118 tsi best driveaway price?

[nicandlance]

I have been weighing up whether to buy a new Mazda 3 Maxx sport, or the 118tsi Golf VI.
Took the golf for a spin yesterday and loved the drive... the mazda offers more, but the golf is just plain fun!
I have been concerned about reliability issues however.... wondering whether the return to germany for build will be an improvement on past models built in Sth Africa etc.

Looking for a candy white manual 118 tsi, with tint, upgraded sound system and floor mats. Trading a 2006 Newbeetle tdi with sunroof and alloys - one lady owner, 30,000ks.

Hoping to have changeover at no more than $16,000. Does this sound reasonable, and has anyone bought similar?

[logger]

Take a look at the dealer negotiation spreadsheet to see what you can expect to pay for the 118tsi. Then Check out Carsguide Beetle values to see what you might get for your trade. My guess is you'll need to come up with a bit more seeing as it suggests only $13k for the trade. On the other hand if you are after a bog standard white manual 118tsi you might come close.

[nicandlance]

I have looked to see that a beetle (as trade) is only worth about $13000, but that is based on a car having done around 20,000 per year. Mine has only done 31,000 over a 3 and a quater year period. It also has the sunroof and alloys (which were not standard with the car), so hoping to squeeze a bit more out of them. My beetle has also been serviced at VW, which (if they want my custom in the future), might prompt them to give a little more....

[nicandlance]

I have been concerned about reliability issues however.... wondering whether the return to germany for build will be an improvement on past models built in Sth Africa etc. Does anyone know?

[Brendan_A]

I have been concerned about reliability issues however.... wondering whether the return to germany for build will be an improvement on past models built in Sth Africa etc. Does anyone know?

You tell me what car company doesn't have any issues with its product? That's why they have warranty. There is nothing wrong with the build quality!

[cme2c]

If you look through the threads here, you will find that there are few problems, although some people do seem to have more than their fair share. Mine is fine, but it has done less than 3,000 kms. I had a few qualms myself, having traded in a Honda that was perfect for 30,000 kms. Prior to that was a Peugeot 307. Not so perfect.

[gregozedobe]

I love my VAG vehicles, but if someone told me that ultra reliability was a top priority for them if I was brutally honest I would have to steer them towards something with a Honda, Mazda or Toyota badge.

VWs are great to drive, but I think they haven't got their reliability issues licked yet, and that includes cars assembled in Germany (eg Golf Mk 6).

Skoda have a better reliability rating in the surveys like JD Power, and they still have some problems.

I'm sure there are many VW enthusiasts here that will disagree with me, but I just read of too many issues that strand people. It makes it worse that some dealers are not stepping up to the plate with loan cars when they are required, which leaves people without the transportation they have paid a premium price for.

[mr gee]

The only irritation so far for me has been the dreaded supercharger squeak. The dealer (Burwin) has been very nice to change the clutch but unfortunately it returned after 4000km. I understand a permanent fix is supposed to be implemented in Europe and await it's availability here.

Are you negotiating your car from Burwin on Burwood? I got mine from a salesman called Milan, a very helpful bloke

[geojack555]

I was a great lover of VW cars, until recently when I was struck with 3 major back to back issues with my new 118TSI (less than 5 months old). Now it is with VW service and waiting for a DSG transmission replacement. So I am not 100% sure if german build has actually improved the quality! This is just my personal experience.

[sillygogo]

Test drove both back in June, the Mazda 3 Maxx Auto, felt dull and need to drive it little hard to get up a hill. The interior felt tight and not as open as the Golf. At that time the price different was about $3500. I think because the Mazda 3 was new and the dealer didn't want to deal. So I brought the Golf.

Test drove the Maxx Sport Auto with my sister last month. It felt good, better control, yet still need to work the gears. Drove the Maxx Manual, more fun, more control, more engine noise, more grin. Sister brought the Maxx Auto. Price different this time was about $6500. Around 2000km now, small rattle noise near the back, car vibrate little while idling with A/c running, other than that all good and solid.

Overall, I think the Golf, more fun to drive, but many little quirks and little issues start to appears. Mazda 3, great value, maybe better in built quality and cheaper on parts and service, but the insurance is little higher than the Golf. I would go for a Manual Mazda 3 instead of the Auto, livelier.