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View Full Version : So why did you choose Volkswagen ?



phaeton
20-04-2007, 08:20 PM
As title says why did you choose VW over the other makes ?

For Audi & SEAT owners as well ;)

Rednut
20-04-2007, 08:24 PM
kombi's were my fav from the start.. A LOUNGE/BED IN A VEHICLE?! amazing! then my bro's mrs at the time owned a bettle which i had a go of whilst on my l's (3 speed auto)
then i think it really took off as below.
it was my bros last purchase. was mk1.(named milo as it was milo green on the outside and interior was the colour of milo!) it wsa cheap and it ran.. like the clappers. thought the car was gutsy as all buggery.. then i saw the white 96' jetta on The Fast and the Furious (the one the a.d.d kid drives)

havent looked back since

Golf Loon
20-04-2007, 08:28 PM
I like the good engineering and the solid feel when you slam the door. :)
Had heaps of em since 95 and dont drive anything else.

tassie_euro_mk1
20-04-2007, 08:28 PM
my first car was a golf mk1. 1976 Ls. in the lovely VW blue colour.

My old man actually reccommended a golf mk1.

Can u believe i was looking at buying Alfa Romeo alfetta or sud with $1000 sound system lol? :? . not to mention the old honda accord.

Really glad I bought a golf. I Dont think I will ever leave the VAG family now :D

brackie
20-04-2007, 08:38 PM
First a Country Buggy dragged out of a Perth backyard with chook nests installed >>>> then a MK1 LS 2 door (what a mess but it went like the clappers) >>>> Passat station wagon (for the cot & pusher...it scared off Commodores) then a Mk1 GLD >>>> then another >>>> and so it goes on! Yes, I would have other marques. I love French cars and would have a Cit or a Pug tomorrow as long as it was diesel and my VW was still with me. Why VW? Solid, great handling, diesel option, I guess to be different too.

phaeton
20-04-2007, 08:47 PM
To be honest I don't really remember how I fell for the People's Car company, I do remember VW shows, Kombi's, Bug's & Mum's Karmann Ghia converting me from Holden in some way. Also I think the visits to our local VW dealer & Motor Shows helped, (they use to be just down the road) I remember being fasinated with the B4 Passat & the Vento. I also remember in Grade 2 or 3 being intoxicated by the rear design of a weird wagon.... a 1975 Passat Wagon to be precise this was before the Bug bit :D

The brochure collection also converted me oh how I love my VW Brochures :D
11 years later author of a couple of VW Wikipedia pages and member of many forums..............I will soon have a VW to call my own.

GoLfMan
20-04-2007, 08:55 PM
well the car we initially bought for my sister was a silver mk1... which got handed down to me and i fell inlove with it, found this forum and got some knowledge and my passion for VW's really took off... i bought another golf a 2 door mk1 which i learnt how to do alot of stuff on which i sold and bought a VW Beetle... My parents got me into VW's by mistake and now i've converted my Dad...
They are intoxicating, and i cant look at another car and think how a VW would do it better

phaeton
20-04-2007, 08:59 PM
They are intoxicating, and i cant look at another car and think how a VW would do it better

I do that all the time :D

Crappy Corollas could all be Polo's and Golf's :D

static1800
20-04-2007, 09:01 PM
my parents have always been into aircoolers so i suppose it is in my blood. when i was on my l's i found a 76 3door swallowtail for sale from a good friend of our's Wayne Penrose, went and checked it out had a drive and fell in love. i'm up to my third golf now and will not be looking back.

blackgti1.8
20-04-2007, 09:16 PM
Back in ~81 or so My brother and father both had Mk1's, so I got hooked as well... Went like hell, despite being crippled by that Solex carbie.
Had always been into fwd's (Minis, Renaults Fiats), and the Golf was one of the best engineered fwd around at the time. Like Brackie says - nice solid 'thunk' when you slammed the door - felt like it was milled out of solid piece of metal....

shaneth
20-04-2007, 09:27 PM
Well it all started for me when i go married 2.5 years ago . My wife decided that she didnt like the sound of a N/A car with a 2 1/4 inch exhaust revving at 8000rpm. :D So we decided to look at other cars ;). She loved he looks of the polo and i loved the performance. And once we went for a test drive we were in love. Then for the 10 months i was extensively searching all things Polo and VW and am now obsessed. Everything from the feel of the door when you shut to the quality of the interior and i could keep going on and on and on. :D

DaveMack
20-04-2007, 10:13 PM
Well it all started for me when i go married 2.5 years ago . My wife decided that she didnt like the sound of a N/A car with a 2 1/4 inch exhaust revving at 8000rpm. :D So we decided to look at other cars ;). She loved he looks of the polo and i loved the performance. And once we went for a test drive we were in love. Then for the 10 months i was extensively searching all things Polo and VW and am now obsessed. Everything from the feel of the door when you shut to the quality of the interior and i could keep going on and on and on. :D

Wot he said.

This is actually my first VW and it makes me wonder ... how could I go fifty-mumble years before discovering just what a quality item a VW is?

It'll probably be my last VW too ... ain't never gonna sell my Baby :D

Although ... should I become unhealthily rich ... I might buy another one ... like an ... R32 for instance.

Dave

ontarv
20-04-2007, 10:24 PM
about six years ago one of my mates
heard that i wanted another car for work
i had ditched my zh v8 fairlane he said have mine for
$500 never even knew what a golf looked like
i like the way it looked i brought it
had a worked engine went like you know what
handled just as good
know i am obsessed would sell my house to buy
more if the wife let me

rayray086
20-04-2007, 10:45 PM
For me, it was by chance that I stepped into a VW. I was out on the market for a first car, and my choices back then were Jap cars - Corollas, Silvias, Pulsars etc. I didn't even look into European makes. It was not until my cousin-in-law presented me with an opportunity to own a Mk3 Golf that I become a VW and Euro convert. I won't be looking back.

86gti
21-04-2007, 12:30 AM
Ever since I was young, I wanted a beetle ( i think the Herbie movies had something to do with it) My dad, who is a mechanic hated VWs. He was always telling me that they were no good, lol. When i turned 14 i found a 57 Beetle in need of some tlc, fiddled around with that for a few years and then got caught up in Escorts and Capris. Always Loved Vw's.
Especialy older ones. they have allot of Character :D

joshyd-mk2gti
21-04-2007, 12:40 AM
i used to be into jap cars. i was looking at an importers website and they had a cool looking hatch on there, it was a mk2. so i did a bit of reading around on the net and saw heaps of cars that i liked. looked around for a while and then got my mk2. i like the look, the handling and the fact that theres not many of them on the roads.

brackie
21-04-2007, 06:11 AM
The brochure collection also converted me oh how I love my VW Brochures :D

11 years later author of a couple of VW Wikipedia pages and member of many forums..............
Mate.. With your pedigree you should be signing up to go on the 'Einstein Factor"! Your subject could be, "VW Watercooleds...Past, Present and Future"!

phaeton
21-04-2007, 10:02 AM
Mate.. With your pedigree you should be signing up to go on the 'Einstein Factor"! Your subject could be, "VW Watercooleds...Past, Present and Future"!


I actually thought about that :D lol

but I think syncro knows more than me on Aussie spec models ;)

VWGTi
21-04-2007, 10:19 AM
Just got married last year - needed another car and wanted something with a bit of zip in it before settling down with a family car etc etc... Like many others were looking at mazda3 mps, ford focus xr5, accord euro and even sub liberty gt.

VW dealer is just round the corner from me, and went to check out the gti (mind you all the oz awards that it won helped sway the decision abit), drove it and loved it!

Will not be looking at any other jap cars after this one! :D

MattyT
21-04-2007, 03:11 PM
I got into dubs by chance too. Was lookin for a new ride and with my budget, didn't think euro stuff was in reach. I've had a soft spot for practically anything European for ages so it was a bit disheartening.

I came mere centimetres to buying a pulsar SSS but it sold before I could get my mits on my wallet. Then I spotted the ad for my car. It was a bit much but I went and looked anyway. 1 drive and I was hooked :D

The solid sound of the doors shutting is pretty good too hehehe.

