Just as the testimonials listed on their site say, they’re a great group of friendly, honest guys who did an excellent job on the service. I highly recommend them if you live in the Cincinnati tri-state area. Check their website out or give them a call at 513-731-8989!

Anywho, I dropped off my GTI this morning at their shop to have the 80k service done, which is yet another one of those massive service intervals that cost a boatload of money but consists of mostly checks and top-offs. Regardless, there are a couple items on the list I’d rather not tackle myself like checking the timing chain and belts, etc. etc.

As I stepped through the entrance, both Mike and Chad were at the service counter. And as the reviews said, they were friendly and made sure I knew what they were going to look over and repair. They also would be sure to give the GTI a good once-over, since this is the first time they’ve seen the car, and note any other items that need to be taken care of in the future.

So, fingers crossed. Oh, pricing. I was quoted $432.50, which is just about inline with the dealer’s quote. But if AUTO4N provides superior service, I’ll be sticking with them. I have strong confidence in them based on their reviews as well as my own bit o’ experience so far. I’ll follow up with another post on the results later on!

For reference, here’s the 80k service for a 2003 VW GTI VR6 24v:

• Engine Oil – change
• Engine Filter – change
• V Belt/Ribbed Belt – check tension/condition
• Spark Plugs – replace
• Air Cleaner – replace filter
• Windshield Washer Fluid – check level
• Automatic Shift Lock – check operation
• Brake System – check damage/leaks, pad thickness, fluid level
• Wheels – rotate from front to rear
• Air Bag System – check function/damage
• Battery – check electrolyte level
• Engine – check for leaks
• Pollen Filter – replace
• Cooling System – check level
• Transmission – check for leaks
• Manual Transmission – check for leaks, Check Oil Level
• Tires/Spare – check condition
• Driveshaft – check boots
• On Board Diagnostics – check Diagnostic Trouble Code memory
• Door Hinge – lube
• Headlights – check and adjust if necessary
• Exhaust System – check for damage and leaks
• Sunroof Frame – clean and lubricate
• Road Test – check system functions during and after
• Power Steering – check fluid level
• Automatic Trans. Fluid and Differential – Check for leaks / level. Add if necessary
• Front Axle – check dust seals, ball joints, tie rods
• Air Bag System, Visual check every 12 months regardless of mileage
• Brake Fluid, Change every 2 years regardless of mileage

I don’t know of any positives to come out of this continual switch-a-roo. Maybe the new Rabbits will become a classic rare “hare”? Har-har-har (that was a joke people…. *crickets*)

I would buy one of these in a heart beat, but what really sucks for my personal situation is the timing of its release. I just went through the process of buying out my GTI, and we’ll be swapping my wife’s Jetta for something else come this January. Oh well, who knows what will happen between now and then. ;)

Read more at Autobloggreen.com

My initial impression is positive overall, which is impressive for only seeing photos of it rather than in real life. Typically new model photos don’t do it for me unless the design is drop dead gorgeous. The new frontend is a welcome improvement to the waterfall grill heritage in the MkV’s. Took me a while to warm up to those. As I look at it, the only thing bothering me is that the rear doesn’t match the aggression of the front. It seems to fall flat and plain for me.

* Volkswagen Press Release

- Golf’s high levels of value and comfort nullify class distinctions
- New Golf design points the way to Volkswagen’s future
- TDI, TSI and DSG systems improve fuel economy by up to 28 percent
- First Golf with adaptive chassis and automatic distance control

WOLFSBURG, Germany – Volkswagen is unveiling its most important automotive secret of the year: the new Golf. The car – Europe’s most successful with more than 26 million sold – was improved in all areas. “This sixth generation of Golf cars will completely redefine the quality and comfort level of its class over broad categories, offering more customer value than ever before”, says Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board at Volkswagen AG. The European market launch of the new Golf will begin in October; following in succession will be Africa, Asia, Australia and North America. The entry price for the German market is around 16,500 Euros.

Innovative power – the Golf democratizes progress

The clear and powerful design of the new Golf is showing the entire brand the way to the future. Its acoustic properties and the overall comfort of the Volkswagen tear down class distinctions. Innovative engines and transmission technologies lower fuel consumption by up to 28 percent. All gasoline and diesel engines satisfy limits of the future EU-5 standard.

