१४ मे, २०१०
A cool German car commercial.
I was looking for video of Woody Guthrie's "Car Song," because it was running through my head along with thoughts of buying a new car, and I ended up at this Audi commercial. I don't think we're going to buy another Audi — and no way are we getting rid of the TT — but we're thinking of getting a German car. This one. Opinions?
CORRECTION: The commercial is in Dutch. Lawyeristic defense: It's still a German car. Who knows which adjectives modify which words? In the same vein: Is it a cool commercial, a cool car, or a cool German?
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I was looking at the VW Jetta and Golf. I think the Golf has higher cute factor; and of the two, it's the one actually made in Germany. (The Jetta is Mexican, which I guess doesn't matter, but I like the Teutonic cachet.) I ended up buying a 4 door Civix EX with manual transmission and nice wheels. I don't regret it, even though it was made in Canada. Hopefully my friends won't laugh at me.
Umm that's Civic not Civix or Cervix.
How come there's never been a car named the Cervix?
That car is on our short list, too. But it's a little smaller than we'd like and VW reliability/service still makes us nervous. I wish somebody other than luxury brands (and VW) would sell a wagon here in the U.S. Something like this would be perfect.
Just be sure to double check VW's reported reliability via Consumer Reports. For a while, VWs were very unreliable. Three of my co-workers bought Passats within a few months of each other. They loved them -- when they were running.
I haven't checked VW's rating lately (I'm not in the market for a car), so maybe they've improved their act. I hope so.
For those Wisconsin winters, a Subaru import from Lafayette, Indiana.
Commercials? Really?
Is that how far this blog has fallen? Showing commercials?
Get real, Ann. People come here for the pseudo-pedo porn you run.
Show the 7-year-olds being whored out by their parents dancing to "Single Ladies" again.
Anderson Cooper and CNN called this video "wildly inappropriate." But then I noticed that CNN had no problem airing it for the viewers this "wildly inappropriate video split screen as Anderson Cooper criticized it/drooled over it.
So, what's good for CNN ratings has to be good for blog ratings too, right Ann?
Find us some more pseudo-but-CNN-approved-kiddie -pr0n and post that up, Ann.
Commercials will only bring down your ratings.
I've had a couple of VW GTI's over the years..
WV are good cars..
"Show the 7-year-olds being whored out by their parents dancing to "Single Ladies" again."
Ham, why aren't you afraid that you are displaying your own inappropriate tendencies?
Enough now. This is a discussion of cars. I will delete anymore histrionics about pedophilia coming from you. If you have a problem, get treatment.
I'll delete this comment when you delete yours.
Wait. Isn't a Volkswagen basically an Audi?
We're looking at the VW Eos convertible ourselves. I've heard the reliability horror stories, not to mention the $$$$ repair bills.
I wouldn't mind a Volvo.
I'd love to buy American. Maybe a Lincoln?
Is your driveway really long enough for two cars?
There aren't a lot of VWs on my street -- we're Prius Avenue, practically. We just had *another* neighbor buy one. But I like the looks of a VW. And if it's in the shop occasionally, does that really matter? My co-worker has a VW wagon with many many (>100K) miles on it. Still going strong.
I had a Jetta for 15 years and prior to that I had a Rabbit. My girlfriend's had two Jettas (the first was totaled by a Cadillac driven by an octogenarian). I love 'em!
But you need to get the stick.
WV: conies The Scots call rabbits "conies." (See R.H. Coase, The Problem of Social Costs)
VW used to make a car called a Rabbit.
The '87 Dodge Colt is nice.
Made by German ally Mitsubishi. Fine fighter aircraft since 1940.
208k on my BMW, and still pulls like new. Just sayin!
Actually I think I would go Volvo if I went new. I think the V70 is the touring. You would think Volvo would have a tough time spread as wide as they are - trucks, buses, construction, maritime, etc. But they don't. Pretty amazing company.
I know some of the older Jettas had a oil sludge problem, but I would think they have that sorted. My friend right out of law school helped a neighbor get 16k out of VW for their Jetta that seized on them. VW at first didn't want to pay a dime.
The absolute worse TV ad on now, is the one where someone sees a Vw, and then punches the person next to them. I want to punch the person who thought of the ad.
