I traded the Smart in for a Volkswagen Polo. I hadn't any pictures of myself yet, but a friend made a picture of me and the car yesterday. So far I am very happy with it.
Louis
Louis
Volkswagen, Das Auto
- Thread starter foraloysius
- Start date
sudsmaster
Well-known member
That looks like a major upgrade from a Smart. Congrats!
I read recently that Holland is switching from a flat annual road tax to a GPS-based tax per mile. I suppose this will save money for some people who only use their cars sparingly.
Here in the USA, as you probably know, the road taxes are tacked onto the price of gasoline (petrol). It's still far cheaper than European gas pricing, though.
In any case I'm wondering if the change in the road tax has made the purchase of a new auto less expensive for you at the outset?
I read recently that Holland is switching from a flat annual road tax to a GPS-based tax per mile. I suppose this will save money for some people who only use their cars sparingly.
Here in the USA, as you probably know, the road taxes are tacked onto the price of gasoline (petrol). It's still far cheaper than European gas pricing, though.
In any case I'm wondering if the change in the road tax has made the purchase of a new auto less expensive for you at the outset?
whirlcool
Well-known member
I wish that VW would import the Polo here in the U.S. They are very nice autos!
jasonl
New member
Polo TDI?
Now THAT would be a fuel saver!
By the way, I applied for a job at the new Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga. Wish me luck!
Now THAT would be a fuel saver!
By the way, I applied for a job at the new Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga. Wish me luck!
congrats Louis !
The latest Polo look very close to the Golf ... nothing to do with those ugly ones from the early eighties.
VW motors are very reliable, after 200,000 km I'm still very happy with my Octavia Combi. Ten years ago Skoda were just "budget" VW models and Octavia was a bargain compared to her "sister" Golf Variant.
I went for Skoda after bad experiences with Fiat and Renault, but have to admit the new FIAT Panda has a far improved quality build. The FIAT CEO seems to do well his job, hope he'll do as well with Chrisler too.
The latest Polo look very close to the Golf ... nothing to do with those ugly ones from the early eighties.
VW motors are very reliable, after 200,000 km I'm still very happy with my Octavia Combi. Ten years ago Skoda were just "budget" VW models and Octavia was a bargain compared to her "sister" Golf Variant.
I went for Skoda after bad experiences with Fiat and Renault, but have to admit the new FIAT Panda has a far improved quality build. The FIAT CEO seems to do well his job, hope he'll do as well with Chrisler too.
maytagbear
Well-known member
Congratulations, Louis!
May you and the Polo have many pleasant, trouble-free kilometres together!
Lawrence/Maytagbear
May you and the Polo have many pleasant, trouble-free kilometres together!
Lawrence/Maytagbear
ptcruiser51
Well-known member
No more Passat
for the U.S. after next year (I think that's what I read). Nuts! Just when I was in the market for a new one. They'll just be for the EU.
BTW, no more PT Cruisers either!
for the U.S. after next year (I think that's what I read). Nuts! Just when I was in the market for a new one. They'll just be for the EU.
BTW, no more PT Cruisers either!
Wat mooi!
Good choice, Louis. I had an early ancestor of this Polo model (actually 3 of them). For all whom it may be of concern to: YES, this handy little car easily swallows 2 (European-sized) washers, once you flip the back seat flat down and you pull the machines in back to back, washer tops and bottoms to the side doors. (Alternatively: 1 American sized unit plus 4-5 vacuums) - proven, I did it ;-)))
Ok, maybe nowadays' model has less room owing to its roundish design, the old ones were plainly square and hollow and had less cushoning in the doors).
De groetjes! Joe
Good choice, Louis. I had an early ancestor of this Polo model (actually 3 of them). For all whom it may be of concern to: YES, this handy little car easily swallows 2 (European-sized) washers, once you flip the back seat flat down and you pull the machines in back to back, washer tops and bottoms to the side doors. (Alternatively: 1 American sized unit plus 4-5 vacuums) - proven, I did it ;-)))
Ok, maybe nowadays' model has less room owing to its roundish design, the old ones were plainly square and hollow and had less cushoning in the doors).
De groetjes! Joe
Thanks!
