I'm looking for a used car that's fun to drive, nice power, great handling. I've been thinking about the VW GTI, which I hear fits all these criteria, but I've also heard that they don't get totally awesome until 2007. Is this true? Or can I go older and still get something super fun? [more inside]
posted on Jul 13, 2008 - 16 answers

Apropos of nothing, why would the wiring going to the fog lights on a US 2002 VW New Beetle have an extra unattached plug on it? This is not the lowest model, but came with the fog lights standard. I wonder if one of the upscale versions had fog lamps with two bulbs in each light or something that would have required another plug. On second look, it occurs only on the drivers side wiring, the passenger side looks normal. Please stop me from agonizing over this superfluous detail!
posted on Jun 22, 2008 - 11 answers

Where does one take a sick and ailing 98 Jetta in Chicago? [more inside]
posted on May 30, 2008 - 3 answers

How to unlock my VW golf car stereo? [more inside]
posted on Apr 20, 2008 - 6 answers

What's the modern, ecological equivalent of a Volkswagon Bus (oh yeah and make it cheap, please). [more inside]
posted on Feb 17, 2008 - 28 answers

Anybody know the make and model of a bike rack that can be used on the rear end of a VW New Beetle? I know Volkswagen makes a top-mounted rack accessory, but I don't want to be lifting my heavy bikes up that high. Bonus points if you have successfully mounted it on your own Beetle in this lifetime. Holding 2 bikes would be fine, 3 would be even better.
posted on Jan 29, 2008 - 6 answers

Where in Chicago can I get the brakes on a '99 VW Jetta and '98 Ford Escort replaced reliably and cheaply? [more inside]
posted on Jan 17, 2008 - 3 answers

Is my manual '02 VW GTI going to roll away? My emergency brake appears to still be working, but all of a sudden it now requires me to pull it up so it's almost vertical in order to feel it engage. Previously, I've never had to yank it up more than a couple inches. [more inside]
posted on Dec 3, 2007 - 14 answers

What is today's equivalent of a VW Westfalia camper? [more inside]
posted on Sep 21, 2007 - 12 answers

After having the A/C compressor replaced in our VW Golf, the engine idle speed drops way down to near-stalling whenever the clutch is released while driving. It pops right back up, but it's a bit unnerving. [more inside]
posted on Sep 8, 2007 - 9 answers

I am looking at a 1985 VW Westfalia camper van. Does anybody have experience with this year and model? Pros? Cons? Reliability? It is in great shape, everything works and the price is right. THANKS!
posted on Jun 19, 2007 - 11 answers

Autofilter: Should the windows on my '05 Volkswagen GTI roll all the way down? [more inside]
posted on Jun 12, 2007 - 2 answers

TDI filter. My Toronto mechanic says my 2002 Beetle TDI needs a new turbocharger, and parts and labour should come to about $2,228. Is this a good price, and can anyone recommend a place for a second opinion? What questions should I ask to see if these guys are telling the truth? Please help this clueless girlie man fix his much loved gay car! [more inside]
posted on Jun 6, 2007 - 12 answers

Any comments/reviews from drivers on the new Canadian VW 2007 Rabbit and GTI? I am looking to purchase one or the other within the next 2 months.
posted on Apr 8, 2007 - 4 answers

Do car repairs done at a non-authorized facility void the warranty? [more inside]
posted on Jan 22, 2007 - 12 answers

I'm looking for tips and/or advice on buying a used pre-loved 1960's Volkswagen Beetle. [more inside]
posted on Oct 25, 2006 - 17 answers

the plastic netherparts under the engine of my jetta have finally fallen out, after some altercations with those concrete front-tire stops in parking lots. is it important for the future of the engine/mechanical bits to get these replaced? [more inside]
posted on Sep 22, 2006 - 13 answers

1997 VW clutch is making scraping sounds when fully depressed, but is working fine otherwise. Do I need a whole new clutch kit? Simultaneously, the interior fans (cooling) are dead, and the parking brake light is stuck on. Blown fuse? [more inside]
posted on Aug 23, 2006 - 7 answers

Remember when I asked this question? Well my girlfriend's Jetta just crapped out on her the day after her move to Minneapolis. Can you recommend any good VW dealers/service depots in Minneapolis? [more inside]
posted on Aug 17, 2006 - 9 answers

Where can I find this radio commercial campaign for VW? [more inside]
posted on Aug 14, 2006 - 1 answers

Are VW Jettas really that bad? [more inside]
posted on Jul 31, 2006 - 53 answers

favorite girls 2003 volkwagon jetta is over heating - low miles (30k) - she's semi-stranded in rapid city south dakota... anyone have any experience with similar problems with their late model vws? [more inside]
posted on Jul 23, 2006 - 8 answers