Assistance systems such as “automatic distance control” (ACC), “adaptive chassis control” (DCC) and the “park steering assistant” bring additional top technologies on board the Golf. A new ESP system, with finer response over its control range, further optimized crash properties, seven airbags including knee airbag, the special head restraints (WOKS) that counteract whiplash trauma, a “seatbelt detection” feature debuting in the rear seating area of the Golf and daytime running lights – that are standard equipment – provide for a maximum level of safety.

Exterior design – Precision in a new form

The high value of the new Golf is reflected par excellence in its stylish design; all key body elements were redesigned: “We have cast the Golf’s core components in a precise, new mold”, explains Walter de Silva. And the Italian design chief of the German corporation emphasizes this: “The Golf is the global icon car making. So the architecture and graphic form of new model are also absolutely clear and unique.” At the same time, the sixth Golf has a sportier and more distinctive appearance than any previous generation of the model series. De Silva: “It is more accentuated, more three-dimensional than its predecessor; with precisely defined lines and edges, and with finely proportioned flared surfaces and recesses.” And Klaus Bischoff, Chief Designer for the Volkswagen brand, adds: “Every detail is uncompromisingly aimed at improving value.”

Especially in a direct comparison of generations five and six, it becomes clear just how much the new Golf has changed. The team headed up by de Silva and Bischoff sought to crystallize out the “essential DNA” of the model series and send it on a trip to the future. These stylistic characteristics include the clear front end of the first generation and the C-pillar that was perfected in the fourth generation.

The roof section now rests – similar to the new Scirocco – on a dominant filled out shoulder section. Responsible for this is a prominent curving line that – like a muscle trained down to the last fiber – extends from the headlights back to the taillights. In its side profile, this line – which Volkswagen Design calls the “character line” – also gives the new Golf a fuller, lower stance on the road from a side perspective.

All body surfaces are generally more relaxed, more athletic. In front the new car takes up the horizontally aligned radiator grille trim strip between the headlights of the first Golf generation; the grille itself is high-gloss black. The lines of the bumper match those of the radiator grille. Beneath this is an adjacent section with another air scoop. Also arranged on a black background are the chrome light housings of the dynamically styled headlamps.

In the rear too is characterized by a dominance of horizontal lines. The taillights – very wide now – are identified among other things by an unmistakably unique night design. Stylistically – with their crystal-clear lines for the turn signal and backup lamps – they bear a resemblance to the taillights of the Touareg. Overall, the image of the new Golf – in the interplay of all of its design characteristics – is one of a significantly wider, flatter and even more high-end car.

Interior – imploding class distinctions

The car’s exceptional value also applies to the newly designed interior, whose refined surfaces and features completely transform class distinctions, both to the touch and visually, especially in the cockpit area. The appearance and layout of materials and details such as brushed chrome accents and round instruments derived directly from those of the Passat CC leave the impression that one is actually sitting in a car of the next higher segment. Ergonomic properties of the car’s interior were also further developed. For example, all operating controls are even easier to use. They include the control of the automatic climate control system (Climatronic) – presented for the first time on the Passat CC – and the power window controls that are now located further forward in the door trim, making them easier to access.

There is a common thread here: Volkswagen’s typical attention to perfection of every detail in the car. Take the example of “seatbelt detection” in the rear: if the Golf is ordered with rear side airbags, the user can recognize on the multifunctional display in the cockpit whether the occupants have their seatbelts fastened in the rear – separately for each seat. Or take the example of leather seats: a new, more robust leather surface is being used. Or the example of the cargo area: four practical hooks ensure that after shopping, the contents of shopping bags are not strewn across the cargo area. Or the example of the outside mirrors: thanks to an aerodynamically optimized shape they get significantly less dirty. They are easier to adjust from the interior, since the power mirror adjustment control is now located further up and more forward in the door trim.

