[vdubfan77]

I've always kept a car 1-3 years, up to 40k miles, then trade it in for a new one. Then I got married.

So, I've had my car (2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport) for 2 years since my wife wouldn't let me get arid of it... yet. I have 65k miles and growing... since I work roughly 62 miles from home, so driving around 125 miles per day. With other excursions I'm running roughly 45,000 miles per year!

I think I have her convinced I need to switch to a VW TDI. If my calculations are right, I'll save between $1,300 - $2,000 / year in fuel costs alone! So, that right there I think is worth it.

I like having my hatchback for hauling stuff. The Golf, unfortunately is shorter & less cargo room. So, I'm thinking the Jetta Wagon. Manual of course! (another car she can't drive... refuses to learn manual) I told her the automatics don't last, which is true. So, now I just have to see how much car I can afford. I'm going to get practically nothing for my car and how much I'd take out of savings.

So, I figure with the TDI I'll keep it for as long as it runs or until I no longer need a TDI.

 

[m_torque]

Until I can afford a Porsche GT3, which will be never so I guess a long time.
I bought a TDI because of Audi R10 racecar which I saw and heard in person and it turned me on. I am just starting to enjoy the mileage factor, but it wasn't the main reason I bought it- I bought it because its fun for the daily grind.

 

[6910sb]

I told her the automatics don't last, which is true.

So how long do I have before my DSG goes out? jaw drops anic: Bummer, I wanted to keep mine for 10 years, but now maybe I won't be able to.

 

[chittychittybangbang]

Historically, VW hasn't had great automatics. The 2004-2006 mk4 autos seem to be better and the DSG transmission (flywheel excluded) has had this recent batch of problems but otherwise seems pretty good. The flywheels since the mk4 generation in general have been somewhat klunky or problematic simply because they are 2 pieces instead of 1. Why VW DMF dual mass flywheels seem to have more problems, I don't know, probably because I don't play with other makes of cars and just don't hear about it.

Having said that don't freak out and sell a car because you think you might have a problem. You wouldn't sell your house because a pipe burst and a car is almost as large a financial commitment. And in general, any manual transmission will be more reliable than automatics just because they are so much simpler. Less components, no computer, no wiring harness, less spots for fluid leaks = more reliable. Having said that, I was looking for a DSG car but only got a manual because it was priced right. I ended up having to replace the clutch and flywheel but the price was about the same as buying the DSG flush tool and fluid/filter or having an independant mechanic do the service.

 

[Two Mikes]

Think about the cost/value/savings. It's normally just cheaper to fix an old car than replace it with a brand new car. The hit from depreciation has to be worth the new features. Your new car could also be a lemon.

 

[tadurkee]

Just purchased my 2010 VW Sportwagen DSG this week and plan to drive it until the engine or transmission dies. For the past 12 years I've been averaging 100,000 miles per year doing courier/route delivery work. My last 4 vehicles were Dodge/Chrysler minivans, and I put 200-500K on each one before selling or trading them in. Hoping to get at least 500K on the new Sportwagen. This is my first diesel and I'm so glad I found this forum. Looking forward to learning as much as I can....

 

[clean diesel]

As long as it rides. Forever