Yes, a European washer would fit in the back when it's transported on it's side. I've seen it done before. Unfortunately not two, the design is indeed rounded.
It's indeed a major upgrade from the Smart. The price wasn't affected by the new road tax system yet, I don't think that will be introduced before 2011.
One of the reasons I bought this one is that it only had 39.000 kilometers on it. Lots of kilometers to go. It has all the bells and whistles I wanted, power steering, automatic transmission, airconditioning, cruise control etc. The engine is a 1.4 litre 75 HP one.
Yes, a European washer would fit in the back when it's transported on it's side. I've seen it done before. Unfortunately not two, the design is indeed rounded.
It's indeed a major upgrade from the Smart. The price wasn't affected by the new road tax system yet, I don't think that will be introduced before 2011.
One of the reasons I bought this one is that it only had 39.000 kilometers on it. Lots of kilometers to go. It has all the bells and whistles I wanted, power steering, automatic transmission, airconditioning, cruise control etc. The engine is a 1.4 litre 75 HP one.
whirlcool
Well-known member
BTW, no more PT Cruisers either!
Thank God for that! Those things reminded me of early 1950's hearses.
Thank God for that! Those things reminded me of early 1950's hearses.
sudsmaster
Well-known member
I've always liked the PT Cruiser, although I think they should have added a factory panel van version instead of that ugly convertible.
They also needed to improve the motor (like drop in a V6) and turning radius. But I suspect neither of those would have been an easy fix, due to a small engine compartment and suspension limitations.
I once met the departing head of Chrysler design, Tom Gale, just before the merger with Mercedes was announced. He seemed genuinely surprised when I told him that the yet-to-be released PT Cruiser would be a huge hit. Unfortunately the young designer of the PT Cruiser soon departed also, I think for Ford if I'm not mistaken. There was a general exodus of Chrysler executive and design talent when Daimler took over. Too bad, because prior to the merger Chrysler was on a roll, and was even the most profitable car company in the world at the time. Blink once and everything can change.
They also needed to improve the motor (like drop in a V6) and turning radius. But I suspect neither of those would have been an easy fix, due to a small engine compartment and suspension limitations.
I once met the departing head of Chrysler design, Tom Gale, just before the merger with Mercedes was announced. He seemed genuinely surprised when I told him that the yet-to-be released PT Cruiser would be a huge hit. Unfortunately the young designer of the PT Cruiser soon departed also, I think for Ford if I'm not mistaken. There was a general exodus of Chrysler executive and design talent when Daimler took over. Too bad, because prior to the merger Chrysler was on a roll, and was even the most profitable car company in the world at the time. Blink once and everything can change.
Very nice, Louis. The VW display at the auto show is always one of my favorites. I still want a Rabbit!
Good luck on the job at VW Jason!!
Good luck on the job at VW Jason!!
jasonl
New member
The Passat's replacement
Will be the yet unannounced car that the plant in Chatt will be building.
That makes me fall in love with my TDI Beetle all over again (VW always has a way of winning you over again). And when it's time for another car, it will be damn sure another TDI Beetle or Golf.
Will be the yet unannounced car that the plant in Chatt will be building.
That makes me fall in love with my TDI Beetle all over again (VW always has a way of winning you over again). And when it's time for another car, it will be damn sure another TDI Beetle or Golf.
jasonl
New member
Back in 2003
The odometer read 12 miles. Now it reads 93,000 and the VW emblem on the hood is faded.
The odometer read 12 miles. Now it reads 93,000 and the VW emblem on the hood is faded.
jasonl
New member
93,000 miles later...
Still making 48mpg
Still making 48mpg
nostalgie ......
Ok, let's go for a true VW thread .....
the latest Caravelle is no doubt a beautiful van, but what about the vintage ones ?? I go weak for them !! Check these ones on this blog :
http://weheartit.com/tag/vw bus?page=1
Ok, let's go for a true VW thread .....
the latest Caravelle is no doubt a beautiful van, but what about the vintage ones ?? I go weak for them !! Check these ones on this blog :
http://weheartit.com/tag/vw bus?page=1
sudsmaster
Well-known member
I wouldn't mind adding a minty '67 Beetle to my collection.
jasonl
New member
There's a 66 Beetle down the street from me. Looks mint except for one of the rear fenders. I'd love a restored/rebuilt (not hot-rodded) engine old Bug. That will outlast my new beetle.
sudsmaster
Well-known member
'66 is good. With '67 you get a 12 volt system, but probably not too hard to upgrade the '66 to 12 volts.
