2010 Golf Mk VI Pricing

[oilhammer]

I do not buy the "German labor" cost excuse. Volkswagen is a HUGE global company, with much clout in markets all around the world. If they can sell a base model Golf in South Africa or Brazil, why not here? I realize there are differences in those countries' standards, but I am not talking about stripping out the SRS or side impact door beams or anything like that. I am talking about things like lifetime window regulators, a normal headlight system, a more modest sound system (NPR sounds just fine on a 2-speaker stereo, thanks), and some not-so-spendy tire sizes. Again, not for everyone, but it would open the door for many who would otherwise be shopping at the Kia showroom.

And again, VW need not reinvent the wheel or make something totally new...they already HAVE these type cars in their portfolio.

 

[woofie2]

And again, VW need not reinvent the wheel or make something totally new...they already HAVE these type cars in their portfolio.

I guess that is why there keeps being rumors about the Polo coming to America. A Polo or Lupo would make a great "Urban Assault" vehicle for the commuter class. 75-80 HP gas or Diesel. Talk about putting the Prius on the ropes.
The trouble is Gas prices have stayed low and people are migrating back or keeping their bigger SUVs.

I do find it interesting some people want the very base model, yet given the choice I took almost every option available, and would have paid for leather seats, but those were not an option this year... so I will have to import and upgrade on my own.

With options that clearly make a difference, such as Xenon headlights, upgraded stereo, and others I do not see many car dealers selling the stripped base models, or even offering them as much, my father's base model truck has a satellite radio, power windows, power locks and A/C.

Who says a VW Ute with a 2.0L TDI motor would not sell in America??? (a 40MPG small pickup, Toyota, Ford and Chevy would have to scramble to match) There again VW already builds it

 

[oilhammer]

I pay cash for my cars, and keep them indefinitely. So a lesser cost alternative with more durable parts (or less 'fluff') is what I am after. I realize I am a minority.

My $28k B5 has a bunch of fluff I would rather not have.

$1700 leather and wood package (only thing worth having there is the steering wheel controls, which could just as easily be a stand alone option)

$1100 automatic transmission (listed as an option, but I had no option )

Then things like puddle lamps, rear sunshade, power windows, keyless entry, climate controlled glovebox, etc. is all not things I need. Nice, sure, but I would rather have that cash in the bank.

If I could have bought any 2004 B5 I could that was available globally, I would have purchased the same ones the taxi cab drivers in Europe are driving, and added my own aluminum wheels.

(OK, I DO like the sunroof ).

 

[Lee_Taylor]

If I could have bought any 2004 B5 I could that was available globally, I would have purchased the same ones the taxi cab drivers in Europe are driving, and added my own aluminum wheels.

The Skoda Octavia is very popular with taxi drivers in the UK. When we bought our Bora I told the salesman we were considring a Skoda or a SEAT and he started banging on about how much better the VW was compared to the alternatives. Having driven equivalent SEAT's and Skodas I knew he was full of nasty brown stuff, but the perception remains amongst the public that VW is inherently better than the cheaper alternatives.

It seems a shame that VW can't bring Skodas into VW showrooms as a lower cost alternative. The Fabia "greenline" for example with a 1.4l TDI gets nearly 69mpg (imperial)

 

[alhutch]

I do not buy the "German labor" cost excuse. Volkswagen is a HUGE global company, with much clout in markets all around the world. If they can sell a base model Golf in South Africa or Brazil, why not here? I realize there are differences in those countries' standards, but I am not talking about stripping out the SRS or side impact door beams or anything like that. I am talking about things like lifetime window regulators, a normal headlight system, a more modest sound system (NPR sounds just fine on a 2-speaker stereo, thanks), and some not-so-spendy tire sizes. Again, not for everyone, but it would open the door for many who would otherwise be shopping at the Kia showroom.

And again, VW need not reinvent the wheel or make something totally new...they already HAVE these type cars in their portfolio.

Aww, come on! You know the 'take' rate on Golfs in this country is so low (compared to any other market), we're probably lucky that VW still brings it at all, especially w/ a TDI.

When you say you are in the minority with your stripper preferences, that is an understatement. I remember (not fondly) the days of 4-speed transmissions, optional passenger side mirrors and AM radios. Good riddance, I say.

