can you make a vw beetle sound like a subaru impreza?

Question 1
can you make a vw beetle sound like a subaru impreza?...  im getting a 75 1.2l beetle soon and im wondering can you make a vw beetle sound like a subaru impreza? i know they both flat 4 engines, i love the rattle that the beetle makes at idle but prefer the noise a subaru makes while reving. could i some how put a subaru muffler on it?

i know i could switch the engine with a subaru one but i dont have time for that or the money.

Answers
1)   no - terry

2)   why in the world would you want to soup up a beetle.. - Austin Bouchard

3)   It is hard to get a 1.2 liter engine to sound like a 2.5 because the note is in part determined by the size of the engine. Are you sure about the engine size by the way. The 75 should have a bigger motor then that.
If you want to build a engine, try this link:
http://www.cwgsy.net/private/ramva/tech.htm - Old Man Dirt

4)   No there are 60 years of design between them.(Or lack of in the case of the Beetle) - L G

5)   The answers bellow me can stfu Because in automotive vechicles, anything is possible. WIth just a little tweaking, a little modifying, the car will be suped. And if you do not believe me, watch pimp my ride on MTV and just watch the pieces of shit they transform into Drag racers. Good Luck - J0$H

6)   Not a major difference from the engine side but a few things you could do for noise:
1. Performance air filter.
2. Larger bore exhaust with noise setting - G

7)   yeah man you totaly can, WRX PERFORMANCE EXHAUST SYSTEM legit you can mod it to fit into a bettle - Andrew Mcneil


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Question 2
Are the Older Volkswagens unreliable?...  I'm look for a good first car and I've been looking at Jettas and Golfs. I like how he they perform and handle, but when I read some of the reviews I'm always getting different answers, half the time people say they love them and the other half complain about all the 100,000k+ millage problems they have to fix. My budge is about $2000 and I want to know if it'd be worth my while to go with a Volkswagen or if I should look somewhere else.

Answers
1)   opposite. they used to be a frame with a steel shell, 4 wheels and an engine. an older mk1 or 2 GTI's or rabbits will run forever. Even the corrados are pretty reliable. the newer r32's and mk4's tend to have alot of issues with the electronics. for 2000 you can pick up a pretty nice MK2 5 speed which is a very fun car to have. - joemoe

2)   Volkswagens are excellent cars, IF well maintained. They do require an above average amount of maintenance as well, but if kept up, they will last. If you are looking for something that is reliable to get you through without any shop costs, get a Honda/Toyota.

I personally own a Passat and am capable of doing most DIY repairs, if you are not this type of person, I would suggest looking elsewhere.

Hope this helps - Paul

3)   No car for $ 2,000 can be deemed especially reliable, It is old and well worn.

Since you don't have a bucket of money, go for something that you can

A. Afford to fill the tank in (Small car)

B. Afford to repair. All cars need repairs, and many of them you cannot do, even if you wish you could. There the question really is, do you have a repair shop that you can trust nearby?

Is a used VW the BEST? No, at the $ 2,000 price point, the best car is the one that your trusted mechanic says in the best. The car that has been best maintained and also not poorly repaired after an accident.

Obviously, you don't even look at anything exotic, forget all about Mercedes, Audi, Jaguar or BMW. They are luxury cars with spare parts prices to match. - Ben Jones

4)   vw are well known for engine and electrical issues, and there are manufacturers like nissan and toyora that are a lot more dependable and will run dang near forever, Nissan, honda, and toyota have a well deserved reputation as a long running low maintenance car. All manufacturers have bad years in that some cars are just a huge pain in the butt to own and maintain, these three happen to have less of them than most. I also like the Subaru all wheel drive, so do what you can to save money and try to bump up your 2 grand, because the more money you put down, the nicer car you will end up with in the long run. best of luck, its tough to save money, but hang in there and do what you have to do. - roger

5)   At the end of the day it comes down to two things:

1. Wear and tear due to age
2. Improper maintenance

Most people say a car becomes harder to maintain when it is 10+ years old. This is often due to parts etc. not being so readily available. There is a wealth of Jetta's and Golf's on the roads. My brother in law has two MK1 Golf's - one with 180k Miles on the clock and the other with 150k Miles. Both run like new. The only problems he had were leaking seals. Rubber seals on pipes and grommets etc. tend to deteriorate with age. The only thing stopping you should be... if there are not enough garages/mechanics that could get hold of parts and fit them for you - in that case it is not worth it.

On the other Mk1 the problem was that at 120k miles the HT lead rubber deteriorated and the spark plug was rusted a bit due to a crack in the top seal rubber. Fortunately we fished it out. This would not have been a problem had the car been driven. It spent 2 years on the drive with no battery! So required a service and some attention.

Your budget may be tested by these minor things. So it would be best to make sure you look for one that has had some care and attention - that way you know you won't be spending mega bucks too soon. If you buy one that needs a lot of work then it may stretch your budget a bit. - G

6)   I would avoid 1999-2004, or whatever the Mk4 generation run was. I've never heard of one being anything but a problem.
All other ranges are just average according to prior maintenance. $2000 budget is a gamble regardless of make, so not sure you can increase reliability odds at that price point. - Jay S


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Question 3
is a 1999 VW passat 1.8t front wheel drive or rear wheel drive?...  im looking into getting one of these fine machines, and it confuses me as the engine sites front to back. but i have seen cars like the dodge intrepid with similar set up and Front wheel drive.
thanks guys. this should be fun. i hope i get it, i miss the sound of a turbo.

Answers
1)   front wheel drive - kawasaki

2)   Front. - Kyle M

3)   all volks wagens cars are frount wheel drive in the usa - Andrew Mcneil

4)   All VW's are front wheel drive. - i eat monkeys

5)   It would be front-wheel drive, unless it's the 4motion model, which makes it four-wheel drive. The only VW that is currently in production (or has been in the past 12 years) and rear-wheel drive is the VW Amarok pickup truck.

The Passat uses the same basic floorpan as the Audi A4, so the engine is also mounted longitudinally. Yeah, I'm sure it will be fun - just remember to stick to the recommended oil change intervals and use a good synthetic. The 1.8T engines have a tendency to accumulate sludge if not maintained properly. Oh yes, let the car idle a bit after a spirited drive. - Chris


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Question 4
How do you drive a Volkswagen Passat?...  How do you drive a Volkswagen passat....and its an automatic but doesn't it have slap stick or some think like that or what ever you call it?

Answers
1)   Lol are you blonde? - Chris

2)   You just drive like you normally would. - packers

3)   Only the DSG transmission has the up and down paddles.
But you never need to use them.
You can just put it into drive and leave it there.
The paddles are for those who want to manually shift their automatic. - Motorhead

4)   It may have tiptronic which is a manumatic. Don't tell us what year, better yet, do you have your license yet? - djaca70

5)   better yet how do you know what a volkswagen is if you cant even drive it hahah its an automatic.... - Andrew Mcneil


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Question 5
are VW parts expensive?...  I know it's a European brand and people say that European parts are expensive....say if you need to replace something with the cooling system, etc. i can understand why Mercedes would be expensive...but VW isn't luxury really.

is VW as expensive to maintain? or is it about the same as a Japanese car or American car

Answers
1)   While VW certainly isn't Mercedes, it still is a European car, so there are going to be some parts that will be more expensive than a typical Ford or Chevy.

As far as maintenance, it probably is slightly more expensive than a japanese or Americna car but not a whole lot more. - BalloonRich

2)   Normally they are inexpensive. The easiest way to tell is to go online and compare a number of parts.
I would suggest: water pump, alternator, starter, brake disks and pads.
You can either use the website for a local parts store or a national chain like OReilly's. - Ralph 124c41

3)   if you ever have to buy parts it will probably only be front tie arms and brake pads and disks and they are about the same price as every other make of vehicle unless your local vw agent is called corkhills of wigan and then you will be ripped of. - Matthew Barnett

4)   As a owner, I can justify the high cost if it something like a Cam Shaft or piston for my 01 tdi. VW has some ridiculous prices on parts. Some of the most basic stuff can cost alot. And this is one of the reasons why they lost me as customer. - Eric

5)   Agree with Eric, things can get rather expensive for some basic parts. Also, my Passat requires Premium and Synthetic Oil which can be also add up...LOVE my VW, but be ready for inflated prices... - Paul


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Which is the better model Golf, Polo or Leon ?

Question 1
Which is the better model Golf, Polo or Leon ?...  I am looking to spend around £6500 for a nice 5 door economical hatchback. I have narrowed it down to VW Golf 1.9/2.0 Tdi, VW Polo 1.4 Tdi or Seat Leon 1.9/2.0Tdi

any comments on which is the 'better' car ?

Thanks

Answers
1)   The Golf and the Leon are basically the same car, so choose whatever you like the look of best.
I'd prefer either to the Polo. - EvelynThe ModifiedDog.

2)   As said the Golf and the Leon are both built on the same base with the same engines so pick the cheapest of those or the one you like best. The Polo is smaller than both and is similar to a Seat Ibiza which it too is based on.
All of these cars come from the Volkswagen Audi Group. No way to say which is best as there is little to choose and I do not know your car needs.

Personally if the Polo is big enough I would go look as a Suzuki Swift as you will get a lot more car for your money, extremely reliable, and it will have less pensioner appeal then the Polo - Timbo is here

3)   My family have had both a Golf and a leon, and i think we are currently using a golf with near the same specs stated. The leon is the same as previously stated but there both great never had a problem with either :) have fun in your new car!! - Joseph H

4)   I will try to give you a sensible answer ! As others state the Golf/Leon are built on the same floor pan and they share engines and other main components. We have a Golf 1.9 TDI SE with 97k miles. It has the DSG auto box. It really picks its feet up the build quality is exceptional there is not a rattle or squeak anywhere, its useless in the snow. I have owned a Seat Ibiza FR TDI 130 which shares the same engine as the Golf and is a serious serious rival to any Polo.The performance is tremendous, economy 47 mpg in general everyday driving, very well screwed together very cheap to insure and tax.The interior quality is good but no where near the VW. I have access to a Seat Leon 2.0 TDI FR. I love that car ! I like the looks against the Golf and the performance is mental, once again, the car interior although good does not measure up to VW. You will only get the old model Polo for that kind of money and although you will get a willing " 3 pot" engine it goes fairly well but nothing like the others and you will struggle to get better than 2 or 3 more miles to the gallon over the other cars. You state from the offset that you want a 5 door hatch so really you need to be looking at the two bigger cars , the Golf/Leon. You will get a MK 5 Golf for your money and you should be able to find the Leon. The residual value of the Leon is very good as they are in much smaller numbers than the Golf. The Leon does have one problem due to its appeal with "young bucks" who can fit all manner of go faster styling , this may not the image you want out of a car. - L G

5)   Nothing wrong with a Polo, but the 1.4TDI can be a bit underpowered. If you want the space, go for the Golf 2.0 TDI. Nothing wrong with the Seat, but body parts might be more difficult to source if your car is ever involved in a collision. - Chris


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Question 2
can i wear 19" or 20" alloys for my passat 2.0 SE 2001?...  