I love the character of the car as well. Its a bit quirky, its very different, its not pretenious like BMW's and Mercs are and giving the dub a fang makes me grin like a idiot j:

WABIT
21-04-2007, 03:14 PM
to be diffrent and to let people know the underestimated power of a volkswagen!!!!!!!! ;)

wabit

t25turbo
24-04-2007, 10:37 PM
It all goes back to my Grandad (now passed on) who owned Kombi's for the farm in Sunnybank QLD. My old man had a few Kombi's, I grew up in his white one (pretty much literally, Sydney trips etc) that we had from when I was 3yrs old. I learnt to drive in that thing and it is the most solid car I have ever known - maybe becasue it was such a big part of my life and Dad's pride and joy. Had a 2 litre type IV with a 1600 gearbox - very low geared and could carry anything including nine people regularly (youth groups - church etc).

Then my Aunty was getting rid of.. a Mk1 Golf LS 2 door (Oz delivered) in Orange. I did many mods to it including myriad engine swaps. it ended up with an EG 1600GTI motor with Weber DGV and had Boge Turbo Gas shock and king springs lowered about 1.5". A rear sway bar, momo steering wheel, electronic ignition, K&N filter, Mk3 14" steelies, large stereo with 15" sub etc. now you can see why I loved it so much. The mods I made were only small but the car responded so well and it would keep up with my mates rice burners quite easily.

Why did I choose VW's - I didnt choose them, they chose me, they are in my blood. I have tried to get away, with Subarus, Nissans and Motorbikes, but there is no getting away, as you all know. It is a passion of mine along with motorsports, which the Golfs can do so well.

Also - the Mk1s are so light, so well designed, easy to work on, so surprisingly roomy (I am 6'2") and are a very simple yet evocative design.

Would love to do a Targa Tasmania in a personally prepared (I will keep working on my skills) MK1 Golf one day, but will keep on dreaming as well.

Spyda
25-04-2007, 12:10 AM
Mk1 cabrio smashed at 90ks and roled on its side.....the doors still closes as if it was new.
That and the cars have so much bloody character imo, i love em.

The difference.

ScienceVR6
25-04-2007, 07:15 PM
I was looking around for a used car, with balls. That was cheapish. And had fruit. I went to a caryard to look at a 1997 Mitsubishi Verada Xi (not too bad, but they wanted too much for it.) and found the VR6 hidden behind some 4wds. (it still gets hidden behind 4wd's!) I had driven (and seen) one other VR6, and i knew that my search for a car was over. My mates ask me what car i want next, and i cant answer them, because i dont think i could let the golf go.

dilbert_rocks
25-04-2007, 07:50 PM
For the last 4 years, I'd been thinking of trading the ol' faithful Corolla (now turning 13). Earlier this year and on a whim, I asked the other half if she wanted to come to the Bris Motorshow. We looked at a few Jap cars and then a few in the BMW 3 series (just for fun). We were surprised at how cheap and plasticky the finishes in the 3 series were.

Then across the crowded room we saw the blue glow of the big VW logo, and there was a Jetta. I had forgotten the TV ad (looks more expensive than it is) so we went to look at it for a laugh. Heart skipped a beat when I saw the price was in budget. Then the boot space - WOW! Fuel economy - competes with the Corolla BUT with twice the power! ESP? Yep. Sitting inside the cabin, it just felt right - PLUS similar features as the Beemer - only much better quality / feel.

The clincher though was the DSG box. The other half can still drive it on an Auto licence, and it should never have those awful lurching gear changes that auto's always develop over time. A mate who sells gearboxes to industry pricked up his ears when I was telling someone else about the two clutches, and he said that the DSG was the creme-de-la-creme of the industry.

SOLD! :D

JP_Aircooled_TDi
25-04-2007, 09:19 PM
It was actually the missus that got me into VWs... :o

She really wanted an old beetle, and I was not happy. I test drove the '71 super that we ended up buying and thought 'What a bucket!'

Two months later I had 'stolen' it from her (much to her disgust :D ) and she was stuck driving the new lazer. That was sold for the '05 2TDi, and now I have a Mk1 as well.

Not sure exactly what it is about the VWs (water or air-cooled) - but they are addictive.

Love it :D

GoLfMan
26-04-2007, 07:38 AM
Not sure exactly what it is about the VWs (water or air-cooled) - but they are addictive.

Love it :D

yeh soo true, i cop stick from my mates telling me to get a real car :( but i just love VW's way to much... I even feel like a trator looking at other cars LOL!!! but saying that wouldnt mind a V8 :?

pommy_golfer
26-04-2007, 11:00 AM
I got into dubs because of my neighbour who owned a garage specialising in vdubs and audi's. one day he came back home with his new project, a newly painted black mk1 GTi , dropped to the ground on a set of Mims deep dish alloys, limosine tinted windows, mk1 jetta front end, debadged grill, this car was awesome. From when i saw that, i had to have one and a year later i was driving a 1982 black mk1 GTi, complete with BBs body kit, factory sunroof. I paid 500 quid for it. my facination started then and hasnt stopped....used to attend all the shows in the UK, GTi international and edition 38 being my favourites.

Since then the Mk1 was sold on as the rear axles needed welding (very costly job), so i bought myself a 1992 mk2 Gti 16v....undeniably the best golf ever made. drove and handled llike the mk1 on steroids....plus had all the bits i never had such as PAS, electric windows, central locking, Recaro leather interior, and that increase in power!

I love my VWs and can honestly say i dont see myself driving anything else, for me its the history, the build qualityand the subtle and unique styling....

vinderliker
28-04-2007, 11:07 AM
The Little Beastie chose me!!!!! She was given to me due to the situation I am in and the previous owner is a good friend and wanted to help me out at the time. Talk about a lucky break. Since then I have seen the 'VW' light.

SoVeReIgN
29-04-2007, 04:40 PM
My brother bought a mk4 gti new a few years ago which was very different to what the family had had before. At the time between my brothers and sisters cars we had 2 Hondas, 1 Ford, 1 Holden, and a Hyundai (my first car). I was also a little curious after hearing my dad rant on about his ~12 different beatles he had when he was younger!

When It was time for me to upgrade my car I spent ~6+months looking at R32 Skyline gtsts/GTRs, Rexys, Pulsar GTIRs, test drove a few, looked at alot more and was continually dissapointed at the condition they were in etc went down to melbourne to pick up a white GTR that looked awesome and had been checked out by a mate to find it had been resprayed 3times, had been in a chasis bending accident etc.
I was just put off - I always had a soft spot for the B5 A4s ass and started to have a look at them and eventually A3s (A4s too heavy for such a small engine). I found one with full leather, all options etc and it drove great so I bought it! :D

Love the car but in hindsight and knowing what I know now (mods etc) I probably would have prefered picking up a quattro A4 or an S3 and dropping a big turbo into it. But its nice having something that I can cruise comfortably around in or drive hard and munch much quicker looking cars :rolleyes: . I might sound like a wanker, but the Audi badge and the quality doesn't hurt either j: Oh, and Audi interiors are to die for! :D

mscabrio
30-04-2007, 11:40 AM
First car back in the early 90's was a dark blue 68 Beetle. It was a real bugger of a car broke down all the time, spat oil everywhere and smelt like something was rotten in the exhaust pipe, but I loved it to bits!!! I drove it everywhere and spent more time polishing the faded exterior than I did on my uni assignments (still can't believe I passed !!!). After uni when I joined the big scary workforce I needed a reliable car so unfortunatly the bug had to go in favor of a newer model Ford Laser. Didn't ever forget the feeling the bug gave me everytime I drove it so when the new beetles came out in 2000 i was hooked. Took me a few years to save the pennies for one though and took posession of a spanking new cabrio in late 2003 (which still looks, feels and drives like it came out of the showroom - apart of course from the 18 inch bling bling wheels that I just HAD to have!). My VW collection has now grown to include a 57 oval window, a 74 1300 (which is currently being fully restored to her former glory) and the latest addition - a 07 Polo GTI.

Can't ever imagine myself driving anything but VW's

brackie
30-04-2007, 12:10 PM
Surely such an esteemed VW enthusiast as yourself will honour us with your location ;)

phaeton
21-06-2007, 04:32 PM
I wanna hear more :D

How did you get bitten by the Bug ?

BlackVr6ix
21-06-2007, 04:40 PM
*points at ausgolfer*

his fault.

Soundofav6
21-06-2007, 06:57 PM
well for me, a friend of mine had a vr6 few years back in high school until he tolled it. He drove it like it as if it was a bumper car. I would sit in the centre back seat and holding on the door handles of both side and him flooring it down george st. Things we did when we had our red Ps. I loved that car !!!

It was actually by chance for me, old car was breaking down needed a new one, budget was $10000 went on carsguide.com. This guy was selling it for 9 and a half, great bargin I thought. The following week I was just about to call for a test drive, he actually droped it to 8 and a half. Thought to my self "thats f****ing mine!!!!!"

