Smart Car?
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How about this pure electric car survey?
5-Electric-Cars-You-Can-Buy-Now: Personal Finance News from Yahoo! Finance
I heard a story on the Zapp Xebra yesterday on NPR. Affordable and makes the speed you said. OTOH a 25 mile range is iffy unless you could charge it at work.
5-Electric-Cars-You-Can-Buy-Now: Personal Finance News from Yahoo! Finance
I heard a story on the Zapp Xebra yesterday on NPR. Affordable and makes the speed you said. OTOH a 25 mile range is iffy unless you could charge it at work.
Yep. I'd rather support American underdeveloped junk than Chinese underdeveloped junk. Too bad, as this was getting interesting, especially with solar charger and extended range batteries.
Diesel Jetta demo units are in. Gonna go drive one tonight. Order one Monday, if all works out. Deliveries in September. Wagon versions a month later. Wagons might have a upgraded auto tranny.
OK. "Interesting" experience at the dealership. I saw a guy who said he was from Bangladesh originally, spent many years in Europe, then moved to the U.S. Perfect English, soft accent. He wanted to go over how diesels were different, etc, even though he knew I drove up in a Dodge 3500 diesel and probably knew more about diesels than he did. Oddly, for someone supposedly trying to sell a diesel vehicle, he thought there weren't very many stations selling diesel fuel. I pointed out the Shell station down the street from him sold it, and almost 40% of stations sell it, and that number is growing.
He wanted me to know he drove a BMW, and German Engineering...... He insisted on showing me pretty much every feature on the car. There are some nice touches, but I won't go into them now. Don't get them started on why the fuel filler is on the passenger side....
He informed me we would go for a test drive. He could not sell me the demo car (it was white anyway- I never want to own a white car again). He told me we would drive down this way, and at a certain stoplight, he would make a hard right turn. Two stoplights later, he would slam on the brakes. Then we would enter a cul de sac where he would show me the tight turning radius. "36 feet - All our cars turn in 36 feet!" And he actually did it. Very good handling car.
At the cul de sac I was allowed to drive back. I must say, the engine, if anything, was quieter than the gasser version. Certainly more pep at take off, although I doubt the top speed would be as high. 0-60 I'm sure is way more than I'm interested in. I want mpg and everything else is secondary. Although it is an automatically shifted manual transmission, it was very smooth. So AMTs don't have to be harsh, a la Smart Car.
Handling was precise. The whole car seemed, I don't know, maybe "tighter" than my Accord. And I love my Accord.
The TDI does not follow the S, SE and SEL trim lines. He thinks. It is one trim line, the "Loyal" kinda like the "Wolfsburg edition." It seems not all information is available yet. Minor bits of info, like price.
But he has something like 14 coming in, in a couple of weeks. All pre-sold to people who placed deposits. I could place an order, and probably take delivery in September. Maybe sooner. Maybe not.
They wanted a $500 refundable deposit. It was refundable only because they could not give me a definite price. I put it on the company credit card. I'd guess the final price will be between $23,000 and $30,000. They readily admit they will add a "market value adjustment" over MSRP. I doubt very much that they can make as many as they can sell this year. I wanted to get on the list now, before people streamed in over the weekend. Demo just arrived this week, I believe.
Options?
Automatic or manual transmission: There is some chance the Sportwagen might have a different tranny. It will arrive a month or two later than the sedan. I picked the 6 speed automatic over the 5 speed manual.
Color: Seem to be the same choices as 2008 (no green). I picked platinum grey with grey interior.
Navigation system: No thanks.
Extra rear seat side air bags: I don't expect to carry anyone in the rear seat very often. No thanks. The six air bags in the front will suffice.
Rear lip spoiler: No thanks.
Comes with two keys and valet key. Extra key costs $380. They think.
That seems to be about it. They think. All routine maintenance is included for the first 3/36,000. IIRC, 4 wheel dual vented disc brakes. Entire engine compartment is filled. Only one battery. Oil filter is accessed from below, and is vertical, not horizontal. Somebody was thinking, who actually cared about the customer or whoever would be changing the oil.
