Size & MPG

TresCrows · Jun 17, 2004

I have owned a couple of VWs--not anti VW. The isssue I am familiar with is the power window problems and the big one is excessive oil consumption. I consider that a big deal. Since I have not been in the market for one I have not gone into depth researching this stuff--if I was looking to buy one I would which is why I said before you pull the trigger on one do your homework. Thats all. J

RonL · Jun 17, 2004

Yooperdave

VW has been having major problems with quality control. They're at the bottom of the list for initial owner satisfaction. I had a TDI Beetle that I traded in for a Passat. They were both lemons. I posted the problems I had with the vehicles in the past. so I won't repeat myself. Knowing what I know now, I wouldn't take a VW if you gave it to me. You might want to look at this site: http://www.myvwlemon.com

RonL

Larry_Van_Horn · Jun 18, 2004

I just got my new pickup (gasser) when gas prices at their peak. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif When making my decision the diesel was $6,000 more and I couldn't justify it. I expected poor mileage and have been averaging 13 MPG over the first 1,000 miles. Not too bad for such a big truck - Ford F350 V10 Crew cab. Love the power and room.
Lar

Degree · Jun 19, 2004

And the $40 gas bill eachtime you fill up.

johnday · Jun 19, 2004

Man; I wish the bill only came to $40. I usually take around 35 gallons of diesel, it works out to almost $60!!!!! : : /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

Hank · Jun 19, 2004

I usually take around 35 gallons of diesel, it works out to almost $60!!!!! 

Gee, that's like $1.71 per gallon. Count your blessings. Here in central AZ, diesel is running a bit over $2.00 per gallon, but it's still cheaper than unleaded regular.

yooperdave · Jun 20, 2004

So what vechicle(s) offer the best combination of size & MPG?

The VW quality control thing bums me out.

The Isuzu Dmax truck looks real good, but they do not appear to be available in the USA.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Yooper Dave

TresCrows · Jun 20, 2004

Essentially I have no good suggestions because there are no vehicles right now available in this country that do what you or I want /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif. Others places yes but not here. On top of that every auto maker including Toyota and even VW is in a headlong rush to build bigger, more powerful, faster, heavier , bulkier machines.
All I ever really wanted was a peppy supercharged 4/5 cylinder diesel Toyota quadcab Tacoma---why is this so hard /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif. Oh, and I want it to be able to tow at least 5,500 lbs and I want at least 30 plus MPG--city, 35 highway. This can be done.
Jeep is introducing a diesel in the Liberty and I undestand other Jeep models are to follow. Ford is yammering on about a diesel in the supposed new Bronco but if that goes the way of the Mustang concept --forget it. Toyota has the small diesel knowhow but refuses to employ it in the USA. GM could do it but is it just me or do the new Colorado truck look kinda funky with all the headlights on it. They need to fire whoever is doing their styling.
My wife's boss has a VW diesel Beetle. It has had no problems, it get nearly 60 MPG I think. I told you to do your homework--not rule them off your list. Knowledge is power.
Hey, between all the problems in SA they are at least increasing production so the pressure may be off the gas prices--FOR NOW. You and I know where this will eventually go--sooner or later. J

AndyM · Jun 21, 2004

I had it pretty much decided that I wanted a VW diesel, until I started getting price quotes last week. Because of the high demand, the dealers around here are marking up the prices $2000 ABOVE MSRP. When you buy a new car, I thought you were supposed to negotiate in the other direction from MSRP!

It bums me out to see a new VW Jetta or Golf for $20,000, while a new Ford Taurus is only $12,990. Even though the fuel economy isn't nearly as good, that $7000 savings buys a lot of fuel!

As far as VW quality, the Mexican VW plant has a lot of room for improvement, but they have fixed the power window problem, and many of the other VW issues are with the gasoline engines.

om21braz · Jun 21, 2004

( Who offers a good sized vehicle and also provides good fuel economy? )

IMHO the Buick Lesabre (not many younger folks choice, but it is getting right sporty looking) is hard to beat for mileage/value/power/room. Say what you want about Honda/Toyota/etc. being better auto's - yes the Buick lacks in resell but will make it up in serviceability. And yes, 10 years down the road the Honda or Toyota interior will probably be in better shape - especially if you have kids. But the 3800 series engine in the Buick is as good as any and far less complicated. As for mileage, I've had Honda and now Buick - for power vs. mileage the Buick wins hands down (your results may vary). Put four people in a four cylinder Accord, try to pass a car on a two-lane road and say it's worth another 2 miles per gallon.
To sum things up - to each his own, but check on servicing costs ( 30k, 50k, 100k, etc.) before naturally assuming the foreigns are better buys with their higher resale value. Good Luck finding a vehicle you're happy !