The base Golf TDI doesn't have that much fluff in it, if you stay off the option list. Hypothetically, get rid of the AC, power windows, power door locks, add a cheap (or no) stereo and super cheap interior materials and you just built a loss leader 99.9% of the public won't buy. That is not the path to sales success for VW in America.

Bringing in a car such as the Polo makes more sense than trying to jam a Golf into that role. Again, the relative weakness of the dollar and current cheapness of gas makes it a tough business case, but I hope they do.

 

[lexa]

I pay cash for my cars, and keep them indefinitely. So a lesser cost alternative with more durable parts (or less 'fluff') is what I am after. I realize I am a minority.

you have a company in me; i don't need moonroof (have it on another car and open 2-4 times a year), Navigation, bluetooth or iPod connector as well as 17' wheels.

As far as German labor being expensive - sure, but Jettas are built in Mexico, so there is little incremental expenses for VW; yet base TDI wagons are prices 50% over base Jetta sedan.

frankly, I've test-driven TDI Jettas, it doesn't feel like luxury car at all nor its dispatch reliability is as great as Japanese cars, so I cannot justify over 22K price tag for TDI models.

 

[LNXGUY]

frankly, I've test-driven TDI Jettas, it doesn't feel like luxury car at all nor its dispatch reliability is as great as Japanese cars, so I cannot justify over 22K price tag for TDI models.

The Jetta isn't supposed to be a 'luxury' car... If you want that, go buy a Cadillac a Lexus or something similar.

And as far as reliability is concerned? You won't find much better then the diesels that VW has offered for the past 20 years....

 

[frugality]

The "why can't we have what Europe has?" question reminded me of this post:

Slightly off-topic: Guess the number of Golf/Jettas Volkswagen sold this August in Germany.

No, you're wrong.
31,527.

That's 94% more than in August 2008.

The Golf/Jetta alone has 11.5% of the German new car market. The Volkswagen brand has 22.59%. (Up from 19,39 in 8/2008)

All the Volkswagen brands combined have 35% of the market.

Aren't those mind-boggling numbers?
(Toyota has 3.91%, up from 3.59% in 2008)

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showpost.php?p=2694700&postcount=576

When you've got that much market share, you can make more options.


And importing isn't cheap. That's why the Japanese, Koreans, BMW and Mercedes have plants here in the U.S. VW doesn't. When the new plant opens in Chattanooga, TN, you will see more options become available here. Until then, VW has to keep the number of end items (i.e., number of available configurations) at a minimum to stay efficient and competitive.

If you want a good example, look at MINI. They come in a whole bunch of configurations. Also notice how overpriced they are because of it. $22k base price for the turbo version...compare that to a new 2010 TDI Golf. For the same price, the Golf is a way better value and a nicer car.

 

[woofie2]

I pay cash for my cars, and keep them indefinitely.

Truth!!, I have seen your house...

I think it is funny how the TDI has evolved in the 8 years since I first bought one, and how VW's lines have moved forward.
they have left the American entry-level Cars to the Koreans and Japanese, (Rio and Yaris) A niche the Beetle and Rabbit once fit. While people still put the Rabbit/Golf in the Entry level cars, they have raised the bar from base entry level, with power options and refinements only found in the luxury cars of yesteryear.
Vw started as the entry level car, then they brought out the GTI, a step above entry level with a car you could take the kids to school in, drive to work and then drive home at the end of the day like your trousers were on fire. (quote TopGear)
The biggest thing I found when I was buying my 2003 Jetta, was the difference between the American cars of the same model year and the German. Almost like they felt like aluminum cans, vs the solid feel of a door closing on a VW. But then having driven the wheels off my 1984 Golf at 190k miles(gasser), and been eaten alive maintaining it, (could do it a lot easier now with some of the websites I have located since 2003) but the car and motor were still solid, the rest needed lots of minor work. I purchased my TDI before the Gas prices jumped, so fuel economy was not really a factor. I had looked at a Dodge Dakota RT pick-up, Chevy Monte Carlo, Ford Taurus, Subaru WRx, and on a whim mom and I went to STL to look at cars, I went to the dealers in O'Fallon and we walked the car lots on Sunday. I was looking at the Jetta Turbos, and the 20th AE, and mom spotted the Jetta and said "This one gets 50 MPG, did you hear that 50 Freaking Miles to the Gallon" I said throwing back to my first Cars my parents 76 and 80's Diesel Rabbits "No way is that drivable in today's traffic" to which mom said "You have to come back and at least test drive it" So I did, and took it home 10 days later.

