Why are VWs so overpriced?

I don't know about that...a review of the new generation golf said interior fit and finish seemed to have gone up a notch, and they commented there were some notable touches from the higher end models.

So aim lower. It's not like the Golf, Jetta or NB are going away any time soon.

You want a cheap car, than go buy a Cavalier or Sunfire. You want a car that is going to offer an outstanding driving experience, than go buy a Volkswagen.

The Phaeton might not be a bargain, but it's priced well within its competition and therefore I wouldn't call it overpriced.

Golfs and Jettas are maybe a few grand more than competitors but they also feel like they're worth a few grand more too. The problem, if any, is that VW doesn't offer any entry-level vehicles in the US (such as a stripped-down Jetta CL or Golf CL w/o A/C and P/W or a Polo, although the Polo may eventually come here).

-Matt

You used to get BOTH an outstanding driving experience AND a nicely priced car. Now VW charges up the ass.

VW Golf: MSRP: $15,580 - $19,320

Honda Civic: MSRP: $12,810 - $20,550

Ford Focus: MSRP: $12,795 - $19,160

The low price is better on the , but things like power windows, power locks, and a CD + Cassette player are not included on the cheapest Ford or Honda's. Some of the cheaper cars also lack side airbags, which are standard on the VW.

So where is VW doing anything different than other companies??

I think they are fairly priced, and I like the way they drive.

As what price does a price become "up the ass"? And what features are you getting at that price in VW when compaired another make of car?

I agree with Peter, if you want a cheap car, get a Cavalier and try to keep it in your own lane when you get over 45MPH (seats were comfy though).

Here in Europe, we get the benefit of the other VW group brands, Seat and Skoda, being considerably lower priced versions of VW and Audi products. Same kit under the bonnet etc, but arguably better value. I did hear that Skoda were to introduce the Superb into the NAS market. Maybe that won't happen, but if it did, that would be a stretched "Passat" for Golf type money. Maybe that's more to your liking!

I'm not sure I agree with the basic premise that VWs are overpriced. When I bought my Passat GLX 4Motion, I looked carefully at the competition, which I considered to be the Audi A4, the Infiniti G35, the 3-series BMW, and the Volvo 40. All were more expensive once equipped with the same level of features that I could get in the GLX.

Even if you decide Passat equals family sedan, not sport sedan, take a look at the prices on similarly equipped Camrys. They are up there with the Passat.

They're also much better cars.

I have a 2001 GTI and though I agree it does feel more upscale then some competitors I do think some of the VW models in general are overpriced. A

2003 1.8T Jetta GLS with the roof and Monsoon package is around $1600 more than a comparably equipped 2003 Nissan Sentry SER Spec V. Horsepower ratings are similar as well. The only option the Sentra lacks is Traction Control though it has the 6 speed tranny. Also with reliability questionable on the Jetta that makes the VW less of an incentive. I know the Jetta and other VW's feel more upscale then many of the competitors as well as being less cookie cutter but not everyone sees those as a buying factors and price and quality rule their decision.

Not really....notice how the Japanese crap seems to be having more and more trouble today? And isn't it interesting that while Toyota/Honda/Nissan's flagship sedans are built in the U.S., VW still builds it's flagship in Germany...something to be said for European quality.

- Peter

Yes.

any VW with WVW or WV2 as the first 3 letters of the VIN is German.

- Peter

Yup. Along with the Jetta Wagon, and I believe the Toureg and the new Phaeton.

Jetta & Passat = WVW Phaeton = WVW Touareg = WV2

- Peter

Toyota/Honda/Nissan's

Eurovan'03 = WV2

Peter Cressman wrote:

What's the distinction between WVW and WV2 ?