The Volkswagen Golf TSI: Wolfsburg gains the middle ground

Better cabins, safety systems, and electronics make it a player in the small car game.


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[Danrarbc]

foetusinc[/url]":2zcjus77]

jbee[/url]":2zcjus77]

Snark218[/url]":2zcjus77]

Tuco[/url]":2zcjus77]Is $30K for a Golf is that in the same price range of Civic, Elantra, Focus, etc. or is it much higher?

Me personally was mainly interested in the Golf because I could get it in a diesel.

For this level of equipment in one of those cars, you'd be spending more like $24-26k. I think it's pretty expensive for what you get.

Yes, the Golf is more expensive than e.g. the Focus or the CIvic. In Europe, this is accepted, because the Golf is considered a more "premium" car than the others (reviews usually point out the more premium interior, the better resale value etc.). Not sure how the Golf is seen in the US (I am from Europe).

Americans as a rule do not understand this concept at all. Either it's an economy car and must be as cheap as possible, or it's a luxury car and must be faultless. "Premium" middle tier does not compute.

See also; the tendency of Americans to put fake premium badging on their cars, vs the tendency for Europeans to debadge everything.

Not to mention the dealers add more badges.

 

[Danrarbc]

CraigJ[/url]":2r8n0gjw]

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CraigJ[/url]":2r8n0gjw]

THavoc[/url]":2r8n0gjw]

Danrarbc[/url]":2r8n0gjw]Not to mention the dealers add more badges.

That's the first thing I remove. It is quickly followed up by the license plate frame.

I tell the dealer straightaway, no badges or stickers - you can remove them. And if you drill holes in my front bumper you can keep the car. I don't care if the law says I need a front license plate.

I don't believe we have that law here in Arizona, do we?

I know California does but I don't think it is an issue here.

it's not here. It was a problem in California. I used paint friendly velcro.

So you enjoy getting plates stolen?

 

[Danrarbc]

baobrain[/url]":cmca6whd]...

foetusinc[/url]":cmca6whd]

baobrain[/url]":cmca6whd]

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UnnDunn[/url]":cmca6whd]

foetusinc[/url]":cmca6whd]

Our '12 Golf has been utterly troublefree over 50k miles. Zero warranty claims.

50k miles of trouble-free driving isn't much to brag about, TBH.

It's more than any of my friends with Subarus or GM products can say.

GM is fair...but Subaru? They're definitely not the most reliable but they don't have issues at 50k...

Anecdotal, but I own a 2012 Subaru Impreza with ~90k on the odometer with no service other than the regular recommended maintenance. My friend's 01 Forester didn't crap out until it hit 210k miles.

I mostly just can't help a little mild Subie trolling from time to time. And I really enjoy the utter lack of anybody rushing to GM's defense.

Fair enough, a lot of subaru fans are kinda crazy ...

GM fans can also be crazy - they're just not of the type of demographic that reads much Ars Technica. You'll find them on FoxNews.com and Breitbart.