Answers
1)   It came with 16" as standard, You could try but it would be a tight fit, And would scrape against speed bumps etc. - i eat monkeys

2)   Also, when you change wheel sizes, make sure that you have the dealer readjust the odometer, otherwise your mileage and speed will be understated -- i.e., traffic tickets. Your best bet on the wheel size is to call some custom shops who have done it, simply to ask what success (and problems) you might have. I'm sure they'll be happy to share their thoughts. - minstrel_777

3)   Yes, you can wear it, but your driving experience won't be pleasant, you gonna feel all the bumps and stones extremely bad. I would suggest 17 inch with 245 mm tyre. - Olexandr

4)   You can fit 17" wheels with 225.45.17 tyres
or 18" wheels with 225.40.18 tyres
or 19" wheels with 235.35.19 tyres.
I don't think there are any suitable 20" wheels and tyres for the Passat - CDC


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Question 3
My VW Golf MK4 steering wheel appears to be locked and I can't turn the key in the ignition?...  What's going on here? How do I make it back to normal? Thanks

Answers
1)   I have the same car. Its just a safety thing. You can turn the key its just really stiff cos you are effectively unlocking the wheel. - xoxsarahnxox

2)   pump the break and tun the wheel both ways hard then try again. - smarta$$

3)   security measure a lot of cars implement.

just keep trying to turn the key in the ignition while at the same time trying to wiggle the steering wheel free, it can be rather annoying when it happens but it's a good theft deterrant. - perry


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Question 4
my other half has a 2.0lt 8v vw golf mk3 GTi 5 door which discs?...  I would like to replace the brake discs on the front but when I go to parts I get asked which size 280 or 288mm, I have no idea which are the correct size for the damned thing. Or has anyone got an easy way to find out other than measuring them?

Answers
1)   Buy both and return the one you don't need. - Kenny

2)   Measuring them would be easiest. - EvelynThe ModifiedDog.

3)   Neither is the correct size for a MK3 2.0L 8v. You want 256mm vented front discs. The 1996-1999 VR6 MK3 Golfs came with 288mm fronts, and 1995 VR6 Golfs came with the 280mm fronts. - gti_4cefed4


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Question 5
Which VW would you prefer to drive in snow?...  My spouse and I have two cars: a 2003 Golf TDI [manual transmission, front wheel drive, and snow tires (195/65R15)]; or a 2008 VW R32 [DSG transmission, AWD, and all-season tires (225/40ZR18)]. Which of these cars would you pick (and why) to drive in winter?

Answers
1)   I would rather drive the R32, anytime, anywhere. They are awesome. - C.T.

2)   The one with the manual transmission- I don't like automatics. - Eric

3)   In the snow? A 1973-1979 Beetle, but any old Beetle will do. They are tremendously good in the snow. I pass vehicles with 4x4 all the time up hills. I've seen Jeeps be stuck on a hill when I can easily make it up. I never realized how great it was in the snow until I put it to the test.

But between the two, the Golf. Reason is the R32 has a lot of power (easier to break traction), and the Golf has a stick. Stick is always better in the snow. - Aircooled Chick


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Should I buy this 1971 VW Super Beetle?

Question 1
Should I buy this 1971 VW Super Beetle?...  So I'm bored with my old 1991 Mazda 626 with 196,000 miles on it and I got an offer for 1,000 for it which I thought was good. So now I'm in the market for a new car and I found a 1971 Super Beetle for 900. The car has decent interior, wouldn't take too much work to fix that up, and the engine looks pretty dirty and there is some rust. However, the asking price for it is 900 and I can most likely talk them down a little since I'm the only person who has really been interested. I'm going to have a VW mechanic check it out and see what they think but the more opinions the merrier! So my questions for you are, do you think its worth it from what you know? How many mpg does it probablly get? I heard that they are pretty unsafe so would that make insurance more expensive? Any words of wisdom? Thanks a billion!

Answers
1)   Here in Australia, I have never heard of Beetles being considered "unsafe". I'm guessing it has the 1·5L engine, which is about as much power as you need. If it has a 1·6, all the better. Fuel economy won't be spectacular, but they hardly guts it down (use 95 octane or better). A Dakky mechanic may suggest a carby overhaul (or at least a float adjustment) and this will ensure she's not guzzling more than her fair share. Change the oil straight away to ensure she runs cool and clean.

Happy motoring. - Kevin Phillips

2)   The '71 Super Beetle is likely to be a 1600. The do about 27mpg, sometimes better depending on driving style and conditions. Check for rust in the heater channels, C pillars and floorpan. Expect some rust, but if it's bad or not easily fixed, the car isn't worth it. A dirty engine is often a sign of neglect. Has the oil been changed regularly? If it's black sludge then it obviously hasn't. Old VWs live or die by their oil. The VW Beetle is somewhat unsafe compared to modern cars. They have the fuel tank in front of the driver and obviously lack ABS, airbags, crumple zones, etc. However, they are made out of steel and fare well for a car of their age and size. The Super Beetle should (they do here in Australia) have disc brakes up front which improve braking considerably. Their suspension also delivers superior roadholding to previous models. Quality tyres are worth the investment. Drive sensibly and safety isn't an issue. - bugmatic

3)   for $900 you probably will have to do a great deal more work on the car than you think. id replace all of the fuel lines and brake lines. chances are the floors and heat channels are somewhat shot. if the motor is dirty thats a good indication that is hasnt been driven for a while and might not run well. replace the fuel pump, drain the gas tank, clean out the carb, adjust valves, change oil, gap plugs, change plug wires, change distributor cap, rotor and points, etc etc. when buying an old bug i have found you never get what you think you are getting. common rust spots are the heat channels, floor under the drivers feet and under the battery, wheel wells, rocker panels, rear luggage compartment, since its a 71 the c-pillar because of the rear window vents. its got a dual port 1600cc 48hp motor. strut front suspension that i would check to make sure the strut mounts are not rusted off, pretty common on supers. if it runs take it for a fast drive, chances are it might have the "super shimmy" almost all supers do. this means you will probably need to rebuild most of the front end.

in my opinion, if you are not mechanically inclined and will be taking your car to the mechanic to do everything from oil changes to tracking down an electrical short, to rebuilding the front end, to replacing the rotted floors DO NOT buy a beetle. you will spend a lot of money trust me. ive rebuild 2 of them and know how expensive it can get doing all the work by yourself that needs to be done on a regular basis. but on the other hand if you plan on working on the car or already have a lot of car experience than offer them 500 for it and see what happens. buy the bug and have it for a few months before you sell your Mazda because the bug might be more of a pit than you think and then you will really be screwed and SOL - Air-Cooled (o\ ! /o)

4)   For the situation like yours,I would like to suggest you have a look here   www.Autoinsurancepro.info   ,you should find something useful. - George J

5)   That's an old car, and probably a rust bucket. It uses too much fuel for such a small car, it is slow, and it is just a lifestyle car now. There is no point in debating whether it's good or bad, it's not a car choice of the head.

For 900$ though, make sure to check it up properly. It can soon prove to have a bad engine, and the rust problem is almost sure to cost a couple of k to repair.Be careful. - Louis Sullivan


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Question 2
how much would a new exhaust cost for a VW Lupo?...  My exhaust has just dropped off, how much would a new one cost approx. for a VW Lupo. Full exhaust or just tail pipe as the silencer box is still intact

Answers
1)   around 60 to 100 - will

2)   Full - £400 plus
Back end only £200
Quick call to an exhaust repairer £free to £0.10 - Timbo is here

3)   Depends on model, engine size, year, and also where you go.
A back box from GSF will be about £50, a full system from a VW dealer could be £7-800.
The only answer as always is to phone up an exhaust supplier and ask. - EvelynThe ModifiedDog.

4)   If you want the genuine system ring VW as it is a menu item and it will not be £800. - L G


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Question 3
Check engine light keeps turning on, on my 2004 Jetta?...  The check engine light keeps turning on after I've had the oxygen sensor replaced. I've had the sensor replaced 3 times as the light keeps turning on and the shop keeps telling me that that's the only thing that is coming up. I need to get a smog check by then of this month in order to pay my tags but the check engine keeps turning on. After I leave the shop they instruct me to drive the car for 20-25 miles before taking it in for the smog check but the light turns on before I reach the 20 mile mark :/. I recently took it in for the smog check thinking I had driven over 20 miles (light was still turned off) but the smog check did not pass. Any suggestions as to what it could be??? I'm sooooo frustrated, I love my Red Jetta but I'm afraid I may have to start looking for another car.

Answers
1)   Would help to know what the actual code you have is but if it is an o2 code#p0137 and the sensor is replaced but you still have the problem there is a short or open or high resistance in wiring harness or harness connectors. Other possible causes are air leak, faulty injector, faulty fuel pressure or faulty converter. - billy

2)   You have a bad/failing catalytic converter.

Common issue.

The converter is expensive and I recommend NOT replacing it with an aftermarket unit from experience. - nywholesale

3)   I'm going through a similar problem. I recently replaced my ECT sensor and STILL the light stays on. Nothing seems to be working. I'm starting to think it's common among jettas from reading all the articles on the internet. - Chelsea


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Question 4
What are certain "mods" on Volkswagen's?...  I have a 2004 Jetta gli vr6 and I don't know what APR stage 1, 2, 3.. and so on are.
I've heard its one of the first things most people do to their vw's.
also what is ECU and ECS?
and i also plan on getting a turbo charger as well later in life so what would be a good one?
I would want one that doesnt destroy my car because it is a daily driven car but i want a solid one.
and the last part of my question is in what order of mods should i buy these things?