Noise reduction – the quietest Golf since the first model

The new Golf is characterized by first-class acoustic properties. A special damping film in the windshield also reduces driving noises, as does the newly developed seal concept for the doors and side window guides. The new shape of the outside mirrors also significantly reduces wind noise. Furthermore, special modifications were made to acoustically isolate the engine and passenger compartments from one another better. Very quiet rolling tires and new engine bearings round out the noise reduction package.

Diesel engines – migration to common rail injection

Making a significant contribution to the pioneering acoustic properties are the exceptionally quiet TDI common rail engines being used in the Golf for the first time. Two balancer shafts also put an end to undesirable vibrations. Plans call for a TDI power range extending from 66 kW / 90 PS to 125 kW / 170 PS. Right at the market launch, Volkswagen will be offering the Golf with two 2.0 liter TDI engines; they output 81 kW / 110 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS. Always there as production equipment: a diesel particulate filter (DPF).

The new TDIs are exceptionally fuel efficient. The 110 PS strong entry-level diesel is satisfied with 4.5 liters of fuel (119 g/km CO2) per 100 kilometers – that represents a 0.6 liter reduction! Even the 140 PS version only requires 4.9 liters of diesel (129 g/km CO2), which is 0.6 liters less.

Gasoline engines – more economical than ever before

Four variants will define the range of gasoline engines in the launch phase: 59 kW / 80 PS, 75 kW / 102 PS, 90 kW / 122 PS and 118 kW / 160 PS. Starting at 90 kW / 122 PS, the TSI engines come with supercharger and/or turbocharger. The fact is that the gasoline engines too are pioneering when it comes to fuel economy. The optimized 80 PS entry-level engine consumes just 6.4 liters of Super per hundred kilometers (149 g/km CO2) – that is 0.5 liters less than the previous model. The other TSI engines are also taking the stage as prime examples of efficiency: at 122 PS the new Golf 1.4 TSI consumes just 6.2 liters of Super (144 g/km CO2); this yields a fuel consumption advantage of 0.1 liters. Even the new 160 PS top version of the 1.4 TSI attains an excellent value at 6.3 liters. Compared to the retired 150 PS FSI, the 160 PS TSI’s fuel consumption was even lowered by 1.6 liters.

DSG – replaces conventional automatic

With the exception of the entry-level versions, all gasoline and diesel engines can be paired with Volkswagen’s dual clutch transmission (DSG). Depending on the engine torque, either a 6-s0eed or 7-speed DSG is used. On the Golf, the extremely efficient and agile DSG has thereby replaced the classic torque converter automatic. Just how efficient the alliance of TSI plus DSG can be is demonstrated by the average fuel consumption of the 1.4 TSI with 160 PS and 7-speed DSG: 6.0 liters (139 g/km CO2). This high-tech duo replaces the 2.0 FSI with 150 PS and 6-speed automatic. Average fuel consumption there: 8.3 liters. Savings: 2.3 liters per hundred kilometers or 28 percent – progress in its best form.

My normal dealer uses the Volkswagen scheduling service instead of directly taking calls in house. Each time I call for an oil change I have to wait on hold for a few minutes, then I have to wait longer for the person to verify all my information, and even longer for them to check the dealer’s service schedule to find out when I can be fit in. Then I tell them about any additional things I’d like to have checked. And then, foolishly, I ask how much my service will cost. I always get the same answer – “The customer service representative at the dealer will be able to tell you that when you arrive.”

Okay, that’s all well and good. I can sort of accept that, given that labor charges seem to vary from dealer to dealer. What I can’t accept is that fact that when I get there, the service person has very little idea why I’m there, let alone any of the additional comments I gave to the person at the scheduling service. I then have to waste more time rehashing everything to them, during which they verify my information and make sure that they can perform the service.

I’ve dealt with this for years, until I was forced to take my car to another dealer (Fairfield Volkswagen, which I hope to give full props to in another post) due to starting problems. I was blown away when I was actually able to speak to a person…at the dealer. I explained my issues, and they suggested that we start with the recommended 60k service that my car was due for. They even knew that the service required an engine scan, which would bring up any problems they would expect to find. Then I asked the kicker – how much the service would cost. I was blown away when the woman on the other end was actually able to tell me…to the penny.

