What are pros and cons of buying a VW?
In general? And yes I already know parts are expensive.
If I must be specific a used Golf, Jetta or Passat. I don't like bugs, to low and tiny. And a Cabby is a no go, I don't want a convertible.
I'd like a new Rabbit or GTI but fat chance!! Haha!
Pro:
1. Build quality, and good interior design. The cabin in a nice place to be in.
2. Good drivetrains: the engines are reliable if correctly serviced, and fuel economy is good, especially if your driving style is sensible.
3. Resale is pretty good for most models, and either of the three you mention specifically will continue on for a long time if looked after.
4. The core design is superior to most cars in the same class, and certainly is better than US and lesser European makes or the Koreans. Toyota and other Jap barands offer similar design quality and the reliability is great, but they lack the style.
5. Insurance is easy on any of the three you suggest.
6. Safety is first rate, as is handling.
7. You don't have the additional headaches of owning a Benz, BMW or Audi (A VW group brand anyway), such as badge envy and even higher service costs and depreciation.
CONS.
1. The first is one you know: cost of parts. ALSO, there is another factor: parts availability. A Toyota part can be sourced today. A VW part might need a few days to source. This is an issue if the car cannot be driven in the meantime.
2. Envy: Euro cars tend to get more notice and I have had issues with mine (not in Europe, but in the US and a bit less in Australia where I now am), with petty vandalism from what I can UAW morons. Mind you, I did live in Michigan for a bit, but the fault is still theirs.
3. Resale. The car must be kept in top condition to acheive good resale. This can prove time consuming and even expensive, especially if the car is black because washing swirls show up in the clear coat and need to be removed regularly.
Most of my cons are subjective. I have owned Passats and Golfs of various models and am awaiting a Passat CC. Currently I drive an Audi A6 V6 Supercharged. Brilliant, but I am glad it is on a short lease: the depreciation is a killer. Overall it offers few advantages over the Passat, unless one counts the badge.
Go for it, and enjoy.
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