Bazzamon
21-06-2007, 10:28 PM
Ihave NEVER heard of a Golf Swallowtail????????? What the hell is it? Bazz

nick1234
24-06-2007, 07:13 PM
They (VW) are simply the best !

gtimk5
26-06-2007, 12:55 PM
I have only ever had VWs since 1974!
Aircoolers in those days starting with a 1958 beetle.
My first golf was bought in 1977, a 12 month old 3 door LS with 18,000 kms on the clock. It was also the first golf in Tas with aftermarket Aunger mags.I sold that 4 years later with 320,000 kms on the clock and my brother still has it!
I mnust have owned over 20 golfs since then and have used a fair few in competition as well.
The one time I had something different was when one of my golfs was in a bodyworks for 3 months following a bad headon prang. It was an old HK Holden, yuk!!!!!
Cheers, Andrew :)

Mario
26-06-2007, 01:06 PM
As title says why did you choose VW over the other makes ?

For Audi & SEAT owners as well ;)

.......well for me.... 15years ago when i first started driving, couldnt drive a manual yet as i was a learner..... A friend of the family came over and asked me to follow him in hes car as he returned another car to a friend... he was a mechanic / rev head and hes MK1 golf was worked to the brim...... NOW WHY I LOOOV GOLFS... hes instructions to me when we came to a hill was:

Put it in first.... rev it to 6000-7000rpm.. then drop the clutch!!!.... well 100m's later and a whole lot of smoke i was hooked.:)

Triode
26-06-2007, 01:33 PM
Hello all.
I got involved with VW because Wippells Autos in Toowoomba got hold of VW as the current dealer was not selling enough, I had bought Mazdas and Subarus of them and I 1st bought 3 flash red polos from them for work ( Electrical contracting and white goods repair business ) and since have a 2.0 TDI Golf, 4 Tonardo red caddies, my red life and the wifes red GTI. The last caddy I purchased was my 45th vehicle I had bought off them since I started business 14 years ago. I am extremly happy with the product and am constantly telling everyone how good they are
Regards

99gti
26-06-2007, 01:36 PM
I'm only a rookie to VW's, but I picked the dub over the renault and pug based on the quality of the car. Way above the pack!

Also - I loved the cult status of the golf gti - and i now understand why. And to add to that - I always loved the look of the golf, so the choice was easy. Other than the Golf, I've owned an escort, an ET pulsar and had a liberty wagon too.

SOHC
26-06-2007, 09:55 PM
Oh well, thinking back to the early 90s which i was 5, 6 years of age saw the T2 and T3 which I loved it, then the Beetle... Mk3 Golf... I loved the aircooled sound very much indeed back then. However at that time I wasn't really a fanatic on any brand or model of car. Somewhere around the age of 14 I started to like the EVO, WRX all those kinda cars, well... you know, teenager from HK... at around 16 my parents bought a MK4 Golf and I started to be a fanatic on VW and especially Golf;)
At 18 I got my driver's license and well, around 3months I didn't have a chance to drive any car after that. During the summer holiday I went back home and start practicing my driving technic with the Golf (lucky bastard).
Around a year after I got my driver's license I felt like I need a car, first thing in my mind was a Golf and I could just afford a MK3, so I bought it and I love driving a VeeDub more!! Oh well... my next car must be a MK1 or MK2 Cabriolet!!!

delta|triangle
27-06-2007, 02:37 PM
Well good question, I think it all started for me when my parents owned a Mk1 when I was born.
It was the car that I was driven around in as a child and come to think of it the first car I ever drove (you know steered in a paddock on my dad's knee).I have always been drawn to the unique styling of the original hatch and other
Giugiaro designs like the Lancia Delta. As much as like the look of other cars -- In most cases I like these the most.

Now that own a Mk2 I have come to appreciate what it is to really drive a golf. It's more than a car to me as I'm sure many many others agree.

Antdragonist
26-08-2007, 10:55 PM
if you go in bennys (86gti) mk2,
youll get a love for dubs.
a lot of fun, and when i got mine an started thrashing it round i found the thing i had been missing in life.
(not that i condone "thrashing", "hooning", "burnouts", "wheelies" lmao or anything of that nature of course.)
i love my car, i can not stress that enough. love love love.
and the feelings recipricated.
anybody that owns a dub and really has a connection with their car will tell you that you look after your vw and your vw looks after you.
its magic. ;)

Lukev85
27-08-2007, 11:44 AM
Ever since I was a kid, ive always had a thing for VW's.

The first was the good old Beetle. My first car was a 1973 Beetle 1300. It was yellow and rusted. $12000 later, fully restored (New paint, rust removal and a beefy 1600CC superbug engine). I kept the old girl for a year and reluctantly sold her for $6000.


For a few years after that I brought a new Hyundai Accent and drove that for bout 3 yrs untill i got back into the Vee Dub scene. Picked up a tired 1971 1300 of the original owner for $400 bucks and sold it a couple of months later for $1900 bucks, profit!!!!


Then was lucky enough to find the bug that was just perfect. a fully orginial 1962 1200. Picked her up from the original owner for $3200. I am slowly bringing her back, new bits here and there, but she is totally original and rust free and will stay that way. Ill never sell that but keep it in the family.

After being on the air cooled scene for a good few years, i decieded to move to the watercooled side. Ive always had a thing for the original Passats, but finding one was an absolute pain. Eventually found a 1975 Passat Wagon from Steve, a real beast with twin webbers and fully balance 2L motor am immac rust free body. its now my daily driver.

I love Vw's because of its history, cult following and its legendary reliability reputation. Ill never own anything but a Volkswagen.

hazards_golf74
27-08-2007, 12:09 PM
well i ve been around vw as long as can remember alway going to v dub show with my pa the bug didn t bit big tome untill my dad brought a mrk 1 auto whicd we learnt how to drive in but he sold it for a manual manga any way i ended up buying the same golf bout three years later ever since then i wouldn t have any thing else. its just not the same driving any thing else feels like cheating

Jarred
27-08-2007, 04:05 PM
*points at josh*

His fault.

I'm nowhere near as in love with Vdubs as most here. I just love old cars. The way they look. They way the sound. How they're easy enough to work on (with help from you guys) and how original and unique they are. They're also very cheap, compared to an old falcon (XP -XY). And the GTi is the origional hot hatch.

How many mk 1 owners do I know? Well a few now, but before being here no-one. Well and Josh. For some reason, probably due to the beetles, Vdubs are inherintly cool.
I'm trying to get my dad to buy a new passat or something. The quality, value for money and reliabilty is just incredible. As a couple people have said "the solid sound when you slam the door."

JayVR6
05-09-2007, 12:38 AM
did some research when i started thinking about buying a car,
found a car with big engine in a small car aka VR6 and its in my price range.
owned it for a year now and never looked back

craig_the_german
05-09-2007, 07:17 AM
Hi All,

Why did I buy a VW?

I took the family on holiday to Germany back in December 2004. We were sitting there watching TV one night and an advert came on for the new MKV GTI. I remember it clearly, Red GTI being driven "spiritedly" through a deserted multi-level car park and I thought...."How hot is that?"

Realising I couldn't afford the newly released MKV I settled for a MKIV and the rest is history......

balkanac
13-09-2007, 12:09 PM
Hello,
I got my VW by chance. A mate has seen it on the net, and at the time this dealership had 3 of them! mine was a local and the other 2 were from eastern states. He said lets go and see how it goes. None of us has ever driven one.
We went there in my Liberty B4 and took the golf for a drive. There was a blue one and i wanted that one but it was already spoken for. I was suprised how different it was to my liberty. Soooo responsive. Liberty needed revving to get the power out (needed the second turbo to spool up, and this happens after 4500rpm). We came back and they offered a really good price for my liberty and agreed to pay the transfer fee, so next day i went in and swapped cars!!
I was always a fan of rare european sports cars like M3s, R32s, S3/4s, Alfa 147/ 156 GTAs (i'd never buy one though), Clio RSs, Delta integralles etc. Too bad we dont have some of these here on OZ.
I'd probably trade my car for a E46 M3 or an S5, but thats long way away, maybe one day

Mario
13-09-2007, 12:16 PM
Because there made for the autobarns :)

quality quality quality...

mario

REDMKVGTI
13-09-2007, 12:34 PM
I blame my stubborn german genetics showing through.

