Consumer Reports says VW Golf and TDI are tops?

[cantdrv55]

In predicted reliability and overall score. Hard to believe unless VW has learned its lesson recently because every VW product I've ever owned was crap. Does anyone here own a VW or Audi that's been as reliable as a comparable Japanese car?

[GothingNC]

Cool

My wifes 04 Jetta TDI (100,000 miles) only non-maint. issue was an $85 radiator fan and zero problems with my 05 GLI.

Looking to get the new GTI in a few years.

[Mark Henry]

My wife's '95 1.8 gas golf econobox has over 600K and is still ticking along, one of the best (economical) cars I've ever owned. We still have it for a winter car.
My more upscale '99 1.8T triptronic Passat fell apart by 200K, worst POS I've ever owned. It's in a scrapyard.

Would I buy a new VW?
No.

[notfarnow]

The funniest part is the idea of "consumer reports" having any credibility, beyond rating how evenly a toaster browns bread.

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by cantdrv55

In predicted reliability and overall score. Hard to believe unless VW has learned its lesson recently because every VW product I've ever owned was crap. Does anyone here own a VW or Audi that's been as reliable as a comparable Japanese car?

Define comparable.

That said, JD Power just released their latest data on dependability over three years.

[pavulon]

own two VW's. One '97 cabrio (hers, reliable, but has all the rigidity of a 4-wheeled slinky) and '09 Jetta wagon TDI DSG. The '09 has been a great car so far!

[sc_rufctr]

VW Golf VR6 1994 Mine has traveled 260,000kms - 161556.5 miles

I have replaced...

Clutch at 130,000kms - 80778.25 miles
Starter Motor
Fuel pump
Fuel hoses (all)
Thermostat housing
Front "crack" pipe
Heater core
Rear wheel bearings
Front wheel bearings
Break disks x1 and pads x2 all round.
After run coolant pump.
Front bushes complete.
Shocks and springs replaced at 160,000kms - 99419.39 miles
Clutch master and slave cylinder at 230,000kms - 142915.4 miles
Coil Pack - (Replaced with MSD-DIS4 and GM coils two tower coil packs x3 + MSD Spark Plug wires)
Battery
Serpentine belt x2

And as always the normal bi annual servicing.

The next big job is the timing chains at 300,000kms - 186411.4 miles but I'll re do the clutch at the same time.

I plan on keeping it until it falls apart

Edit: The rear windows are broken. If you try and lower then they won't come back up.

[peppy]

2001 Jetta TDI 273,000 miles.

I have had it since 80,000 miles.

Timing belt 3 times.

Brake rotors and pads once.

Replaced 1 boot on cv joint.

on my second battery

door lock switch is broken and the AM radio receives no stations

the front sway bar squeeks like crazy

Not a bad car, but I love the fuel mileage.

3 sets of tires


I forgot the check engine light stays on. Something to do with the glow plug harness.

[craigster59]

'06 Audi A3 recently traded at 170k, no problems. Now have an '05 Outback with 65k, no problems so far.

[LakeCleElum]

Originally Posted by notfarnow

The funniest part is the idea of "consumer reports" having any credibility, beyond rating how evenly a toaster browns bread.

I dropped my subscription years ago when they devoted a big article in rating Orange Juice......I have better things to do than read about orange juice.

[cantdrv55]

Originally Posted by kaisen

Define comparable.

That said, JD Power just released their latest data on dependability over three years.

This is very helpful. Thank you.

[ben parrish]

Jetta..bought new in Sept 09. Currently have 42k on it with no issues. Only replaced rear pads and tires and of course, oil changes and routine maintenance.

[9dreizig]

Just sold my A4 240k miles very few problems, A/C compressor and a sludge recall but that was it other than the usual MAf, O2 sensors etc..

[74-911]

Wife's 2006 2.5L Jetta has 75K miles and the last time the dealer saw it was for a 10K mile oil change/checkup. I do all the maintenance (oil/filter, plugs etc.). Car has been solid as a rock (knock on wood). Only real complaint is all the original tires (don't recall the brand) were gone before 50K - tread separation...

[Soterik]

We "had" a 2005 Passat TDI wagon till 128,000 miles when the wife totaled it. It was flawless till she drove it into a ditch..... (literally flawless, no issues whatsoever).

Now have a 2010 Outback, 38,000 miles no issues, but it's "soul-less".

Dad has a 2001 Golf TDI with about 144,000 on it. Had a mass flow problem, but that's been the only thing. It was stolen for a few thousand miles and they smoked turkish cigarettes (we got it back...) still stinks, but it's getting better. Absolutely amazing mileage, and it handles great!

Also have a 1991 GLI 16 valve with 105K, did the front struts, it's in storage for the oldest child. And I have a 1979 Rabbit in Golf GTI trim in storage for the youngest son.

Lastly we have a 1956 Beetle by dad bought new... in storage till I find the time to restore it.

Other cars of note listed below. Hell yes, I'll buy another VW! But it will probably only be a diesel....

e

[Steve Carlton]

Some more Consumer Reports data:

Japanese carmakers top Consumer Reports rankings - Business - Autos - msnbc.com

[Geronimo '74]

Originally Posted by cantdrv55

In predicted reliability and overall score. Hard to believe unless VW has learned its lesson recently because every VW product I've ever owned was crap. Does anyone here own a VW or Audi that's been as reliable as a comparable Japanese car?

I do, VW Golf V, TDI, company car, as reliable as a hammer, you need it, it works.
Over here (Europe) VW and Audi's are known for their reliability. NOT made in Mexico.... maybe that has something to do with it.

[oldE]

My 2006 Jetta TDI has just over 140,000 Km and has been rock solid with the exception of brakes and pads. Fronts were replaced around 100K, rears at 120K,

The Conti 'all seasons were tossed at 40, 000 and replaced with a set of winter tires (just finishing their 4th winter) and summers.

A little indy shop (ex dealer) does all service.

My only concern is the camshaft wear issue that has been reported on some pd engines (no longer made). In response, I keep the revs below 3000.

Les

[cbush]

40,000 miles on the '06 Jetta TDI, and it has been perfect. One of the best overall cars we have ever had. Oh, and despite all the bad press about being cheap, I looked at a 2011 Jetta at the dealer over the weekend, and it looked very nice.

[t951]

We just got a 2011 Jetta TDI. Had it 1 month, it has 2500 miles on it Been perfect so far. No much of a surprise there, it is new after all.

t.