My judgments on the VW's is waiting until I drive the new MK6 line, but if the refining improvements have continued that I have noted across each model change from my first MKI rabbits, to the MKII Golf and the MKIV Jetta, I hope I will be happy.

 

[oilhammer]

The base Golf TDI doesn't have that much fluff in it, if you stay off the option list. Hypothetically, get rid of the AC, power windows, power door locks, add a cheap (or no) stereo and super cheap interior materials and you just built a loss leader 99.9% of the public won't buy. That is not the path to sales success for VW in America.

.

Um, last I checked, something like 96% of Americans are not buying ANY Volkswagens anyways... so.... obviously the current situation is NOT the path to sales success here either.

I can think of at least 30 people (friends, family, former satisfied VW owners) that would have purchased a Volkswagen but didn't because there was nothing on the lot that fit their needs and/or budget, yet does exist in other markets.

Cars like the Yaris, Versa, Accent, Aveo, Fit, etc. all sell reasonably well, and all have competition in the global VW lineup. Good competition. Then look at all the awesome mini and micro vans VW has, the Golf Plus, the Touran, the Sharan, and of course the venerable Transporter (T5)... all of which are unobtainium here. Let's face it, Volkswagen REALLY screws the American consumer with a total lack of choices.

I hope the Polo gets here soon, because they may have just priced the Golf beyond many American's budget.

 

[frugality]

...and of course the venerable Transporter (T5)... all of which are unobtainium here.

VW offered the Eurovan here, and nobody bought it. The domestics could undercut it cost-wise, big time. The Eurovan was way overpriced, at something like $30k when you could get a Caravan for $22k maybe less. There's a 2002 Eurovan that's been sitting on a used car lot here in town for the last 2 years. No one wants it.

Oh, and you talk about vehicles like the Sharan. Have you noticed how few Mazda5's have sold here? I think the Mazda5 is a great car. But it's not selling.

Opinions on this site don't matter much, because we are in a very small minority. Our prognostication would ruin a car manufacturer. We'd develop or bring over what we think are great cars, few people would buy them, and we'd be ruined.

 

[woofie2]

I found this on VWVortex, looks like there maybe a TDI engine shortage-

I have literally been sick over the gathering info I have been getting this week about the Golf TDI situation, I have had a knot in my stomach over this.......

Here's what I know at this point, this of course could change going forward, but it is the most current info that I have at this time, and it is from a couple of different sources within VWoA. VW Germany is limiting the amount of Golf TDI's (really the engines) that VWoA can buy, and it is a greatly reduced number from expectations. This is the reason that there have been no allocations for any of the regions (except Central), even though they were scheduled to begin last month. The cars have actually been getting assigned to the regions on time, the issue is the amount of slots available to us. As an example, the Eastern Region has about 140 dealers. It appears that only 25 or so allocations were assigned to the region this month, which does not divide well into 140. So our region, and I believe the others too, except Central, are holding all the allocations from last month and this month to add together with next month, and hope to have 140 allocations needed to then release one car for every dealer in the region. After that, the few cars they receive will be assigned out as normal, turn and earn style. Hopefully by then there will be more TDI engines to go around, and we will see more allocations.

I wish I had better news, but likely we are looking at Jan-Feb, at best. It seems even the first launch cars could be as late as January, with the orders following. This is the situation in the Eastern Region, and I bet it is the same everywhere else. The Central Region has instead been assigning the few allocations that they have been getting as the got them, meaning the biggest dealers are getting one while the rest of the dealers get the shaft until later. That is what I think the rest of the regional managers are trying to avoid by holding back the allocations until there's enough to spread around, which I personally do agree with.

At this point I already have two Golf TDI orders that I can not get processed, and I do not plan on taking anymore until I hear better news or start seeing the orders I have start moving forward...that is assuming that the orders I have stay in place for the time it takes to get these cars. I hope that my customers are patient.

If the sales guys from other regions have different info for their areas, please chime in.

 

[oilhammer]

VW offered the Eurovan here, and nobody bought it. The domestics could undercut it cost-wise, big time. The Eurovan was way overpriced, at something like $30k when you could get a Caravan for $22k maybe less. There's a 2002 Eurovan that's been sitting on a used car lot here in town for the last 2 years. No one wants it.

