We purchased a new VW Passat in 02 and within 2 years we were having MAJOR electrical problems. At the dealership once a month for a "break system failure STOP" message, I finally told them I didn't want the car back until they fixed the problem, because it was my wifes car and if she got into an accident because of this message I was going to be the new owner of the Dealership,. A week after our warranty ran out, THERE IT WAS AGAIN! Took it in only this time they wanted us to pay $2200 dollars! Told them to screw themselves. A week before this we had talked about trading it in on a new Touareg (sounds like we dodged that bullet) Bought a suburban insted, and my wife got an 04 BMW 325xi. Buy the way, our Passat had 38k on it when we got rid of the damn thing.
I heard from my brother about all the problems with the Tourareg...just after purchasing a Porsche Cayenne S for my wife.....knock on wood...the Pepper Car has been pretty much trouble free in 67K miles. The only major issue was a driveline u-joint that went south just after warranty ran out. Go figure... Brock
enjoy reeling in the 360 and hanging with the new Porsche turbo. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9dNg-dAEBw&feature=channel cheers, Sean
i've jump started my 328 loads of times as i don't drive it that often. Then i found the red battery connector which can be easily disconnected between drives. Never had a problem but after reading this I think i'll invest in a battery charger in case it happens again
I'll stick with mid-80's and older. No attraction for newer cars other than superbeasts-F40, 288GTO. Only other I might make exception for is a 550.
I think with the whole engine out service deal + the $5k priced cracked header problem, and the worn valve guide issue + the unforseen electrical issues down the line, not to mention F1 tranny problems if you don't have a six speed, makes the F355 a car I wouldn't touch, no matter how great they look or drive. Grass is dead on the newer side for me. Jim
My 550 is a great companion to my '74 Boxer and '67 GTC. It's basically the last of the analog Ferraris - not completely true but very little electronics get in the way of the driving experience (and you can switch off whatever is there) and it's got a great old-school feel to it. More than quick enough for me, as well. An epic car. Onno
Exactly my thoughts. Btw, the 288 was from 1984. The newer cars are not more exciting to drive, quite the conrary, with exception of a CS or other track derivatives. If, however, I want a track car, I'll buy a clapped out 308 GTB and rebuild it for the purpose. More fun. The new cars are too 'generic', designed by committees rather than the vision of a small bunch of people. They lack personality and character. That's not even taking the cost into consideration; yes, some got lucky flipping cars with huge profits, but look at the prices now....