CD Article: 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

[soj]

EDIT: Seriously, is it because I'm a female that I get this BS said to me?? Sometimes I really wonder....

Female or not, you're not unique when it comes to experiencing excessive BS when it comes to sales people.  There is no faster way to make me turn off than to encounter a sales person who tries to BS their way through something or whom is making sweeping generalizations.  If that also includes poo poo'ing other manufacturers products, I really start to get angry.  I think when this occurs there's an underlying assumption and it's that you're an idiot and that you don't know any better.  Instead it is they who are the idiots because lets face it, they're not going to be selling you a car.   

[Julie]

EDIT: Seriously, is it because I'm a female that I get this BS said to me?? Sometimes I really wonder....

Female or not, you're not unique when it comes to experiencing excessive BS when it comes to sales people.  There is no faster way to make me turn off than to encounter a sales person who tries to BS their way through something or whom is making sweeping generalizations.  If that also includes poo poo'ing other manufacturers products, I really start to get angry.  I think when this occurs there's an underlying assumption and it's that you're an idiot and that you don't know any better.  Instead it is they who are the idiots because lets face it, they're not going to be selling you a car.   

Agreed. I will always remember the BMW manager's reaction when I said, "I have to tell you, I have a list of cars to drive before I make up my mind." He seemed interested, so I gave him a few examples. He replied, "Those are great cars. I really like the TL." (a spontaneous, genuine smile came to his face, I wondered if he actually owned a TL...)

I tell ya, I am going back to that dealer again, the next time I shop for a car. I don't care that I didn't like the 325i. That response is engraved in my memory.

[Loudpedal]

I aim for quality not quantity.

So how is it that you find yourself peddling VW's? 

Extremely high quality!
Tiny gaps between panels!
Galvanized panels!
Soft touch materials, minimal use of hard plastic.
Heavy metal in the doors.
High safety ratings!
....
The list goes on.

Reliability??? 
When you put the latest technology (mechanical/electrical) the chance of failure is always higher.
Do you want the latest technology, or old done and proven stuff?

Why do some people need fridges that have TVs and can remind the user that eggs are running out? But some just need a metal box that keeps things cold.

There is no such thing as the absolute best car, but a "good" saleperson should always be able to sway a customer in a certain direction.   
Are you following me, already? 

Oh I've been following you all along.   I'm simply trying to wrap my mind around the notion that VW is somehow a premium marque that exemplifies quality. 

Make no mistake, I belive them to be a fine automaker with some interesting product.  I couldn't in clear conscience however, put them in the same quality category as either Honda or Toyota.  IMO, VW is a manufacturer that polarizes it's cusotmers.  Many remain brand loyal, while others eschew it for something else, typically something that is more reliable.   

For what it's worth, I haved owned a VW previously. 

Btw, the new GTI DSG is one sweet car   

[Radshark]

I heard some water-cooler talk recently that diesels car suffer from the smell of diesel fumes.  I hoping someone can help me out by dismissing or verfiying it.

Specifically, I've heard that diesel fuel often gets tracked by one's shoes into the car during fill ups.  A small amount - by nevertheless an amount.  After a bit, the cabin begins to smell a bit like diesel because the fuel builds up on the carpet.

Is this true?

R.

[photoguy]

the fuel consumption figures are conservative - my 06 Jetta TDI is now 11 mts old and I have 80,000 on the clock - I have kept a fuel consumption log and easily get 5.3 L/100 Km with the rpm in the 2500-2600 range in 5th gear - when my wife drives at reduced speed she easily gets 4.8 L/100 Km
a substantial sophistication leap over my 90 Jetta 1.6L - but VW could do a lot to improve service standards and their cusotmer PR - I had 3 different dealers replace glow plugs because of a code saying glowplusg 3 & 4 defective - all within a 1 month - 5,000 Km time frame - the "technicians" just kept erplacing parts - scarews me that I might have te erly on them if soemthing serious happened - Head Office was no better - the President was too busy to respond to a letter of complaint - I guess they still have enough customers walking in the showrooms with a cheque - all in all a great little car - this is a 5 VW diesel and they just keep getting better - we just retired our 97 Transporter with 550,000 Km on the clock

[Julie]

the fuel consumption figures are conservative - my 06 Jetta TDI is now 11 mts old and I have 80,000 on the clock - I have kept a fuel consumption log and easily get 5.3 L/100 Km with the rpm in the 2500-2600 range in 5th gear - when my wife drives at reduced speed she easily gets 4.8 L/100 Km
a substantial sophistication leap over my 90 Jetta 1.6L - but VW could do a lot to improve service standards and their cusotmer PR - I had 3 different dealers replace glow plugs because of a code saying glowplusg 3 & 4 defective - all within a 1 month - 5,000 Km time frame - the "technicians" just kept erplacing parts - scarews me that I might have te erly on them if soemthing serious happened - Head Office was no better - the President was too busy to respond to a letter of complaint - I guess they still have enough customers walking in the showrooms with a cheque - all in all a great little car - this is a 5 VW diesel and they just keep getting better - we just retired our 97 Transporter with 550,000 Km on the clock

Wow, you drive a lot.

Welcome to the forum!, and congrats on your TDI.