Oh, and you talk about vehicles like the Sharan. Have you noticed how few Mazda5's have sold here? I think the Mazda5 is a great car. But it's not selling.

Opinions on this site don't matter much, because we are in a very small minority. Our prognostication would ruin a car manufacturer. We'd develop or bring over what we think are great cars, few people would buy them, and we'd be ruined.

But VAG only sold one version of the T4 here... and yes, a decked out expensive one at that. And did not market them at all.

FWIW, while they are few, generally the people here that own them love them.

The T3 never sold well here either, yet they were offered for 11 years. The entire Lambo line sells in low volume too, but we can get those.

 

[thebigarniedog]

There are so many wonderful things in this thread , it feels like Christmas. Some quick checkoffs:

A. The VW dealership system is broken (check out the release of the 2009 tdi Jetta and gouging that occurred as Exhibit 1);

B. The inability of VW to service what they sell (check out my signature on the latest free service offer from VW);

C. How CARB has added thousands to the cost of the tdi (I give you the entire A4 line deletion from California as my offer of proof);

D. How VW does not understand how to market anything (I give you Brooke Shields and the sign and drive nerd campaign as my offer of proof).

VW does build some great entry level cars, they are just not diesels. The 2009 "S" package Jetta is a great value for $17,500ish. You get standard: 5 speed manual tranny that shifts like a hot knife thru butter; heated cloth seats (not that upscale 1970s vinyl crap); esp/asr; rear sway bar; 1/2 mfa cluster (hey light years better than what my 2003 tdi had from the factory); heated mirrors/nozzles; turn indicators on the side mirrors; am/fm/cd radio (I pitched it for a used premium 7); and the usual accompanyments of stuff (air conditioning/power steering/abs/power side mirrors etc). The 2.5 has run well --- the obvious downside is 28ish mpg in combined driving (at least at breakin).

VW has a lot of work to do in this Country, especially when it comes to diesels. Audi's commercial on sending back all those barrels of oil is a debate ender IMHO on why diesel should be adopted now. Unfortunately, Toyota and Honda has passed out a lot of Kool aide over the last thirty years and those drinkers seem forever stuck on stupid. Case in point is the Toyota Prius. Unquestionably a poser car designed for clowns (hence the free makeup kit provided by their dealers with every sale). A car should not be just a tool, but that is the direction Toyota/Honda seem to be taking us in.

 

[oilhammer]

Ultimately I feel it is a combination of company politics, gov't politics, fickle consumerism, [Americans'] addiction to debt, and unrealistic desires that are all conspiring against VAG to be popular in this country as they already are on basically every other place on the planet except for maybe Japan and parts of southeast Asia.

They want to overtake Toyota in global sales, but that is going to be a difficult task if they cannot make better than 5% market share in the largest single new car market on Earth. So, while they have no problem dominating market share in all of Europe, and doing quite well in all of South America and Mexico, as well as many parts of Africa and the middle east, they continue to struggle here. The only major difference I see is the model lineup here, and I still think that is going to continue to be the major hurdle.

I do not expect Volkswagen to be all things to all people, nor do I expect them to contribute to every single market niche out there. Honda does quite well without any real full-sized pickup, for instance. But it would seem they could still not only benefit from a broader model portfolio here, but could also be a leg up on the competition in this country. For instance, the Tiggy should have been available here with a TDI engine right away. But they didn't, so now it has nothing really redeeming against some of its principle competition: RAV4 and CRV. So it is floundering, sadly. The TDI engine could be VOA's trump card, if VAG would just let them play it. In the mean time, much of the media continues with the hybrid BS darlings... But I am encouraged by some of the recent Audi TDI "Clean Diesel" commercials, let's just hope it pays off.

And arniedog, I agree the 2.5L S Jetta is a great value, but for $17k, I would hardly call it 'entry level'. A $9k Nissan Versa is entry level in my book.

 

[thebigarniedog]

....

And arniedog, I agree the 2.5L S Jetta is a great value, but for $17k, I would hardly call it 'entry level'. A $9k Nissan Versa is entry level in my book.

True, but no air conditioning in that entry level versa and no availability in my area (I looked for one as an interim ride). There lowest available vehicle in my area was $15(k). Besides, with global warming gripping the US air conditioning is a necessity .

 

[oilhammer]

My friend just bought a white 1.6L/5 sp Versa sedan for about $10k... and it has A/C.

