the opposite, moderate on efficiency and high on fahrvernugen, just compare the automatic trannys of a Corolla and a Jetta. Also hybrids are just plain wussie cars, it will take an owner 8 years to rake in the savings. Besides Hydrogen Fuel Cell cars, Diesel is the way to go. A TDI fed with used cooking oil from my local In-N-Out will last me a long time and will only cost me about 1.00/gal. Too bad you can't buy Diesels in CA.
AGoglanian said:
The MKV Golf/Rabbit started selling in Europe 2-3 years ago, they held out in the US until now. It's just the thousands of people who were drueling for 3 years.
On another note, I have one year old Touareg and I am happy to say that I have had 0 problems (knock on wood, am I using that right?). As for VW's overall quality in their cars, I think the newer models (B6 Passat, MKV Jetta, Rabbit, Phaeton) have better reliability, especially the Rabbit, since it was on the market for about three years already before it hit our shores.
Cars like the Yaris are good in concept, affordable, efficient, but extremely lacking in soul and fun. I find that German brands are the opposite, moderate on efficiency and high on fahrvernugen, just compare the automatic trannys of a Corolla and a Jetta. Also hybrids are just plain wussie cars, it will take an owner 8 years to rake in the savings. Besides Hydrogen Fuel Cell cars, Diesel is the way to go. A TDI fed with used cooking oil from my local In-N-Out will last me a long time and will only cost me about 1.00/gal. Too bad you can't buy Diesels in CA.
rontheancient said:
Can you really not buy diesel versions in CA?? Why is this? (I was seriously considering a TDI (Diesel based Golf/Jetta) for the longest time)
Apparently you can't currently buy them new in California, but you can buy 'em used which explains the not insignificant numbers I see on the Freeways. Apparently there are a number of places that buy the cars out of state and drive up the mileage so they can be sold as used, and then sell them in CA for a mark-up of course.Stridder44 said:
B
balamw said:
You can buy one in NV and register it there, but you cannot register it in CA until you log 7000+ (the definition of a used car) miles on the ODO.
For the rest of this year, VW will be bringing in all the TDI's they can into the states before that new low sulfur law goes into effect. CA has allowed some selling of new VW TDI's for 2006 and some V10 TDI Touaregs are sitting at the port for the September release date.
Ahh, stay away from VWs. My mom was looking at a Passat to replace her Cutlass Supreme, and I read up and saw their decline. I immediately directed her to a Japanese Honda or Toyota. She now happily has a Honda Accord.
EDIT: VWs don't get the awe-insperational fuel economy(Honda Accord V6 240 hp:25mpg/City---VolksWagen Passat V6 197 hp:18 mpg)
EDIT: VWs don't get the awe-insperational fuel economy(Honda Accord V6 240 hp:25mpg/City---VolksWagen Passat V6 197 hp:18 mpg)
imacintel said:
Are you looking at the old generation Passat? The new Passat is miles apart from the last one, especially in quality. The standard 2.0L 4-cyl turbo does 200 HP, eats fuel at 22/31 and feels just as powerful as the the V6 in my Toyota Avalon. The 3.6L V6 that is optional in the Passat packs 280 HP and does 19/28, I didnt test drive this one but from what I hear it is very powerful.
I dont understand why people wont get it out of their heads that VW are more reliable now than before. If you look at vwvortex you will see in the Jetta V, Passat B6, and Phaeton forums that there are more threads discussing 20" rims and iPod connectors than check engine lights and DOA vehicles. Moreover, I spent the day at my local dealer and I found that all of the serviced vehicles were last generation Jettas and Golfs, which I admit are crap in the relability area.
Reliability was also pretty decent for the B5 and the 2001.5 B5.5, the 2002 B5.5 (the one I have) is overall reliable, but has the design flaw for the ignition coils for the 1.8T and so reliabilty for the entire car has been less than perfect.rontheancient said:
This is the problem with VW (IMHO), unlike Honda or Toyota which have a culture of reliabilty and major issues are few and far between, VW's reliability seems spotty and is generally hit-or-miss depending on exactly what car you are looking at and when and where it was built etc...
B
balamw said:
I've had two Pennsylvania-assembled VWs and two German-assembled VWs and it doesn't seem to matter on reliability, in my experience.
However, if you change your final paragraph to cite individuality instead of reliability, Honda and Toyota are both lacking. I will give the Honda NSX and the S3000 good marks, but I'm betting they're worse on reliability than other Honda models.
FWIW:
1. The 2.5 engine in the new Rabbit and Jetta isn't that bad. It has nice low end torque which is nice when you consider when you'll be using it most, such as getting on the freeway on ramp. I'd personally perfer low end grunt over a high-revving motor, but that's just a personal pref. Also, while estimated EPA milage is nice, it all depends on how you're driving the car. I could be driving a Fit, but if I leadfoot it all the time, my milage is going to suffer.
2. I wouldn't be so quick to charge the new Mk.V Rabbits and Jettas with the same reliability problems as the Mk.IV models. It's a completely different platform.
3. The diesel model of both the Rabbit and the Jetta should be coming back to the states soon. It's dependent on the upcoming diesel restrictions and implementation of ultra low sulfur diesel. Those models easily get well north of 40ish MPG.
1. The 2.5 engine in the new Rabbit and Jetta isn't that bad. It has nice low end torque which is nice when you consider when you'll be using it most, such as getting on the freeway on ramp. I'd personally perfer low end grunt over a high-revving motor, but that's just a personal pref. Also, while estimated EPA milage is nice, it all depends on how you're driving the car. I could be driving a Fit, but if I leadfoot it all the time, my milage is going to suffer.
2. I wouldn't be so quick to charge the new Mk.V Rabbits and Jettas with the same reliability problems as the Mk.IV models. It's a completely different platform.
3. The diesel model of both the Rabbit and the Jetta should be coming back to the states soon. It's dependent on the upcoming diesel restrictions and implementation of ultra low sulfur diesel. Those models easily get well north of 40ish MPG.