[GANZGUT]

200 miles to the west of you, across the border. . .

I too looked at a 1.8t, but went with the SVTF for the reasons below. VW makes a nice car, but finding service, and especially competent service, is a problem.

I traded in a VW Passat Tdi to buy the SVTF and my primary reason for not buying another VW was the simple fact that very very few people can competently fix a VW out here in the plains- Bismarck has no VW dealer, and I've heard the one in Billings MT is worthless. Also, who wants to drive 200+ miles in either direction to get a car fixed- I sure don't, not on a Saturday at least.

When you do find a place to fix a VW, it costs you an arm and a leg. That's not to say the Ford won't, but at least you don't have to arrange a few days off work and a rental car for repair purposes. You can find a Ford dealer practically anywhere, even in the smaller towns out here (western ND and eastern MT).

The other thing I'd add is that the SVTF costs $1000's less than the VW. Like Ford, VW certainly does not have a stellar reliability record. If you live in a city where you have access to VW dealer or authorized service, knock youself out and buy the VW. If not, you'll enjoy high mile treks to the dealer to get the car serviced. WHen you add this cost to the $7000 more you've spent on the GTI, that's not good value at all.

The bottom line here is that although you've gotta have one, cars are a pain in the rear.

 

[GANZGUT]

I wouldn't laugh at that 4500rpm redline and that 90HP when it comes to the stock 4cyl VW Tdi. It's still a pretty nice engine when it comes to pulling that little car along at 75-80, especially when you consider it's only 1.9 liters and has a nice, flat 155ft/lb torque curve. Add a chip, and you get the torque even higher.

Get a VW if you like.

I like the GTI, just that getting VW service where I live is a royal pain. I just don't have that kind of time these days. I bought the SVT focus since the car was a Euro Designed and engineered Ford, had the hatchback I like for practicality, and a torquey engine, close to that of the TDI. It's a very fun to drive car, (just like the standard Focus is- my Friend has a ZX3 Automatic) and I cannot think of another offering from an American car company that's this fun or this practical. I looked at a WRX, but I could not believe the sedan was not available with a 60/40 split rear seat! (I don't like wagons which does have this 60/40 rear seat, and not having a split rear seat really kills the car's practicality, even more so when you consider it's $25K base price and expensive insurance cost.

Stupid move, IMHO, especially in a small sedan. You gotta do things to maximize the room in them.)

03 ZX3: I seriously was looking for a 2 door Golf TDI to replace the 96 Passat, but I had the same concerns as the GTI re service and parts availability. Also, the fact that my am commute is now only 10 blocks and I'm not out driving far away for work as much means that that efficient diesel motor never adequately warms up. (Short trips are not great for a diesel engine.) Like the Focus, Golf Tdi is a nice practical car also, very fuel efficient. (Believe me, I miss the fuel efficiency- people look at me like I'm nuts when I complain I'm only averaging 25mpg in the SVT Focus. You Tdi owners KNOW what a hit this is.

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