Then there was also the fact that I got sick of that Jap car "feel" and lack of personality. Love the solidness of the GTI, love the solidness of my mums MK4, VW all the way for me (from now on)!

VWG81
09-10-2007, 12:52 PM
I blame my infection on my dad’s brother’s 1960 Beetle that he bought new and still owns (although it has not been on the road for many years). It was used as general transport between our family farms when I was young and impressionable. My mum had bought a new Beetle in 1961 but it had been long gone before I was born.

Or it could be my 50% german genetics too.....

When I was about 9, my grandfather bought me a well worn 1966 1300 Beetle to use as farm paddock basher. Counting up all VW that have passed through my hands there have been 6 Beetles (not including another 2 I wrecked for parts) and 4 Golfs.

Now I am on the great VW waiting list……waiting…….waiting…..for my new Golf V 2.0TDI.

BL33SU
09-10-2007, 01:24 PM
i thought i'd choose something thats not on the road i see often and done up.. damn i thought wrong j:

NGOLF.U
09-10-2007, 06:14 PM
to be honest i was always an import fan... i loved my 200sx / 180's, never had one though due to insurance and my dad saying to me that if i buy a turbo that i have to buy a new house!!
i eventually chose a car that my dad liked which happed to be a 2.0L mk4 golf gle. from that point on i fell in love with the engineering of such a well built car.

time went on and i sold the 2.0L and was planning to guy a 200sx s15 ... my dream!!

i had the 200sx and a 03 black magic mk4 golf GTi side by side...guess what i chose!

reason i chose the gti was that it felt solid like u were driving a bullet... although it wasnt anywhere near as fast as the 200sx, the 200 just felt like plastic and one wrong move of the throttle and the car was out of my control.
plus also the luxury and accessories the gti had over the s15 e.g adjustable headlights, climate, large sunroof.

havent looked back......after pulling away from an s15 at the lights!!

burtybear
10-10-2007, 12:23 AM
When I was young ("...in a galaxy far far away, etc...") I went to the Motor Show at the old Exhibition Buildings with my dad. One of the first brochures I managed to con out of the sales chicks was a light green VW Golf brochure. I fell in love with the GTI, because of the Tartan trim. Never got the opportunity to buy one, until the Mazda6 got T-boned by a P-plater in a red Hyundai. Saw my Fast as demonstrator and the rest is history :). Always gets looks, and when you're in your mid-30s and young women like the look of your car, that's not a bad thing :D. Hence, VW's are Chick Magnets!!!

MzBora
14-10-2007, 02:32 PM
I had always admired new VW's from afar, assuming that they were out of my price range. I have had a couple of lasers (81 & 99) and couple mitsi's (magna & verada) but they never felt special..... when it was time to upgrade my 99 laser I started looking at XR5's and stuff like that but they just felt like cheaply made s*#t, I had always loved Bora's and my husband suggested I look at some.

It was my husband that found my car for me, he bought it up on car sales and I took one look and was in love, it had everything I wanted, it was a V6 4motion, leather, sunroof, power, AWD, and on and on and on..... and then when I saw the price I couldn't believe that a car that looked so good standard and just felt so well made was under $30k, I had it the next day......and will never look back:D

Could be coincidence but all VW dealers that I have met seem to be leagues above any other make in knowledge and passion, its infectious!j:

OEM G60
06-11-2007, 05:39 PM
I was into scooters years ago, (Vespa's and Lambretta's) me and a few mates used to mod them quite alot and go to the rallys all over the UK.
A friend of mine used to have a Beetle that he modded alot, i went to a Bug Jam at Santa Pod with him one year and started to get into VW'a. I was all set to get a Beetle or Fastback, until my Sisters boyfriend bought a Mk2 16V and let me drive it, i loved it ! He had a Polo G40 after that too.
I then had a Mk2 1.3, then an 8V Mk2 GTI, 2 Mk2 16V GTI's, then i sat in my mates Corrado and had to have one !!
Can't be without them, i'll be looking for another Mk2 or 3 when the Corrado is sold, looking forward to that !!

phaeton
06-10-2008, 12:10 PM
Anymore stories ?

(bump)

livingthedream
06-10-2008, 01:24 PM
My Jetta is my 7th car, its also my first VW.

Until now i have never really given VW a look. Being 25 i either had Japanese performance or 4wd simply from a cost point of view. My last couple of cars have always been 4wd (still have an xtrail as well) so the dog could fit in the back. I also had sportsbikes as my second mode of transport with the missus using the car.

Well we are now expecting our first child, so the sportsbike had to go and the quest for a second car began. Already having the Xtrail we only wanted a sedan. Few pre reqs which included
- auto
- leather
- some type of performance (if i am giving up my 1000CC sportsbike im not driving a lancer)

The old man had bought a Passat (125kw TDI) at the end of 07' to replace his Mazda 6 MPS, and thats what made me have a look.

It was by far the clear winner. I am now pretty hooked on VW and the missus loves it as well. We couldn't be happier, the way it drives, the DSG (oh my god), the engine, the build quality and all the little mod cons. Not to mention i got my beige leather.

All in all, i will always consider the VW near the top of my list when looking at new cars. Value for money and quality are just great and its that happy medium between a top jap model and a luxery euro like BMW or Audi

Whubbsie
06-10-2008, 01:32 PM
My old Lancer which I had for 8 years, I bought it new as my first car with money I'd been saving since I was 13. I was sick of the thing and was looking at getting something new but old specifically a 70's TranAm/Firebird but really I was dreaming as I could never afford to kept it as a daily specially not driving from the outer suburbs into the city everyday.
Looked at plenty of cars but after researching insurance and the banks not wanting to give money out for cars older than a few years without charging credit card like interest I was reluctantly going to buy another new lancer, till I stumbled across an ad for Polo GTI, went to do some research and google directed me here... well after reading all the praise for the polo and what potential it had it was a no brainer.

Had mine for 3 months now and I spend most of my weekends driving through the dandenongs with a stupidly big grin on my face.

The more I drive the more I learn off this place the more addicted I get, hoping to get a MK1 3dr and VR6 to go with the pogo.... TranAm dreams have been replaced with Dubs.

So it's all VWWatercooled's fault

Golf Houso
06-10-2008, 01:39 PM
In early 06' when I got the GL there really wasn't much choice, for 7k. I never realised I could afford a fairly new German car before I started looking at the golfs. Started looking at them and the standard features air, steer, windows, cruise, mirrors etc and liked their look and value. Was pretty much sold after that, since then I've gotten 4 other people onto VW's :biggrin:

They all seem pretty happy...

Preen59
06-10-2008, 01:52 PM
I was born into VW's. My old man had been into them since he was about 17. His first car was a beetle. Although he was/is a drag racer and into the 6 cyl. holdens etc, he always had a soft spot for the VW's.

Through the early 80's, my parents didn't own any, but not long after i was born, Dad began the restoration of a '62 Karmann Ghia (that some of you guys saw at the nats this year when i took it down.. and won), and mum had a 68 (i think..) beetle with basically the same engine and exhaust as the Karmann, same wheels and paint too. We also had a Dual cab Kombi Ute that dad used for his run about car. We did a lot of miles in that away Kart racing etc when i was younger.

So i was taken the school every day until high school in this loud blue VW beetle (VERY embarrassing at the time).

My parents also owned a VW parts shop (German Auto Parts) and were constantly buying beetles etc so there really was no escape.

By the time i got my L's, i decided that i wanted a Mk1 golf for my first car and i was lucky enough to find a good one in town, which was actually a car that my parents had bought years ago from the wreckers, cleaned up and sold. I still own it (see restorations and projects) and it will be a LONG time before i see it change hands.

I've owned a Mk4 2.0L sport, which i must say was a fantastic car. One of the best cars i have ever driven, although it was a little gutless.

I now own a red 1.9TDI Caddy van that i use as my daily car. Its just fantastic. Once i took one for a test drive i said "This is exactly what i want."

VWs are built extremely well, everything on/in them feels strong and sturdy. They don't feel like they are going to fold up the minute someone reverses into you in the carpark. They are reliable, they drive well, they're good on fuel, and price wise, they're very good bang for your buck.

I have a pretty big soft spot for VWs, and while ever they make a vehicle that suits my needs, i don't see a reason to own anything else.

dubbed
06-10-2008, 02:44 PM
Some interesting and entertaining stories in here.

