118 tsi best driveaway price?

[nicandlance]

I have been weighing up whether to buy a new Mazda 3 Maxx sport, or the 118tsi Golf VI.
Took the golf for a spin yesterday and loved the drive... the mazda offers more, but the golf is just plain fun!
I have been concerned about reliability issues however.... wondering whether the return to germany for build will be an improvement on past models built in Sth Africa etc.

Looking for a candy white manual 118 tsi, with tint, upgraded sound system and floor mats. Trading a 2006 Newbeetle tdi with sunroof and alloys - one lady owner, 30,000ks.

Hoping to have changeover at no more than $16,000. Does this sound reasonable, and has anyone bought similar?

[logger]

Take a look at the dealer negotiation spreadsheet (http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/showthread.php?t=31714) to see what you can expect to pay for the 118tsi. Then Check out Carsguide Beetle values (http://www.carsguide.com.au/search/values-search/?N=4294967154+221++517+++4294962193) to see what you might get for your trade. My guess is you'll need to come up with a bit more seeing as it suggests only $13k for the trade. On the other hand if you are after a bog standard white manual 118tsi you might come close.

[nicandlance]

I have looked to see that a beetle (as trade) is only worth about $13000, but that is based on a car having done around 20,000 per year. Mine has only done 31,000 over a 3 and a quater year period. It also has the sunroof and alloys (which were not standard with the car), so hoping to squeeze a bit more out of them. My beetle has also been serviced at VW, which (if they want my custom in the future), might prompt them to give a little more.... :confused:

[nicandlance]

I have been concerned about reliability issues however.... wondering whether the return to germany for build will be an improvement on past models built in Sth Africa etc. Does anyone know?

[Brendan_A]

I have been concerned about reliability issues however.... wondering whether the return to germany for build will be an improvement on past models built in Sth Africa etc. Does anyone know?

You tell me what car company doesn't have any issues with its product? That's why they have warranty. There is nothing wrong with the build quality!

[cme2c]

If you look through the threads here, you will find that there are few problems, although some people do seem to have more than their fair share. Mine is fine, but it has done less than 3,000 kms. I had a few qualms myself, having traded in a Honda that was perfect for 30,000 kms. Prior to that was a Peugeot 307. Not so perfect.

[gregozedobe]

I love my VAG vehicles, but if someone told me that ultra reliability was a top priority for them if I was brutally honest I would have to steer them towards something with a Honda, Mazda or Toyota badge.

VWs are great to drive, but I think they haven't got their reliability issues licked yet, and that includes cars assembled in Germany (eg Golf Mk 6).

Skoda have a better reliability rating in the surveys like JD Power, and they still have some problems.

I'm sure there are many VW enthusiasts here that will disagree with me, but I just read of too many issues that strand people. It makes it worse that some dealers are not stepping up to the plate with loan cars when they are required, which leaves people without the transportation they have paid a premium price for.

[mr gee]

The only irritation so far for me has been the dreaded supercharger squeak. The dealer (Burwin) has been very nice to change the clutch but unfortunately it returned after 4000km. I understand a permanent fix is supposed to be implemented in Europe and await it's availability here.

Are you negotiating your car from Burwin on Burwood? I got mine from a salesman called Milan, a very helpful bloke

[geojack555]

I was a great lover of VW cars, until recently when I was struck with 3 major back to back issues with my new 118TSI (less than 5 months old). Now it is with VW service and waiting for a DSG transmission replacement. So I am not 100% sure if german build has actually improved the quality! This is just my personal experience.

[sillygogo]

Test drove both back in June, the Mazda 3 Maxx Auto, felt dull and need to drive it little hard to get up a hill. The interior felt tight and not as open as the Golf. At that time the price different was about $3500. I think because the Mazda 3 was new and the dealer didn't want to deal. So I brought the Golf.

Test drove the Maxx Sport Auto with my sister last month. It felt good, better control, yet still need to work the gears. Drove the Maxx Manual, more fun, more control, more engine noise, more grin. Sister brought the Maxx Auto. Price different this time was about $6500. Around 2000km now, small rattle noise near the back, car vibrate little while idling with A/c running, other than that all good and solid.

Overall, I think the Golf, more fun to drive, but many little quirks and little issues start to appears. Mazda 3, great value, maybe better in built quality and cheaper on parts and service, but the insurance is little higher than the Golf. I would go for a Manual Mazda 3 instead of the Auto, livelier.

[DGR]

Overall, I think the Golf, more fun to drive, but many little quirks and little issues start to appears. Mazda 3, great value, maybe better in built quality and cheaper on parts and service, but the insurance is little higher than the Golf. I would go for a Manual Mazda 3 instead of the Auto, livelier.

Yeah, I'm having the same debate with myself (and over on the Mazda forum) regarding these two. Both great cars, although I'm yet to drive the 118TSI so have made do with the 90TSI to date. I always go for manuals.

I like the way VW do their options packs though. Easy to get climate control on a Golf, whereas I'd need to go right up to an SP25 for that on the Mazda.

