New Rabbits

[Cordialtea]

Hi Guys,
I'm sure you answered all these questions already, so sorry if I'm asking them again.

I went to NORDEN today up north here, because Southgate VW which is near me was closed. I checked out a new rabbit. They had only a 2 door in stock, no four doors. :(

What is your opinion on these cars? Do you like them? What about handling? Do you think they a better deal because they are made in Germany over the Brazil Golfs?

I am looking at trading in my 2003 Golf for one of these, or go the way of the YOTA as my Husband calls them.

Being Short I like that I can see over the dash in these cars. The New Rabbits have more leg room for tall people sitting in the back. My friend visiting from Vancouver is 6'7 tall he had head room in the back seat.

My Husband pointed out he likes that the seats suck you in when you excellerate. Yes I'm a punch it to the floor type of gal. I also cut corners sharp when I'm driving I have been told.

I'm a mini Mario Andretti - LOL

[kuhli]

Re: New Rabbits

ermmm, I know nothing other than the cardinal rule of car buying...'don't buy the first model year', that's the end of my wisdom...

[Stonewall]

Re: New Rabbits

They have been making the "rabbit" over in germany for a couple years now to no problems there.

[Cordialtea]

Re: New Rabbits

That what I thought Stonewall, German Made Car I can't go wrong because it is coming from Germany.

[James]

Re: New Rabbits

well the 2.5 is probably better than the 2.0 (havent driven either, but theres strength in numbers :P)

I dont really know the options on a Rabbit as ive just eben looking at GTIs but the gti has a ton of little features that make it worth the trade in IMO (Bluetooth, sport seats, the new cluster..mmm)

[Duby T]

Re: New Rabbits

Is it just me, but I think the 4 door looks better than the 3 door

ps. My girlfriend is considering a new 4 door in white or grey....but I want her to wait for the 2.0T.

[Khyron]

Re: New Rabbits

I think the rabbit is a better deal than both the Civic and the Corolla. The 2.5 is a very sturdy engine and while not a rocket with only 150 hp the usable tq/hp is fine in the real world. The chasis is excellent, and for the suspension, even if you bought a GTI you'd need to lower it anyway. The fuel economy is also nothing amazing, but it's not crap either. And don't forget it takes REGULAR, not premium so you're not as far from the 2.0T as you think.

When friends looking for cars have asked me my opinion in the last many years, I must to confess to never recommending a VW to a non-enthusiast. That changed this year.

I'd personally get a manual 5 door rabbit, no sunroof, heated seats/upgraded stereo, ESP and steelies since I'd buy new wheels inevitably anyway. I think it comes out close to Honda Fit territory, around 22K. This is the first VW that I think is a knockout on price for what you get. The only problem is that I think it makes the Jetta look like a ripoff by comparison.

Khyron

[Cordialtea]

Re: New Rabbits

Ok the New Civic and Honda Fits have Massive Body rolls to them. The Corrolla just feels cheap me after driving my Golf GLS. I'm just too used to VW I guess.

I'm still waiting for Southgate to get a four door hatchback which VW calls a five door that I can test drive. My Friend who is visiting from Vancouver thinks the drive might be a bit different in a four door over a 2 door.

I don't think there will be a difference.

I like the Shadow Blue they came out with, the sage green and the United Grey are the three colours I like.

Thank you all for your comments. I knew I could count on you guys to give me some good opinions and viewpoints.

BTW- Do I need ESP? Is it a good thing?

[stefan]

Re: New Rabbits

http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=1

article on esp (esc)

[Cordialtea]

Re: New Rabbits

Thanks for the article Stefan.

I'm now going to have to stick my price selling my golf so I can afford the ESP I need added to my new car purchase price.

I need go take some digital pictures too Better go do that ASAP.

[James]

Re: New Rabbits

ya, if you drive the car year-round, esp is a must (IMO)

fyi - I doubt you'll get what your asking for your golf, not to be mean but dealerships are selling 2l's with less KM's for less - edit: Alot less

[Cordialtea]

Re: New Rabbits

I drive year round so an ESP will be a must.

If you go look at my selling price that has changed James and the post States OBO. It was suggested by a VW Mechanic to try and sell my car at 19-18 K, and that I could always go down from there which is what I'm trying to do. I have changed it to 18K and I am willing to Negotiate with the right person for a deal for them and myself.

This car is two years older than my golf and they are asking 16K

http://www.canadatrader.com/usedcarc..._20974210.html

I figure 18k or Best Offer and considered the mods I have added and extras I'm not over the top IMHO.

[Red90]

Re: New Rabbits

ya, if you drive the car year-round, esp is a must (IMO)

OMG, I better sell all my cars!!!! They are death traps without ESP..... I don't know how I've managed for 20 years without hitting anyone.... Winter tires and driver training are more important than any electronic gizmos...

[Slappy]

Re: New Rabbits

As standard equipment with all new Rabbits you get:

- Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
- Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
- EBA - Engine Braking Assist prevents compression-induced skidding in slippery conditions

According to Volkswagen the only difference with the optional ESP system is that you get HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist), in addition to EBA. So honestly I don't really see it being worth the extra cash.

[Cordialtea]

Re: New Rabbits

I have Snow and Ice tires for my golf I figured I could just use them for my new rabbit. I'm a grannny Driver in the Snow and winter conditions. I was told by my Husband and my Friend I don't need ESP.

I appreciate everyones opinions.

So from the gist of all the posts here I'm getting - JUDY - Go for the Rabbit you will be a happy camper.

Like I said at the Beginning a German made car WOOHOO!