Quote:Hasn't the VW product been getting vastly improved reliablility of late?
Per what I've read, that unreliability tag is still stemming largely from decades ago.
I'm not sure about VW in America but in Europe VW's are known are pretty reliable cars and very good value for money.
Quote:Diesel is more expensive in the States? How the heck does that work? It's €1,40/liter for diesel versus €1,71/liter for regular gas where I live.
It should be less expensive since it's less expensive to make but if it was cheaper you'd see as many diesels here as you do in Europe and the energy companies ain't got time for that.
You don't lose but maybe a quart of oil when you change the filter. And yes when you change your oil the filter is changed. However if you plan on not changing that oil again for another 10k miles at least change the filter at 5k and top off the quart of oil.
Quote:I wouldn't touch a TDI based on their reliability history (or rather, lack thereof.)
Not really an issue anymore parts are expensive but they're pretty reliable vehicles
Quote:Not really an issue anymore parts are expensive but they're pretty reliable vehicles
They're no better than average, which if that's where you set the bar...
It's just that I expect more than simply average reliability. It's not right or wrong, I've just been burned by vehicle trouble in the past and expect more than the average person I suppose. I've sunk more money into the cars I've "settled for" than I would have had I saved and/or spent just a little more for the more reliable vehicle to begin with.
Quote:Diesel is more expensive in the States? How the heck does that work? It's €1,40/liter for diesel versus €1,71/liter for regular gas where I live.
Holy crap that's pretty much $8.80 a Gallon of gas and $7.19 for Diesel????? In Florida it's about $3.60 for regular (91) and about $4.00 for Diesel
Quote:They're no better than average, which if that's where you set the bar...
It's just that I expect more than simply average reliability. It's not right or wrong, I've just been burned by vehicle trouble in the past and expect more than the average person I suppose. I've sunk more money into the cars I've "settled for" than I would have had I saved and/or spent just a little more for the more reliable vehicle to begin with.
I'm not a VW advocate, at least not state side the repairs cost to much for me. Personally I'm a big fan of the newer Ford Sedans, Hyundai is putting out quality cars (just stay away from the new Hybrids for now), Toyota has always done me well, Nissan is probably the most consistent when it comes to quality products and GM is hit or miss pending the brand.
Anything European you'll pay through the nose for service and parts, anything Chrysler it'll be in the shop more than on the road.
Quote:I'm not a VW advocate, at least not state side the repairs cost to much for me. Personally I'm a big fan of the newer Ford Sedans, Hyundai is putting out quality cars (just stay away from the new Hybrids for now), Toyota has always done me well, Nissan is probably the most consistent when it comes to quality products and GM is hit or miss pending the brand.
Interesting no mention of Honda up there. Has their reliability fallen?
Quote:
Per what I've read, that unreliability tag is still stemming largely from decades ago.
Correct. They are still pricier to repair - but the reliability has improved considerably.
Quote:I'm not a VW advocate, at least not state side the repairs cost to much for me. Personally I'm a big fan of the newer Ford Sedans, Hyundai is putting out quality cars (just stay away from the new Hybrids for now), Toyota has always done me well, Nissan is probably the most consistent when it comes to quality products and GM is hit or miss pending the brand.
Anything European you'll pay through the nose for service and parts, anything Chrysler it'll be in the shop more than on the road.
I can only say from my personal experience that my wife's TDI after 60K miles has not one single issue, nothing. I've been purchasing new vehicles since the early 80s, and this is the first time that's happened. My current car is a 2011 Ford Mustang GT and it is a great car, but it has had a few issues, the ventilation system had an issue, the A/C started coming on occasionally, the automatic headlight sensor stopped working, etc. Nothing major but nit picky.
VW still suffers from a reputation they built prior to about 10 years ago. In the last few years their cars are pretty solid and the diesels can go practically forever if maintained properly. German cars as you mention do cost more to maintain but I think the driving experience is second to none.
The great thing today is that even the "worst cars" in terms of reliability are still fairly reliable machines overall.
Quote:I can only say from my personal experience that my wife's TDI after 60K miles has not one single issue, nothing. I've been purchasing new vehicles since the early 80s, and this is the first time that's happened. My current car is a 2011 Ford Mustang GT and it is a great car, but it has had a few issues, the ventilation system had an issue, the A/C started coming on occasionally, the automatic headlight sensor stopped working, etc. Nothing major but nit picky.
VW still suffers from a reputation they built prior to about 10 years ago. In the last few years their cars are pretty solid and the diesels can go practically forever if maintained properly. German cars as you mention do cost more to maintain but I think the driving experience is second to none.
The great thing today is that even the "worst cars" in terms of reliability are still fairly reliable machines overall.
The all new 2015 GTI's seem really nice but I really would rather not purchase something brand new. Might have to wait a few years.
Quote:Interesting no mention of Honda up there. Has their reliability fallen?
Honda has really fallen recently in the ratings. If I were to go with an Asian car, I'd definitely go Hyundai first. The Genesis Coup rocks and the Sonata isn't a bad sedan.
Quote:Honda has really fallen recently in the ratings. If I were to go with an Asian car, I'd definitely go Hyundai first. The Genesis Coup rocks and the Sonata isn't a bad sedan.
The Genesis aint bad....
I just can't get past the rear window that looks like it got punched in the eye