The work Fairfield VW did was exceptional. They found a number of problems with the car (including a bad alternator – ouch) and I got a big repair bill. But the way they handled my initial call followed by constant communication from the service manager (in addition to a incredibly detailed work report) made me feel the best I’ve ever felt about spending money on car maintenance. My experience was light years ahead of what I was used to.

My advice? If your dealer uses the official VW scheduling service, find a new dealer. If you’ve been dealing with it, chances are you know what I’m talking about. Just know that things can be better.

RABBIT

• New 170 hp/177 lb.ft torque 2.5L 5cyl engine standard on 2 & 4dr
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) now standard
• New trim level naming. Rabbit S 2dr and Rabbit S 4dr

GTI

• 15mm ride height reduction on all 2 & 4dr
• Sirius® Satellite radio now standard
• Reflex Silver is now special order only
• Climatronic deleted from all trims
• New trim level naming, GTI and GTI Autobahn

NEW BEETLE/NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE

• New trim level naming, S and SE
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) now standard
• Temporary use spare tire
• Fog lights deleted from all trims
• New 16” alloy wheel S
• New 17” alloy wheel on SE
• Delete Shadow Blue on sedan and convertible
• Delete Platinum Gray on convertible
• Delete reflex silver on convertible
• Laser blue no longer available with gray interior
• Black not available with crème top
• Delete front floor mats
• Delete Leather seating surfaces from all trims
• Delete rain sensing wipers on all trims
• Leatherette now named V-Tex
• Cold weather package available on S as stand alone option

GLI

• Reflex Silver is now special order only
• Climatronic deleted from all trims
• New trim level naming, GLI and GLI Autobahn

JETTA

• New 170 hp/177 lb.ft torque 2.5L 5cyl engine standard
• Delete 2.0T engine (only available on GLI)
• Automatic only available with SEL
• Temporary use spare tire
• Laser Blue replaces Shadow Blue
• Delete Wheat Beige
• Front and rear lower valance in black textured color on S and SE
• Body color front and rear valance on SEL
• 2.5 badge included on S
• 16” steel wheels with full covers standard on S
• Delete Climatronic from all trims
• Delete leather seating surfaces from all trims
• Power recline standard on all trim levels
• 17” wheel standard on SEL
• Delete Homelink from all trims
• Cold weather package now optional on S
• 16” alloy wheel now optional on S
• Sunroof now optional on S
• Premium sound package (includes amplifier and 250W) now optional on SE
• New trim level naming, S, SE, and SEL
• Leatherette now named V-Tex

PASSAT Sedan and Wagon

• New trim level naming, Turbo, Komfort, Lux, and VR6
• Leatherette now named V-Tex
• Temporary use spare tire
• Chrome window trim now standard on Turbo
• New 16” alloy wheel on Turbo
• New 17” alloy wheel on Komfort
• Delete Shadow Blue
• Delete Wheat Beige on wagon
• Heated washer nozzles only available on VR6
• Bi-Xenon headlamps w/ AFS now standard on VR6
• Manual side and rear sunshade now standard on sedans
• Manual side sunshades now standard on wagon
• Power 12-way driver seat now standard equipment
• Heated front seats optional on Turbo and Komfort
• Leather steering wheel now standard equipment
• Leather shift knob now standard equipment
• Delete Pure Beige leather comfort seats
• Delete gray leather and V-Tex
• New interior trim on Turbo
• 3 spoke leather multi-function steering wheel included with Lux
• Dynaudio now optional on Lux
• Adaptive Cruise Control optional on VR6
• 4Motion is only configuration available with VR6 wagon
• Manual transmission only available on Turbo

EOS

• New trim level naming, Turbo, Komfort, Lux, and VR6
• Leatherette now named V-Tex
• Lux only available with automatic transmission
• Winter starting assist mode standard on VR6
• New 17” alloy wheel on Lux
• New 18” alloy wheel on VR6
• Delete Wheat Beige
• Rear Park Distance Control included in Lux and VR6
• Chrome front grille louvers included on VR6
• Power 12-way driver seat now standard equipment
• Leather steering wheel now standard equipment
• Leather shift knob now standard equipment
• Leather parking brake handle now standard equipment
• Windblocker now standard equipment
• Ambient lighting deleted on Turbo
• Micritech interior trim now included in Turbo
• Center sliding armrest now standard equipment
• Heated front seats now optional on Turbo
• 17” alloy wheel optional on Komfort

