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Subscribe to this threadVW's plan for the U.S. include smaller Passat replacement, pickup and more
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montoym @ Mar 10th 2008 9:57PM
I'm really hoping VW brings a smaller pickup to us similar to the Rabbit Pickups(Caddy) we had in the 80's. I've actually seen a new one at a VW gathering last summer. Looks like a Rabbit in the front(actually had a GTI front end) but with a pickup bed in the back. With a TDI option, that would be a great compact pickup. Plus, it would be somewhat familiar to those who grew up with VW's and wouldn't seem like such a dramatic change.
If they offered a larger pickup like the Taro or even a Touareg pickup like the AAC Concept from a few years back, it wouldn't seem right since VW is primarily known as a smaller car manufacturer. Maybe once the new smaller P/U makes headway, then they could bring out the others.
Regarding the reliabilty factor. It's been said in other posts, but reliability anymore is damn good all around. Even those on the bottom are still quite reliable vehicles. Reliability is measured in problems per 100 vehicles. At the top, you may have an automaker who has 1.3 probs./100 vehicles and at the bottom, it may be 3.5/100 vehicles. Hardly a huge difference.
I'm on my 2nd VW, both of which are Mk4 models which had the majority of the problems in recent years. The two biggest issues dealt with window regulators and coil packs. I had the regulators replaced in both my cars after they failed and it took a few hours at the dealer. No big deal and it has not resurfaced(nor have I heard of anyone else having a recurrance). I only had the coilpacks replaced on my current car and that was a supplier issue(unlike the design issue like the window regulator). Again, it was fixed quickly by my dealer and under warranty as well.
Both of these issues have long been solved(for at least 5yrs) and are not present in current models. In fact, they were really relegated to the Mk4 range(and only certain models at that).
VW's are traditionally quite reliable. Look at how many older(from the 50's and beyond) VW's you see around. I see far more Beetles, 1st and 2nd gen Jettas, Rabbits, and Passats around than any number of similar vintage vehicles. VW did slip for a few years, but they've solved the issues and reliabilty numbers have gotten better and should continue to rise.