Answers
1)   You need to go onto a performance VW forum to find out about these "dubious" modifications. I have never ever heard of a VR6 been "blown" in UK but there again anything is possible if enough money is thrown at a project. - L G

2)   Really? Do you have a 6 sp MT? If not get something else.

Don't touch the engine, leave it factory for the next several years.

1. Porsche Boxter S Front Brakes- Bout 2K
2. Bilstein Coil Overs, bout 2K
3. 18's and some serious rubber, bout 2 grand(see a pattern here?)
4. Kickin Stereo- what ever you want to spend.
5. Track Days, learn to drive please. Win a couple Season AutoCross Titles.
6. Now contemplate and engine.

I seriously discourage taking an old car and hotrodding the engine before you do anything else or learn to drive. You need to approach this slowly. I sold a 1962 Chevy II Nova SS Convertible, with a 283 and Power Glide with Camaro suspension and brakes to a kid in 1979 and he killed himself in 2 weeks.
Slow down and learn to drive high performance before you die.

ASE Cert Auto Tech, since 1978, ben tuning VW in IA, CA. GA, and SD since 1976. Drive a 2003 GLI 24V VR6 6 spd MT, SCCA Member since 1978 too - sci

3)   Modding a car without knowing a thing about it is like trying to be a sheff in a 5 star restaurant and cooking recipes from a cook book. You have to learn all those things, and to understand them, before going deeper in that business. - Louis Sullivan


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Question 5
My 2001 vw cabriol, car wont start?...  2001 vw cabriol replaced starter, gas relay, all the fuses are fine, sound like it is about to start, but wont.

Answers
1)   could be an imoobiliser problem, we get a lot of these - ps3pro21

2)   ever tuned up since 2001?
check engine lite on? [it means something]
why did you change starter/
why gas relay [idk what that is]
plugs? wires? - pedro7of9

3)   It could be a number of things, we need more information. Did you check the spark plugs and the coil pack? How did the car run before it stopped starting? - Jim


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Is a 2008 Volkswagen a good car? Please help!!?

Question 1
Is a 2008 Volkswagen a good car? Please help!!?...  So i just got my perment and I have all ways loved beetles puferable yellow :)) The only proablem is i dont know much about the car, and is it even a good first car. I know there good on gas too so thats a big plus.And if i did go with a bettle would it be better to get a convertable or a hard top roof with a sunroof. Please help!! Leave your personal oppinon too
thanks,
xoxoxo

Answers
1)   yes they are good cars
for sure
but they are the same as a vw golf just with a different body placed on top
therefore it is a novelty car
and due to the unique shape of the body it is a difficult car to work on
repair bills could be higher on this car then others

and if you live somewhere where you get really cold and snowy winters and plan on driving the car in the winter
then a convertable is not reccomended - jared

2)   Not a bad car at all. It shares most of its spares with the Golf 4 (suspension, engine, transmission, some interior bits). Biggest problem would be if you are involved in a collision - body panels might take a while to source.

If I had to buy one, my order of preference would be: hardtop, hardtop with sunroof, convertible. Remember to take someone with you before you buy, preferably someone who has owned a newer VW before. Modern VWs can be very unforgiving if you do not stick to the maintenance schedule and follow the user manual and information stickers under the bonnet to the letter.

If the coolant is not a bright pink colour, steer clear. This indicates that incorrect coolant was mixed in the coolant system, and could possibly hint at general neglect of the car by the previous owner.

EDIT: To John S - Lucky for us, not all Volkswagens fall apart as soon as you drive off the lot. It's just a small percentage of the North American ones that are held together with chewing gum and duct tape (to compete with GM's products). I know a lot of people with a variety of VWs, and none of them have ever had any major issues. Most of the issues you have listed can be rectified in an hour or less, and the boot lock that failed can be attributed to abuse. It WILL jump out of alignment if you slam the boot shut every time. Seat belt latch covers that cracked within a year? You definitely bought a dud. - Chris

3)   I know the car is cute, but I can tell you from experience that any Volkswagen product is garbage. I purchased a new 2008 Beetle for my daughter as a first car, and below I listed everything that went wrong after owning it for only one year
1. The mass airflow sensor failed causing the engine to die.
2. The radio antenna stopped picking up radio stations.
3. The hood T-handle broke so I couldn't open the hood of the car.
4. The electric trunk latch failed and could not get groceries out of the trunk even with the key.
5. The lights started flickering
6. Headlight and Taillight bulbs burned out.
7. Seat-belt latch covers cracked and fell off.
VW's are world class pieces of garbage, but if you still want one, I would go for the Beetle without a sunroof or convertible. I read that both the sunroof and convertbile leak when it rains. - John S

4)   You also should compare car insurance quotes for cars before buying one, for example here - carinsurance.deep-ice.com - Vins

5)   They are pretty but not particularly reliable or depenable
Even in Europe people are falling out of love with VW because the quality is , at best average, and can be poor - I am in the UK

It was ( I think) built on the Mk iv golf - a real low point in terms of quality and quite quickly replaced

@chris slamming the boot is normal use - I am sure they didn't intend to break it - other cars don't break in this way- to blame the customer is what VW dealers do which is why the are hated. - Oli Uk

6)   They are a Golf at heart but their mexican build compared to the Golf's German build really shows in their reliability ratings. I'm not trying to be a jerk or racist or anything. It is just a fact. The things that tend to go wrong are the electronics and the automatic transmissions. This car gets a terrible reliability rating and if you get a well optioned one with all of those fancy gadgets, you will have a nightmare on your hands. If you get a manual in the lowest trim, I think it is GL as opposed to GLS you basically have a Golf with a different body and without all of the electronics that like to crap out. Golfs are fantastic cars with very high ratings so I can recommend that type of beetle as long as you don't have a problem cranking the windows and giving up other fancy stuff. I have no idea what trims the convertibles come in but hopefully you can find one with a non-power top if they make them. Also, stay away from the gas turbo beetles. Get the 2.0L gasser or the turbo diesel. They will give you far fewer problems and the diesel is fantastic on gas. - Yardjass

7)   they are very good i got an 03 lime green beetle for my sweet 16 and ive been in love ever since. a hard top would be better since ur an new driver. - Joann Armstrong


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Question 2
Do I need a new windscreen pump?...  Hi,

I have an old Corsa and the windscreen washers have stopped working. There is water in the tank and it's not frozen or anything. The motor is still working as I can hear it but no water coming through? Do I need a new windscreen pump, how much does this cost to repair. Any help would be much appreciated :-)

Answers
1)   it could be a blockage in the tubing for windscreen washers try cleaning nozzles, blow through tubing - Frank

2)   If the motor is running then the fault is either blocked jets or lines. The jets you can sometimes get a pin into, the lines you can possibly disconnect and blow through them. If you can drain the tank and fill it up with hot water that sometimes helps too. - EvelynThe ModifiedDog.

3)   What can happen is that the washer water freezes, you operate the motor and a pipe blows off.
As you can still hear the motor running and assuming the jets are clear this is most likely. Finding the ends of the pipes can be challenging, but worth the effort. - Bazza

4)   Having just fitted a new pump to a Berlingo I will throw this suggestion at you. The water froze where the pump enters the reservoir tank. The washers were activated and the motor spun into life. On the end of the motor metal drive shaft is a plastic "paddle" which was frozen in the ice, the powerful little motor merely split the tube of the paddle which press fits onto the motor metal shaft. Once this has occurred the paddle cannot spin and force the water through as it no longer sits tight on the motor metal shaft. So ! yes your can hear the motor working but it no longer pumps the water up the tubes and to the screen. The answer is another pump. - L G

5)   pull the pipe off one of the jets under the bonnet flip the bottle cap off and blowdown the pipe to clear the filter in the washer bottle , now operate the washers withe the pipe disconnected, water should gush out , reconnect and it will be ok . some people put washing up liquid in and the frost makes it go lumpy, put a hose in the bottle so that it over flow`s leave it over flowing for a while to get the lumps out - J R

6)   Your pump is working, you can get a new one for about £10/€13 if trying these dont work.
1 pull off the hose from behind the washer. get someone to pull the stalk. if water comes out, the jets are blocked. if not.
2 take off wipers and grille underneath them. this gives you full access to the bottle and pump. carefully take off one of the hoses from the pump. then get someone to work the washer. if water comes out. the hose is blocked. if not.
3 with wipers etc taken off. undo the one bolt on the bottle. pull the electric connection from the pump and take it out of the bottle. take the bottle out and check the filter where the pump sits isnt blocked. if it is, wash it clear in the sink. if not.
4 take the other hose off the pump, get a new or 2nd hand one. put hoses on, fit into bottle, bolt into engine bay, attach electric connector and try again - tike


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Question 3
my vw golf sensitive wipers are not any good?...  57 plate gt tdi 140

can i get them switched to an intermittent system??

Answers
1)   The problem is the wipers are on a VW - Bear

2)   That is how they work. Mine on my MG work brilliantly and have a sensitivity adjustment to fine tune it just right - Timbo is here

3)   Has it had a new screen fitted recently, they may need re-calibrating. May be worth getting them done if the screen isn't new. - who_is_jack_shit

4)   Yes, if you'd prefer that. Someone needs to recode the CCM with Ross-Tech's VCDS to disable the rain sensor - this will then revert the system back to normal intermittent operation.

Check your windscreen for cracks and blemishes in the sensor area (top middle, about the size of an A6 page). It might also be a good idea to have someone scan the car for errors. Could be something small that's causing the problem. - Chris

5)   Are your wiper blades in good condition? If they are leaving smears across the sensor then the auto will behave very erratically.

That said, I have driven lots of cars with auto wipers and those on VAG cars are the worst. - BriaR


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Question 4
How can i make a copy of my VW passat Key?...  i lost my original VW key. i have a spare but if i loose it i wont have a key at all. how can i make a copy without having to pay a dealerships ridiculous prices?

