donk.'s Past Time Car Review Thread

[red kryptonite]

Originally Posted by EvoFire

Writing one of these long form reviews is so much work

Originally Posted by BIC_BAWS

My pending reviews that may never come out... includes a courtesy car Nissan Sentra? Altima? It wasn't bad.

i need to do a e90 vs f80 review while f80 ownership is still fresh in my head

[EvoFire]

Originally Posted by red kryptonite

i need to do a e90 vs f80 review while f80 ownership is still fresh in my head

I mean, I have a F80 if we really need to compare....

[Badhobz]

2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn aka Hitler Box

Its been about 6000kms since mid June so i figure id give it a review.





Pros:
- It really does drive very nice for a FWD hatch. Reminds me a lot of the MK7 sportwagen i had before, but with more power, better handling, and overall compliance. Ive put my foot down through corners and it doesnt seem to wash out or understeer as much (still some) as the old sportwagen (although it was 4motion).
- Im glad i got the 6 speed manual but there are some quirks that go into the cons section with this paticular transmission
- the size is perfect, im able to fit into spaces downtown and around east van without any trouble.
- Tech is great. The autonomous driving is quite good, it can stay in its own lane on the highway and use that adaptive cruise functionality without any real issues. I havent tried it in the rain, but it seems to do okay.
- Infotainment is fine, no issues with it.
- Front seats are comfortable, back seats are meh.
- its pretty quick! especially when you are in boost. it goes like stink

Cons:
- Build quality is horseshit. Literally the worst built car ive ever owned. Worst than the mk7 sportwagen that was assembled in mexico. This is suppose to be good!!! its built in wolfsburg. The cost cutting is noticeable and significant. No more hood struts, hard plastics everywhere, rattles and squeaks galore. The door jams are so poor aligned that when you go over a bump, it creaks cuz the plastics are rubbing against the body. Its gotten so bad, i had to add this tape to quiet it down. People just think im ricing out my car, but in reality its just to cover up german incompetence

Both door panels needed to be replaced. TWICE. due to the clips rattling behind
Ive taken apart like 3 pieces of the dash already to add additional sound deafening materials. GARBAGE

- Rides a bit harsh, even on the most comfortable setting. Im glad i didnt get a CTR because im pretty sure that'll break my back. I think it could be these low profile 19 inch tires and wheels. Im thinking about putting in 17's with wayyy more sidewall to make it less jarring

- The 1->2 shift on this 6 speed manual is pretty bad. In order to sort of smooth it out, you need to either short shift it like crazy, or rev it up to about 4k and then slowly release the clutch. Neither of this is fast, nor all that smooth. ive basically just bypassed the whole thing and start off in 2nd.

[bcrdukes]

All problems with this vehicle could have been easily solved if you had only put on Michelin Cross Climate 2s!

[EvoFire]

Sounds like 1st is too short then? If you are picking up 2nd then even 2nd is too short? I had hard time shifting 1->2 in the MS3 as well because 1st was way too short for the power.

[bcrdukes]

Just a thought, but perhaps 1st was short (assumption) to build boost for off the line acceleration, and to optimize the shift into second, you'd need to get up higher in the rev range to match when going into second.

Disclaimer: I don't know how to drive manual.

[Badhobz]

i dont know, its probably too short. I read online you're supposed to go even higher, like 5-6000rpms and then shift in order to get it smooth, but the engine doesnt sound very good when its 5-6k, it sounds like some shit will break (given that its a vw, it most likely will).

[bcrdukes]

I think that's part of the charm.

[Hondaracer]

When our car was in the shop had a 2023 Passat, wasn’t a base model but was nothing special

As per Hobz comments it was hard to believe this was a “premium” line of vehicle with the build quality and plastic everywhere.

[BIC_BAWS]

No hood struts?! What is this?! A honda ?!

[AstulzerRZD]

In markets with more demanding driving (Toronto, Boston, NY, SoCal, etc), VWs sell a lot better (even with bad plastics) cuz they feel comfortable at 140kmh.

[EvoFire]

Originally Posted by bcrdukes

Just a thought, but perhaps 1st was short (assumption) to build boost for off the line acceleration, and to optimize the shift into second, you'd need to get up higher in the rev range to match when going into second.

Disclaimer: I don't know how to drive manual.

That doesn't make a lot of sense though unless you can no lift shift. A short 1st will not allow time to build boost, and you'll lose most of it when you lift off to shift to second.

The only way I think a super short first makes sense is because they have bad turbo lag, and need a really short 1st to let the meagre torque kick in from 0.

The MS3 had nothing below 2200rpms, and to launch off anywhere quickly you need to drop the clutch from 3k. Not really a problem if you are just granny shifting around town, but if you want to pass someone at a light you need to put in some work.

[AstulzerRZD]

1-2 on the Mk7 (and 8?) is a bitch cuz of the gearing, so the rev hang, clutch delay valve, AND synchros will fight you unless you've perfectly timed the shift.

Who tf made 2nd gear go to 70mph?