(6 Months) The passenger side-rear door lock bracket broke. No problem. Took into dealer, they had me fixed in one day.
One thing they fail to mention to you when you buy a VW is the fact that the coolant systems are "open" meaning that over time the anti-freeze will evaporate. I took my car in after 1.5 years of owning it when the low-coolant light came on. They checked it and said that because I do my own service to the vehicle, the coolant wasn't topped off everytime. So if you don't plan on letting VW do your scheduled maintaince, make sure you top off your coolant.
One reviewer did point out that when you go over a speed-bump or any large object that will cause the car to "flex" you will hear something that does sound like cracking or rubbing. Actually it's the rubber seals that seal the doors shut. As the car is flexing over the bump, the rubber moves around and makes a small noise. You can only hear this if it is completely silent in the car and you go very S-L-O-W over the bump.
My only complaint with this car would be the 13 gallon gas tank. The 1.8T combined with the auto-tiptronic tranmission can be a little thirsty. I average around 25mpg, and I am a VERY easy driver. So it seems that you have to make more trips to the gas station.
If you've never driven a VW you must try it. My Jetta Wolfsburg is one of the most fun cars (as far as everyday driving is concerned) I've ever driven.
One thing though, the service schedule is intensive. So if you plan on letting the dealership do your scheduled services, break out your checkbook because it's not going to be cheap...
Looks like this guy should "break out his checkbook" cos he's not even remotely qualified to do his own servicing.
For everyone else out there who isn't aware of what a service actually entails you should check every fluid system regardless of whether it is "open" or whether the book says it actually requires changing. That includes coolant, brake fluid, clutch fluid, battery electrolyte and charge, trans fluid, gear oil, diff oil, windscreen wash water etc etc.
The more you check and top up the less there is to go wrong and the less times your car breaks down and ends up in the shop.
No car has a completely closed cooling system. Most vent to atmosphere above a designed operating pressure, through the cap. VW, just incorporates the the reservoir into the pressurized loop.
What does the owner's manual say regarding the frequency of checking the coolant?
Regardless, If you lost enough coolant in 10-15k miles to trip the coolant level light, you have a problem. It could be as simple as a reservoir cap to as complex as a head gasket... but I'll bet you just have a faulty hose clamp.
VW and audi have different cooling systems.
Their antifreeze is very different from what you get at Jiffy Lube. You do have to top off the coolant. I just found this out on my Wolfsburg after 20k miles. My father who's 60 yrs old told me the same thing the first 2 commentors have said, but you know what? VW and Audi is not a same car as your Chevy or Ford.
I'm confused after reading the last comment. Who made a comparison between Ford, Chevy, and VW? The previous two comments simply stated that you need to check all of your fluids routinely. What is it, exactly, that you're trying to argue about?
The coolant you need is G-12. It is stamped right on the reservoir.
You also need special power steering fluid. Pentosin CHF 11.S or equivalent is what you need. Ford & Chevy PS fluid will ruin the pump, rack, & hoses.
You also need particular motor oil that meets specific VW specifications. See VW's website for the oil info to keep your warranty valid and 1.8t sludge-free (hopefully).
Don't skip on timing belt changes either!
Note: A Comments RSS Feed is available. New comments appear in the Members Area before the main site