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Re: saab vs vw comparison...
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Posted by Ari [Email] (#2847) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Ari) on Wed, 11 Jan 2006 05:38:52 Share Post by Email
In Reply to: saab vs vw comparison..., aaron, Tue, 10 Jan 2006 19:04:49
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I'm running a couple of 9000's, and a '01 Jetta 1.8t (automatic) with a hair over 71K miles.

The Jetta is our running-around town car, as it gets better city mileage than our 9000 CSE. The CSE is slightly better on the highway, and carries a lot more. I really like the Jetta - with the 1.8t engine, it's a blast to drive, and a decent handler. We try to put most of our miles on the Jetta - it is very replaceable, but good condition 9000's are only getting more rare.

In the 4 1/2 years we've had the Jetta, it's had a few problems. A window got stuck down (bad pulley, part of a recall, fixed for free). The DI coils were replaced (no engine problems, just part of their massive recall). Of course, DI problems are nothing new to Saabs. About the only major cost was some hoses/air handling equipment that cost me $400 at the dealer to replace. The car stumbled a little at idle, and threw a CEL. There was an oil smell once, which I believe was a seal that was fixed under warranty. The only other repair was a new antenna mast that was also warranty.

Otherwise, it's been regular maintenance (oil and brake fluid). I've done the rear brake pads once; to my surprise, especially for an around-town car, the front pads are still fine at 70K. I was glad when the original Michelins wore out so I could put my favorite Pirellis on. But replacing tires is normal wear.

The VW has been relatively trouble-free for me. The interior and exterior has held up quite well.

I like VWs because they handle well, and with the right engine, can be pretty fast. A very European feel for not a lot of money.

I've read of the reliability troubles of VW, and they've been around for a while. They were around when I bought our Jetta. At that time it had a wimpy 2 year 24 month warranty. I bought an aftermarket warranty through the dealership I deal with, so I know they support it. So far, we've not had to dip into the aftermarket warranty. If the car makes it to 100K without needing the warranty, I get my money back for it.

I've dealt with my local VW dealership since '78, and have had very good luck with them. Some are better than others, no doubt. They've always been straight with me and covered stuff is covered, no questions asked. Yes, if the tranny exploded I'd be quite pissed, but I'd expect the warranty to fix it.

Right now, Hondas and some Toyotas are pretty darn reliable. If you never want to see the inside of a dealership, they're probably the way to go. But any car is a crapshoot, and they all break at one time or another. Statistically, Hondas and Toyotas (and a few others) are pretty good, but some of them break. The chances are low, but if it's you, it ain't no fun.

I don't think I 'took a chance' with my Jetta, but it's been pretty good to me. Maybe that makes me lucky, but I don't think so. It's not like every one has the transmission blow up or the ECU evaporate. Not even half. But things not breaking don't make the news.

My problem with going with a 'more reliable' car is that I don't like them. I don't like the way Hondas and Toyotas drive. My wife was a passenger in a Honda during an accident, and won't get in one. Yes, they're a lot better than the rattle-trap she was in 20 year ago, but there it is. I've driven them, and they're 'nice.'

I figure that cars break, and you fix them. Some car provide things other cars can't - power, handling, room, or just the feeling of quality and fun. Some cars break more than others. So far, I feel the VW's I've had have provided more of the good stuff and less of the bad.

Frankly, if I had to replace one of my 9000s right now, I'd be looking at at either a couple of year old 9-5 wagon, or a newer Passat.

posted by 192.249....
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