"My first "NEW" Car, I'm thinging Volkswagen"

[mikejet]

Originally Posted by Teabaggins

can you? I was actually interested in the Fit based on the stuff mike has been saying and googled it for more info, saw that, and thought he might want to know.

Lucky me I live in Southern California where it doesn't rain much but in a heavy rain area it's a valid issue.

The Fit is a great car though. As long as your don't expect too much from it you get exactly what you paid for, an economy car with good space and decent miles per gallon.

The recall should be effecting all current US models in the field because the number of US models recalled for the 07-08 equals the number of sales of the car in the US. LOL

But after that fix it's a great car to own. My only complaint is that the gas tank should have been bigger! It's just under 10 gallons and that's not enough for me to get to Las vegas on a full tank without hypermiling and I hate having to thnk about hypermiling to save gas.

[Teabaggins]

it might be perfect for my next car

[LeAnn]

My Hybrid has a little over 50,000 miles on it. I have had 4 oil changes, and my 30,000 mile maintenance. I have bought new tires and upgraded to a k&n stock replacement filter. My new tires are goodyear tripletreds which dropped the mpg by 4, so the k&n brought that back up by 2, upgrading the tires cost me 2 mpg. But it was worth it.

I get my oil changed about every 10,000 miles with 0w-20 oil which I buy off Amazon. I could of course simply use the one in the dealership, but the dealership I bought the car from wanted to put 5w-20 which is ok, but I wanted to stick with what it came with, so I got used to buying it, even after I changed dealerships. -note this is normal for a hybrid civic to have oil changes at about 10k... not because I'm lazy

You can order all your parts and stuff off the internet so that if you have the dealership do you work you only pay labor. However, if you flat out go and get your oil changed it is around $35 + tax. Honda mails you coupons, so that is nice.

My 30k maintenance was $250... so without including tires or the upgraded filter, you are looking at about $400 in 50,000 miles. I will go in for a 50k check in a couple of months and it will cost me around $150 if i get everything done that they say and do not provide any of my own parts etc.

It is true though that you should consider your driving needs if the hybrids are worth it or not. The prius is of course more expensive than the civic hybrid, and not nearly as sexy. The prius does give me better gas mileage, but is sluggish on the pickup, which is unacceptable for me since I do a good deal of merging with high speed traffic.

My hybrid is in the body shop right now, and I am renting a 2010 prius, which is cool and all, but has wicked blind spots. And the sideview mirrors are almost useless. The pick-up is sluggish compared to the civic hybrid, but it will get you where you are going. I liked the 2009 model prius better than this one because it had touch screen and back-up camera, and the interior was better.

The hybrid civic performs a lot like my old civic did and I dont feel like I am going to flip over if I take a curve fast, and I dont feel like I am in a bubble. The seating postition is quite a bit lower than the prius as well, so if you dont like sitting low, it is certainly not for you. I know my parents hate it. LOL.


The hybrid was worth it for me because I do about 95% highway driving. If you are in the city, or a hilly location I do not recommend a hybrid because they will over rev to compensate and you will burn up your fuel. The civic hybrid also has autostop which allows the car to roll back, like a manual will. But this is not good for hilly locations. I have not noticed this issue with the Prius.

I would suggest ultimately that if you are looking for a hybrid that you drive them both. I have not driven the newer civic hybrids, mine is an '06, I have photos in my albums. But I love it, and I would get it again. I get about 400 miles to the tank, about 44 to the gallon.

[mikejet]

Originally Posted by Teabaggins

it might be perfect for my next car

The difference between the Sport and Base weren't enough for me to warrant spending the extra 2k on the car. They may be for you though so take a look.

Major differences:
Fog lights
Side skirts
Rear diffuser
Paddle shifters
Alloy rims

Because of the side skirts you can't have splash guards on the car! I like splash guards though. I got an auto so I didn't need the paddle shifters. Fog lights are something I can add later. I can also get the rims used for like $200 if I wanted.

Take one for a test drive and see if you like it. The main selling point is that you can reconfigure the seats so many ways! You can even fold then out to make a BED!

[torres546]

Well from one Long Islander to another, I would go either honda, nissan, or toyota.

If you are into hatchbacks (which I am too), I would go with the Fit or Versa. I myself have a 2004 sentra (bought used in the beginng of '06), so I missed my chance on the Fit and Versa.

I have been looking at cars lately, and the KIA dealship in East Meadow/Hempstead does have some nice used cars for very good prices. I am talking about 2007 versa SL hatch with about 35K, the typical blue they are shown in, for less than 9K.