Touareg

• New exterior colors (White Gold, Galapagos, Alaska Gray, Cranberry)
• Chrome grille with logo and chrome eyebrows standard on VR6 FSI
• Chrome matte grille with logo and chrome eyebrows, chrome air intakes, chrome grille slats standard on V8 FSI and V10 TDI Twin Turbo
• Darkened Taillights
• New, central headlights design
• Sporty, more aerodynamic rear spoiler
• Electronic Parking Assistance now standard equipment
• Power Liftgate now standard equipment
• 19″ Wheels with all-season tires optional on VR6 FSI but included in V8 FSI and V10 TDI Twin Turbo
• Larger screen for Multi-function Indicator included with optional Technologie Package
• New Option Packages
• Dynaudio now available in package for all trims
• Sirius® Satellite Radio now standard equipment
• Next generation TPMS – now standard equipment
• ABSPlus standard
• ESP Innovations standard
• New front seat design, more comfortable front seat side bolsters, new seat stitching design now standard equipment
• Gray seat trim in leather and leatherette deleted
• Silver Metallic Plastic interior trim standard on VR6 FSI with leatherette
• Servotronic steering no longer available on 3.6L VR6 FSI
• Comfort Suspension replaces Sport Suspension on VR6 FSI

What I found most interesting is this:

“A choice of 3 engines including a 1.6 105 PS petrol engine, or 2 diesel engines; 1.9 TDI 105PS or 2.0 TDI 140PS will be available on the new Golf Estate. Diesel engines will be available with a choice of six-speed manual or DSG gearboxes.”

DSG in a wagon? Hmmm. I’m a shade surprised. I’m still unimpressed with the design, but I’ll reserve judgment until she appears stateside. The UK site doesn’t offer much, but you can check it out here.

At the conclusion of my stay, the buddy I drove up with offered to fill my tank for the trip home as a thank you for driving. There was a Sunoco right by our hotel, so we went for it. Even though I feed my baby a steady diet of BP & Shell, I figured that Sunoco would cut the mustard just fine. Once I had a missed start at a rest stop just outside of Columbus (a good hour and forty-five minutes south of Kent) I realized that I might be wrong.

And over the following forty-eight hours I continued to miss starts. I started to have rough idling. And finally, as I got down to the last quarter of the tank, my gas cap light came on (I didn’t even know there was such a light). After talking to Tekmassa, we agreed that bad gas had to be the culprit, and I ran to BP right away. After a few starts, she was purring like usual again.

So let that be a lesson to ya folks. If you’re having any of the symptoms I described, try running to the closest Shell or BP (if you don’t normally go there of course) and running a tank of good gas through your ride. Of course bad gas can pop up anywhere, but to my recollection I’ve never had a problem at either of these places.

Side Notes:

Oh, and one side note for Ohioans – you can make it cross state in one tank of gas if you roll in a Golf or similar sized vehicle. Kinda nice to know with the summer driving season upon us and the current state of gas prices.

For you folks rollin’ around with a burnt out headlight – stay tuned this week for a how to on replacing that bad bulb. We might be able to save you about sixty bucks!

But, you the reader will benefit from my misfortune. I’ll be replacing this bulb myself, and take the opportunity to write up a “How To” on the subject. Stay tuned, it should be coming shortly.

Take that VW. If I can keep one person from going to the dealer to get a (prematurely) burnt out headlight replaced, it’ll be worth it.

I kept putting it off because I figured that it would be a substantial effort. There was alot of crap caked on there, so I figured I’d have to scrub ‘em down a great deal. But all I had to do was dribble some soapy water all over them, let ‘em sit for about 20 minutes and hose ‘em off. And just like that, they’re good as new.

