I8ABMR

I love the GTI but the reason I would still tell a friend to buy a civic, matrix, etc is due to the shotty reliability record. imo there is nothing worse than electrical issues with a car

joe80

nice review as always! love this little thing. i don't really like the new design, but it sure looks like a fun little ride. i wouldn't dare to buy another VW though. my Jetta was plagued and cursed and it was one of the most regretful car buying decision of mine. but maybe their reliability is getting much better than before.

mmarshall

VW does most of their cars pretty solidly except for the electrical stuff and some of the trim/hardware.

mmarshall

The GTI's reliability record has been inconsistant (up and down), but is now average, so it's on the Consumer Reports Recommended list, at least for now.

mmarshall

Thanks, joe.

See my reply to I8ABMR, just above.

nthach

Well done - I've always liked the GTI.

Mike - is that a German/Slovak made sample(WVW) or a Mexican/Brazilian one(3VW/9BW) you tested?

bagwell

I think the MPG should be around 32 for the average driver - that's what my wife's TT with the same 2.0T 6 spd DSG gets in combined driving...which I think is excellent.

mmarshall

Thanks.

A German one. It had the WVW.

mmarshall

Your wife's TT, then, with the 32 MPG, is FWD and not Quattro? It is hard, though not always impossible, to get 2.0L DSG VW/Audi products with the Quattro. FWD, of course, usually gives you better mileage.

nthach

Can you review the A6 Golf/Rabbit TDI if it ever comes out?

balutsc300

iTrader: (1)

thanks mmarshall great review like always, im definitely interested in the gti just visited the dealership and they look really great up close design reminds me of an audi. Although i have yet to see one on the road maybe ill be one of the lucky ones!

mmarshall

I've already done the Jetta and A3 TDIs....is that close enough?

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/car...di-diesel.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/car...di-a3-tdi.html

mmarshall

Thanks. I put a lot of time and effort into them.

Did you get to test-drive one?

rdgdawg

After your GTI review and going back to your above link, I've put the A3 on the list for this weekend!!!

mmarshall

Thanks, Russ. Glad it was a help to you.

With almost any VW/Audi product that offers them (or in combination), it's hard to go wrong with either the 2.0T gas engine, the TDI diesel, or the DSG gearbox. Both engines are well-designed and have plenty of low-RPM torque. The diesel, of course, gets better mileage and, in some cases, tax credits, but costs more to start with and uses less-available, sometimes expensive, low-sulfur diesel fuel. Even the 2.0T needs premium for best performance. The ideal combination, IMO, is either engine combined with BOTH the DSG and Quattro AWD, but VW and Audi are very restrictive on the vehicles they offer those combos on.....needlessly so, IMO, as I pointed out in the review.

Also, keep in mind that VWs and Audis, in general, have a history of electrical and hardware problems, though reliability records for each particular vehicle can vary widely from one another, or even from year to year. Consumer Reports is a good source to check for each particular model.