Congrats Lewis! To me, it looks very similar to a US Golf.
I love that Europeans still think of things like power steering and Air Conditioning as 'options'
Us darn Americans, we feel we are entitled to power-everything, with a Landau top to boot!
Ben
I love that Europeans still think of things like power steering and Air Conditioning as 'options'
Us darn Americans, we feel we are entitled to power-everything, with a Landau top to boot!
Ben
aldspinboy
Well-known member
You look very happy Louis !
That could almost be and ad for VW lol.
Have a great time with it.
Darren k.
That could almost be and ad for VW lol.
Have a great time with it.
Darren k.
Very nice and you got the right color as well. White cars never need washing (well seldom ever). I don't follow cars much anymore so not sure if that available here or not under a different name.
My concern for my next car which won't be for a few more years hopefull is to be able to get one with a light colored interior because it seems today every car sold has a black or dark gray interior and I like the tan interior on my Mazda.
Jason.. good luck on getting the job
My concern for my next car which won't be for a few more years hopefull is to be able to get one with a light colored interior because it seems today every car sold has a black or dark gray interior and I like the tan interior on my Mazda.
Jason.. good luck on getting the job
travlincub321
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 25, 2009
- Messages
- 534
What made you trade the smart?
Thanks y'all!
I was actually sick of getting blown of the road when there is a little wind. This car is glued to the road.
Power steering is standard on these cars, but I don't think the BOL model has airconditioning, but I'm not sure. The automatic transmission sure is an option and you don't see cruise control often on these cars.
I was actually sick of getting blown of the road when there is a little wind. This car is glued to the road.
Power steering is standard on these cars, but I don't think the BOL model has airconditioning, but I'm not sure. The automatic transmission sure is an option and you don't see cruise control often on these cars.
thomasortega
Well-known member
Isn't interesting how each region has the favorite options?
Here in Brazil people (including me) still hate the automatic transmission as we love to "feel" the car, some people don't care if it has power steering if it's going to cost more and probably i'm the only brazillian that used the cruise control and it was only once and to try (only once), but the ordinary consumer won't buy a car (even BOL) without electric lock with remote control.
If a manufacturer does something different to enhance the technology, like Renault Megane which is the only Renault that uses a card instead of a key, the consumers say "they created this just to take our money".
After many potential consumers that gave up and got other brand because of that card, Renault had to develop a standard key to offer as a free option.
Diesel cars are not allowed here in Brazil (I think that's ridiculous) but at least now we have the bi-fuel cars (alcohol and gasoline mixed at any proportion).
Once i watched on tv a comparison between each country preferences. and it said something like that:
In the U.S.A., a car isn't considered a car if it doesn't have automatic transmission, power windows, power seats, power mirrors and a huge glass holder and lots of space to store small things. (compartments between the front seats, above the head. on the door and sometimes even under the seat.)
In U.K. it rains "8 days/week" and "367 days/year", but people love convertible cars. Even the Ford Ka has a cabrio version. the program also made a joke and said the manucacturers should offer a garden sprinkler to put inside the car on sunny days.
Here in Brazil people (including me) still hate the automatic transmission as we love to "feel" the car, some people don't care if it has power steering if it's going to cost more and probably i'm the only brazillian that used the cruise control and it was only once and to try (only once), but the ordinary consumer won't buy a car (even BOL) without electric lock with remote control.
If a manufacturer does something different to enhance the technology, like Renault Megane which is the only Renault that uses a card instead of a key, the consumers say "they created this just to take our money".
After many potential consumers that gave up and got other brand because of that card, Renault had to develop a standard key to offer as a free option.
Diesel cars are not allowed here in Brazil (I think that's ridiculous) but at least now we have the bi-fuel cars (alcohol and gasoline mixed at any proportion).
