Commuter car vs. P-car: Which is more reliable?

[HardDrive]

I have a 99 Volkswagon that I keep as my commuter car. Yeah, well there is just one problem with my plan....the $#%#$%#$% thing is in the shop all the time! Evidently the electrical systems have some sort of self destruct switch that goes off at 60K.

My 23 year old Porsche? Runs like a top.

Anyone else find that their p-car is more likely to get you to work than your "reliable" car?

Hmmmmmmm....Harddrive looks across the drive way at the wifes Lexus....she barely drives that thing...I bet she wouldn't mind if I .....

[look 171]

The Lexus will prob. out last both. I have owned lots of Toyotas. I beat the hell out of them, and I still do. They hold up just fine besides the squeeeek and crackle here and there.

[don911]

Mine's been a daily driver since I've owned it. (5 years) Not one issue. 911 has been better than my ex Honda Prelude.

[84porsche]

I have a 2003 VW Jetta and for some strange reason I like driving the Porsche more but that is not the question.

Reliability is relative. Do I like having a warranty, I guess so. But I take my VW to the dealer and I wait a whole day for them to fix something small. They don't bother to call me when the car is done. They don't offer me a loaner car. I recently had a small sample of cologne in the cupholder and the plastic or paint peels right out of the cupholder and the cologne didn't spill. They tell me its not a factory defect and they won't fix it because I introduced an outside substance which kind of pissed me off. So would I buy I new car again, probably not. I would rather buy a used car and take it to someone I trust to work on it and then I know its reliable. What good is a warranty if they don't back the products 100%.

My 911 on the other hand has seen the shop maybe 3 times a year for the past 2 years for oil changes and small upgrades at minimal cost while my VW has been at the dealer 6 times in about a year. So on service visits alone, the VW is more troublesome but I am able to do more as far as carrying things then I can do with the Porsche.

[frencjas]

I think an older 911 is similarly reliable as a newer VW/Audi, and likely less reliable than a newer Japanese car. I did not buy my 911 to be my "reliable" car, but seems to take all the track punishment I can dish out with barely a complaint.

Overall cost of ownership, now that would be worth comparing. Depreciation on an older 911 is nil compared to a newer car of nearly any variety, offsetting any additional maintenance costs of the 911.

[Jerry S]

I have had 4 different volkswagens and all are junky in the electrical department. Those cars are almost always an issue with that regard and the "Lemonade Guide" will reinforce this. I like the general fit and finish along with the drivetrains but that is where the fondness ends. I vowed that when I purchase my next VW(if ever) that it will have a base list of features. No sunroof, no heated seats, no power windows, no central locking, etc, etc., as I have had major electrical gremlins in the cars I have owned. Japanese build a much better car nowadays, but I guess those cars may be boring as there would no longer be any unscheduled shop visits, and you would lose out on your wonderful network of towtruck driver friends. MADE IN MEXICO



Jerry S

[look 171]

What I don't understanding is that why can VW and others like Audi or other European auto maker do what the Japenese are doing with their electronic. They are all big $$$ companies with tons of money in R and D. I have never had any problems elec. problems with any of my Japenese cars or trucks. Once I drove with only 2-3 qts in the crankcase for over 2500 miles. The damn lasted for another 8 years without making any noise beside general repairs. I gave it away to one of the workman. My wife's audi? Don't get started. When that thing goes, I am buying a Subi wagon. She's looking at a BMW or Saab wagon. God help me with that one please.

Jeff

[anthony]

I guess I've been lucky. My '94 VW Jetta has been rock solid. I prefer to drive it to work. 12 miles of stop and go traffic in the 911 is no fun IMO.