Answers
1)   You usually have to go to the dealership if it has a chip in it (immobilizer) - Eduardo S

2)   $200 at the stealers. - doane_nut

3)   Some locksmiths carry the transponder keys in stock, you'll have to call around to see which ones carry the key for you vehicle (I assume from the description it must be a transponder key that we are refering to). A few of the locksmiths also can programme the key to the vehicle; I usually recommend that you have at least three keys to the vehicle; 1) valet key, this will allow the door to open and start the car but won't unlock the glove box or the trunk or access to the gas release door button (Some models).. this is the perfect key to give the parking valet; 2) the normal keyless entry type key; opens the doors, trunk, glove box and can remotely open and close the doors/trunk (boot) by touching a button on the key; 3) the so called "sub master" key, which can open all the doors/trunk, glove box, etc. but does not have the keyless entry remote attached to it. Locksmiths in my area charge about $40 USD for a transponder key + programming charges.

Normally, I advise against purchasing the blank keys on the internet, most locksmiths (at least in my area of California) won't cut a key that they didn't sell you; even if you are able to find a locksmith who will cut your blank, most likely they will not warrant the key and or cut, so if it doesn't fit or cannot programme to the car, you're out of luck and out of money.

Some independent (NON VW dealerships) can programme keys to your vehicle via a VAG Com or similiar type tool. Call around seeing a shop that specializes in VW-Audi or German imports. The cost normally runs about 1.0 hours of labour on average x the posted hourly rate. In my area that runs from 95 USD to 135 USD at independent shops (NON VW dealership) to 115 to 165 USD per hour at a dealership.

Be sure to call around and set an appointment with whatever shop you choose to do the job; you'll save time and money this way. The shop will need to have your working key and whatever other keys you have in order to programme the keys to the vehicle properly. Cut however many keys you need in advance and bring them all to the shop with the car, keeping in mind that whatever keys you don't bring won't be programmed to the vehicle, so they won't be able to start the car (though they can open doors etc.). Every shop that I know charges a fixed rate to programme keys, usual that charge is one hour of labour and most VW's can have up to six keys programmed to start the car.

The dealership maybe more expenisve, but in most cases you'll save time. The keys (valet and sub master) aren't that much more expensive than the locksmiths and you can have the keys cut and programmed in one place, so you'll save a lot of time that would be wasted running around finding a locksmith, then a shop that could programme the keys to the vehicle.

Hope this helps, a car nut. - a car nut

4)   You can buy the key cheap online. But that is where the "cheap' part of this equation stops.

The key is laser cut and cannot be done at just any old locksmith.

In addition, the transponder keys must be programmed to you vehicles anti theft system. Some of those cheap keys do not have the resistor that the ignition ring looks for to allow the car to start. You might have to purchase this as well from the dealer.

Then the key must be programmed to the car using a VW scan tool and software. This must be done at the dealer or specialized indy shop.

You can program the remote by yourself if you have another good working key. - nywholesale

5)   only the dealer can make a copy. - Roman


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Question 5
can you put a v8 engine in a new beetle ?...  

Answers
1)   if you have enough money sure. - MCXD

2)   "Yes", you can install any engine in it, if you have the tools,time,imagination,and money. - Hoadly

3)   Yes you can, the beetle is very versatile. - Me

4)   Why would you do this? I personally think it's a waste of time fixing up a beetle. - DMI

5)   Yep sure can, I am and it has been done a lone.

Check out my website: www.v8beetleresource.com - zbhover


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Do I need a new windscreen pump?

Question 1
Do I need a new windscreen pump?...  Hi,

I have an old Corsa and the windscreen washers have stopped working. There is water in the tank and it's not frozen or anything. The motor is still working as I can hear it but no water coming through? Do I need a new windscreen pump, how much does this cost to repair. Any help would be much appreciated :-)

Answers
1)   it could be a blockage in the tubing for windscreen washers try cleaning nozzles, blow through tubing - Frank

2)   If the motor is running then the fault is either blocked jets or lines. The jets you can sometimes get a pin into, the lines you can possibly disconnect and blow through them. If you can drain the tank and fill it up with hot water that sometimes helps too. - EvelynThe ModifiedDog.

3)   What can happen is that the washer water freezes, you operate the motor and a pipe blows off.
As you can still hear the motor running and assuming the jets are clear this is most likely. Finding the ends of the pipes can be challenging, but worth the effort. - Bazza

4)   Having just fitted a new pump to a Berlingo I will throw this suggestion at you. The water froze where the pump enters the reservoir tank. The washers were activated and the motor spun into life. On the end of the motor metal drive shaft is a plastic "paddle" which was frozen in the ice, the powerful little motor merely split the tube of the paddle which press fits onto the motor metal shaft. Once this has occurred the paddle cannot spin and force the water through as it no longer sits tight on the motor metal shaft. So ! yes your can hear the motor working but it no longer pumps the water up the tubes and to the screen. The answer is another pump. - L G

5)   pull the pipe off one of the jets under the bonnet flip the bottle cap off and blowdown the pipe to clear the filter in the washer bottle , now operate the washers withe the pipe disconnected, water should gush out , reconnect and it will be ok . some people put washing up liquid in and the frost makes it go lumpy, put a hose in the bottle so that it over flow`s leave it over flowing for a while to get the lumps out - J R

6)   Your pump is working, you can get a new one for about £10/€13 if trying these dont work.
1 pull off the hose from behind the washer. get someone to pull the stalk. if water comes out, the jets are blocked. if not.
2 take off wipers and grille underneath them. this gives you full access to the bottle and pump. carefully take off one of the hoses from the pump. then get someone to work the washer. if water comes out. the hose is blocked. if not.
3 with wipers etc taken off. undo the one bolt on the bottle. pull the electric connection from the pump and take it out of the bottle. take the bottle out and check the filter where the pump sits isnt blocked. if it is, wash it clear in the sink. if not.
4 take the other hose off the pump, get a new or 2nd hand one. put hoses on, fit into bottle, bolt into engine bay, attach electric connector and try again - tike


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Question 2
i have an 07 vw passat 2.0tdi with 58,000 miles on the clock the light for the particulate filter has lit up?...  on the dash it says in the manual to drive the car at 60 kilometres per hour for 15 minutes i drove it for 30 minutes and the light is still on then it says to take it to the dealer well you know how expensive that can be is there a way to clean it myself or do i need to replace it will it cause any harm to drive the car for a while like this my car is due its first mot test in february would this fail the test help would be appreciated as ive spent over 1000 pound on the car in the past month would this be costly to repair

Answers
1)   It is not a repair. It is a regular service item that needs attending to.

"In order to carry out the regeneration
process the DPF needs to reach and
maintain an exhaust temperature higher
than its normal operating temperature.
Under most conditions the vehicle is able
to carry out the regeneration procedure
unaided. However, in some circumstances
where the required temperature cannot be
achieved, i.e. frequent short journeys or
stop/start driving, the vehicle may fail to
regenerate the DPF. If this situation occurs
the DPF warning light will illuminate on
the dash."
"If two or more
lights come on
together, the DPF
regeneration can only be carried out at
a Volkswagen retailer. It is recommended
that the vehicle be driven straight to a
Volkswagen retailer. Failure to adhere
to this recommendation may result in
reduced engine power followed by the
DPF becoming blocked. If the DPF
becomes blocked to the point where it
cannot run through the regeneration
process, the DPF will need to be replaced.

Only a VW dealer can do this for you if the drive method does not work - Timbo is here

2)   You need to drive for at least 25 miles, non stop, around 50-60mph (motorway or dual carriageway) in a gear that keeps the RPM just below the red line. The filter relies on the exhaust reaching a very high temperature to regenerate. - MICHAEL

3)   The DPF issue you have can result in a fire if you dont attend to it . Find an independent which specialises in VW and they will help
The DPF should regenerate itself on long runs on motorways etc If you only do short journeys this could be the problem - Andy Macpherson

4)   Could be a failed pressure sensor but don't risk it.
Take it to the dealer they can force a regeneration and will charge £50 or so. If it turns out to be a failed preesure sensor then they will replace it.

If you leave it and the DPF blocks it will need replacement at around £1000.

The DPF is a filter - a service item and therefore not covered by warranty especially if you ignore the warning lights and fail to follow the instructions in the manual.
DPFs are a pain in the rear and the reason I switched from diesel back to petrol engine. - BriaR

5)   What are you so worried about? Even if you bought the car used the DPF and any other emissions related equipment should be covered under warranty well after the vehicle's general warranty has run out. - Richard R


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Question 3
How can i make a copy of my VW passat Key?...  i lost my original VW key. i have a spare but if i loose it i wont have a key at all. how can i make a copy without having to pay a dealerships ridiculous prices?

Answers
1)   You usually have to go to the dealership if it has a chip in it (immobilizer) - Eduardo S

2)   $200 at the stealers. - doane_nut

3)   Some locksmiths carry the transponder keys in stock, you'll have to call around to see which ones carry the key for you vehicle (I assume from the description it must be a transponder key that we are refering to). A few of the locksmiths also can programme the key to the vehicle; I usually recommend that you have at least three keys to the vehicle; 1) valet key, this will allow the door to open and start the car but won't unlock the glove box or the trunk or access to the gas release door button (Some models).. this is the perfect key to give the parking valet; 2) the normal keyless entry type key; opens the doors, trunk, glove box and can remotely open and close the doors/trunk (boot) by touching a button on the key; 3) the so called "sub master" key, which can open all the doors/trunk, glove box, etc. but does not have the keyless entry remote attached to it. Locksmiths in my area charge about $40 USD for a transponder key + programming charges.

Normally, I advise against purchasing the blank keys on the internet, most locksmiths (at least in my area of California) won't cut a key that they didn't sell you; even if you are able to find a locksmith who will cut your blank, most likely they will not warrant the key and or cut, so if it doesn't fit or cannot programme to the car, you're out of luck and out of money.

Some independent (NON VW dealerships) can programme keys to your vehicle via a VAG Com or similiar type tool. Call around seeing a shop that specializes in VW-Audi or German imports. The cost normally runs about 1.0 hours of labour on average x the posted hourly rate. In my area that runs from 95 USD to 135 USD at independent shops (NON VW dealership) to 115 to 165 USD per hour at a dealership.

Be sure to call around and set an appointment with whatever shop you choose to do the job; you'll save time and money this way. The shop will need to have your working key and whatever other keys you have in order to programme the keys to the vehicle properly. Cut however many keys you need in advance and bring them all to the shop with the car, keeping in mind that whatever keys you don't bring won't be programmed to the vehicle, so they won't be able to start the car (though they can open doors etc.). Every shop that I know charges a fixed rate to programme keys, usual that charge is one hour of labour and most VW's can have up to six keys programmed to start the car.