Either choice is a good one for sure :icon_clap:

[nicandlance]

You tell me what car company doesn't have any issues with its product? That's why they have warranty. There is nothing wrong with the build quality!

No offense intended, but I think you should have a look at some of the reliability comments scattered throughout this forum. I love VW's - they are great to drive and seem solid and quality built - but niggly issues abound. Rattles, leaks, weird noises.... VW mark their cars up because they are supposed to be quality vehicles - but unfortunately the reality is they have some bad oversights. I was hoping that a return to Germany would make the finish and build quality improve. No-one wants to spend that much and have their car in the workshop month after month (like I did with my beetle initially... 14 visits back to the dealer in the first 6 months!)
It's a shame I really shouldn't have to consider another make of car at all - I wish I could just make a confident choice and choose a golf straight up.
Hmmm..... a little more procrastinating coming up for me I think :(

[nicandlance]

Yes I'm a manual girl...like to 'drive' a car! (and like you, I am also on the Mazda forum)
I have driven the 118tsi - excellent. The performance is so much better than the Mazda, but Mazda reliability seems to be better (we also have a 10 year old Astina - excellent car, and never a problem). Mazda also offer many more things as standard - particularly on the maxx sport.
It's so confusing!!! Growwwllll!

[pologti18t]

Could the reliability issues we are reading about on this forum be more likely on the earlier Golf VI build cars? I would have thought that the later build car would be better.

[oileoi]

I test drive both cars the Mazda Maxx Sport and the VW 118 TSI and to be honest i'll stick with VW the interior and the cabin were so much better than the Mazda. The VW just felt somehow much more luxurious

[MaccaTSI]

I drove the Maxx Sport prior to buying my 118TSI as well.

Maxx Sport is a great little car, but the Golf just feels classy and expensive while still being sporty and fun to drive.

The interior is just so far above anything else in its class. Honestly, even my Dad's SLK 350 interior doesn't feel as nice since we got the Golf and it's the limited edition Designo version with all the extras and nice bits (I haven't told him that yet hehe)

Also, another point when comparing the cars is servicing. I'm not sure what the Mazda costs or how regular the service interval is, but the first Golf service is 1yr/15,000km and I'm pretty sure it keeps going at that interval..

[Frankenstrat]

Nicandlance, what you're going through is a classic head vs heart debate. Head says Mazda, heart says Golf.

If you compare the previous model Mazda3 with the Golf MkVI it's a really tough call. However the current Mazda3 is as ugly as sin, that grinning mouth makes it look like a cartoon car.

And the winner is... Heart by the narrowest of margins. :)

[DGR]

Yes I'm a manual girl...like to 'drive' a car! (and like you, I am also on the Mazda forum)
I have driven the 118tsi - excellent. The performance is so much better than the Mazda, but Mazda reliability seems to be better (we also have a 10 year old Astina - excellent car, and never a problem). Mazda also offer many more things as standard - particularly on the maxx sport.
It's so confusing!!! Growwwllll!

Have you driven the SP25? So far I've tried a 2.0litre Mazda 3 and the 90TSI, but of course if you're thinking 118TSI then only the SP25 is a fair comparison and about the same price too.
Test driving is loads of fun, so make sure you try them all! :driver:

And while it's confusing, it's nice confusing... like choosing which Tim Tams to buy in the supermarket...


Nicandlance, what you're going through is a classic head vs heart debate. Head says Mazda, heart says Golf.

If you compare the previous model Mazda3 with the Golf MkVI it's a really tough call. However the current Mazda3 is as ugly as sin, that grinning mouth makes it look like a cartoon car.

And the winner is... Heart by the narrowest of margins. :)

Yeah, I kind of agree, although I'd always thought of head saying Golf (more fuel efficient, more traditional design) and heart saying Mazda (sexier and more fun)....... proving again how close the decision is!

I wish more people would choose Golfs in colours other than white and silver though. Round my way it's like they don't make them. And red is faster!!!

[pologti18t]

The MAzda has 6 monthly servicing...

[Frankenstrat]

DGR, while I agree that red cars certainly do go a lot faster, white is the more sensible choice in our climate *if* the vehicle has to sit in the open for long periods.

You may not have noticed, but red fades faster than any other colour (the term is 'fugitive'). Just look at any older signs around town and you'll see the red paint fading quicker than any other colour. The sign on the front of the building where I work in Rockingham is a good example.

Maybe that's why you guys in red cars have to drive them so fast, because in a year or two's time it will have faded to grey! :)

[soogs]

DGR, surely u didn't have timtams in the UK? When I spent some there years ago all they had was those awful digestive biscuits.

BTW the Golf's new red is rather nice.

Frank, I think it's the non-metallic reds that tend to fade.

[Frankenstrat]

DGR, surely u didn't have timtams in the UK? When I spent some there years ago all they had was those awful digestive biscuits.
Over there they have Penguin biscuits that are similar to TimTams. Nowhere near as tasty, of course.


Frank, I think it's the non-metallic reds that tend to fade.
My post was made tongue in cheek with respect to red cars, I would expect that duco paints are UV stabilised.