Well for me I grew up admiring Ferraris, Lambos, Bugattis (back when the EB110S was THE car), and then I got into Jap imports like the R33 GT-R, 3000GT etc (back when Australia had practically none of these and 95% weren't owned by tossers). I didn't even look at anything from overseas when I was quoted $5.5k to insure a R33 GTS-T - back in 2001 when I'd only ever seen about three on the road. I did look at some old 3-series but they were out of my budget plus parts would cost me $$$. I bought an ED Falcon that I spent bucket loads on and gained most of my motoring knowledge owning it (I still miss it :() and then to cut a long story short I had a 5-speed EA - bogan fun, pretty quick but just embarrassing to drive.

My oldest bro bought a 996 Carrera4 that he let me take for a blat and I had some strange feeling inside me. That was it. I had to own something Euro as I had long-admired M3s, M5s, RS4s, R32s etc. So I began looking for an E36 323i/325i but decided they were too old for what they cost. I always ogled at MKIII VR6s and MKIV GTIs years before but could never afford one.

Finally it was time. The MKIV GTI fit my budget, was fairly new, I loved the looks, it had all the features I wanted (except leather), it was turbo and the fuel economy is very decent considering my two Falcons used to chew 350-400km from a 65l(?) tank.

I absolutely love my Golf. And after trawling the net and VW forums I am totally in love with culture and following they have. It's the perfect niche for me.

Apologies for the long story.

MultiplexMan
06-10-2008, 04:48 PM
Started on bikes and at uni had a mate who would not stop about Golf handling. Eventually got to drive his Mk1 "GTI" and was surprised. Not a bike but not bad for a cage.

When it came time to buy a car, a Mk1 Golf was my first. Side drafts made it useless for the road and very thirsty. By chance drove passed a private import Mk1 GTI (ex GTI Engineering UK). Made an offer and it was mine. Completed 256,000 km before it was torn down for a full rebuild.

Got a job out west, so the old GTI was sold whilst in bits.

Replaced it with a Mk3 Golf. Fitted an Oettinger "swing boost" asymmetric cam, a K&N panel filter and alloys. This travelled across Australia twice doing heaps of unsealed roads.

Bought a 1999 Polo that was my "site" car in Port Hedland. It made it across the country in a round trip before being sold in Sydney.

Followed the Polo with a Mk4 GTI (always wanted the "real thing" new). Oettinger Stage 1 at Muller & Muller and Eibach suspension was all I did to it. It did the cross country trip several times too.

It was replaced with a Mk5 GTI which I kept for a year. Drove to SA, VIC and QLD from NSW. Again a lot of unsealed roads and country kilometers visiting various properties and mine sites.

Last year sold the GTI and bought a Kombi Beach TDI.

VW in the blood as it is one of the few companies that builds a relatively reliable product at a reasonable price.:drinkbeer:

anthony
07-10-2008, 08:10 PM
I became a VW fan in January 1988,when I bought a brand new Jetta 1.8 CLX to replace my trusted 1982 Ford Cortina 1.6 GL.
This car exceeded ALL expectations,and soon a lot of my freinds and family members were driving VW models...this was in South Africa.
When I moved to California late in 1993,I sold the origional Jetta to my Father,and it did over 300000 kilometers with most of its origional parts...engine,gearbox,etc.
My Father has said many times that this was the best car he ever owned,including 3 BMWs.
On arrival in America,I needed a good car,and bought a just launched Jetta A3 2.OGL,identical to the Vento Classics sold here.
I did 61000 kilometers in it in 2 years,and loved it,as it was automatic,a must in the US,had a factory glass sunroof,etc.
I had to return to South Africa,and on return bought the identical car new,which I had until late 2000.
The resale values on all of them were very good.
I then moved to Australia,and wanted a new Golf A4 1.6,but thought it was too pricey,so chose between a Toyota Corolla Conquest sedan,and a Holden Astra Olympic sedan.
I got the Astra,which I LOVED for the first 2 and a half years.
For the next 3 years I had lots of niggles,and it then calmed down for a year,but I deceided to get a new car.
Looked at the Jettas main competitors at the time...Accord Euro and Mazda 6,but deceided that the Jetta was the most modern,and offered the most features,so bought the Jetta.
It has done 32000 kilometers,and is a pleasure to drive.
LOVE LOVE LOVE it.

Blitzen
07-10-2008, 09:31 PM
I didn't really get into VW's till a few years ago. When I was on the hunt for my last car(I eventually bought a 2004 Barina SRI), I stopped in and asked about the then new MK5 Golf GTI(It hadn't been released at that stage). I was in love with its styling.
At the start of 2006, I started my Army trade training the a guy, Terry O'donnell, who is now one of my best mates, and an avid VW fan, and also a man who has built and co driven rally cars and off road buggies, as well as working on european exotics in his spare time. At that stage he had a water cooled Kombi that he Khanacrossed, and he really got me into the Dub scene.
I fell in love with the MK1 and MK2 Golf GTI's, but didn't have time to look for or buy one. In about march 2006, I picked up the latest Motor or Wheels(I buy both religiously), and at smoko I was flicking through and saw that VW had released the Polo as a GTI. I was instantly in love, and as soon as they had it in, I took one for a drive at VW Wodonga.
Fast forward to December 2007, and I had finally decided to sell the Barina(It was a hair dressers car, but with Semi Slicks, a better exhaust and air filter, and I was keeping up with my mates Mazda Familia GTR 1.8T AWD up to Falls Creek!!), and I went to a VW dealer in Penrith NSW(A MASSIVE mistake on my part!!), and I ordered my Polo GTI.
It is a great car, and I love it every time I drive it.

K-Train
08-10-2008, 03:11 AM
I still don't have one. :frown:

greasykitchen
08-10-2008, 04:19 PM
My first car was a '72 Beetle and I got it after being exposed to the reliability, character and all round coolness of Beetles through my friend who had one. Then when it was time to get a new car, the most obvious upgrade was a MK1 Golf. Like the Beetle, the Golf is reliable and cool but a lot more practical and comfortable as a daily driver.

I was actually on the look out for any cool older car, not necessarily VW, but the I found my Golf and thus began my brand loyalty (it's only my 2nd car).

gti
08-10-2008, 05:27 PM
I was overseas last year and had the choice of a VW Passat or Vauxhall... (the rental guy said get the Vauxhall).....we definitely went with the Passat. Ever since then have been thinking how good the VW actually was.....and almost a year later own a GTI :biggrin: After owning a VW I can't imagine owning something else (unless it was something over $100k).

phaeton
20-12-2008, 06:30 AM
Xmas bump :D

Russ59
22-12-2008, 09:36 AM
The GT TDI is my 3rd VW since being let loose on the roads back in 1976. I have had a few different makes of cars over the years from Toyota's, Holden's (never ever again!!) Ford's, Subaru's and even a Magna :eek: I still can't believe I bought that :duh: My first VW was a 1971 beetle (superbug) 1600 motor 4 speed manual, extractors, holley carby conversion, hotwire mags, an absolute beast on the flat but not all that keen on hills :frown: :biggrin: 2nd VW was I think about a 1976 Golf, 1.6, manual, stock standard, great little car, heaps of grunt and excellent on fuel, didn't have it for long, I think the 4wd bug bit me and I ended up with a hilux at the time. I had been more or less a Ford man since having owned XC, XE's, EF, BA XR6 (traded on the GT TDI GOLF) I looked around a fair bit before purchasing the Golf and I test drove the Ford Focus TDCI, Hyundai i30 CRDI, Mazda 3 Sport diesel, VW Golf TDi pacific and the GT TDI. Once I drove the VW GT TDI I knew that was the one it just felt like a better built car and being pinned to the seat with the power was an awesome experience and not at all what I expected from a diesel (especially after owning an 84 hilux diesel 4wd) although it was at least $10,000 more expensive than most of it's competitors, it was exactly what I wanted and although I have only covered around 6,500 k's in it so far, I couldn't be happier with my decision to buy it !! :driver: :bowdown:

Mr_Drozz
22-12-2008, 02:43 PM
only ever owned one other make than a VW, a Merc, I guess I got into them as dad took me car shopping and only showed me mk1 golfs and always told me I can never park a Holden on the lawn... and I guess that is where the love began... For the price I don't think you can get better build quality either

dubbed
22-12-2008, 06:50 PM
Haha Drozz, your dad is a legend! I wish my dad had that character about Holdens but it's a bit hard when he had a Camira *shudder* and now drives an Astra.

Hey Russ I've figured out why you're familiar - a Ford Forum frequenter (or was)?

Russ59
22-12-2008, 09:01 PM
Hey Russ I've figured out why you're familiar - a Ford Forum frequenter (or was)?