The Fit is another car I was looking at and Honda really made a nice car. But you need to see it in person. I prefer the 06-07 models more to the recent lineup, less aggressive look to it.


For Totyota you cant go wrong with the corrolla. They updated them so nicely.

But if you want VW and you want new, I know the rabbit and possible base line Jetta, are the only two models you can score for 20K.

But I think, you should at least consider used honda, nissan or toyota. And dont forgot gas usage and price for maintaing the vehicle!

[Teabaggins]

Originally Posted by mikejet

The difference between the Sport and Base weren't enough for me to warrant spending the extra 2k on the car. They may be for you though so take a look.

Major differences:
Fog lights
Side skirts
Rear diffuser
Paddle shifters
Alloy rims

Because of the side skirts you can't have splash guards on the car! I like splash guards though. I got an auto so I didn't need the paddle shifters. Fog lights are something I can add later. I can also get the rims used for like $200 if I wanted.

Take one for a test drive and see if you like it. The main selling point is that you can reconfigure the seats so many ways! You can even fold then out to make a BED!

I'm the kind of guy who wants a car that is reliable and cheap to maintain. I grew up with expensive cars so the draw is not there for me.

spoilers, rims, speed, etc mean nothing for me. as long as I can get to around 80 mph in a reasonable amount of time.

I see cars as nothing but a money pit that I have to own because I don't live in a place like NY city. I don't commute very far and for the new baby I bought a brand new CRV about 8 months ago.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by mikejet

If you do go VW please go TDi. Those cars are SIC.

Yeah... that would be my suggestion (A Gulf perhaps) but the Gulf, out the door would be $24k or so for the TDI..... The wife and I's next car is going to be the TDI Wagon....

With that said.... Hondas are great too...... If you want new (I don't blame you) then many great suggestions can be made...... if you factor in used.... then the possible suggestions grows to a maddening level.

** I personally would never buy a Hybrid or a Fit ....... sorry guys **

[mikejet]

A base Fit would compliment the CRV perfectly then. 0-80 can be done in a decent time. Once the rpm's hit 3500 or 4000 VTEC kicks in and you start to accelerate better. I'm usually at 55mph by the top of the freeway onramp.

Another benefit is that it's small, easy to park, and, being a Honda, has an excellent turning radius.

[LeAnn]

I hear you teabaggins. My spoiler gave me a fit, but I had the body shop fix it because it kept shifting and wearing off my paint. Even though its factory, only way to get the hybrid is with a lip spoiler.
The rims are nice, but I got really upset when I curbed one. Eventually I will get that replaced, even though you cant really see it.
I don't think Honda's are really that costly to maintain. I know parts are a little expensive sometimes, but as long as you treat your car well, Hondas are good.

[Teabaggins]

guys, don't listen to Beta, his wife is a doctor or something making mad bank, not like the rest of us broke proles

[Downhere]

I suggest, as others have suggested, going used or going for a Honda Civic/Toyota Corolla...both great cars. If you can find a good deal then an Accord would be nice too.

[badboi]

I have three VW's -- a CC Sport with 6 speed manual, Toureg Turbo Diesel and a Fahrenheit (I guess I'm one of those pretentious twits Teabaggins was on about earlier) and wouldn't buy anything else. No problems whatsoever, and the oldest one (the Fahrenheit) still runs, drives, smells and handles like the day I bought it. All three have had no issues and required no maintenance (other than oil/filter and all scheduled servicing). The Fahrenheit did need some new windshield wipers about 3 months ago.

Compare the Japanese cars (especially Honduhs) and there is no comparison. Push on the hoods or any other part of a VW and then do the same with a Honda. Hondas will remind you an aluminum soda can. VW will not bend or flex. Fit and finish is top rate and nothing feels cheap or like it's ready to fall off.

And for those talking about cost of ownership, all new VWs come with 3 years of maintenance included, and also have either a 3 year or 4 year warranty.

Drive one and you'll understand why nothing from Honda, Toyota or Nissan will ever come close to how a VW drives, handles and accelerates. Even a base Golf will be something you will enjoy driving (especially if it has a manual transmission). In fact, I'm considering trading in the Fahrenheit on a new Golf Tdi with a manual transmission.

[Teabaggins]

my general rule is: if you make anywhere between 20 to 70k, get a honda and stfu, based on your other expenses of course

[Teabaggins]

Originally Posted by badboi

Push on the hoods........
:

yeah the RAV4 salesman was about to show me this lame trick as well, but I told him to save his strength and show me the numbers.