The dealership maybe more expenisve, but in most cases you'll save time. The keys (valet and sub master) aren't that much more expensive than the locksmiths and you can have the keys cut and programmed in one place, so you'll save a lot of time that would be wasted running around finding a locksmith, then a shop that could programme the keys to the vehicle.

Hope this helps, a car nut. - a car nut

4)   You can buy the key cheap online. But that is where the "cheap' part of this equation stops.

The key is laser cut and cannot be done at just any old locksmith.

In addition, the transponder keys must be programmed to you vehicles anti theft system. Some of those cheap keys do not have the resistor that the ignition ring looks for to allow the car to start. You might have to purchase this as well from the dealer.

Then the key must be programmed to the car using a VW scan tool and software. This must be done at the dealer or specialized indy shop.

You can program the remote by yourself if you have another good working key. - nywholesale

5)   only the dealer can make a copy. - Roman


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Question 4
do you know what the EPC is?...  i have a volkswagen car and i need 2 know what does it means

Answers
1)   'Electronic Power Control' to 'Electric Potentiometer Control' could be throttle problem. Is engine on reduced power?

Remedies from disconnecting battery and reconnecting sometimes clears warning light to engine management fault. If this doesn't work take to dealer! - skyeblue

2)   It's basically a check engine light. The engine computer is seeing something wrong with what could be any number of things. You need to get it scanned to see what's causing it to come on. - VinnyW

3)   The EPC (Electronic Pedal Control) is the drive by wire system (electronic computer signal), that controls the throttle, and it eliminated the throttle cable that from earlier models of VW's. - nywholesale

4)   Its the warning light for an electrical problem. it could be anything from a weak battery to a more serious failure - tike


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Question 5
Volkswagen beetle 1975 question?...  im looking into a 1975 VW bug for 3,500$ its engine is rebuilt and its only driven about once a week, i read that the 1975's are fuel injection instead of a carburetor, all and any information is helpfull.
my question.....: is this a good investment and what problems come with this car

Answers
1)   The only real problem with it is the Bosch fuel injection system, get rid of that and there great little cars. - Buster

2)   The state of the chassis and the body are more important. If you encounter a lot of rust you won't have a lot of fun. Engine overhaul and modifications are much less expensive, parts are no problem. You can always change from ignition to carb if you like. The spare part situation is good.

The Bosch L-Jetronic injection is simple and unproblematic. It can easily be adjusted to work properly. However gas mileage was never a strong point with the bugs - whether injected or naturally aspirated.
Low gas mileage ofter comes from not properly working air flow sensors. - Peter

3)   It would not be a "good investment" if you are buying it for the value, it would just be a purchase. It is a 1975 dime a dozen bug.
If you want a classic beetle for an investment, look for a 1966 or older bug. They are more valuable and harder to find. The 1975 body style was made in Mexico up until a few years ago. I have a friend who drives a 2001 beetle from Mexico with fuel injection. It looks just like a 1969 bug except for the i after the 1600 emblem - Rod Knocker

4)   A 1975 Beetle for $3,500? Are you nuts? The car's worth at most $500 no matter what was done to it. What's worse than a hippie? A dumb hippie who payed too much for a hippie-mobile. - John S


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Is a Volkswagen R32 a safe car for a teenager?

Question 1
Is a Volkswagen R32 a safe car for a teenager?...  I want this 2008 VW R32 for my first car but my mom is suggesting I don't get it because it's a performance car. She thinks it's too dangerous. I really want it though. It's like a dream car to me.

Answers
1)   you should get a Toyota Camry, it is much more safe and a lot more practical. - Beamer

2)   In my opinion a performance car can be safer vs some of the other stuff that is on the road. I have a saying, what is learned at the track on sunday, saves lives the other six days of the week. Its all about the setup of the car and how well the driver is trained. Example Upgraded multi piston brakes on all four wheel can help you bring the car to a stop quicker, but are completely useless if the driver does not leave enough stopping space. 6 point harness is better than a standard three point, but does work if the driver does not buckle up. ABS and ESC help you maintain control, but do you know how to handle the car with the control module goes bad when you need it???? I've drove in traffic with some poorly trained State Troopers (Cutting People off and improper lane changes etc), but on the other Hand, I drove in traffic with some highly trained teenagers in performances cars drive that handle their cars better than the State Trooper driving the cop car. - Eric

3)   If it's your dream car, then keep dreaming
It's usually not advisable for a teenager to drive a car with a higher horsepower than their IQ score - Mike Vespa

4)   Listen to your mom, she's right. Go for something like a standard Golf 2.0 or even something smaller like a 1.6 (if it's available in your country) until you have a few years of driving experience behind your name. A R32 is a very fuel-inefficient vehicle (when compared to other Volkswagens), so you'll spend quite a bit of money keeping the fuel tank full.

Also note that spares for these vehicles are quite expensive, so you don't want to own one when something breaks. - Chris

5)   It's safe, but an absolute nightmare to work on yourself, and a wallet drainer to pay a shop to work on it. I know a few VW specialty shops that will not even work on an R32. - K. Reed

6)   Its a safe car in case you crash, but its not very safe for active sporty driving in the hands of an eager teen, because of its high performance output. Whether its safe or not depends on the way you drive it.

As a first car for a teen, its not advisable. It might be expensive to insure and the petrol bills would be a nightmare. You wouldnt want to be in debt or struggling over these costs, would you?

It might be hard to not buy it but its actually a wise choice by doing so. You can consider getting a lesser 2.0L Golf, or a turbocharged one. An Audi A3 or a BMW 3 Series would be nice too. Just hang on till you get a steady job, with a steady income, and you can be driving it for real in a few years time. - XF-AMG

7)   It's not dangerous, VW cars are extremely reliable and safe. The problem is the insurance for you on a car like this would be so outrageous, you and/or your mom couldn't afford the huge cost to insure you on this. If you are a teen, you need to stick with a Mazda3 or similar, really....... - FONDA WHITE - COX

8)   Please don't get it. No need to have another one of these pretty rare VW's ruined by a teen who really doesn't care about the car he's driving, and most likely down the road makes it look ridiculous and ruins it. Let a real VW enthusiast get it. - RS


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Question 2
How is the new 2011 Volkswagen Jetta?...  I want to get the 2011 Jetta TDI. Does this car have good reviews?? What other cars does this one compete with? I like the fact that its German and comes with a lot of nice features standard with the TDI.

Answers
1)   I think you should get it. - ce20091

2)   Cnet has a good review here with a nice video about the car...

http://reviews.cnet.com/sedan/2011-volkswagen-jetta/4505-10865_7-34139827.html#reviewPage1 - M

3)   Try searching sites like Autocar.co.uk or simply Google '2011 Volkswagen Jetta reviews', and read on!
I like the great build quality, the fresh looks (looks like an Audi A4 from the rear) and the German pedigree.
Go get a test drive! - XF-AMG

4)   Every aspect of this new Jetta is fantastic...Only one problem.....the new body style is REALLY really boring......I'd suggest a new Mazda3, those are so great and awesome looking, as well. Jettas are a bit boring, sorry to say.... - FONDA WHITE - COX

5)   It's actually not as nice as the model it's replacing. VW dropped the price of the new Jetta a bit vs. the A5 model. Consequently, the new model has a cheaper torsion beam suspension, and cheaper trim inside and out among other things. It's also built in Mexico, not Germany. Basically VW went from trying to compete with the low end BMWs to trying to compete with Nissans and Toyotas. - fodaddy19

6)   Yes VW dropped the price on the basic Jetta. However, you can still get the next two models with many features that some ppl want.
VW is just trying to please everyone; isnt that the American Way?
A friend at work just bought a 2011 Jetta TDI; he won't stop talking abt how fantastic it is. He says he will not be driving it to work; something I dont understand but....
Consumer Reports says the Jetta's "strong points include a will finished interior and a composed ride. Handling is agile and confident. The diesel version is more responsive than before. IIHS crash test results are impressive. Satisfaction Rating is "High". " They gave the Jetta a 'Recommended Buy' status.
Yes the Jetta is manufactured in Mexico [all except the Jetta wagon] . But my wife and I have a 2005 Jetta made in Mex. and it is a quality car; not a single issue and it has almost 100,000 miles on it. - fenton

7)   So you are telling me that nowadays people are to lazy to even read the reviews for the car they are interested in. They want someone else to tell them if the reviews are good. Go to a dealer, test drive the car, if you like the car do some more research and READ SOME REVIEWS. If you still like the car, buy it. So you are telling that if you really liked the car and few people on here didn't you wouldn't buy it. - RS


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Question 3
can you fit a toe-bar to a vw golf?...  

Answers
1)   Do you mean a tow bar? - Chauncey Q. Buttercup

2)   My toe is not currently attached to any bars. - Dalek

3)   Hidden Hitch makes tow bars for nearly all generations of the Golf/GTI. You can purchase them through JC Whitney and a number of other places online. If by "toe-bar" you mean an aftermarket suspension stress bar, you can check the website for Neuspeed, Autotech, and Eurosport Accessories to see what's available for your generation car. - gti_4cefed4

4)   As others have already done the toe-joke, I will refrain.
I have seen Golfs towed behind Motor Homes on the Interstate.
Check with Hertz or U-Haul or Winnebago and see what is required. - fenton


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Question 4
Bought a yellow beatle, qustions.?...  So basically over the weekend I purchased a yellow volkswagn beatle and where I brought it home I had some major issues with it. First of all I parked it in my garage and about 20 minutes later I heard a bunch of metal rubbing together and walked out side. What I found was about an 8 foot yellow robot in there. I'm just curious as to what I should do, he keeps talking about saving cybertron and some dude named optimus pride or prime or some thing. Any help?

Answers
1)   Sunday morning...too much coffee...??? - Mr. KnowItAll

2)   Just tell him that you love him and you'll give him some premium gasoline and platinum sparkplugs if he behaves. - Chris

3)   I thought you were serious for a moment. lol - Dalek

4)   It was the Beatles that had a Yellow Submarine.....
You have a yellow Beetle; or UFO..... - fenton


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Question 5
Need advice on repairs to my '73 vw beetle?...  I've got a '73 beetle thats been off the road for about 10 years. It was a lovely car and i'm looking to get it back on the road, Need to get a new starter motor, battery, wing, bonnet and oil cooler. All easy jobs but the brakes are stuck on, what do i need to do to get them working again and what parts do you think i'll need?

