VW Rabbit Redux - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BENZ-LGB · #1 03-14-2007, 12:30 PM

Last summer we bought our daughter a brand new 2006 VW Rabbit. I had some hesitations, due to past quality-control issues with VWs.

I just took the car in for the its 15k service and I can report the following:

1. The car is fun to drive. It hugs curves like a sports car. I really enjoy driving it...whenever I can pry it off my daughter's hands.

2. The auto tranny is fun. You can let the tranny's brain do the shifting or you can shift "manually." Either way it is great.

3. Fuel economy is only so-so. But it can run on regular, unlike the Benzes in our family. Have you seen the price of premium in So. California? Those f'ing bastard oil companies....

4. The car is solid, tight, rattle free and so far it has had NO problems, mechanical or otherwise. Build quality is right up there with the best, materials are excellent; the Rabbit feels like a far more expensive car. The paint, however, does not look as "deep" as the paint in our Benzes.

5. For the price, it came with along list of standard equipment.

6. Service is fairly inexpensive. The 10k service has been the most expensive service to date, and even that was only about $100.00.

7. The local VW dealer is pretty nice, the staff seems knowledgeable and they seem to really care about keeping customers happy.

8. The interiors are roomy. Plenty of room for 4 good sized adults and their gear.

9. The car is assembled in Germany, not Brazil or Mexico like other VWs.

10. My daughter likes it and that makes me a happy camper.

SwampYankee · #2 03-14-2007, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENZ-LGB

1. The car is fun to drive. It hugs curves like a sports car. I really enjoy driving it...

2. The auto tranny is fun.

3. Fuel economy is only so-so.

1+2=3

My experience with fun to drive cars is the more fun you have driving it, the less miles you get out of a tank. Stop enjoying it so much and I bet the mileage will creep back up again.

Kuan · #3 03-14-2007, 12:58 PM

Good good good!

Betcha didn't know that you need a special tool to remove and replace the daytime running lights... frustrating.

TwitchKitty · #4 03-14-2007, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENZ-LGB

Last summer we bought our daughter a brand new 2006 VW Rabbit. I had some hesitations, due to past quality-control issues with VWs.

I just took the car in for the its 15k service and I can report the following:

6. Service is fairly inexpensive. The 10k service has been the most expensive service to date, and even that was only about $100.00.

That would be "damned inexpensive" without disclaimers.

BENZ-LGB · #5 03-14-2007, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuan

Good good good!

Betcha didn't know that you need a special tool to remove and replace the daytime running lights... frustrating.

I replaced the OEM headlight bulbs with SilverStars. It was fairly simple procedure, same as with our V70 wagon.

I didn't need a special tool.

Are the headlight bulbs the same as the DRL?

Zeus · #6 03-14-2007, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuan

Good good good!

Betcha didn't know that you need a special tool to remove and replace the daytime running lights... frustrating.

Kinda like rear VW brake discs....grrr...."insert dealer cash grab here"

BENZ-LGB · #7 03-14-2007, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SwampYankee

1+2=3

My experience with fun to drive cars is the more fun you have driving it, the less miles you get out of a tank. Stop enjoying it so much and I bet the mileage will creep back up again.

It is hard to resist tossing the little Rabbit around. It is so darned adhesive!

But you're right, ease up on the pedal and gas mileage should improve.

The 2.5 liter engine only puts out 150 hp, but it is pretty torquy...

Kuan · #8 03-14-2007, 03:34 PM

Nope the DRL's are different. Anyway, my brakes need a special piston compression tool also. The pistons don't just compress, they screw in and out. Weird, haven't figured out why.

Hammertime · #9 03-14-2007, 03:40 PM

2. The auto tranny is fun. You can let the tranny's brain do the shifting or you can shift "manually." Either way it is great.

I owned a Porsche Cab years back...it had a tiptronic in it...Is it the same?

A264172 · #10 03-14-2007, 03:49 PM

When is the TDI comming out... and then off lease...

Diesel4me · #11 03-14-2007, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hammertime

2. The auto tranny is fun. You can let the tranny's brain do the shifting or you can shift "manually." Either way it is great.

I owned a Porsche Cab years back...it had a tiptronic in it...Is it the same?

Nope, the new transmission is DSG.

BENZ-LGB · #12 03-14-2007, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel4me

Nope, the new transmission is DSG.

DSG = Direct Shift Gearbox

Read all about it here:

DSG

John Doe · #13 03-14-2007, 05:08 PM

I had a '86 or '87 Golf GTI and my brother had a similar vintage Scirrocco and both of those cars were a lot of fun to drive. I can't remember having any real mechanical issues with either car, and I had a wreck that I walked away from that even the policed were shocked I survived.

edit: yes the car was totalled
edit 2: I am a big Updike fan as well

Orkrist2 · #14 03-14-2007, 10:29 PM

I picked up an 07 Jetta late last year and report much of the same. Its a bit slow but fun to drive and I find it very comfortable over long stretches. It does handle well and feels very good on the road. Great price and value considering the options.

BENZ-LGB · #15 03-14-2007, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orkrist2

I picked up an 07 Jetta late last year and report much of the same. Its a bit slow but fun to drive and I find it very comfortable over long stretches. It does handle well and feels very good on the road. Great price and value considering the options.

VW is pushing hard to regain market share.