I hope they get more info soon, but I suspect I'll only get it from online. The "build it" portion of the website does not work at this time.
Now, there seems to be some question about whether they will actually build this car as spec'd and send it over, or if there's likely something on the way that fits. I told him "close" would be "good enough."
He'll let me know when anything happens, such as it's arrival at the port. Maybe 2-3 months. Maybe. They think.
He wanted me to know he drove a BMW, and German Engineering...... He insisted on showing me pretty much every feature on the car. There are some nice touches, but I won't go into them now. Don't get them started on why the fuel filler is on the passenger side....
He informed me we would go for a test drive. He could not sell me the demo car (it was white anyway- I never want to own a white car again). He told me we would drive down this way, and at a certain stoplight, he would make a hard right turn. Two stoplights later, he would slam on the brakes. Then we would enter a cul de sac where he would show me the tight turning radius. "36 feet - All our cars turn in 36 feet!" And he actually did it. Very good handling car.
At the cul de sac I was allowed to drive back. I must say, the engine, if anything, was quieter than the gasser version. Certainly more pep at take off, although I doubt the top speed would be as high. 0-60 I'm sure is way more than I'm interested in. I want mpg and everything else is secondary. Although it is an automatically shifted manual transmission, it was very smooth. So AMTs don't have to be harsh, a la Smart Car.
Handling was precise. The whole car seemed, I don't know, maybe "tighter" than my Accord. And I love my Accord.
The TDI does not follow the S, SE and SEL trim lines. He thinks. It is one trim line, the "Loyal" kinda like the "Wolfsburg edition." It seems not all information is available yet. Minor bits of info, like price.
But he has something like 14 coming in, in a couple of weeks. All pre-sold to people who placed deposits. I could place an order, and probably take delivery in September. Maybe sooner. Maybe not.They wanted a $500 refundable deposit. It was refundable only because they could not give me a definite price. I put it on the company credit card. I'd guess the final price will be between $23,000 and $30,000. They readily admit they will add a "market value adjustment" over MSRP. I doubt very much that they can make as many as they can sell this year. I wanted to get on the list now, before people streamed in over the weekend. Demo just arrived this week, I believe.
Options?
Automatic or manual transmission: There is some chance the Sportwagen might have a different tranny. It will arrive a month or two later than the sedan. I picked the 6 speed automatic over the 5 speed manual.
Color: Seem to be the same choices as 2008 (no green). I picked platinum grey with grey interior.
Navigation system: No thanks.
Extra rear seat side air bags: I don't expect to carry anyone in the rear seat very often. No thanks. The six air bags in the front will suffice.
Rear lip spoiler: No thanks.
Comes with two keys and valet key. Extra key costs $380. They think.
That seems to be about it. They think. All routine maintenance is included for the first 3/36,000. IIRC, 4 wheel dual vented disc brakes. Entire engine compartment is filled. Only one battery. Oil filter is accessed from below, and is vertical, not horizontal. Somebody was thinking, who actually cared about the customer or whoever would be changing the oil.
I hope they get more info soon, but I suspect I'll only get it from online. The "build it" portion of the website does not work at this time.
Now, there seems to be some question about whether they will actually build this car as spec'd and send it over, or if there's likely something on the way that fits. I told him "close" would be "good enough."
He'll let me know when anything happens, such as it's arrival at the port. Maybe 2-3 months. Maybe. They think.
Oooh oooh oooh! I'm going to try one as soon as I can! Probably not until Monday or Tuesday, I think.
But I'd want the wagon and I'd want to know the price!
CDH.
But I'd want the wagon and I'd want to know the price!
CDH.
I think I'll probably order a SportWagen. Was impressed by the TDI Jetta and the gas wagon. Awaiting final pricing before putting in a deposit.
However, those looking to the future might be interested in the latest spy shots of an upcoming Honda Insight (looks like a Prius but apparently cheaper and more fuel efficient): Spied: 2010 Honda Insight hybrid
CDH.