Once i watched on tv a comparison between each country preferences. and it said something like that:
In the U.S.A., a car isn't considered a car if it doesn't have automatic transmission, power windows, power seats, power mirrors and a huge glass holder and lots of space to store small things. (compartments between the front seats, above the head. on the door and sometimes even under the seat.)
In U.K. it rains "8 days/week" and "367 days/year", but people love convertible cars. Even the Ford Ka has a cabrio version. the program also made a joke and said the manucacturers should offer a garden sprinkler to put inside the car on sunny days.
Love the Polo
Hi Louis
I love your Polo.
My partner and I are looking around for his next car and a new Polo is very high on the list. We are just "kicking tyres" at present, we are intending to purchase some time in 2010.
Polos sold in Australia are assembled in South Africa, and the current model Polo Diesel is not fitted with a diesel particulate filter, and that is a "must" for us. But a new model Polo is due in 2010 so we might go for that if it has a DPF.
The sedan version of your Polo was the first Chinese-assembled car sold in Australia, three or four years ago. The Hatchback version was assembled in Slovakia or South Africa, I'm not sure. I have read that the assembly quality of the Chinese car was terrible, and VW Australia soon stopped importing them.
The Skoda Fabia is in reality a Czech version of the Polo under its skin, but they are not sold here yet. Skoda only returned to the Australian market in 2007, with only the Octavia and Roomster sold here, and the Superb has just gone on sale here in the last couple of months. The Fabia is likely to come here in 2010, but it is not certain which models - we would like the Fabia Combi (wagon) in a diesel engine and manual transmission. That car is already on sale in New Zealand, if it makes the slight extra voyage to Australia it is top of our list.
Second on the list is a Citroen C4 - they had a great price on them last year, reduced from AU$32990 to AU$25990 but we weren't ready to buy at that time. Now they are back to $32990 and they have no manual transmission option in AU any more!!
Congratulations on your Polo, I think it is an excellent choice.
Chris.
Hi Louis
I love your Polo.
My partner and I are looking around for his next car and a new Polo is very high on the list. We are just "kicking tyres" at present, we are intending to purchase some time in 2010.
Polos sold in Australia are assembled in South Africa, and the current model Polo Diesel is not fitted with a diesel particulate filter, and that is a "must" for us. But a new model Polo is due in 2010 so we might go for that if it has a DPF.
The sedan version of your Polo was the first Chinese-assembled car sold in Australia, three or four years ago. The Hatchback version was assembled in Slovakia or South Africa, I'm not sure. I have read that the assembly quality of the Chinese car was terrible, and VW Australia soon stopped importing them.
The Skoda Fabia is in reality a Czech version of the Polo under its skin, but they are not sold here yet. Skoda only returned to the Australian market in 2007, with only the Octavia and Roomster sold here, and the Superb has just gone on sale here in the last couple of months. The Fabia is likely to come here in 2010, but it is not certain which models - we would like the Fabia Combi (wagon) in a diesel engine and manual transmission. That car is already on sale in New Zealand, if it makes the slight extra voyage to Australia it is top of our list.
Second on the list is a Citroen C4 - they had a great price on them last year, reduced from AU$32990 to AU$25990 but we weren't ready to buy at that time. Now they are back to $32990 and they have no manual transmission option in AU any more!!
Congratulations on your Polo, I think it is an excellent choice.
Chris.
jasonl
New member
Thomas, I agree. I like a manual shift car too. It's better on fuel and if you drive it right, you can really save. But I do like my cruise and remote locks. Convenience. What's more important is SAFETY features like ABS and maybe traction control. The New Beetle is a heavy car and I'll guess hard to steer without power steering.
Suds, 6 to 12v isn't a terrible job. You can get a 67 or later engine. You have to modify the transmission to accept the larger (200mm) flywheel and clutch. Plus change all the lights, radio, battery, wiper motor. My 1964 was a 12v car with a 1968 engine.
Suds, 6 to 12v isn't a terrible job. You can get a 67 or later engine. You have to modify the transmission to accept the larger (200mm) flywheel and clutch. Plus change all the lights, radio, battery, wiper motor. My 1964 was a 12v car with a 1968 engine.
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