Answers
1)   Sounds like you are willing to tackle this job on your own. That's great, the world needs more Classic Beetles on the road!
I think the 1st thing to do is to obtain a good repair manual. "How to Keep your VW Alive" by John Muir comes to mind as one of the best. I don't know if its still in print , but its a place to start. Bentley Publishing has repair manuals that the dealerships used. Clymer also has repair manuals.
Happy wrenching! - fenton

2)   Hi there your brakes will be rusted to hubs take off wheels and give the hubs some hits with a fairly heavy hammer this will release them enough to get the hubs off to replace the shoes now you may have to work hard to get hubs off but i mostly use a heavy screw drive od crowbar one side and hit with hammer opposite side ang gently wiggle off hubs Jock - jock

3)   put the car in neutral. Crack the bleeder screws at all 4 wheels. Rock the car back and forth until it frees up. Once freed, tighten the bleeders and be careful the first time driving it. Make sure they are working proper before you get onto a busy street. - Rod Knocker

4)   Is it all four wheels or just the back wheels, check the hand brake first. Seeing foot brake would have been off when it was laid up, you should be able to free the wheels by bumping them. You will probably need wheel cylinder kits and a new hand brake cable if is seized. - Owen


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why my 1967 VW beetle loses power going up hill?

Question 1
why my 1967 VW beetle loses power going up hill?...  When I start up my bug she takes awhile to warm up and going up hill she shakes and loses power dropping in miles but will pick up speed down hill and on a Straight away she will maintain only 50 to 55 sometime 60 but any incline will cause her to slow down.

Answers
1)   the engine may be a little tired,but face it you dont have a hp monster in that thing.very common for an old beetle.you should have tried one of the older ones.you carried passengers to help push up the hill. - idontgivafork

2)   I drove a 1968 VW Bug for 20 years, from the time she was new until she was continually breaking down on me. She NEVER had any horse power to speak of even when new but I lived in an area with no hills so it didn't matter much. You possibly could have a leak in the engine (do you find oil spots on the ground below the car?) or the air intake could be plugged up. Something is compromising your engine combustion, so take the car to get it looked at by a mechanic that is familiar with old cars. I was so tired of this car by the time I got a new one I wasn't terribly sad to see her go. Have you thought of a more current model of car, say a mid 1990s up to the present, as a replacement? I have a 2006 Honda that is a dream. I would never go back to Volkswagen. - .::rainbow armadillo::.

3)   sounds like your engine needs to be rebuilt. - KAM

4)   becuz if orig eng itz @ best 1.6 L

w/ no more than 35 hp , dont rebuild

it, but get a dual port & build it up tu 1.8 L

w/ dual carbs,yule blast up any inkline, hill or

mountain...btw 60's ramblers had same prob - v

5)   Hi:
Low power output going up hills is normal for a VW Beetle . However, it should go more than 60 mph on the level
Your problem seems to go outside the normal and could be due to one of the following or a combination of the following problems. There are basically three areas tko check. a) electrical as it relates to the ignition system. b) Mechanical adjustments which can cause low compression c) fuel; system problems. It Is best to test the compression before spending money on other parts.

1. Engine tune-up or lack of tuneup is often the cause of low performance. The breaker points may need resetting or replacing if the contacts are worn of burnt. I have found that the breaker point point gap closes over time and should be checked every 5000 miles. In addition spark plugs may require servicing or be replaced.

2. Secondly, the Beetle engine is very sensitive to valve adjustment and if ignored the valves can lose the necessary clearance at the valve and rocker arm. This problem causes the engine to lose compression which causes power loss.

3. Fuel system. Check your fuel filter and your fuel pump pressure and flow.

It is my advice that you get a qualified mechanic who works on VW beetles to adjust the valves. Incorrect adjustment can cause damage to the valves. I hope this helps. - perrin556

6)   Timing that is retarded too far can cause slowdowns on uphill sections. Check the ignition timing, as well as the condition of the points and condenser (maybe switch to electronic ignition while you're at it). - Chris

7)   This is a common problem. There are many good tips here. I have had this prob a few times with my bugs and the first thing to check is timing! Occ is adjustments of the carb, butunless you have a lot of experience, have someone else mess with it. Timing is easy if you have a timing light. - MrNeutral


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Question 2
It hard to do a tune up in a vw bug ?...  

Answers
1)   my grandmother could do a tuneup on a VW bug - real cool dude

2)   Front or rear engine? Neither one is hard, they're just different. - Bill M

3)   No, but you need to figure out the firing order, and make sure not to cross-thread the spark plugs when you put them back in. - Noneofyourbusiness

4)   A tune up on a bug is as basic as a tune up can get. Points, plugs, and timing.
In addition to the basics just mentioned. There is a very critical maintenance procedure that must be followed in order to ensure the longevity of the motor. The valves need to be adjusted, or at least checked for the proper clearances. I recommend they be adjusted with every tune up. Other additional adjustments might have to be made to the carburetor. This is also a good time to just give the motor an overall look. Look for nuts and bolts that might have loosened, or rubber seals might have gotten weathered to the point of decay. The seals are very important, in that they keep the cool air where it ought to be, and keeps the hot air away from areas that will suffer most from being overheated. Remember your VW motor is air cooled. It relies completely on how the air is vented in and out of the engine. A good aftermarket manual should have enough information without getting too technical. - dewhatulike

5)   Aircooled: Very easy. Basic skills required. Actually, just common sense is required. Everything's right there. Basic tools (ratchet/metric socket set, 4-in-1 screwdriver). Will take you less than an hour and will cost under $40.

New: Actually quite complicated. Unless you really know cars, you'll need to refer to a manual to do it. Will probably cost about $100. - Aircooled Chick


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Question 3
I need a fun nickname for my Volkswagen help!?...  Well... My first car deserves a cool name right? Soo could u help me? I think it needs to be something in German.. For some reason haha jk so plz help
Me?
More details:
It is a Volkswagen gol, it's a kinda girly blue.. Mmm well I think that's all u need to know. :)
Best witty fun cool cute nickname that has something to do with the car and german words wins! But if it's not in German and still awesome it can win those 10 points too! Also u will live with my gratitude and knowing tht u named someones car somewhere in the world! :) ain't that grand?

No stupid stuff or racist jokes about Nazis and stuff !! Jk I know u guys aren't like tht :)

Answers
1)   blaue Schönheit - Oli

2)   How bout Shizer...it's not real German but it's funny...at least to me. - Hank Scorpio

3)   little bastard...o whats that you want a little german in it ok......little vastard - ....

4)   Der Blaue Blitzwagen ( The Blue Blitz) - Tactless Tech

5)   The Volkswagen plant in Germany is located in the city of Wolfsburg. The logo in the horn button on older bugs is a wolf and a castle. Perhaps "Frau Blau Volven"?
Meaning "Lady Blue Wolf." - dewhatulike


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Question 4
Where can I find blacked out tail lights for a 1984 vw scirocco?...  
I just checked ebay and I can't find any.

Answers
1)   yo may be able to find it on ebay.com. people say ebay is scam but its really not. i buy lots of things from ebay its safe and reliable. they would most likely have it. - Roberto

2)   roberto is right but when shopping on ebay look for sellers who have the highest positive feedback. also check out jcwhitney.com thy are a reliable auto parts web site. - Daniel

3)   TheSamba.com, Ebay, Amazon, good luck! - Noneofyourbusiness


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Question 5
Bought a yellow beatle, qustions.?...  So basically over the weekend I purchased a yellow volkswagn beatle and where I brought it home I had some major issues with it. First of all I parked it in my garage and about 20 minutes later I heard a bunch of metal rubbing together and walked out side. What I found was about an 8 foot yellow robot in there. I'm just curious as to what I should do, he keeps talking about saving cybertron and some dude named optimus pride or prime or some thing. Any help?

Answers
1)   Sunday morning...too much coffee...??? - Mr. KnowItAll

2)   Just tell him that you love him and you'll give him some premium gasoline and platinum sparkplugs if he behaves. - Chris

3)   Ha..ha... no. - Waitforme17:)**


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Opinions on Volkswagen Car Company.?

Question 1
Opinions on Volkswagen Car Company.?...  How is Volkswagen? The Tiguan? How good of a car is it? Any problems with the company and customer service? And servicing the vehicle? Any other info in Volkswagen?
Thanks:)

Answers
1)   Check Consumer Reports... VW's are notoriously unreliable and expensive to repair. But very plush and beautiful. Depends on what is more important to you... vanity or cost/reliability. I tend to stick with a car with good reliability per Consumer Reports. - Jim B

2)   Neat designs (though most people either love or hate the vehicles), overpriced, over-engineered (not in a good way, everything ten-times as complicated as it has to be), patchy reliability. They do seem to have decent resale though.

I owned a VW, which was one too many. - calnickel

3)   They are the Chevy or Dodge of Germany.

When I see people buy a VW or Audi I want to cry for them.

Talked to a guy that had an Audi and the transmission went, said it was costing $12,000 dollars to replace it, holy @#$T. - Two Smoking Guns

4)   I have had 3 Volkswagens over the past 10 years. 2 Jetta's and a Passat. They are expensive to repair especially if you take them to a certified dealership. I recently replaced the whole exhaust, catalytic converter and it cost me 700.00 in parts to do it my self. Volkswagen wanted close to 2,000.00 for the repairs. Common issues I have had through both issues is normal wear such as brakes, Rotter's, wheel bearings which can range you anywhere from 200-400 to replace one or the other. The worst issue I have with Volkswagen is the amount of sensors within the car. Certain sensors will trigger the check engine light; where these sensors do not exist on an american brand such as Chevy. This can prevent you from passing inspection and cause you to replace a useless sensor that usually ranges from 100-300 dollars. With all that said I must say I still love my Volkswagen and plan on buying another one. I feel more of a connection with the car than any other brand. Hope that helps - IanSD81

5)   It takes forever for me to get parts for my 01 golf TDI. The local VW parts depot is only a 5hr drive in Chicago, and it still takes three days to get parts in my hands. - Eric

6)   VW cars are junk pure and simple. They even have to use Chrysler to make their Routan minivans, which also are junk like Chrysler...talk about laziness and unreliability! VW cars are over priced, costly to fix, and break down a lot. Do yourself a real favor, buy a Quality Ford Focus or Fusion. You will never look back at that German junk mobile again. - Alan

7)   I have a 1997 VW jetta that i have had for years, its got 250,000 miles on it and still runs perfectly, as long as the car is taken car of it can last for a looong time, especially VW. - john greenland

8)   My wife has a 2010 Tiguan and I have a 2006 GTI. Both are great vehicles. I work in the parts department at a VW dealership, and have gained a love for VW over the last few years. When compared to many other brands I just can't see owning another. (only my opinion). VW's are not throw away cars and cannot be treated as such. Following the proper maintenance schedules is very important. And now VW's come with 3 year 36000 mile scheduled free maintenance. For 2010, VW ended up with a 20% sales increase over 2009. (Sold a total of 256,000 new vehicles in the US).
So I would say get out and test drive one and see what you think. - VWpartsman


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Question 2
are buses manual or automatic?...  