However, those looking to the future might be interested in the latest spy shots of an upcoming Honda Insight (looks like a Prius but apparently cheaper and more fuel efficient): Spied: 2010 Honda Insight hybrid
CDH.
The deposit we laid down is refundable if we don't like the final price they give us. They don't care. They know they can't get enough diesel Jettas to meet demand.
I've talked to several people at dealerships. They can't get enough of the small fuel efficient cars, and can't sell the big ones. Overall sales are way down, but would likely be up if they could get more of the little ones.
I've talked to several people at dealerships. They can't get enough of the small fuel efficient cars, and can't sell the big ones. Overall sales are way down, but would likely be up if they could get more of the little ones.
Some of that is likely camoflage, but the front end certainly looks like the new Civics. Hopefully we'll see the real thing at the Paris or LA auto shows in October or November.
The most attractive aspect IMO is the rumored price of $19k!
CDH.
OK. "Interesting" experience at the dealership. I saw a guy who said he was from Bangladesh originally, spent many years in Europe, then moved to the U.S. Perfect English, soft accent. He wanted to go over how diesels were different, etc, even though he knew I drove up in a Dodge 3500 diesel and probably knew more about diesels than he did. Oddly, for someone supposedly trying to sell a diesel vehicle, he thought there weren't very many stations selling diesel fuel. I pointed out the Shell station down the street from him sold it, and almost 40% of stations sell it, and that number is growing.
He wanted me to know he drove a BMW, and German Engineering...... He insisted on showing me pretty much every feature on the car. There are some nice touches, but I won't go into them now. Don't get them started on why the fuel filler is on the passenger side....
He informed me we would go for a test drive. He could not sell me the demo car (it was white anyway- I never want to own a white car again). He told me we would drive down this way, and at a certain stoplight, he would make a hard right turn. Two stoplights later, he would slam on the brakes. Then we would enter a cul de sac where he would show me the tight turning radius. "36 feet - All our cars turn in 36 feet!" And he actually did it. Very good handling car.
At the cul de sac I was allowed to drive back. I must say, the engine, if anything, was quieter than the gasser version. Certainly more pep at take off, although I doubt the top speed would be as high. 0-60 I'm sure is way more than I'm interested in. I want mpg and everything else is secondary. Although it is an automatically shifted manual transmission, it was very smooth. So AMTs don't have to be harsh, a la Smart Car.
Handling was precise. The whole car seemed, I don't know, maybe "tighter" than my Accord. And I love my Accord.
The TDI does not follow the S, SE and SEL trim lines. He thinks. It is one trim line, the "Loyal" kinda like the "Wolfsburg edition." It seems not all information is available yet. Minor bits of info, like price.
They wanted a $500 refundable deposit. It was refundable only because they could not give me a definite price. I put it on the company credit card. I'd guess the final price will be between $23,000 and $30,000. They readily admit they will add a "market value adjustment" over MSRP. I doubt very much that they can make as many as they can sell this year. I wanted to get on the list now, before people streamed in over the weekend. Demo just arrived this week, I believe.
Options?
Automatic or manual transmission: There is some chance the Sportwagen might have a different tranny. It will arrive a month or two later than the sedan. I picked the 6 speed automatic over the 5 speed manual.
Color: Seem to be the same choices as 2008 (no green). I picked platinum grey with grey interior.
Navigation system: No thanks.
Extra rear seat side air bags: I don't expect to carry anyone in the rear seat very often. No thanks. The six air bags in the front will suffice.
Rear lip spoiler: No thanks.
Comes with two keys and valet key. Extra key costs $380. They think.
That seems to be about it. They think. All routine maintenance is included for the first 3/36,000. IIRC, 4 wheel dual vented disc brakes. Entire engine compartment is filled. Only one battery. Oil filter is accessed from below, and is vertical, not horizontal. Somebody was thinking, who actually cared about the customer or whoever would be changing the oil.
I hope they get more info soon, but I suspect I'll only get it from online. The "build it" portion of the website does not work at this time.
