A little advice please

[mwilson]

Anal Glaucoma

I let the Taurus pass me by, it just wasn't for me.

As titled above I had a case of Anal Glaucoma.

Which translates to----

I just couldn't see my arse in a Ford... ... ... ..... :-laf

Mike.

 

[HBarlow]

I wondered but didn't say anything. I couldn't see mine in one either but the truth is some years of the Taurus have been practical cars.

The problem for me is I once read the the Furd Taurus was designed by a woman in Furd Design and it shows in the lines and shapes.

 

[rscurtis]

I believe the first iteration of the "new" F150 in 1997 was also. Perhaps it was the same woman.

 

[BSMcCauley]

OK, I need guidance and advice.



I am going to buy a commuting car, hate to but I simply must.



I tried a 2012 Jetta TDI last night, a little small but a nice piece of machinery.



Today my local Mopar Dealer (good folks) called me and offered a sweet deal on a 2012 Chrysler 200 Touring S model with the V-6 power.

The local Mopar dealer has treated me well over the years so I feel I must at least try the car out tonight. My wife is on her way to pick it up right now.



30 mpg versus the 42 mpg of the TDI.



What would you do????



Mike.

A not-so-short review of our VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI:

We picked up a 2011 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI December 2011 and have 56,000+ on it now. Generally, we're happy with the car, but there are a couple draw-backs IMHO. Pros:

- zippy (no problem maintaining cruise control setting well in excess of what the duly appointed representation believes is appropriate, over grades, with AC, and loaded with 4 + 2wks worth of bags )

- handles/drives very well. Absolutely love the DSG 6-speed automatic (basically a power-shifted manual, even the torque converter feels like a clutch engaging when you press the gas and downshifting/disengaging when coming to a stop) and the vehicle stability system does quite well with managing wheel-spin (even in sharp turns under aggressive acceleration).

- fuel economy: We get 42 mpg in combined city/hwy driving around home. Our car gets minimum 150 miles/day driving 2 boys between home, 2 different schools, and swim workouts. Sitting idling with A/C on will kill it down into low 30's, so we avoid doing that. Hwy driven hard & fast as described above in light rain/heavy drizzle: 35mpg. Hwy with cruise control set on 65mph: 51mpg. Hwy @ posted 65/75 limits: 46mpg. (all with AC running)

- tail pipe is still clean as anything you'd find on the material rack at Midas. Inside of the tail pipe is about the cleanest place on the car's exterior. Exhaust smells like it was burning propane.

- good headroom even in back seat - if you do NOT have a sunroof. My 6'3” teenager has no problem sitting in any outboard position in this car (you'd want the smallest person in the group in the middle back seat).

- has been a very dependable car for us so far.

Cons:

- service is expensive and VW dealer is 2 gallons of diesel and 1/2 day out of our way whenever forced to visit there. If you follow MFG's requirements for warranty, you've got to use VW spec 507. 00 engine oil that seems to only be available from the VW dealer (at least in my area) for about $10/liter. Book says it takes 4 liters, dealer says it takes 5. Actually, it's 4. 3 liters with the filter and the dealer only sells full liters. So when I pay them to change the oil, I always ask them to hand me the bottle with the other 0. 7 liters I paid for just because I like to see the expression on their face. Factory recommended oil change interval is 10,000 miles, so oil changes cost about the same on a per/mile basis as the Dodge Grand Caravan this car replaced.

- cam is cog-belt driven and has a 90,000 recommended change interval (currently quoted at about $1200 at the dealer). Belt breaks and very expensive valves/piston collisions occur.

- DSG transmission takes special oil VW p/n G 052 182 A2 (also only available from VW), but the worst part is that you also then need special tool VW p/n VAS 6262 to install it into the transmission THROUGH THE DRAIN PLUG HOLE !!! On one hand, I'm glad there is no way a well-meaning helper could put the wrong ATF into it from the top. On the other hand, I don't like buying a $130 tool that basically amounts to a fitting and a hose just to add/adjust oil level in this transmission. Oh, yeah, you also need a scanner tool to indicate when transmission temp is up to 90°F so you can stop letting it overflow and put the plug back in.

- sunroof option takes about 1. 5” out of rear seat headroom. I could not sit up straight in the back seat of the one I climbed into. Without the sunroof, I'm fine in the back seat, and we don't like sun/moon roof anyway.

- if you want the in-dash navigation system, you have to take the package that also includes the power sun roof. So if you don't want the sun roof, like us, then you can't have the navigation system or push-button start. (you need the navigation system if you want to hook up an aftermarket rear-view camera view to the in-dash radio display - the other radios don't have the connection)



We're getting another car this fall when my oldest son gets his driver's license and we're looking at getting another Sportwagon TDI. I've looked at the Jetta sedan, but there's some options we like that come standard on the base model Sportwagon that don't seem to be available on the tricked out sedan. The other cars I'm looking at is the Hyundai Elantra (EPA 29/40mpg) & the Ford Focus (EPA 26/36mpg), but only if I can get a price that beats the VW TDI's better fuel economy spread out 5 years.