Oh no !! I've been found out :eek:, I was a regular on the Ford Forums but mainly looking for advise on the cause of problems, especially with the BA brakes and suspension. It didn't take too much arm twisting to get me to buy a VW especially after driving the GT Sport :biggrin: I doubt that I would ever buy another Ford again, there are too many problems with them that are considered normal by the Service dept. but then again that seems to be the norm with nearly everything nowadays :duh:

Here's a couple of pics of the old beast for those that are interested !

http://www.aussiefords.net/categories.php?cat_id=489

Russ

thestu
22-12-2008, 09:02 PM
As title says why did you choose VW over the other makes ?

For Audi & SEAT owners as well ;)

i have no idea. i think i was drunk at both times.

Peter Jones
22-12-2008, 09:41 PM
Metric fasteners.

Golf Houso
22-12-2008, 09:44 PM
Didn't want to draw too much attention from the locals, both in the police force and the other imbeciles on the road. That, and the puzzled look on people's faces when they see my ratty VR6 and ponder why its making such a noise :)!

Oh and P Plater restrictions...

Bubu
22-12-2008, 11:25 PM
I have never been a fan of VW's. I liked the MK4 Golf but I knew very little about it and it was out of my price range until recently.

I grew up with Rotaries, had 3 of them including a genuine RX3 :biggrin:. In between the Rotaries I had small hatchbacks, Ford Laser, Swift GTi and a Charade G102.
After loosing my license, in another rotary powered car I decided that I wanted another small hatch with some power and less attention from the cops (not to mention fuel bill).
At first I was looking at Audi A3's from early to mid 2000 models with the 1.8T and the Mini Cooper S (turbo). I didnt have much luck finding a good exaple of the A3 and I couldnt justify paying the asking price on the Cooper S. Somehow I came across the Polo GTI, I think I first took notice of it when it was in Motor mag. The next thing I knew I was at a VW dealer negotiating a price. So here I am, almost a year later with the Polo GTI.

Mrk_Mickey
22-12-2008, 11:53 PM
I don't know what got me into VW's. To this day, I only have very weak memories of searching relentlessly on carsales for a car better than the one my dad tried to force on me...a fricken hyunGAY lantra. EW!

Was looking for mk4 golfs for a little while until I spotted a purple VR6 lowered with nice wheels for quite cheap....and naturally I got all excited and started searching for those. Couldn't find one on carsales, but as I was talking to a mate of mine at school he told me that his private mechanic was selling a golf (he didn't know details). Turns out it was a VR6, and the asking price was way too good to resist, despite the fact I wanted a black one:D And I still can't justify how much money I spend on her but I ain't looking back!!

ChrisR32
23-12-2008, 07:08 AM
I always thought VW took a big step forward when it launched the Golf V and it really attracted me to the brand. I liked the GTI but always thought it was a little too plain jane and painfully FWD for my liking - as well as way too common. For the money there were alot of choices on the market when I bought the R32. But ultimately I liked the reliability, quality, decent performance and road presence the car has. Always puts a smile on the dial so kudos to VW.

pixl
30-12-2008, 08:13 PM
2004 -- First year uni. Walking with a mate to a lecture and see this car go through the roundabout as we were crossing.

Me: "Whoa, what was that? Sweet car!"
Mate: "VW GTI. My brother is getting one. Has to wait 6 months for it to arrive."
Me: "Damn. Made to order or something?"
Mate: "Don't think so. Just not many sitting around waiting in car yards."

From that moment on, I became a little obsessed. It was a car that I thought I would never own or justify the price. But when I was looking at getting a new Lancer to replace my 96 one, I pulled into a VW dealer just to see what they were like. Took it for a test drive and then it was all over...

Couldn't be happier with it -- Sorry my story isn't as epic as some of the cool ones on here. :)

faisan
01-01-2009, 02:06 AM
My TFSI Jetta is the first VW I have owned. Its also the first non Japanese car I have owned also.

We basically had a 2 car garage of a Nissan Murano Ti and a Honda Jazz VTiS. As our baby got older, my wife stole the Murano from me and left me with the Jazz. Whilst its a nice car, I just couldnt feel right driving it so I had to change to something else.

I wanted a sedan (never owned one) and it had to be auto (for the wife). I wanted a bit of performance as well as luxury. Surprisingly, there isnt much that fits this description for around $40k. It eventually came down to the Jetta vs the Honda Accord Euro and the Jetta won.

phaeton
01-01-2009, 10:33 AM
My TFSI Jetta is the first VW I have owned. Its also the first non Japanese car I have owned also.

We basically had a 2 car garage of a Nissan Murano Ti and a Honda Jazz VTiS. As our baby got older, my wife stole the Murano from me and left me with the Jazz. Whilst its a nice car, I just couldnt feel right driving it so I had to change to something else.

I wanted a sedan (never owned one) and it had to be auto (for the wife). I wanted a bit of performance as well as luxury. Surprisingly, there isnt much that fits this description for around $40k. It eventually came down to the Jetta vs the Honda Accord Euro and the Jetta won.


In what areas did the Jetta excel ?

faisan
01-01-2009, 11:40 AM
In what areas did the Jetta excel ?

It was 3 main areas for me.

1. The Drive - The TFSI feels much more powerful than the Accord Euro despite having similar power figures. The extra down low torque makes a huge difference.

2. The Price - The end of year deals are fantastic and better than what was on offer with the new Accord Euro. However, if you factor in the extra kit you get with the Accord, its similar.

3. The Build Quality - The interior isnt plasticy and the doors shut with a nice solid thunk. No rattles so far - fingers crossed but the Accord was known for its rattles also.

In the end, I would have been happy with either car but I wanted to try something non Japanese and so far I like it! There have also been reports of pinging issues with the new auto Euros so I guess I am lucky I went with the Jetta.

kryten2001
01-01-2009, 11:09 PM
Others have said it, build quality, fun, drivability, being different - but the ultimate difference for me, in a nutshell, is unrivalled character.

VWs, and Golf's in particular, are cars you hug when your better halves aren't watching.

And how many car manufacturers can claim they make cars that BOTH guys and gals love to bits AND aren't boring. Who doesn't love a golf.

Nathan_B
02-01-2009, 07:00 PM
i went from this -

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/01/dsc0110ah1-1.jpg

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2009/01/rear-1.jpg

to this - http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/showthread.php?t=24428 :D

It was a stock 318is when i purchased it nearly 6 years ago and had my fun with it.. As most P platers do, i spent my hard earned on cosmetics/handling.. as it was only a 4cyc i knew it was no racer!

After growing up a little and finishing a dble degree @ uni, getting a new job, it was time to puchase somthing fast/realible/good looking in stock form! So i made the move over to VW in early dec 08.. After owning a FWD turbo lancer prior to the bmw, i still had nightmares, untill i found the 4x4 traction of the R32 :)

I'm continueing making excuses to go out and drive her - the girlfriend was not impressed.. untill i only recently let her have a drive - now its a fight for the keys!

We have a 2004 MK4 Golf sport in the garage and that handles great as well!

I also enjoy the fact not many drivers realise what a R32 is and its great seeing the "wtf" look on their face when left behind!

ptannerford
08-01-2009, 08:41 AM
interesting question..

for me.. mainly 'cos I had basically, forgotten the brand after leaving home in the early 80's.. where a VW Kombi or transporter had been the family vehicle since 1963.. during this time I can't recall *any* time where the VW let us down, and we did lots of camping, traveling, etc.. in the VW's the family had..

now, we've got the TDI V6 Touareg.. and words can't express how impressed I am in the build quality, and the engineering of the Touareg.. particularly for the money we've spent... I mean its not the cheapest vehicle on the market, but for what you get, I think its excellent value... and jolly good fun. :)

with the wider range of vehicles in the VW stable.. I can't see other brands getting a look in, in my garage.. (well, ok - its a carport)..

regards,
Paul.

Driven Threads
08-01-2009, 02:20 PM
My story is not that exciting or inspiring as some of this others on this thread…but hey…here goes….
After writing off my first car, I was looking for a second car. I wanted something with a little more performance and style. Originally I was looking at a WRX, test-drove a few, liked them but the insurance costs were astronomical.
I then stumbled across reviews of the Polo GTI on the net and after some research thought this could be a feasible option. I didn’t know VW even made a GTI version of the polo until before I done the research. When the MkV GTI came out I loved the way it looked…but could not afford one. The Polo really is more accessible option for younger drivers. Sure it’s a poor man’s GTI and it’s a little vague in some areas, but its good value. I bought my 2006 GTI in August 2008. It really is a lot of fun to drive...and gets a alot of attention.
Five months on, and I am still really happy with my Polo. I had a few minor issues with but overall really pleased with its quality. I got the windows tinted last week, but plan to keep it standard as much as possible. And as for my next car: … I’m thinking the Golf Mk VI is looking good?? Although some of the older VWs have also recently caught my eye...! Yes…I think I have caught the VW bug.

