New to VW's. Coming from a Mazda MX-6 and a P.O.S. Hyundai. My wife and I are finally coming out of debt and are looking for new cars.

I'm interested in getting her a reliable, gas efficient, and "pretty" car that she can fuel an go. I had been thinking about an early 2000 TDI Beetle, but Honda has strongly come to mind for her. I had been looking between a MazdaSpeed3, a GTI, or a CivicSi. Everyone has Honda, and it doesn't move me. I LOVED my Mazda, but I hear the Speed3 is just about speed, and everything else is cheap and the ride is clunky/loud. I am absolutely enamored with the mid 2000 GTI's. It meets all my wants (Leather, Moonroof, Stick, Speed, Space) and aside from the big rear end, the car looks stunning.

Everywhere I go I find this common theme; I love my VW, but the quality is poor and the repairs are expensive. One person had said that unless you were specifically looking for a VW, stay away from the brand.

I wanted to hear firsthand form a VW community. I know you never heard good news about cars, only the bad. I am aware that VW are notorious for electrical problems and water leaks. I can handle the first, the second is more of a pain. I do nearly all my own repairs (save for transmission work) and when I looked up the parts some were especially pricey (Oxygen sensors cost at least double what I am accustomed to). I just want to know is VW quality truly **** poor, only compensated for by the enjoyment of the vehicle? If so, I think my wife will get a reliable Honda, and I will pursue the enjoyment of a GTI. I don't want to have to put a wrench to her car for anything other than regular maintenance.

P.S. - Any specifics regarding a 2002 era Beetle or a 2006-2008 GTI would be very beneficial. From what I read, it seems like I'll be doing repairs every 5k miles no matter what VW I get. I know TDI engines are durable, but what about the rest of the car?

 

Welcome to the forum Justin.

Well if she is after economy forget the GTI its got to be a VW TDI have a read of the TDI buyers guides.