Topic: AQUAMOBILE #4

[sirAQUAMAN64]

New thread so I don't hog others.

Since I'm moving to a rural area wanted to get a vehicle that is both more comfortable and fuel efficient. The Astra has been a fantastic inexpensive car with zero issues and lots of little features that work very well - pana roof, auto headlamps, excellent rainsense wipers, enhanced audio system, stable, solid, and fun ride/handling balance. So while great for an 8 minute commute and the occassional long trip, being a 6-4 'healthy lad' I don't want to spend my new long daily commute in it from a safety (my knees are very close to the dash, etc) and comfort perspective. Plus the mileage could be better.

Decided on a VW Golf TDI 6MT - no surprise there (if the Tiguan was available with the TDI, would have been an even harder choice). Next was the decision on bodystyle and model year. Here are the items I considered, many of which are nit-picky, but that's me and they factored in.

Golf 5dr:
+Love the exterior appearance
+Latest chassis
+Quieter due to thicker glass, new mirrors, and sound deadening
+Lighter than previous Rabbit and some 200lbs less than the Wagen
+Slightly worse Cd, but the weight ought to make it more fuel efficient. As well as quicker and a better handler.
+Made in Germany (don't think there's much of a quality gap now, but just something I thought about)
+Like the new exterior door handles, and interior door skins with carpeted door pockets (although they seem to offer less space) and better power window and speaker placement
+An inch or two more headroom (the Wagen uses the Jetta roofline which is lower, and the Pana roof eats into it more)
+Far prefer the masculine look of the rear of the VI 5dr over the droopy Wagen
+$2,000 less expensive than the Wagen

Golf Wagen:
+Tonnes of space... won't outgrow the car. Living further away can't take 2 trips for things, and if/when I transport the Alaskan Malamutes they'll fit much better
+LOVE the Pana roof. Will make me smile every time I'm in it.
+Preferred the piano black carbon-ish patterned decorative trim over the 5dr's silver, since it goes better with the glossy audio and HVAC controls
+Should provide better resale
-JUST enough headroom to be comfy with the Pana roof
Most of my commute is straight-ish and steady speed, so acceleration and handling aren't big issues. As for quiet, the stereo is up or sunroof open so again, not a biggie. The previous MkV GTI was a fine car, and I don't plan on driving a 5dr to know what I'm missing!

So while going in and based on the list above the 5dr may make more sense, I went for the Wagen.

I would have liked to have waited for the 2011MY, but they are expected to arrive in September vs 5drs in July, and my preferred colour is being discontined on the Wagen - Blue Graphite. There are no samples available for the replacement Tempest Blue Metallic although I think it's more like Shadow Blue which I wasn't so fond over. Mind you, I'll be kicking myself if it turns out I really like it after seeing one. Another consideration was trying to do a factory order if I could get Bi-Xenons onto it, which I was told 'no' a bunch of times before believing it.

Have no idea what the 2011MY prices will be, but think they will be sharp to maintain volume with City Golf disappearing, along with the Passat Sedan and Wagen (the Golf hatches get ESC standard, probably at the same price) and manage the gap with the upcoming Jetta expected to start at lower base MSRP. Also don't know what rates will be, although again think VW will continue competitive. Still, some unknown variables and I didn't want the mileage being piled on the Astra.

So hunt was on for a 2010MY. There are very few TDI's available - most are pre-sold - but the dealer was able to snag one. They traded their only incoming unsold unit, a similar Highline (which was excellent value... only $600-ish more nets you rear torso SABs and leather, but did not want leather) for the Comfortline.

So there's the long blab.

Arriving late June is a 2010MY Volkswagen Golf Wagen TDI Comfortline 6MT in Blue Graphite Pearl with Panoramic Roof and Multimedia Package.
 

[mrthompson]

Wow!  I'm surprised you didn't string us along like other forum members have during their car hunting adventures. 

Congrats.

[rrocket]

CONGRATS! Was wondering when you'd pull the trigger on another VW.

[HeliDriver]

Another new Golf on the board - Congrats!

I hear you on the legroom. I'm 6'3", and I don't think I've got the seat even halfway back on its tracks. I'm sure even a seven footer would have plenty of room. Lots of headroom, too, even with the sunroof. And I love the Blue Graphite - saw it on a wagon at the dealer the other day and was drooling over it!

With your dogs, the wagon is definitely the way to go. My 60lb Black Lab fits okay in the back of the Golf, but he doesn't have lots of room. It's fine for quick trips to the dog park, but I can't imagine cramming a pair of Malamutes back there.

Can't wait for the pics!

[carcrazy]

Congrats on a new, nice car! What happened to Astra?

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Another new Golf on the board - Congrats!

I hear you on the legroom. I'm 6'3", and I don't think I've got the seat even halfway back on its tracks. I'm sure even a seven footer would have plenty of room. Lots of headroom, too, even with the sunroof. And I love the Blue Graphite - saw it on a wagon at the dealer the other day and was drooling over it!

With your dogs, the wagon is definitely the way to go. My 60lb Black Lab fits okay in the back of the Golf, but he doesn't have lots of room. It's fine for quick trips to the dog park, but I can't imagine cramming a pair of Malamutes back there.

Can't wait for the pics!

Hair doesn't brush the headliner in the 5dr, but in the Wagen with roof it probably will in the morning (more incentive to keep it cut regularily and lose some poundage  haha), and by the evening not. Can you tell I'm a sunroof person?

I actually really dug the bright red (no longer offered in Canada) and white on the Wagens, but for whatever reason wanted the blue.

I haven't had the dogs in the car, but now I could. And probably will every now and then. Torq is 90-90lbs, Tuaq 100-105. Sure to be lots of doggie slober and nose prints from Torq on the window, and clear drool dripping off the tongue of both.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Congrats on a new, nice car! What happened to Astra?

Am contemplating selling privately. If not, already have trade price locked-in.

It's been a trustworthy, enjoyable car.

Anyone interested? Fully loaded 5dr with every option, 29K (with warranty till 160K)... $14,500.

[quadzilla]

Congrats and welcome back to the family 

Great pick and I'm just a little envious over here. I'll have to make a drive out to your place to see it one of these days in the summer.

[vdk]

Welcome back!

[dr_spock]

Congrats.  Nice to have you back in the VW family. 

[Careener]

Awesome and thanks for the detailed comparo as usual.
I hope you didn't take a bath on the Astra if you traded it in.

[Railton]

Congrats on the new wheels Aqua.
Railton

[Snowman]

Congrats SAM on the new VW 

[kevlar]

wow nice.  i am considering the golf wagon as well.  maybe next year.   the a4 wagon went auto.  ugh, and i really like the idea of the tdi.  have you thought of chipping it?

[Loudpedal]

Congrats on the the TDI SAM!   

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Well done Sir!

[johngenx]

TDI is VW excellence!  Pics up within 5 minutes of delivery, of course...   

[onearmed]

Excellent choice, sweet car! That would've been my choice of a car as well. We just got a White Golf Highline 2.5 added to our family (sister) and it's very very impressive.

[tortoise]

Well done!  The TDI Wagon is very high up on my list.  I was originally thinking GTI but don't think it will have the space we're wanting.   The Jetta/Golf wagon is the perfect sized vehicle.  That it's good looking and great driving is a bonus.

[mmret]

Congrats SirA

What are we up to on the Golf count?