Aside from a faulty paintjob, fixed within the first week, there've been no problems with the car.
I should've done my homework. Buying my Saab out of the lease or a new VW Rabbit cost the same. Trying to economize, I picked the Rabbit. My insurance increased by over 1/3 and I've yet to get the 30-35 mpg I typically got with my Saab, 28 is the best I've been able to do.
It loses composure sometimes on bumpy Michigan roads, but I can turn corners faster than most and it generally handles well, especially for a subcompact.
It has good scoot, but sounds awful when pushed. Transmission is excellent.
Seat comfort couldn't be better. Adults comfortable in rear as long as front seat isn't in the rear-most two slots.
Sunroof open/close only require one touch.
Wipers/radio sound adjust for speed. I've had other cars that say they do, but the Rabbit actually does.
Htd mirrors are a nice touch, but I'm having a difficult time remembering to turn them off due to the position of the switch (not really visible when seated).
For stepping down from a 9-3 to a Rabbit, I don't really feel as though I gave up much.
Electronic stability control is very slow to kick in. Dealer says it's normal, but I wonder whether I paid extra for something too slow to matter.
Feels rock-solid, except for some wander on grooved pavement.
I own an '08 Rabbit and I couldn't agree more with all (but 1...) of your comments! It's a great car for the money - feels much more expensive than it is.
The comment I disagree with is the sound of the 5cyl when pushed hard... I really like the sound myself... much better than a droning 4 cylinder anyway. If you add an aftermarket intake that eliminates the resonator box to the Rabbit, it sounds eerily similar to the Dodge Viper's V-10 from the movie "Wanted" when accelerating hard! (Cool if you like that sort of sound anyway...).
You can't beat a Rabbit for the money.
I also traded a Saab (97 900SE) on a Rabbit (06).It doesn't feel like I gave up much either. The VW feels as solid (if not more so) and sprightly as the Saab did new. Like everyone says, the mileage isn't exactly stellar. About 10,000 m later I average about 27/32.I'm about as mechanical as a gerbil, but maybe it's because the Rabbit engine's a 2.5.My Saab was a smaller 2.0-though the turbo seemed to make her thirstier. All told, all it seems I gave up was a convertible top (mixed blessing) for a sunroof.