Nice and easy. While they are a bit on the pricey side ($94 for four Golf mats), they absolutely rock. My girlfriend bought a knock off set for her Jetta from AutoZone for about $40, and they haven’t worn well at all. If you’re trackin’ a good deal of mud & grime into your ride, you might wanna look at pickin’ up a set. Those of you looking to pick up a new ‘dub, see if you can get the dealer to throw in a set. They beat the heck outta the standard mats.

But maybe I should just consider myself lucky that this is the biggest issue I’ve had with my car (aside from cosmetics), considering the poor reliability of the mark IV generation. And I have had the car for about two and a half years. What about you guys? Any frequent burn outs?

Apparently VW is using the Prius as it’s yardstick for success (I mean, who wouldn’t) by using a transmission that’s “35kg lighter” than the one used by Toyota. But my question is, would such a model really sell? I wholeheartedly believe that the vast majority of folks that drive hybrids out there go with the Prius because of it’s distinctive design. They want people to know that they’re driving a hybrid, and how sophisticated they are, and the love the earth…blah, blah, blah. I don’t think a little badge on the back of a car simply stating it’s a hybrid will be enough.

Personally I always enjoyed VW’s commitment to diesels (as they still seem to get better mileage than a hybrid) and thought it kind of made them stand out in the fuel sipping contest. But as government restrictions on diesel emissions tighten, VW might be forced to look at other alternatives like this. I just hope they aren’t stuck playing catch up in this market.

So naturally it pisses me off when my Golf decides to stop arming the alarm, as it did the other day. It’s an omission of some kind, like “Yeah, I’m locked BUT I won’t yell and scream if someone really tries to break into me”. My reaction is to press the button on the remote feverishly, trying to hear that lovely beep. I can’t walk away from it without knowing the alarm is enabled. I checked the other controls on the remote – each one worked fine, including the lock button. But no alarm. After running several errands and having to leave the alarm disabled, I was getting pretty annoyed. I turned the car off and on, and checked everything I could think of. Everything about the car was fine. Just…no…alarm.

And of course I find the solution in a public parking lot, after creating a bit of a scene (raising the remote to the heavens, cursing the automotive gods and powers that be) I jammed the key into the lock on the door (because I had left the sunroof open, which lead to another stream of embarrassing curses) and turned the key violently to the right.

*BEEP!*

Oh. Heh. Guess I could have tried to set the alarm that way in the first place. After that, the alarm worked perfectly fine. So just a word of advice: if the alarm on your ‘dub decides to stop arming, just set it with the old key in the door trick. Don’t act like an idiot like yours truly.

VW currently offers the DSG on the Jetta with a 2.0l turbo, the Jetta GLI and TDI models, GTI and the New Beetle TDI. The DSG transmission functions like two automatics mated together. One clutch works the odd gears, the other even. The smooth transition between gears is accomplished by keeping one clutch open at all times, ready to receive the next shift. The increase in fuel economy is because of the speed of the gear shift and no torque converter to lose power to, like in automatics.

Volkswagen will be building the DSG’s in house at its factory in Kassel, Germany, which begs the question: will VW transmission quality go up? Some might say it can only go up from here. ;) Early in this transition, it will cost Volkswagen about the same amount to build the DSG’s as it would to purchase automatics, but they hope to cut that cost throughout the transition.

Averaging about 52.3mpg, they travelled literally across the world (obviously using ferries where necessary). They started out in the United Kingdom, went down through europe, through the Middle East and across southern Asia, down through Australia, up across the United States, finally to return to the UK. The trip took 78 days. Here are some of their fuel-saving tips.

“Don’t over-accelerate, don’t over-break, always read the road ahead, and take off nice and gently,” Mrs Taylor said. “Your tire pressure should be exactly right, because for every one pound per square inch under the recommended level, you can lose 3 to 4% of fuel economy. Also, ensure your car isn’t carrying any extra excess luggage, like golf clubs, because it adds unnecessary strain.”

Way to go new 1.6l FSI engine! With today’s rediculous fuel prices, we could all take a page out of their travel book. I don’t know though, while I NEED to save on fuel with my VR6, I just can’t resist the sound of that engine purring in my ears as I cruise down the highway. :D

The Taylors have a great website highlighting their trip with statistics, photos and other information if you want to know more.