| 2006 Volkswagen GTI - Readers Letters
Saga Continues
I thought I'd update you on my situation (et 9/06), in case you want to start a new column called "The Shit List."
I finally got my car back from (name withheld) about a month ago. It was the day before they left for Waterfest, and five months after my project started. They were in a hurry to get my car back to me and depart for NJ, but things weren't exactly perfect. Granted, the car had a lot of work done to it, but it wasn't really finished. The most apparent things neglected were the brake booster, speedo and alignment. The entire brake system was upgraded, except for the booster. The one in there wasn't good, and should've been replaced; I'd have been happy to pay for it at the time, but they were suddenly in a hurry to get my car back to me.
As for the speedo, I was told they had replaced the gauge cluster twice, and that this second set was also faulty. The first set was from my GTI, and I don't recall having a problem with it. I was on my own with it because they'd already replaced the original one at no cost to me.
As for the alignment, that's ridiculous. How the hell are you going to replace the suspension, brakes, wheels and tires and not do the alignment? Again, I'd have no problem paying for this had it been brought to my attention.
The morning after I picked up the car, the brakes locked up on the highway. The car's been in for repair ever since. I had it towed to a local shop where it sat for two weeks. I got tired of waiting and had it towed to another shop, where it's been for the last few weeks. They finally diagnosed the problem and I may get it back by the end of the week.
I called the tuner and told him I was going to get the car fixed and that I'd return to his shop with receipts (including the tow) and any parts that were defective. He didn't take this well, and we proceeded to have an awkward, immature and unprofessional conversation.
The moral to this story is that the most important thing you can do if you're into cars is learn how to build your own vehicle. The second best thing is to make sure you know everything about your mechanic.Nick RiceEmail
At least you got your car back! Sorry, we're not helping. It does seem ridiculous the way many shops disrespect their customers and wonder why they lose work. Hopefully when you get the car running properly, it'll be everything you ever wanted.
Stern Beetle
I just finished reading your Editor's letter (et 8/06) and I liked your idea for the R GTI - I'd more than likely buy one if it ever came. However, the main reason I'm writing is in regards to the subject of a special issue. You put out specials on the Mk2, track days, 21-page show coverage, and most recently an Audi A4 quattro 1.8T issue (et 8/06) but what about the car everybody thinks of when they hear Volkswagen: The New Beetle? I don't care if you're two or 82, when you see the VW symbol you think of the Beetle. But the car gets no respect at et. It's often referred to as "too bubbly" or "a girl's car". Yet there are numerous guys out there, myself included, who'd like to see them in the mag.
Granted, you included big Frank's green Beetle nearly a year ago (et 1/05), but other than that, the previous one was years ago.
I was at Waterfest a year ago and there were some amazing Beetles on display, but none were featured or even appeared in the report. There's plenty of nice ones, so how about a New Beetle issue for the peeps? Call it the black sheep issue!
Oh, and here's a few pics of mine sitting on 19x8.5" Stern ST-2s, full kit, Porsche rear wing and Euro rear bumper. A black leather and red alcantara interior is being done as we speak, plus a two-tone paint job. Hopefully it'll be done for next year's Waterfest. Justin Blackshear Email
I'm repeating myself, but as much as we like Beetles, they aren't a mainstream Euro. Go to any VW event and there's only a handful. Yet we feature the good ones and Frank's remains one of the best. If anybody can top it, you know where we are.
Satellite Error You made an error in the Project Dub feature in the 9/06 issue. I'd like to point out that all new Volkswagens with satellite radio come with a 90-day trial period, after which the service can be continued for a fee. There are two reasons why you had problems with this, either the car had been used already and the trial period was over, or you weren't given proper instructions on how to set up the system. For a manufacturer not to give a trial period would be silly. Kevin J Hale Volkswagen Sales Consultant Ralph Thayer Automotive Livonia, MI
I guess we got the wrong info. When we phoned the satellite provider with our code number they told us there was no trial period. Surely somebody should tell the satellite provider to give better feedback if satellite radio comes stock on so many new cars.
Crashed Cabby I've been a reader for a few years now, so it's time I wrote something to you. The mag is great, with the perfect balance of bank-breaking show cars and affordable budget-friendly Euros. I suppose I could cry about more Mk1s, but those issues are so much better when they do come because of the wait. I love every issue and appreciate the controversy surrounding styles and the selections for feature cars.
I'd been meaning to send a photo of my '88 Cabby for years, but never felt it was worthy. However, my brother was driving it and got sideswiped this summer. It's totaled, but still drives decently. I'd really appreciate it if you could put a photo of my car in the mag, since I was inspired by your magazine.