VW owner for many many years- reliable, economical, good ride, good styling. We make trip to AZ from WA and back to WA 2X a year. Fill tank 3X per trip with VW Passat.
My law school roommate had a VW Jetta (it would have been a 2002 or so). Without a doubt, the Worst. Car. Ever. I spent significant portions of my first and second years of law school driving the roomie around while the car was in the shop, as well as driving her to and from the shop itself.
Thankfully, before our third year, she got rid of the Jetta. Never had to drive her to or from the shop again.
Also, the WV for this post? "subcar" - pretty much a perfect description for the aforementioned Jetta.
Mrs. Haz is currently the proud owner of her third VW Jetta. All three have been dead-on reliable.
This one has the TDI (diesel) engine and the DSG (digitally Shifted Gearbox) transmission. Incredible. I would not buy a Jetta that didn't have these two components.
The TDI engine yields 40+ mpg on average, and we've gotten 50+ mpg on highway trips. It does not have the typical diesel noise or lack or performance.
The DSG is essentially a manual transmission that operates like an automatic. The driver does not shift gears not operate the clutch. All of that is done by computer control. The result is nothing short of amazing.
If you buy a Jetta wagon, find one that has the TDI engine and DSG transmission. The car will delight you.
@ Allen S:
Lately my nine-year old twins have been punching me and shouting "punch buggy" every time I drive past a VW. I didn't know this came from a TV ad. The twins don't see car ads on TV, so they must have got it from school. Do you have a link to the ad?
WV: metemea Latin for "my lot in life"
Not that wild about the ad - or the car, but, if you two are thinking about a Joltswagon, you're getting way too domesticated.
How about matched Harleys?
Hagar said...
For those Wisconsin winters, a Subaru import from Lafayette, Indiana.
The Blonde and I have both owned Outback wagons and love them.
rhhardin said...
The '87 Dodge Colt is nice.
Made by German ally Mitsubishi. Fine fighter aircraft since 1940.
I've always thought their slogan should have been, "From the nice people who brought you the Zero".
That would have focused a lot of attention.
Sixty Grit said...
Veedubs are notorious for lousy build quality. Buy one, it will teach you some harsh real life lessons.
A German tradition since 1870.
I have no link, Buster, only can say it's on the TV. I just hate it. Or should I say that it's on DirecTV.
Green one!
@buster - The "punchbuggy" thing dates back to the early days of the original VW Beetle. Upon seeing a Beetle, kisd would punch someone in the arm and yell "punchbuggy (name of color)".
A recent VW ad revived the tradition.
@buster - (continuing) In my household we have adapted the "punchbuggy" thing to better fit our current demographic.
For example, when I see a beer truck, I punch someone in the shoulder and yell "punchbuggy Budweiser", then drink a beer. My days pass rather quickly.
I doesn't have much ground clearance for handling snow, no all-wheel drive for going even slightly off-road (as when you and Meade are hunting the wily morel). The turbo-diesel should have enough punch for you after driving your TT pocket-rocket, but diesel fuel everywhere I've been is substantially more expensive than unleaded regular.
Hagar's right. Get a Subaru Outback, but fly for the six-banger.
Definitely go for the TDI option if it is available. Prius mileage without the hybrid snootiness. Besides, you get a real engine with real acceleration. You just have to map out where to find diesel fuel.
buster, here's the ad.
"For example, when I see a beer truck, I punch someone in the shoulder and yell "punchbuggy Budweiser", then drink a beer. My days pass rather quickly."
No open container law where you're from, Michael?
I hadn't seen that punching ad. (Of course, I remember the old thing of punching when seeing a VW Beetle.) Halfway through the ad, I was annoyed. My annoyance peaked when someone hit a bus driver. Do not do that. Ever. But then it was winning me back. And it ended with Stevie Wonder horsing around about being blind. That was great!
Also:
1. I had a 1985 Jetta. It was nice. Sporty back then before they made it look like other cars.
2. "If you buy a Jetta wagon, find one that has the TDI engine and DSG transmission. " We're looking at the TDI. Definitely. But for transmission... I want the manual. That's the decisive factor for me. I would consider at Honda CR-V for our purposes (recreational stuff where the TT shouldn't go) but you can't get a manual transmission.