[MaCruz]

Originally Posted by badboi

I have three VW's -- a CC Sport with 6 speed manual, Toureg Turbo Diesel and a Fahrenheit (I guess I'm one of those pretentious twits Teabaggins was on about earlier) and wouldn't buy anything else. No problems whatsoever, and the oldest one (the Fahrenheit) still runs, drives, smells and handles like the day I bought it. All three have had no issues and required no maintenance (other than oil/filter and all scheduled servicing). The Fahrenheit did need some new windshield wipers about 3 months ago.

Compare the Japanese cars (especially Honduhs) and there is no comparison. Push on the hoods or any other part of a VW and then do the same with a Honda. Hondas will remind you an aluminum soda can. VW will not bend or flex. Fit and finish is top rate and nothing feels cheap or like it's ready to fall off.

And for those talking about cost of ownership, all new VWs come with 3 years of maintenance included, and also have either a 3 year or 4 year warranty.

Drive one and you'll understand why nothing from Honda, Toyota or Nissan will ever come close to how a VW drives, handles and accelerates. Even a base Golf will be something you will enjoy driving (especially if it has a manual transmission). In fact, I'm considering trading in the Fahrenheit on a new Golf Tdi with a manual transmission.

The sheet metal on Europeon cars are more solid than Japanese cars, and they handle very well especially BMW's, but I'd put my money on a Honda. I do love my 6-Speed TL.

When it comes to dents.. man those Honda sheet metal can ding easily. Even if you lean against your car. But that's for collision purposes.

BTW on a side not, my Honda mower still works after 6 years strong. Best GD mower I ever had.

[MaCruz]

And to the OP, no matter what your decision is.. if you take care of your car.. the car will last a long time.. no matter what brand it is.

[torres546]

I will give VW this; my frind has a 2008 GTI and it is so fun to drive! But now its off the road due to him being a bad driver; it still runs, but it doesnt have any plates or insurance right now.

[mikejet]

Originally Posted by badboi

I have three VW's -- a CC Sport with 6 speed manual, Toureg Turbo Diesel and a Fahrenheit (I guess I'm one of those pretentious twits Teabaggins was on about earlier) and wouldn't buy anything else. No problems whatsoever, and the oldest one (the Fahrenheit) still runs, drives, smells and handles like the day I bought it. All three have had no issues and required no maintenance (other than oil/filter and all scheduled servicing). The Fahrenheit did need some new windshield wipers about 3 months ago.

Compare the Japanese cars (especially Honduhs) and there is no comparison. Push on the hoods or any other part of a VW and then do the same with a Honda. Hondas will remind you an aluminum soda can. VW will not bend or flex. Fit and finish is top rate and nothing feels cheap or like it's ready to fall off.

And for those talking about cost of ownership, all new VWs come with 3 years of maintenance included, and also have either a 3 year or 4 year warranty.

Drive one and you'll understand why nothing from Honda, Toyota or Nissan will ever come close to how a VW drives, handles and accelerates. Even a base Golf will be something you will enjoy driving (especially if it has a manual transmission). In fact, I'm considering trading in the Fahrenheit on a new Golf Tdi with a manual transmission.

The S2K will smoke any VW. So would a Supra. Nissan has the Skyline.

[badboi]

Originally Posted by mikejet

The S2K will smoke any VW. So would a Supra. Nissan has the Skyline.

I guess if one is into "smoking" other cars, then you might be right. But I will tell you that my CC has 200 hp 2.0 turbo 4 and will reach 60 in a respectable 6.9 seconds, and will do all this with comfort and a sense of refinement and safety. My Toureg (the V10 Twin Turbo, which has since been discontinued and replaced with a very ordinary V6 Turbo Diesel version) offers up over 500 pounds of torque. It has been know to occasionally "smoke" some pimply faced adolescents in their modified rice burners when the wild hair works its way up my ass (and said adolescent needs puttin' in his place).

I will say this about one Japanese car in particular. The Camry. The other half has one. A 2009. Without a doubt one of the most uninspiring, brain numbing cars I've ever driven. Every time I go somewhere in that, I need to make sure I take a No Doze before getting behind the wheel. Even if the damn gas pedal were to stick to the floor in this car, I still doubt it would be anything exciting.

OP, drive a Japanese car. Then drive a VW. Make your decision based on that, not what we tell you. But if you were to look at something Asian, Subarus are really well built and seem quite reliable.

Oh, and if you can wait, here's the new Jetta coming very soon.

[Teabaggins]

if you need a car to "excite" you then you might be doing it wrong.....try a fleshlight instead