You're right, the "BASE" model does not have A/C, in order to get that as an available option you need to step up one tier, but for 2009 the 1.6L sedan became available and that is how he got his. It had no radio, but did have speakers. Manual windows, no keyless, lifetime transmission, steelies with ugly wheelcovers, and a pretty spartan interior. But a decent enough car for the money I guess. Not for me, though. But a $10k Volkswagen? Sign me up!

The Accent has a similar A/C-less version on the bottom end as well.

 

[lexa]

And importing isn't cheap. That's why the Japanese, Koreans, BMW and Mercedes have plants here in the U.S. VW doesn't. When the new plant opens in Chattanooga, TN, you will see more options become available here.

not so sure...

Jetta is assembled in Mexico and most of the parts are produced there (TDI engines and DSG imported from Germany though). Importing from Mexico is as expensive as shipping from US plant.

Yet JSW TDI base price is borderline luxury car lower range for a compact wagon.

 

[lexa]

The Accent has a similar A/C-less version on the bottom end as well.

i was helping my mom to buy a car in August. For $13-13.5K (~$14.5-15K OOD) dealers were willing to sell new Elantra or Spectra, all features included - AT, AC, power door/windows, CD/MP3 with AUX input, remote, etc. 10y/100K power train warranty, not so underpowered 1.8L (~130 HP) engine with 26/35 MPG city/hwy.

as I understand base Jetta were sold ~$16K, before market price was distorted with CARS programm.

 

[Dieselgeek]

I just saw a GTI MK6 at a local dealer today for just over $30 g's. It had steerable HID headlights, sunroof, DSG, very fancy leather seats and 50 function steering wheel. $30 grand?

 

[greengeeker]

What's an A3 run nowadays?

 

[Dieselgeek]

I'll bet they'll run in the mid 30's. I've been seeing 2007 E320 Bluetec Mercedes used in the mid to lower 30's.

 

[motoblue]

The A3 is up on the audiusa website and actually, the prices of the gas versions compare very favorably to the GTI, even for the premium plus trim or even the Quattro. If I were looking for a gas car, I wouldn't hesitate to forget VW and go for the A3, but then I'll be 40 soon and no longer looking for a slammin' ride to street race in. That's what it looks like to me--different target customers altogether.

There's no clear winner when shopping diesel, though. The GTI is priced about $1300 more for the base model and has more available options like the leather package over the Golf TDI, so a fully speced Golf (minus navi) will come in less than a GTI, at 27K. A fully speced JSW is about $700 more. That's a fairer comparison to me to the A3 TDI which I've priced at $34.7K, but that's with standard stuff you can't get from a Golf or JSW like leather or a pano roof (unavailable in the Golf), not to mention the better brand reliability and dealer service competency reputation. I haven't decided for sure if those are worth the price premium, so I haven't ruled out the A3.

 

[woofie2]

I'll bet they'll run in the mid 30's. I've been seeing 2007 E320 Bluetec Mercedes used in the mid to lower 30's.

I looked at alot of 2005 E320 Mercedes cars in the $20-$25k range. the iron straight 6, easier to maintain, and still less than 100k miles. (the 2006 and newer use the V6)

 

[oilhammer]

I looked at alot of 2005 E320 Mercedes cars in the $20-$25k range. the iron straight 6, easier to maintain, and still less than 100k miles. (the 2006 and newer use the V6)

"Easier to maintain"? You have not worked on many newer MBs have you?

Google "SBC" brakes. What a freakin' nightmare of Fail.

 

[greengeeker]

Google "SBC" brakes.

ok I will.

It's being reported today that Mercedes is dropping their Sensotronic
Brake Control (SBC) from some of their models, starting with the E-
Class.

The SBC system has been a chronic thorn in Mercedes' side.
Manufactured by the Robert Bosch Group, the SBC system has led to the
recall of over 2 million Mercedes models (namely the E-Class), and
has played an integral part in the widespread "Mercedes quality
problems" you hear about so often.

source: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2005/11/30/151265.html

 

[oilhammer]

Told ya. Man I had to perform some of those recalls... what a freakin' nightmare. That has to be the most asanine setup anyone has ever come up with ever in the history of automotive braking. You could piss away nearly a whole day fighting with one of those cars. And then you'd still need to do the other 6 recalls on that same car . And I thought the RX330 recall list was bad.