So now if you've got $2. 00 to put with all this, you still probably can't get started at Starbucks! Happy shopping!

 

[HBarlow]

That's an excellent review. I cannot justify the purchase, yet, or I would already have one. I'm very likely to talk myself into one eventually.

 

[mwilson]

A not-so-short review of our VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI:

We picked up a 2011 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI December 2011 and have 56,000+ on it now. Generally, we're happy with the car, but there are a couple draw-backs IMHO. Pros:

- zippy (no problem maintaining cruise control setting well in excess of what the duly appointed representation believes is appropriate, over grades, with AC, and loaded with 4 + 2wks worth of bags )

- handles/drives very well. Absolutely love the DSG 6-speed automatic (basically a power-shifted manual, even the torque converter feels like a clutch engaging when you press the gas and downshifting/disengaging when coming to a stop) and the vehicle stability system does quite well with managing wheel-spin (even in sharp turns under aggressive acceleration).

- fuel economy: We get 42 mpg in combined city/hwy driving around home. Our car gets minimum 150 miles/day driving 2 boys between home, 2 different schools, and swim workouts. Sitting idling with A/C on will kill it down into low 30’s, so we avoid doing that. Hwy driven hard & fast as described above in light rain/heavy drizzle: 35mpg. Hwy with cruise control set on 65mph: 51mpg. Hwy @ posted 65/75 limits: 46mpg. (all with AC running)

- tail pipe is still clean as anything you’d find on the material rack at Midas. Inside of the tail pipe is about the cleanest place on the car's exterior. Exhaust smells like it was burning propane.

- good headroom even in back seat – if you do NOT have a sunroof. My 6’3” teenager has no problem sitting in any outboard position in this car (you’d want the smallest person in the group in the middle back seat).

- has been a very dependable car for us so far.

Cons:

- service is expensive and VW dealer is 2 gallons of diesel and 1/2 day out of our way whenever forced to visit there. If you follow MFG’s requirements for warranty, you’ve got to use VW spec 107. 00 engine oil that seems to only be available from the VW dealer (at least in my area) for about $10/liter. Book says it takes 4 liters, dealer says it takes 5. Actually, it’s 4. 3 liters with the filter and the dealer only sells full liters. So when I pay them to change the oil, I always ask them to hand me the bottle with the other 0. 7 liters I paid for just because I like to see the expression on their face. Factory recommended oil change interval is 10,000 miles, so oil changes cost about the same on a per/mile basis as the Dodge Grand Caravan this car replaced.

- cam is cog-belt driven and has a 90,000 recommended change interval (currently quoted at about $1200 at the dealer). Belt breaks and very expensive valves/piston collisions occur.

- DSG transmission takes special oil VW p/n G 052 182 A2 (also only available from VW), but the worst part is that you also then need special tool VW p/n VAS 6262 to install it into the transmission THROUGH THE DRAIN PLUG HOLE !!! On one hand, I’m glad there is no way a well-meaning helper could put the wrong ATF into it from the top. On the other hand, I don’t like buying a $130 tool that basically amounts to a fitting and a hose just to add/adjust oil level in this transmission. Oh, yeah, you also need a scanner tool to indicate when transmission temp is up to 90°F so you can stop letting it overflow and put the plug back in.

- sunroof option takes about 1. 5” out of rear seat headroom. I could not sit up straight in the back seat of the one I climbed into. Without the sunroof, I’m fine in the back seat, and we don’t like sun/moon roof anyway.

- if you want the in-dash navigation system, you have to take the package that also includes the power sun roof. So if you don’t want the sun roof, like us, then you can’t have the navigation system or push-button start. (you need the navigation system if you want to hook up an aftermarket rear-view camera view to the in-dash radio display - the other radios don't have the connection)



We’re getting another car this fall when my oldest son gets his driver’s license and we’re looking at getting another Sportwagon TDI. I’ve looked at the Jetta sedan, but there’s some options we like that come standard on the base model Sportwagon that don’t seem to be available on the tricked out sedan. The other cars I’m looking at is the Hyundai Elantra (EPA 29/40mpg) & the Ford Focus (EPA 26/36mpg), but only if I can get a price that beats the VW TDI’s better fuel economy spread out 5 years.



So now if you've got $2. 00 to put with all this, you still probably can't get started at Starbucks! Happy shopping!

Thank you very much for your experiences, I really appreciate you taking the time to do this.



I have been involved with VW oil already as my Assistant Parts Manager owns a Screamin' Zonker Yellow Beetle with the Turbo Gasoline Engine. I write him out an employee PO every couple of months for oil and filter for the local VW dealer.

I have not taken the time to send a request to my oil distributor asking for an equivalent spec oil from a major oil company.

However owning a VW product in the future might be just the motivation I need to do it... ... .



I have decided to sell my '02 Town and Country first, by the time that it sells the 2012 model year will be coming to a close and there should be a few deals out there if you don't care what color choices are still available on the lots.



I did go look at a 2013 Dodge Dart yesterday, each dealer in the Northeast at least got one to show off.

Talked to the salesman and Dodge is offering the "you order it, we'll build it" on sold orders with a deposit in hand.