Answers
1)   automatic - Peach Stuttle

2)   Most commercial buses are automatic. Most semi trucks are manual. - Jim B

3)   Most buses are semi automatic - keith p

4)   Most buses now a days are automatic. However, manual buses can be ordered from limited number of manufactures, like freightliner, a daimler company - Complover

5)   The majority of buses have automatic transmissions. Shifting in current equipment is typically electronically actuated hydraulics. - j c

6)   automatic - Roman

7)   Yes. - DER ALTE FIRZ

8)   Both, depending on where it is sold. Most older VW Buses were equipped with manual transmissions. - Chris


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Question 3
why my 1967 VW beetle loses power going up hill?...  When I start up my bug she takes awhile to warm up and going up hill she shakes and loses power dropping in miles but will pick up speed down hill and on a Straight away she will maintain only 50 to 55 sometime 60 but any incline will cause her to slow down.

Answers
1)   the engine may be a little tired,but face it you dont have a hp monster in that thing.very common for an old beetle.you should have tried one of the older ones.you carried passengers to help push up the hill. - idontgivafork

2)   I drove a 1968 VW Bug for 20 years, from the time she was new until she was continually breaking down on me. She NEVER had any horse power to speak of even when new but I lived in an area with no hills so it didn't matter much. You possibly could have a leak in the engine (do you find oil spots on the ground below the car?) or the air intake could be plugged up. Something is compromising your engine combustion, so take the car to get it looked at by a mechanic that is familiar with old cars. I was so tired of this car by the time I got a new one I wasn't terribly sad to see her go. Have you thought of a more current model of car, say a mid 1990s up to the present, as a replacement? I have a 2006 Honda that is a dream. I would never go back to Volkswagen. - .::rainbow armadillo::.

3)   sounds like your engine needs to be rebuilt. - KAM

4)   becuz if orig eng itz @ best 1.6 L

w/ no more than 35 hp , dont rebuild

it, but get a dual port & build it up tu 1.8 L

w/ dual carbs,yule blast up any inkline, hill or

mountain...btw 60's ramblers had same prob - v

5)   Hi:
Low power output going up hills is normal for a VW Beetle . However, it should go more than 60 mph on the level
Your problem seems to go outside the normal and could be due to one of the following or a combination of the following problems. There are basically three areas tko check. a) electrical as it relates to the ignition system. b) Mechanical adjustments which can cause low compression c) fuel; system problems. It Is best to test the compression before spending money on other parts.

1. Engine tune-up or lack of tuneup is often the cause of low performance. The breaker points may need resetting or replacing if the contacts are worn of burnt. I have found that the breaker point point gap closes over time and should be checked every 5000 miles. In addition spark plugs may require servicing or be replaced.

2. Secondly, the Beetle engine is very sensitive to valve adjustment and if ignored the valves can lose the necessary clearance at the valve and rocker arm. This problem causes the engine to lose compression which causes power loss.

3. Fuel system. Check your fuel filter and your fuel pump pressure and flow.

It is my advice that you get a qualified mechanic who works on VW beetles to adjust the valves. Incorrect adjustment can cause damage to the valves. I hope this helps. - perrin556

6)   Timing that is retarded too far can cause slowdowns on uphill sections. Check the ignition timing, as well as the condition of the points and condenser (maybe switch to electronic ignition while you're at it). - Chris


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Question 4
2000 VW Beetle Coolant Issue?...  Hello I have a 2000 Volkswagen Beetle GL 2.0L. Recently the car has been loosing coolant. By that I mean the reservoir has to be refilled right around every 300 miles. The weird thing is there are no signs of a leak underneath the car wherever it is parked. There is no sign of a leak on the engine block or anywhere around it and their is no odor within the drivers compartment. Now from the lack of sign of a leak on the ground and engine compartment I thought it was possibly a blown head gasket but once again there is no odor in the car. Has anyone ever had an issue like this in a Volkswagen and could help me diagnose the issue.

Answers
1)   That is serious problem.
The only way to find leaks is to do a cooling system pressure test.
First you do the leak down part.
You borrow the tester from a place like Autozone.
You replace the reservoir cap with the combination pump and gauge.
You pump it slightly above cap rated pressure, and wait a few minutes to see if it holds, or where is leaks.
If that holds, then you start the engine to rev it up.
If it fluctuates, then it is the head gasket.
You don't smell a head gasket leak in the passenger compartment, but with excess white smoke out the tailpipe. - Motorhead

2)   You might find an answer here for your coolant issue: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Volkswagen-Repair-833/2000-New-Beetle-Cooling-1.htm

From: http://www.carparts.com/ - Chris Hillesland

3)   Well, a blown head gasket would not always make a smell. Check the oil. If it looks like a vanilla mocha shake, you have a blown head gasket for sure. If not, replace the radiator cap. The cap has a blow-off valve that opens with about 15 lbs of pressure. If that valve is bad, then it will open while you are driving and some coolant will escape. When enough coolant escapes to relieve the pressure, the valve closes again, and shows no signs of leaking. That is the most likely problem. - Matt the MoparMan

4)   When you check the oil is there any foam or bubbles on the dipstick or any signs of coolant/water in the oil that is visible on the dipstick? It sounds like the coolant may be leaking into the cylinders slowly. If the head gasket is blown or if the head is cracked the coolant may be leaking slowly enough that it is burned up without an odor. - BigDaddy

5)   I had an issue simialar to yours, about two months ago. My 01 Golf TDI, would go through like a 1/2 a gallon of coolant a week. I had no obvious signs leaks, but it still was losing coolant. It would never leak while on level ground, but mine did leaked coolant on the ground after a day at work, if I pointed the car fwd down hill. After a pressure test at a vw service center, the simple fix was a bad o-ring on the engine thermostat. - Eric


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Question 5
My mom want's a remote starter for her Jetta?...  My mom has a 2005 Volkswagen Jetta. Her 50th birthday is coming up next month and I wanted to get her something she really wanted aside from what my sister and brothers are contributing to buy her. I hear her say it often that she wants one..how do I go about buying one and getting it installed?

Answers
1)   Cant say I have ever heard of a "Remote" starter. All cars are made with a starter motor, so why a Remote one.???? - nosdda

2)   take moms car to a shop that installs them. it will cost about $200 and under and hour - whata waste

3)   Look in the yellow pages, & get some kind of a switch to unhook it, so the car will start if the remote screws-up. - rick29148

4)   go to the dealer. - Roman

5)   Volkswagen does not make a remote start system for any of their models, nor do they endorse aftermarket ones. The anti-theft system is tied into many other systems of the car and remote start systems can cause problems with that. There are several car stereo place in my town that install them, but I have not heard of a successful VW yet. (I'm sure there is, but I've only seen two VW's that were towed to the dealership to be fixed) I'd suggest checking with some of the local stereo shops or repair shops to see what they have done in the past. - VWpartsman


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What is your favorite Volkswagon?

Question 1
What is your favorite Volkswagon?...  I have an 03 GTI and really want a motorcycle. I was even thinking of getting a new VW. I don't care what year but I would like something I can make a cruising car. Maybe a VW or maybe a Motorcycle. What do you think?

Answers
1)   my favorite is the Volkswagon beetle - Robin Campbell

2)   1971 Micro Bus Light - Cruise in 'The Kombi' - Bob

3)   Either the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, or Bentley Continental GT. - Ferruccio

4)   My favorite is the Volkswagen Golf. I have a Golf fourth series is wonderful, I like it too ... - Die Eli

5)   Jetta TDI Sportswagen. - Ignatius27

6)   My favorite would be a Mk3.5 Cabrio resprayed in Jazz Blue, dumped on H&R Ultra Lows, Vr6 swapped, cammed and chipped, rolling on 16" Schmidt Modernlines.

Favorite stock VW, Mk3 Golf Variant Syncro. - Nick

7)   Old style Beetle, the older the better. Split oval rear window, "wing" turn signals, magneto ignition, no gas gauge. Old! - Arthur O

8)   anything with an air cooled engine in the back of it - Air-Cooled (o\ ! /o)

9)   Volkswagon Jetta...the best car!!!! - Roman


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Question 2
golfs turbo will cut out while driving?...  i'll travile upto 70-80mph and the car turbo will cut out and become slugish in all gears. but once i turn the engine off and back on again it'll work fine

Answers
1)   Rather than the Turbo cutting out I believe you have a different problem causing the power loss - Timbo is here

2)   sounds like a problem with ECU unit. probably ist getting a poor connection at that speed due to vibration or bad connection. it then cant work out correct fuelling etc so probably drops into what is know as 'get you home mode' ( set fuelling etc giving ability to drive home at lowish speeds but poor performance)
ideally your main dealer will be able to run a diagnostic check on it and download its faults codes giving ability to best decide where problem actually lies. sadly not cheap but unless you can check all connections etc and find the bad one? probably the logical way to go. - hornchurchmale

3)   Very common problem. Search for "limp mode". Its usually something very simple, a busted vacuum line or a misaligned VNT actuator which controls boost.

Enjoy: http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=179589 - Richard R

4)   I agree with Richard. It sounds like Limp mode. There is something going on that the ECU doesn't like. You should hook up a code reader and see if any trouble codes are in there. - Louis G

5)   I'd go with the answer "Hornchurchmale" gave.

But if that don't give the correct solution..check the fuel tank hasn't got sludge clogging the internal filter.