Now, there seems to be some question about whether they will actually build this car as spec'd and send it over, or if there's likely something on the way that fits. I told him "close" would be "good enough."
He'll let me know when anything happens, such as it's arrival at the port. Maybe 2-3 months. Maybe. They think.
If they will not give you a price, then find another dealer. Thye dealers in this area aknow the price and are selling them for window sticker and nothing more. I bought 2 of them, one of which was the demo that I will be able to pick up on the first. The decals will be taken off and the car detailed and the dealer promises no more than 400 miles. He also sold it to me for cost which is 22,435. The reason I have to wait until the 1st is that Volskwagon told their dealers they couldn't sell them until then.
The dealer is a friend and he let me drive the demo for a couple days a few weekends ago and I got 36mpg average of which was mostly city driving.
If the demo you drove did not have the window sticker with the price on it, the dealer is violating federal law by not showing it, I have a copy of the window sticker if you want to see it.
The only pricing I've seen for a TDi Sportwagen is from a recent post at VWVortex:
$24,690 Sportwagen TDI w/DSG (midway between the gas SE and SEL trims equipped with automatics)
$ 650 Dealer Prep
$ 350 Rear Air Bags
$ 199 Ipod Adapter
$ 450 17"x7" Wheels
$ 1,300 Panoramic Sunroof
$ 1,990 Navigation System
I wouldn't need the Ipod adapter (which apparently isn't very good), the bigger wheels, navigation, and am giving serious thought to the sunroof. The lack of a solid sun-shade underneath it was the only feature I didn't like of the vehicle I saw at the dealership. So if this is accurate it looks like $25960 for me with rear airbags plus doc fees, title, and $300 to the great state of South Carolina. I'll have to give this some thought.
Interestingly the VW site has been updated to include the TDI option pack (only a single trim, it seems, basically the SE of the gas model plus a few changes - DSG rather than just regular tiptronic for the auto, full trip computer, so the price difference is pretty minimal, all things considered).
See: Jetta SportWagen - Complete Specs
CDH.
Sounds like you got a good deal if you're happy with the specifics of the demo model.
Is it a violation of law if they're not selling the demo?
Not relevant to me because I'm only interested in the wagon, and there aren't (yet!) any TDI wagons at the dealerships. I believe NavyChop was looking for the sedan (I think?).
CDH.
Since the car was not for sale, no window sticker is probably not a problem, I think. Sedans come out first. I could go either way.
I've passed on about Iowa & SC to our buyers. Might just forego the order and get the $500 back. But only if they have firm deals and delivery dates from another dealer.
I've passed on about Iowa & SC to our buyers. Might just forego the order and get the $500 back. But only if they have firm deals and delivery dates from another dealer.
I don't think anyone has firm delivery dates of non-demo cars. My local dealer didn't have pricing for the wagons (only the sedans) and said deposits were essentially for "first right of refusal" once they get allocated vehicles. The pricing I posted above came from a forum on VWVortex.
I'm not in a rush, so if I decide to actually buy the car I'm willing to wait until I can order exactly what I want and then wait a couple of months more for delivery if necessary.
Buying a new car (when I'm driving a 4-year old one now!) is mildly irresponsible, but hey I can afford it and luckily my current vehicle will have pretty good resale. I'd plan on keeping a TDi for a lot longer.
CDH.
I'm not in a rush, so if I decide to actually buy the car I'm willing to wait until I can order exactly what I want and then wait a couple of months more for delivery if necessary.
Buying a new car (when I'm driving a 4-year old one now!) is mildly irresponsible, but hey I can afford it and luckily my current vehicle will have pretty good resale. I'd plan on keeping a TDi for a lot longer.
CDH.
No, they choose to seel the demo if they want, Volkswagon just made them agree to not sell them until after August 1st. My local dealer is small and he wants to sell it as fast as he can. I have another on order, it is grey with gray leather and it should be here the first weeks in August, I will be willing to sell that one for my cost, which is sticker.
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