I think that is going to slow down the line a bit plus make it harder for the dealers to have any inventory on the ground. Looks pretty dismal for the dealers right now for lot stock.

It appears that Dodge took on the Chevy Cruze segment but it seems to me Dodge is about $2,000. 00 higher feature for feature.



The TDI is still looking pretty good to me although the package / option thing as mentioned above is a pain.



You get a lot of stuff you don't want trying to get something you do want... ... ... .



Will keep you all updated as I progress (or digress... )... ...



Mike.

 

[Simplysmn]

Well so far with only under 2 month's of ownership we Love our Jetta sport wagen and Vw also offer's Free maint for life now so oil changes are Free right now we have just shy of 2300 miles and the only issue we have had was the little Piece of paper that got sucked into blower motor but Dealer took care of us and sent us on our way being as large as I am this now has become our around the town and anytime we Don't have to drive the truck I jump into the car and Enjoy it . I'm sure after you drive a few different car's you will see also that Vw makes a Great car .

 

[Dl5treez]

The 2. 0 TDI CR "Clean Diesel" requires, according to VW, the 507. 00 spec oil.

It's a 5W-30, and a bit of an odd ball.

There are quite a few options out there, but most are fairly difficult to find locally at parts stores. The VW factory fill is Castrol SLX Professional LL03, in the gold bottle. Around $10/liter like was said above.

Fuchs, Motul, Total, LubroMoly, Pentosin, and Gulf are a few of the more common brands... anyone with another brand of Euro car or motorcycle might find them familiar.

Mobil 1 apparently makes a 507. 00 compatible oil but I personally haven't seen it yet.

5 liters of oil and a decent filter is around the $50 mark (+ tax) at places like NAPA, Pep Boys, Autozone, etc. Most dealerships are doing the oil changes for about $60 plus tax. Some are still offering the $20 Castrol rebate as well.

 

[Simplysmn]

That's why VW will be doing mine plus it's Free

 

[Dl5treez]

That's why VW will be doing mine plus it's Free

:-laf they do mine as well...

 

[Simplysmn]

Yeah that's 1 Less vehicle you have to worry about

 

[HEMI®Dart]

Throw me under the Bus if you wish...

OK, I need guidance and advice.



I am going to buy a commuting car, hate to but I simply must.



I tried a 2012 Jetta TDI last night, a little small but a nice piece of machinery.



Today my local Mopar Dealer (good folks) called me and offered a sweet deal on a 2012 Chrysler 200 Touring S model with the V-6 power.

The local Mopar dealer has treated me well over the years so I feel I must at least try the car out tonight. My wife is on her way to pick it up right now.



30 mpg versus the 42 mpg of the TDI.



What would you do????



Mike.

I know you shouldn't buy a car the first model year.



I built a 2013 DART SXT, 6 Speed manual.



Chose the 1. 4, I4, Turbo model (39 MPG Highway)



Price: $ 20,285



2013 Dodge Dart | All New compact that's everything but compact | Dodge

 

[mwilson]

:-All right, I made a purchase... ... ...



2003 Jetta TDI. Florida car, 140,000 miles. A few minor issues and one dent in the trunk. Close enough for now.....



Mike.

 

[HHhuntitall]

Well, I guess that'll give you a taste of what a newer one will do at higher mileage... .

 

[mwilson]

I'll get it registered and insured tomorrow, than put it to work doing the 650 mile per week shuffle.....



Woo Hoo... ...



Mike.

 

[Mikey-KE7LBB]

Congrats! Just be sure to replace the timing belt ASAP if you don't have proof of when or if it was done.

 

[HBarlow]

Mike,

Your purchase will probably turn out to be a very good one for your needs. I'll be interested in reading your experiences and opinions over time.

Sadly, I passed on an immaculate, perfect one owner '06 113k mile 4door Golf TDI the afternoon before I left home on my trip to New England a couple months ago. The Lubbock VW dealer took it in trade and called me. I would have been perfect for low cost transportation in bad weather when I didn't want to ride my GW but I didn't want to be forced to make a decision so quickly without time to review the car's service history. Another one as clean as that one is not likely.

 

[jgillott]

Congrats Mike.

 

[mwilson]

I know that I had stated way back in the beginning that I didn't want a project car, but the more new cars I looked at the more frustrated I became.

The only new car that really showed potential for me was the Dart. I tried the one that Thornton Bros. had on the lot (Turbo with a 6 speed) and was quite impressed with it. It had good visibility and sat comfortably. Features were nice, the touch screen HVAC / Radio thingy would take a little practice.

I am going to watch the progress of the Dart over the next year or so, if they hold up I will try one.



Dealer claims that Sergio told the design and production team the following in regards to the New Dart, "Get it right the first time, we won't get another shot at it"



The VW is as funky as the Audi that I used to have, I have been studying up on it very hard over the last 12 hours or so. This will be an interesting experience... . can you say "Allen head metric capscrews"... ... .



At least I won't be bored... ... ...



Mike.

 

[PMould]

mike,good choice. good luck. I have a 2004pd. you should be able to make your weekly trek of 650mi on 1 tank. pete.