It was tastefully refreshed by me over the years. I put in a K&N panel filter, Techtonics exhaust, new vinyl top and converted my lights to halogens, not to mention lots of other little details throughout the car. Darren Tully Johnson City, NY
Teenwolf Let me start by saying I love your mag and read it religiously. However, I've noticed your recent project cars have been all brand new; and by brand new I mean less than 10 years old. While I love reading and following these projects from start to finish, I miss the days when I'd see Jackman in his garage pulling a 16v out of a '80s Rocco, and seeing all the issues trying to clean up a 20 year-old motor. Does anybody at et get their hands dirty any more?
No doubt, working on a '06 GTI gets your hands dirty (I'd have no idea, as I can't afford a brand new car to rip apart), but I think the majority of Dubbers want to see the cars we can afford to buy and work on - the old VWs we love.
Maybe you should have less stories about rich kids whose parents buy them an '04 A4 to fit racing suspension and big turbos, and less "students" who bury themselves in debt. Perhaps you could start a project more of us can relate to? Gregory B Stone Winooski, VT
According to the surveys, most of our readers own Mk4s, as do our staff. That's why they're in there. The reason for the '06 is because VW gave it to us so we might show you what's possible with this car. If any of us could afford something other than a daily driver, we'd get a Mk2 GTI and build the crap out of it, but not on these salaries! As soon as we can find an older project car, we'll start work on it.
Quick Draw Following your article in the 5/06 issue, here's my effort - an '84 Audi 4000q. Enjoy. Erick Clark Email
Surprised I've sent some critical emails about et's content in the past but I was pleasantly surprised at how good the 9/06 issue was. I especially enjoyed the Audi 80 sleeper article, which is my kind of car. That's hardcore.
It's a shame that after SEMA VWoA didn't release a limited run of the Jetta R GT without the twin-turbo for about $30k. They'd have had people lined up to buy them - I have an R32 but would've liked a sleeker Corrado-esque or Jetta coupe shape.
Your Jetta GLI project car is one of the best I've seen here or in Europe. Well done. I love the body kit, paint and wheels. In fact, I am going to contact The Wheel Supply to see if they have fitments for my R32.
Keep up the great content, and I'm going to send in my subscription renewal on Monday. Mick EmailWe do read all your emails and are constantly trying to improve the mag.
Chester Hater In et 6/06 you published that the reason for a lack of Volvos is because there haven't been any worth doing. Well, my Volvo will outperform most cars you've featured in the last year, while having a competition audio/visual setup and a long list of show awards for aesthetic enhancements. It's the only S60R in the US right now with a turbo upgrade. Josh Fox Charlotte, NC
We didn't say there weren't any; just that there weren't as many. In fact, we've done several S40s and have another great one in this issue.
Cars and Bikes I saw that you were showing readers cars and bikes a while back, so here's my '05 Audi A4 with 19" Axis Supermesh rims. The bike is an '05 Yamaha R1 with lots of work done. In fact, there's even more done to it since the photo but I just thought it would be cool to see them in the mag. Johnny Beckett Englewood, NJ
It's a shame that after SEMA VWoA didn't release a limited run of the Jetta R GT without the twin-turbo for about $30k. They'd have had people lined up to buy them - I have an R32 but would've liked a sleeker Corrado-esque or Jetta coupe shape.Your Jetta GLI project car is one of the best I've seen here or in Europe. Well done. I love the body kit, paint and wheels. In fact, I am going to contact The Wheel Supply to see if they have fitments for my R32.
Keep up the great content, and I'm going to send in my subscription renewal on Monday. Mick EmailWe do read all your emails and are constantly trying to improve the mag.
Chester Hater In et 6/06 you published that the reason for a lack of Volvos is because there haven't been any worth doing. Well, my Volvo will outperform most cars you've featured in the last year, while having a competition audio/visual setup and a long list of show awards for aesthetic enhancements. It's the only S60R in the US right now with a turbo upgrade. Josh Fox Charlotte, NC
We didn't say there weren't any; just that there weren't as many. In fact, we've done several S40s and have another great one in this issue.
Cars and Bikes I saw that you were showing readers cars and bikes a while back, so here's my '05 Audi A4 with 19" Axis Supermesh rims. The bike is an '05 Yamaha R1 with lots of work done. In fact, there's even more done to it since the photo but I just thought it would be cool to see them in the mag. Johnny Beckett Englewood, NJ