An Update
In August 2009, I traded the POLO GTI on a 2004 Mk IV R32. See here: http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/showthread.php?t=33081

Mr Messy
08-01-2009, 02:21 PM
Great thread!!

I got into Volkswagen through my dad.
In 1999 he and mum did a driving holiday of Europe in a brand new Golf IV. He came back raving about it, but couldn't get a Golf as my brother and I still lived at home and needed to keep the Commodore for all our stuff, towing etc.

After I'd moved away for uni he wanted a new car and started shopping around. Like Faisan his choice came down to Accord Euro or Jetta 2.0T and soon enough there was a TFSI VW with leather, sunroof, 18s etc etc on the drive.
It was the first watercooled VW I drove, and not a bad place to start!!!

When I graduated from uni I looked at used hot hatches (Type-R, GTI-6, RenaultSport) before taking a MK4 GTI for a test drive. It was black with red recaros, a performance chip and aftermarket DV. It made a huge impression on me - from then I looked only at low km GTIs and settled on an immaculate one-owner stock jobbie that I have today.

I like VWs because of the rock-solid quality, the driving feel and the Q-ship factor. I also love the Golf GTI badge cache, the gorgeous interior, and the sheer tuneability of the car.

The greater VW community is important too... can you imagine quality sites like VWwatercooled, vortex, ukmkivs, golfmkv, vwforum, ausvolks etc etc being devoted to Corollas and Daewoos? not likely.

mattD110td5x
12-04-2009, 07:48 AM
The wife has been driving a suzuki sierra hardtop since new in '95,
we are both pretty hard on cars so suzi is looking less indestructable
than it has been over the years.

...and now with a couple of children and golden retrievers space is a problem.

Spec (in order of priority)
- <$20K
- Wagon or large hatch --> 5 seats + 2 larg-ish dogs
- “command” drive position – lots of glass in back (car sickness)
- safe (>4 stars, ABS, belt pretensioners, 4 wheel disks)
- tough/reliable
- manual (she hates autos, even DSG)
- economical (<8L/100km, 500km range, diesel preferred)
- sporty suspension - must not wallow (car sickness)
- mostly user servicable (filters and oil)
- low lip rear door to get the dogs in/out
- visibility/slab sides so you can see the corners for parking
- ability to fit a cargo barrier and roof racks
- full size spare
- central locking, immobiliser
- simple instrument cluster
- an enthusiasts brand, something with passion and forum support

How hard could it be? - We looked at 21 different makes/models over 3 months,
I can't understand why nothing could meet spec??? What do those marketing people do all day?

...then we chanced on a Caddy Life in a showroom that only lost out on the price.
I knew I could build up an approximation to a Life from a less expensive caddy van
and avoid the expensive "luxury" that we didn't want/need.....

We now have slightly second hand Caddy with windows and a second row of seats - perfect!

- matt

Satanstoenail
13-04-2009, 10:59 PM
I always loved Holdens as kid, I dreamed of owning an EH someday. But then before I bought my first car, my best mate got a mustard Mk1 Golf through a friend of his who is a mechanic for next to nothing. It was pretty rough but we went everywhere in it and it never missed a beat, and I fell for the character and quality instantly.

I proceeded to buy my first car, a white LS auto, for $400 that a girl had sitting in a paddock. It needed a fair bit of work to get on the road but I had heaps of fun fixing it up. I smashed it 6 months later and bought a brown manual GLS and swapped a lot of parts off the white one and resprayed it. That Golf lasted me 5 years and I loved it to bits.

I ended up buying an very cool looking lowered EH wagon after that for a change and to settle my childhood dream but it was a nightmare to keep running and it drove like a truck, so I got rid of it and returned to the fold. I've had my Mk2 for about 8 years now and I can't see myself driving anything but VW ever.

Buller_Scott
14-04-2009, 02:11 AM
hi, im scott- im a regular, but i pretty much only loiter in the polo and diesels section.

i've spent a few years living overseas in different places, so i didnt actually get to BUY my first car since a few years ago. my real first car was a hand-me-down land rover discovery, which was great, but hugely uneconomical.

come march 2007, and i wanted to get back into snowboarding after a couple of years off. thus, i needed a more economical car. obviously, i was going to get a hatch- they are completely practical, and i dont like the wasted space of a sedan.

i remember when my mum was looking around for a new car in 1998 or so, and one of the cars was the polo. at the dealership in artarmon, sydney, there was a black VR6 golf in the lot. i hopped in and fell in love. 2.8lt v6 in a car this small? it was my dream car since i was 16.

so i bought one. second hand, dark metallic blue, unfortunately it was auto. and unfortunately i took a traffic light pole out of the ground with it :frown:

if anyone from melbourne remembers in october of 2007, the day when traffic backed up for hours as a result of a downed traffic light on burke road onramp onto the eastern freeway- that was me.

now i have a polo tdi. tdi for economy, and now, for fun- got chipped last week. suspension and eventually maybe injectors and exhaust to come.

i really cant see myself buying anything but vw diesel ever again. my old man took a test drive of a tiguan diesel on the weekend- they rock.

quite simply, the vw brand would have me covered if i had a billion dollars.

-small go fast car = worked polo tdi with lsd, coilies, injectors, exhaust, etc
-gangsta car = passat cc turbodiesel, chipped.
-go-to-snow car= tiguan tdi with chip and suspension
-people hauler= vw caravelle, of course chipped and lowered on dubs

so there you have it. good, sturdy cars that evoke alot of emotion. need i say more?

Ssom
14-04-2009, 09:55 AM
Initially I chose a Volkswagen (1990 Jetta 1.8) as my first car in 2001, it was unique (Only about 40 Mk II Jettas were sold NZ New), a brilliant drivers car and pretty gutsy for what it was.

That was until I crashed it into a truck and had to price up some cosmetic parts. Since then I fled to Japanese cars.

When I come back to VW it won't be a VW or Audi, they're as common as muck where I live. I will be going to Skoda, unique enough to stand out, common enough to get bits for :D

stormshark
01-05-2009, 10:15 PM
Growing up( early 70's)- always had 1, sometimes 2 Vw's in family, bugs,Kombis,campers,type 3's(Dad was an engineer) First car was mums 67 Bug which i spent $$$$ on modifying, but it was sure quick in the end! (Wish i listened to parents on Spending the money on property?) My mum still has '73 1300 in mint condition(35 yrs ownership)-magnificent car and testament to great workmanship.I've just bought a Golf after 20 yr hiatus, and dalliance with various cars (most recently a line of Maximas), and realise how happy i am with driving a VW. Many stories in many big holidays loaded up in old VW's but this new generation Golf really seems like a "serious" car. Bet it doesn't go through big wets like a 67 bug though- unstoppable.Those that know me can't believe i ever left VW, unfortunately i won't be working to much on this other than oil and filters-too high tech! My dear old departed dad would be wrapt i now drive a Diesal!
as my mum said prior to recent purchase "Mmm their not as reliable as they used to be (VW) you sure your not buying for nostalgic reasons"- ..........

PROBABLY!