Give me an alternative for a car to put our bikes on, etc. that has a manual transmission and is sort of cool looking and fun to drive.
Go for it. That is a well designed as a sufficiently up sized sports car.
Give me an alternative for a car to put our bikes on, etc. that has a manual transmission and is sort of cool looking and fun to drive.
Oh! In that case, go for a 1957 Ford Ranch Wagon.
Yes, Stevie Wonder consistently comes across as having a delightful sense of humor.
"I had a 1985 Jetta. It was nice. Sporty back then before they made it look like other cars."
I had an '85 Jetta. Loved the look (and the feel) of that car. Mine was silver.
Was your Jetta a stick, Ann? Mine was. That was one peppy car. And it had a big trunk for its size, which was great for camping.
"Was your Jetta a stick, Ann?"
Yes. I've never bought a car with an automatic transmission. I hate rental cars because they are always automatic, and if I test drive a car with automatic, my reaction is: It feels like a rental car.
I truly loathe automatic transmissions!
Me too. I keep pushing the imaginary clutch. Then there's this momentary confusion. I really think someday I'll cause an accident. Fortunately, I'm not put in that situation too often.
A friend, who also needed room for bikes (and kayaks and cc skis), recently looked at options. She didn't like the CRV, because of the high profile and opted for a Subaru Outback. It was easier for her to load and unload bikes off the top. Just a thought (and she's even a little taller than you and I).
We bought a CRV a couple of years ago - I don't recall if it had an option for a stick, but we were looking at automatics on account of a high schooler still in the house. Now, I wish we had the stick. They're great for winter driving.
@ Irene:
Thanks. The twins will like it.
1) punchbuggy? punchbuggy? it was "slugbug" for the love of god!
2) the TDI is a superior engine is terms of reliability, drive-ability, and fuel economy. would that american cars had such an option.
3) i personally wouldn't consider getting anything other than a DSG transmission, but that's based on 6 years of driving 80,000 pound trucks up and down the rocky mountains (my manual shifting jones has been worked, thanks).
4) i would want all wheel drive myself. i'm sure you already know you can get an audi a4 wagon.
vw: glogy. i got all gloggy when i saw people saying "punchbuggy".
I don't loathe automatic transmission, I just wanted a car that was fun to drive; and that I could drive aggressively in spite of a 1.8 liter engine.
But driving to work in bumper-to-bumper traffic jam can be a huge drag, because you have to ride the clutch so much.
TDI in Wisconsin seems like insanity. Sub-zero weather clogs the arteries of a diesel vehicle.
Ideal vehicle for carrying around stuff on the weekends: Kia Sedona Minivan. Or a Kia Sorento if you like strapping stuff to the outside of your vehicle. Trendy lefties never drive Korean vehicles, so it's a statement on what a rugged individualist you are.
@ Michael Hasenstab:
Wow. I go back to the early days of the VW Bug (and a bit more), but I've never seen or heard of it.
@ Allen S:
I think the ad is OK, but getting punched while I'm driving, even by a nine year old, is really the pits.
WV: anutfav A favorite of nuts.
"But driving to work in bumper-to-bumper traffic jam can be a huge drag, because you have to ride the clutch so much."
That's the one downside. Fortunately, I've never had to commute.
"Slugbug" is what I remember.
I hadn't sat in a new car forever, I mean, what was the point? Then we went to the VW dealer (my husband and his friend have VW Corrados) and I sat in several different models and I really didn't like them at all. Somehow they managed to be too small and simultaneously swallow me up and I felt like I had no visibility. The bug, Jetta, their SUV...
They made me appreciate my ugly, old, 150K plus miles, beat up junker of a Dodge Caravan.
Heh... wv: snockin.
The best car commercials, though are the "unpimp your auto" ones. I'll see if I can find them.
I'm going to be really lazy...
http://www.leftlanenews.com/vw-strikes-again-un-pimp-my-ride-videos.html
Puny Punch
The name of the game in our area (in the 60's) before Slug Bug arrived.