What are your opinions of Volkswagen dealers near DC? Inside or immediately outside the beltway, please.
posted on Jun 7, 2006 - 7 answers

I'd like to trigger a relay that momentarily closes a switch based on the voltage of another wire. Maybe. I think. Please help me with this basic (I hope) electronics project. [more inside]
posted on May 14, 2006 - 6 answers

I'd like to buy an new, original-style VW Beetle in Mexico and drive it back to Canada and register it for use in Vancouver, BC. What are all the steps involved? [more inside]
posted on Jan 5, 2006 - 9 answers

What is a reasonable price to pay to get the clutch replaced in a Jetta? [more inside]
posted on Dec 7, 2005 - 5 answers

We'd like to buy a new VW van. Our family is growing and we need to upsize (damn baby-seat requirements)...only problem is, they don't sell new VW vans in the US anymore. (Coincidentally enough, if we lived in the UK, we'd be all over their new model, the "California.") Any tips?
posted on Nov 20, 2005 - 13 answers

How much should a 20,000 mile dealer service cost for a 2003 VW Passat? $470? Am I getting ripped off? Should I fight? [more inside]
posted on Oct 11, 2005 - 12 answers

What proactive maintence is worth doing on a car with 120,000 miles on it? I have 2000 VW Golf automatic trans with 120,000 miles on it. Id like the keep the car until it basicly drops say 200,000 miles. Besides the usual oil changes, brake jobs, tires. etc.. whats worth doing to the car to keep it runnings indefinitely. For instance is it worth $900 to change the shocks and struts. Are the various "flushes" worth the cost. Etc etc...
posted on Aug 25, 2005 - 20 answers

TinfoilHatFilter. What is this strange unmarked part in my car? [more inside]
posted on Jul 28, 2005 - 18 answers

Have you used a low cost ($20-$50) Cold Air Intake on your car? [more inside]
posted on Jul 12, 2005 - 7 answers

When I was younger I dreamed of weekends away (and longer) in an old VW camper (called a Kombi, here in OZ). A decade later and I have spouse, kids (4yro, 2yro and 1 on the way) and enough money to make it possible. Good idea or not? [more inside]
posted on May 8, 2005 - 12 answers

What do you all think of the 2004 Mini Cooper convertible? Specifically, in comparison to a 2004 mini beetle convertible, or a well-cared-for 2001/2002 Cabrio convertible (I don't think they made a convertible Cabrio after 2002)?
posted on Apr 22, 2005 - 18 answers

Fuel Filter? Has anybody had long-term experience using North American bio-diesel in a TDI? My dealership is dead-set against it, but my European friends swear by it. (I tend to distrust my VW dealer, but I don't want to be cavalier) Since I live in a moderately cold climate, I would only be using it in summer.
posted on Jan 23, 2005 - 11 answers

Driving home from my Christmas Eve dinner at my Mom's house tonight my 1997 VW Golf 'threw a rod', caught fire slightly, and died. Merry Christmas! We put the fire out with no damage to the car (outside of the already ruined engine) ... right now the best option seems to be getting a new engine rather than replacing the whole car. Does anyone have any experience with this sort of thing? Please share!
posted on Dec 25, 2004 - 13 answers

We got a weird letter from our VW dealership in the mail yesterday, and I need help deciphering it. [mi]
posted on Nov 18, 2004 - 17 answers

Carfilter: I have a 1988 VW Golf GL that currently costs me about $85/month in repair costs. In other words, I'm finding myself putting about $3-400 dollars into it every 3-4 months. The car has 60k miles on a transplanted eight-valve Scirocco engine. And the steering is getting mushy. And I have no real mechanical skills.

If I take the $6k that I could spend on a newer car and put it into the VW, and I just going to end up with a pimped-out VW that still needs spendy repairs every 3-4 months?
posted on May 18, 2004 - 19 answers

I currently lease a VW Jetta, and the term is up in November 2005. I will be heading back to school in September 2004 and I would like to be rid of the payments. If I give up the car, I pay the full amount remaining on the lease, but people have been telling me to get someone to take on the lease for the remainder of the term, but I don't know how to even go about starting to do this. Can anyone help?
posted on Feb 20, 2004 - 5 answers

I've just moved out to san fran and feel like i need a convertible. found a sweet little Karman Ghia for 5 grand. Has anybody had any experience with these good/bad/ugly?

oh, and how long has ask metafilter been here? (pretty damn cool)
posted on Dec 10, 2003 - 14 answers