BobR
08-07-2009, 10:10 PM
Bought my first Kombi in 1972, a red ex PMG splitty with a gutless (1000cc?) motor and hub reduction gearbox, which made you want to get out and run, or push it, or burn it. Cost 500.00 but traded it 6 mths later for 400.00 on a near new 1970 1600 Kombi panelvan for 1990.00. Had that for a few years and it didnt miss a beat. It was a real loungeroom on wheels and although my mates Sandman vans were quicker, the kombi was eveyones favorite, especially at the drive-ins (remember them?) you could have an orgy in it. Got hitched and traded that on a Monaro GTS until the Fuel crisis started in 1979, and bought a new 3 door golf with a canvas sliding roof, golf ball gearknob and "join the golf club" stickers from Lanock or Lennox at Maroubra for 8,000.00. (For comparison, a new just released Commodore was around 6,000.00+orc). Sold that to buy a house and was VWless for a few years until I picked up a 1976 1800cc Kombi which rolled, with me in it, trying to avoid a wombat. Bought a 2.0l Kombi next and kept that for quite a few years too. Also had a 63 beetle and a 70s Type 3 squareback (wagon) as projects, which were both done up, driven and sold . My next one was a 1990 T3 Transporter, a very good van to drive, but expensive to maintain. And yes, there was always coolant leaks,which meant bleeding and more coolant and even the gearstick broke off which nearly gave me a heart attack when the dealer told me the price of a new one. luckily it was hollow, so in went a solid rod and welded back together. I then downgraded to a 1982 aircooled T3 which I sold last year. I have just got a 2000 model T4, so far so good but its only been a few weeks.
So yes, VW ownership is an addiction and particularly Kombis for me, and except for T5, Ive had every type of Kombi. Aircooled is simple and inexpensive to maintain yourself, and very reliable whilst watercooled is a tad more complex although just as reliable, but these days a workshop does all the maintainance as I am getting lazier as I get older.
But I still maintain my old motorbikes myself, 1955 and 1960 BMW, horizontally opposed, aircooled and German precision. VWs on 2 wheels? Or, are aircooled VWs BMWs on 4 wheels? Hmmmm.

maca
09-07-2009, 12:16 AM
Dad drove a Mk2 of some type in Italy..

He then bought a Touareg in 2006 and it's where it all began.
In 2007, I needed a car to learn in and he needed a run around so he bought a Mk4 Bora, probably the best car I will have ever owned and did a great job as my learner car, dad's run around and my first car. Then in February this year, the Bora's repair bill wasn't worth it so we had to give it the scrap :(.

That made way for my Jetta, though :D. And I think I will always have a VW or have a VAG car.. The soul these cars have is just too good to lose and you've just got to accept that having a Volkswagen doesn't mean you own a car; it means it's your way of life.

Jayse
09-07-2009, 04:49 PM
three little (well actually 1 letter and 2 digits..plus some dots..)


.:R36

phaeton
16-06-2011, 06:45 PM
Hopefully this bump will attract new members with their stories :D

Cher
18-06-2011, 12:20 AM
Well I've only recently become a VW owner (and I love my car so sooo much). About 8 years ago, I got a lift home with a friend of a friend who drove a golf. I thought her golf was really beautiful and the ride was so smooth and the performance of the car was quite obvious even as a passenger. At the time, I had a first car -a Hydundai Accent that wasn't too old and I never thought I could afford a european car.

In 2010, we went to europe and i firmly realised my love for the style of the European car - I really love the elegance and clean lines of the golf (I am really not a fan of the more funky cheaper looking often jap cars). When I came back, my brother's girlfriend was driving a peugeot -ok not a golf but still a nice looking car. We needed a new car, I couldn't resist any longer and well the rest is history!

The_Hawk
18-06-2011, 09:08 AM
I have been a VW nut since day one. Call it something in my blood or simply my German heritage (Mum is German), either way.

My first car was a Mustard Brown 1970 Type 3 Fastback TLE. 1600, fuel injected with a set of extractors. It was loud and obnoxious.. just like me :D It was rebuilt from the ground up, new paint (Bright yellow!), new interior, new engine and gearbox. It was my uni cruiser for three years. It went everywhere, I slept in it... I loved it! I was even a member of Club VeeDub (www.clubvw.org..au).

Sadly it was written off when my Brother mates plowed into the back of it at a set of lights. I often think about getting another one... maybe one day when I can afford an "extra" vehicle. For the moment I prefer the finer things that comes with airbags and air conditioning :P

I strayed for a few years through a Mazda 626 and a Hyundai Elantra which were bought more for practicality than anything else. In 2006ish I picked up a '79 Mk1 Golf GLD to drive to the station as well as something which I could put my son in if I needed to. I drove that for a while before feeling the craving for something that was less smokey and maybe a touch more power. The Mk2 GTI was squarely on the cards until I stumbled across this thing called a VR6.

A V6 engine in a Golf you say...

I had to have one.

I was lucky enough to find my car for a nice price, although it had a few (lots) of the usual issues. A little TLC and what turned out to be more than a few $$ and all those have been replaced with shiny new parts as well as a few additional little personalisations. Once again I'm in something that matches my... low, loud and obnoxious :D

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2008/02/IMG_6926-1.jpg


I have since talked Mrs_Hawk into a 2010 Kombi which she loves.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2010/08/IMG_3005-1.jpg




Recently I have been on the hunt for a replacement to the VR6, maybe something a little quieter, something a little newer and more comfortable. Don't get me wrong, I love the VR and would love to keep it, but since the family need to go it more often these days I'm looking to replace it.

The funny thing is that I just can't bring myself to seriously consider much else. Test driving a Polo through a Holden dealership the comparison of what you could get for the same money was thrown in my face... still can't do it. I'm a VAG man. Maybe an Audi... but probably a VW.

I'm now on the hunt for a new Golf Convertible.... soon... soon.

Greg Roles
18-06-2011, 10:09 AM
Right size, right price, technology under the bonnet, had far better finish and refinement than the Fords and Holdens I had been driving, and amazingly invisible to the coppers. Far less infighting on this forum that the Ford one, a nice "scene". A car that actually went round corners in stock form, and returned amazing economy when thrashed. I'm happy!

Cookie28
18-06-2011, 10:20 AM
I think the first thing that made me want a vw was the sound that came from those beautiful twin tips of an R32... Been in love ever since and recently got myself a bora for my first car!!! :D

Spaceman
16-09-2012, 06:09 PM
Needed a fast practical wagon, that had some class. Nothing came close on the market (below $100k) to the R36 so it was a no brainier and will be a good intro to the world of European vehicles.

ExRexer
09-12-2012, 08:09 PM
I learnt to drive in an old 6 volt beatle. About a 1960 model I think. Many many years later, my back and I had given up motorcycles and had taken up WRXs. I was on my second WRX when the new model WRX came out (Current shape). As soon as the first one arrived in town the wife and I went for a test drive. I was bitterly disappointed. More power, poor handling and ****e brakes. I though my older one was better. On the way home the wife suggested trying a GTI, I wasn't that interested really but thought I'd give it a go. And wow, changed my life.
So now I have an R32, it is perfect for me and love it.

ChristopherJ
09-12-2012, 08:57 PM
I use to read Wheels Magazines a lot and Vw"s were getting top reviews, so suggested my brother buy a Golf when he was looking for his first car. When it came time for me to upgrade, the Polo was coming out and it was winning everything as well, was a obvious choice.

Jazz
27-01-2013, 11:01 PM
My first VW is also my first new car. My first car with warranty. My first car paid for with a work car allowance.

I've been in a Subaru Liberty for 12 years, with models from '89 to '07. The decision to change was brought about by an engine failure, and I wanted to swap from sedan to wagon. I've modified my last two cars to make them the car they should be, and given I was getting it financed, it made sense to get new.
What I've noticed thoughout my thorough decision process, is that modern cars in general are pretty sterile, and I test drove cars from 125kw diesels (Skoda Octavia RS) to 310KW (Ford F6). The F6 was really quick, but too deceptively so,while the new Liberty GT was worse in every fashion than my previous (modified '07) Liberty.

The V6 4-motion looked good, had a suitable amount of go (even if it doesn't push you back in the seat with a rush of the turbo) and was a nice place to spend a reasonable amount of time. I'd say VW have about 3 years to build my loyalty to the brand. It's started well enough so far.

ryana89
03-06-2014, 06:19 PM
Wanted a Superbug as my first car, wasn't gonna happen, looked around aimlessly at little, plain, boring Jap boxes and even a few land yachts, (Falcodores).

Then I stumbled across this weird little car, a MK2 Golf GTI.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t1.0-9/10325786_785527808124524_6157085333435666577_n.jpg

Bought it and love it to bits, it's low, loud and slow but incredibly satisfying to drive and it got me through my first 5 years of driving.
Have a MK4 GTI now too, for when the MK2 is getting attention.

pkgermaine
20-11-2015, 04:53 PM
1st car was a 1972 Beetle which lasted 3 years before the motor was using oil like it was going out of fashion.
Had a 1996 Golf for several years which I loved driving ( though always secretly wished I got the V6 version instead).

Getting a 2010 CC which has to be one of the sexiest machines ever built.

...... After nearly 25 years of driving I just seem to keep coming back to the VW.

One day I'll get a Karmman Gia too.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

phaeton
24-12-2016, 09:49 AM
EoTY >bump<