Volvo auto is totally separate from Volvo trucks etc. Until recently Ford owned Volvo auto. I think they sold it to someone in China last year--or tried to.
Listen to Haz- he knows his stuff.
I've had a 2003 Golf TDI (diesel/stick) for years and love it. I'm on my second transmission but after 106k miles motor is still fine. The Jetta is obviously bigger and not as maneuverable in tight spots if that matters.
Ann Althouse said...
...
Give me an alternative for a car to put our bikes on, etc. that has a manual transmission and is sort of cool looking and fun to drive.
The Blonde's Outback wagon was a stick and she loved it. Plenty of room for stuff and the only reason she had to get a new car was that she wanted something that sat a little higher off the ground (knees, don't you know). I like a lower center of gravity ever since I had a couple of adventures driving up to Cleveland in the ice and snow (and slush and freezing rain and ...).
As to cool, we all have our tastes, but I don't think mine looks too bad...
Miss having a stick! Other good options that fit the bill: volvo v50, bmw x3, subaru outback and vw tiguan.
Prof;
hadn't seen that punching ad.
So it is now revealed that our blog owner is a snob for apparently she, unlike the other 100 million, did not watch the Super Bowl.
What were you doing? Out taking pictures?
My daughter-in-law just bought a new Subaru Outback and it's a great car. Manual 6 speed is offered on the 2.5i. Four wheel drive standard. Nice on snow and ice. Made by Hoosiers in Lafayette, Indiana. Can't go wrong with that!
The Japanese lost the war when the gas gauge on the Zero quickly started failing, and the turn indicators went on the blink.
We test drove the Tiguan too. I prefered the Sportwagen.
Actually, today, I'm thinking, why do we need that second car, really. The TT has done well for us all year. How many couples stay with just one car? Yet our reason for thinking of getting another car isn't that we go 2 different places. It's that we have different things we do and the TT isn't good for everything. But the truth is it's good for almost everything we do.
SUVs seem stodgy to me. They're basically vans.
We're looking at the TDI. Definitely. But for transmission... I want the manual. That's the decisive factor for me.
I understand, being a life-long driver of cars that have manual transmissions. I encourage you to drive a TDI with the DSG, though.
The TDI engine makes most of its power before 3500 rpm, so with stick you'll be shifting four times before you've reached the end of the block. The DSC is uncannily like a manual trans, plus it gives you a shift-it-yourself option.
TDI in Wisconsin seems like insanity. Sub-zero weather clogs the arteries of a diesel vehicle.
Not a problem. We've kept the care outside overnight in -30 temperatures. Just remember to add a bit of fuel conditioner when the temps are subzero.
I wish that Americans weren't so averse to hatchbacks. They are so much more practical than sedans, and I think they look cool too.
I drive an Audi A4 Quattro with the 6 speed, and I love it. I would also recommend a Subaru WRX or Outback.
Sorry, I just realized that they don't offer the new A4 hatchback with a manual transmission. Go with Subaru.
" wish that Americans weren't so averse to hatchbacks. They are so much more practical than sedans, and I think they look cool too."
That's why I currently have a 1999 Saab 93. Hatchback is so much nicer than a trunk. I think Saab getting rid of the hatchback was pretty dumb.
This BMW ad is still the king of all car commercials, imo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plxNfU-PA2c
I remember Slug Bug too; I'd never heard of "punchbuggy" before this ad series came out. I assume they felt obligated to come up with a new word because it's not a Beetle in the current commercial.
And it ended with Stevie Wonder horsing around about being blind. That was great!
I remember a public-service poster that I saw in a school a number of years ago featuring Stevie. The caption read, "Before I'd let one of my friends drive drunk, I'd drive them myself."
I truly loathe automatic transmissions!
Me too; I've been driving a standard since I got my license. And I agree with you on the rental-car feel of automatics; it just doesn't feel like real driving to me.
German cars have been an important market in the U.S. industry. They have grown their importance as well as their easy and dedicated repair services.
For German car repair service in U.S. please refer link
German auto repair in Thousand Oaks
German car has been ruining the market since ages. These car need some care and inspection along with some bit of technical repair during wreckage process. So going for a good repair shop is really essential too.
Audi Repair Los Alamitos
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