[PassatB6]

Its all about technology. VW use it when its new and cutting edge and if you want cutting edge technology you have to expect some teething problems. If you want to wait until it trickle down to Mazda you can get better sorted tech but 3 yrs + behind the leaders. Its up to you.

But don't think a Mazda 3 is new tech its old tech with a new body.

[Brendan_A]

Its all about technology. VW use it when its new and cutting edge and if you want cutting edge technology you have to expect some teething problems. If you want to wait until it trickle down to Mazda you can get better sorted tech but 3 yrs + behind the leaders. Its up to you.

But don't think a Mazda 3 is new tech its old tech with a new body.

Your right about that mate!! I was talking to my local VW specialist and he said the same thing.

[nicandlance]

Nicandlance, what you're going through is a classic head vs heart debate. Head says Mazda, heart says Golf.

If you compare the previous model Mazda3 with the Golf MkVI it's a really tough call. However the current Mazda3 is as ugly as sin, that grinning mouth makes it look like a cartoon car.

And the winner is... Heart by the narrowest of margins. :)

I can see where you're coming from but having owned a 2006 beetle, the cartoon face is not an issue for me. I actually like it and think it looks sporty and fun.
Unfortunately, going with your heart is not always the best option - particularly when I had so many issues initially with my beetle..... that was a heart decision, and I regretted it for some time (although I do love my buggy, the quality is missing in some areas, and I went through a VERY frustrating stage of taking it back to the dealer 12-14 times for them to pinpoint and get rid of an annoying groan that came and went when I accelerated)
Back and forwards, back and forwards I go....

[Corey_R]

Yeah, but the Beetle has a 'cute cartoon face' whereas the Mazda 3 is just a 'ridiculous ugly cartoon face'. The Mazda 3MP3 even more ridiculous and ugly! ;)

The Beetle has long been critised for it's sketchy quality and reliability...

[Frankenstrat]

I spotted a white Mazda3 on the freeway this morning heading in the opposite direction to me. Yep, cartoon ugly is the best way to describe it. Ironically some minutes before I had been overtaken by two of the previous model Mazda3s (one dark blue, the other a kind of greyish-bronze) and they are far and away better looking than the current abomination. Not that I'm trying to put you off Nicandlance, no not me, not on a VeeDub forum!

Personally I happen to think VW dropped the ball when they introduced the 'new' Beetle. The only thing it has in common with the classic air-cooled flat-4 rear-engine model is a vaguely similar shape. Dr Willi Porsche knew what he was doing when he designed The People's Car.

[Dubya]

Hoping to have changeover at no more than $16,000. Does this sound reasonable, and has anyone bought similar?

It is usually better to negotiate the best price you can on a "cash, no trade" basis before asking for a valuation on any trade-in. After the best purchase price has been offered, the offer on the trade-in should equal its wholesale value as anything more would amount to a discount on the car being acquired.

But if there is no subsidy, you will know how much the dealer is really prepared to pay for your trade-in. If low, it might warrant selling your car privately instead.

Car buyers are often swayed towards deals that include trade-in prices that look generous having been inflated courtesy very little discount on the object of desire, it being virtually impossible to get a steep discount and a generous trade-in.

If you are willing and able to sell your car privately, you will generally achieve a higher price than the wholesale price (which the dealer is really offering) and have more scope to negotiate a better price on the car you're buying.

[tazza]

Trying to strike a deal this week.

The Best I got for VW Golf 118TSI:
118 TSI RRP:::::::::::::::::$32990
Sunroof::::::::::::::::::::::$1900
Bluetooth::::::::::::::::::::$1000
MDI w/cable::::::::::::::::::$330
Rear Veiw Camera:::::::::::$500
SatNav w/ DynAudio::::::::$4000
Leather Seats:::::::::::::::$3300
Fog Lights:::::::::::::::::::$400
Metallic Paint::::::::::::::::$700
----------------------------------
Total::::::::::::::::::::::::$45100 plus ORC($4000)

got the dealer down to 45k driveaway......
Reckon I can do better?

[logger]

Trying to strike a deal this week.

The Best I got for VW Golf 118TSI:
118 TSI RRP:::::::::::::::::$32990
Sunroof::::::::::::::::::::::$1900
Bluetooth::::::::::::::::::::$1000
MDI w/cable::::::::::::::::::$330
Rear Veiw Camera:::::::::::$500
SatNav w/ DynAudio::::::::$4000
Leather Seats:::::::::::::::$3300
Fog Lights:::::::::::::::::::$400
Metallic Paint::::::::::::::::$700
----------------------------------
Total::::::::::::::::::::::::$45100 plus ORC($4000)

got the dealer down to 45k driveaway......
Reckon I can do better?

Dunno, but if you are currently looking at paying 45100 + 4000 = $49100 there is plenty of room to move. That is way over the odds. Check out the MK 6 spreadsheet (http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/showthread.php?t=31714&highlight=spreadsheet) and see what others are paying. Even your $32990 for a basic 118TSI is way over best price. You can get one with 118TSI DSG7 for that or a lot less with corp. discount.