I spent a lot of time and money chasing up a fault with a ford escort turbo beliving it was ECU based..but it turned out to be nothing as complicated..just contaminated fuel in the tank.

The sludge was drawn up into the filter at high speeds (high rates of fuel usage) only to drop back off the filter when stopped and then the car behaved normally until used again at speed. - AdelleStevens

6)   Yes it is going into limp mode and almost certainly because the movable vanes in the turbo are sticking. The code will probably show an overboost and if you are at a vw dealer they will tell you that you need a new turbo for £1600. You don't. Get it dismantled and cleaned and it will be fine. There is a place in Nottingham that does this. Either go there or if you aren't near you can get your mechanic to remove the turbo and they do a mail service. I am not plugging this person for any reason other than being a satisfied customer. Just don't let vw rip you off. They'll try. - Tim S

7)   Turbo bearing failer is quite comman. Had the same issue with My 01 golf TDI upgraded turbo Bearings where hanging up in one spot causing the impeller not to rotate freely. - Eric


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Question 3
What is special (known) about Volkswagen** 2011 Jetta?...  So Honda and Toyota are know for reliability, Volvo is for safety. What is VW know for? I'm 17 and I'm thinking about buying a 2011 Jetta vs. the Toyota Camry and the Honda Civic.

Answers
1)   Honda and Toyota are not know for reliability at all, but VW is.
That is because cars in Japan only have to last 5 years.
After that they are hit with a huge multi thousand dollar tax.
So almost no one in Japan keeps cars more than 5 years old.
That is why you can buy used Japanese imports and engines so cheaply, once you get through the import paperwork.

German cars intentionally do not change parts or designs often, so it is much easier for them to stock parts for over 10 years, making it easier to keep German cars running longer.
In contrast, Japanese use the philosophy of instant inventory, so are constantly changing what they use, so little is stocked or available.

Japanese cars are known for high quality of assembly and testing, for little risk during the first 5 years, but they are know for quickly falling apart after that. You almost never see anyone collecting classic Japanese cars. (240 Z Datsun being the exception) You see people doing that with German cars all the time. - Motorhead

2)   VW's are know for being a whole helluva lot more fun to drive than either one of those boring econoboxes. - Nick

3)   VWs/Audis are known for having transmissions that break right after the warranty is up.

Volvo is known for being a Chinese owned car...safety wise they've slid since being owned by Ford.

The only people who knock honda and toyota quality and reliability are those who have never touched a car. Best build quality in the world. Most made right here in the US. - Hank Scorpio

4)   Im from CAlifornia.
The only people who drive VW's are women, teen girls, and gays. GAYS drive them alllllllll the time. The Jetta is known for it's unreliable nature, afterall it is GERMAN-engineered. The cars are made in Tennessee, kentucky, or Alabama. VW is known for their quirkiness and expensive "casual" cars. Their cost more than the average toyota, and loose value so fast too.
The guy who wrote the first answer didnt even solve or answer ur question. He always copies and pastes the same answer for any German car related question. Overall, VW is for gays (not to be offensive, but in Cali, you will rarely see a straight man in a VW), Toyota is relaible mainstream bland cars, Honda is small, efficient super reliable cars, FORD and GM = disaster and ugly cars. I personally own a Subaru Forester. Its a great vehicle, but ugh, everyone thinks im a hippie. - DDDDD!

5)   DDDDD!... that was a horrible 'answer.'

Pertaining to your decision...it depends what you are looking for really. If you want something that is realible for many years than I would go with the toyota. If you want something that can be sporty and maybe faster than I would go with the VW.

VW in the past 3-5 years have been progressivley troublesome when it comes to repairs and maintenance. They have a lot of little shit that goes wrong.

I have always liked the style of VW, which is why I own one and looking to buy a new one soon. - McClucker

6)   Get the Toyota Camry. In 31 years, I have owned only two Toyota's the first one was a Corolla and the Second one is a Tacoma. These cars are built to last. I have not had any issues with either of these cars. My wife drives a 1991 Honda Accord and hasn't had any issues with her car either. On the otherhand, my son decided he wanted to buy something different and bought a brand New VW Jetta in 2009. In the first year of ownership, he went back to the dealer 12 times for failing oxygen sensors, broken trunk latch actuator, flickering headlights, and burning out light bulbs. He swears that he will never buy another VW product again. Is the Jetta more exciting to drive? Yes. But that's only when the car is not in the shop or broken down on the road. German cars are also notorious for expensive maintenance so when they do break down get ready to shell out lots of cash. - John S

7)   Volkswagen are known for their German "feel" and superior level of interior fit and finish. When you drive one, they just feel so solid and stable that it's just enjoyable to drive them. Even just cruising along they just feel good. The design and aesthetics and comfort tend to be better than Japanese cars, but you do pay a price for it. the VW's need more maintenance and are not as reliable as Honda. A Toyota is an appliance. Like a Dishwasher. It's a machine that does a job and otherwise keeps itself out of your way. THey run forever and never break down, but no one looks forward to driving them anywhere. They are a means to an end. It's not for people who really like cars. A Honda is similar but has more driver involvement. It's more of a drivers car. It's a precision tool, but it lacks the ability to really produce that emotional response that VW's give you. A Honda impresses you with it's engineering, technical achievement, precision and reliability. A VW makes you fall in love. Sure it's not perfect and it might give you some trouble now and again, but if you are a car person, really, it's worth it. If you aren't a car person, don't get a VW. You will hate it because it will always need attention. Personally I like cars, I like doing my own maintenance, I like working on cars so a VW is perfect for me. - Louis G


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Question 4
2011 Mazdaspeed 3 vs 2011 VW GTI...Which should I get?...  I am very uncertain as which to buy. Mazda is the faster car, but is lacking interior and resale value. GTI has very nice interior, but a little slower and not sure about reliability.

The prices with the packages I want are around the same price.

I am just looking for a hatchback that can zoom.

Answers
1)   It depends on your priorities.
Get the Mazda if:
You need a big boot. (Mazda's boot should be bigger than VW's)
You want a reliable vehicle which can last. (Mazdas are Japanese)

Get the VW if:
You value a more luxurious vehicle.
You want a great performance car.

I would get the VW GTI, it has a better image and I dislike the Mazda's interior. The VW is also safe and should prove to be reliable in its first few years. - XF-AMG

2)   If you are purchasing car first time then I advice you to purchase second hand car. Volkswagen or Mazda it depend on your choice. But I think Mazda will be better for you..... - Phunsukh27

3)   Neither- VW=Unreliable and Mazda=too cheap.

Safety should ALWAYS be your first criteria. Choose from the list of 2011 Top Safety Picks via www.iihs.org.

Some great options on that list include:
(in order of my top picks first)
Infinity G37
Cadillac CTS
(if you really love VW- look at the Audi A4 or Jetta)
Honda Civic
Ford Fusion - Dave

4)   I was shopping for a new hatchback and compared the GTI, Mazdaspeed3, and Subaru WRX. I bought the WRX, but I can tell you that the GTI is far behind the Speed3 and WRX. A fully loaded MazdaSpeed3 will cost you $24k and gives you a larger car with 263 hp, 0-60 in 6.0 sec and excellent reliability. For the same money you'll get a stripped down GTI with only 200hp, 0-60 in 6.6 sec, ugly lumberjack plaid style seats, and Volkswagens infamous unreliability. When I test drove all these cars, the Speed3 will easily run circles around the GTI. The GTI I tested cost $28k which put it in the price range of an AWD 265hp 0-60 5.2 sec Subaru WRX. This was no comparison whatsoever. The Subaru completely destroyed the GTI in every conceivable category. The GTI is a kids car that tries to compete in a world of real performance cars and is on par with cars like a Honda Civic SI, not Mazda or Subaru. Get the Mazda Speed3 you can't go wrong. - John S

5)   Disclaimer: I own a 2008 GTI.


I was looking at those same cars actually a few years back. I chose the GTI because it's a nicer car to be in, and to spend a lot of time in. I drive 400 miles a week so that was important. The GTI gets better fuel economy too. ( 30mpg for the GTI vs 24mpg in the MS3)

The mazda is less refined, more bruteish. You have to wrestle the car to get all the performance out of it. Torque steer is a fairly big problem with the mazda and is almost non-existant in the GTI. Some people like that aspect of the car. It can be a more involving driving experience. Some don't.

If you are just looking for a fast hatch, the MS3 is definitely faster. No question there. The only real question is how much refinement, fit and finish, are you willing to trade for that extra speed? Both are great cars, they just have slightly different approaches. It's not like the MS3 is a rental car (like the Cobalt SS). It's just not quite up to the GTI's level of refinement. Since I spend so much time in my car I wanted something practical, fun to drive , and that is just a nice place to be. The GTI fits that bill to a T. - Louis G

6)   You also should compare car insurance quotes for cars before buying one, for example here - carquotes.sinfree.net - Pete


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Question 5
how much would a new vw golf engine cost?...  how much would a new vw golf engine cost, its a 1998 vw golf 1.4 petrol.

Answers
1)   You wont get a brand new engine, Your best buy is to try breakers yards etc and see if one in good condition is being sold.

But one in reasonable condition with excellent miles, I'd say 400-500 ish. - i eat monkeys

2)   If you want to go for a engine that is classed as new with a warranty purchase a Reconditioned engine.

I always use Volkswagen spares for my engines but it depends on what the customer wants to spend either a used Second hand engine or a reconditioned engine that comes with a two year warranty.

http://www.volkswagenspares.com/ - turboextreme

3)   A new one would be £££thousands.
Best bet is to try and get one from a scrapyard, but you're still looking at more than the car's worth. (i.e. £1000+ by the time it's fitted) - EvelynThe ModifiedDog.

4)   the engine could cost anything from £200-£5/600 i would expect but it all depends on what the engine comes with. With the fitting you pay more than the cars worth so personally i would deem it an uneconomicable repair.
My suggestion is should this be the case you should look at cutting your losses, try someone like http://www.scrapcarclearance.co.uk/ who could buy the car from you and help you to recoup some of your loss. - H

5)   If you are in UK check with a branch of Andrew Page motor factors who offer "Vega" recon engines, these are built to Original standards. You can usually buy a "short" engine which is the block and pistons or you can get the whole engine less manifolds and flywheel. I think you will be looking at anything up to £2,750 plus. - L G


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