Volkswagen has some great deals at the moment with free 8-speed auto across the Amarok range. I just bought a new MY16 Core Plus Amarok for $42,990. The Core Plus edition is particularly good value I think. You also get an extra 2 years warranty (total of 5) if you use Volkswagen finance. Volkswagen finance gave me fixed 6% interest over 5 years which I thought was pretty good.
I am guessing the dieselgate may be behind these good deals. The Amarok is not affected by that though.
It's actually true, they're very expensive to work on.
Even the log book services are ridiculously expensive.
We've got 6 VW Group cars, and it's absolutely the case.
2x VW Tiguan
1x VW Passat
1x VW Golf
1x VW Amarok
1x Skoda Octavia sedan
But we stopped going back to the dealers YEARS ago.
Only a couple of things that HAD to go back for, including an AC computer-related problem they won't release codes/access to others for.
Found a good mechanic, ex VW, and he clear & straight… boringly-so.
It's like milk & bread to him.
He just does his work, charges fairly, and moves-on.
Been taking more & more cars to him… his system works.
As a retired mechanic, i will say they are murderously expensive for parts, and those parts can be very hard to get. And a total pos to work on.
And for stupid things too, for eg the last one I fixed was a transporter, needed the serpentine belt changed at 70,000k. It was squeaking terribly. the only way to stop the squeak was to change all the pulleys & the belt. It took 3 weeks to get the parts and, ended up costing the guy over $1400 for what is supposed to be maintenance. Would not recommend!
Couldn't agree more, two POS Euro cars that have scarred me for life - Alfa Romeo and Volkswagen. Hurts even recounting the Alfa memories.
Don't forget citron, it got to the point where I would just turn those clients away..
I'll chime in with Mercedes-Benz too. Great service from the sales and repair teams, but the service costs and parts are very expensive. Often there is no stock in Australia so a part needs to be flown in from Singapore or Germany. There is an expectation from the dealers that you will pay a lot when things fail, because after all, you did buy a 'luxury' European car.
My Mercedes had an engine rebuild at 67,000km after the timing chain snapped. Advantage of using a chain is there's no timing belt change, and the part is expected to have a 250k km lifespan. Not so much when the thing snaps and destroys the valves, pistons, and associated parts.
That is really really bad :( I feel for your hurt. I bought a european car once. It was a Peugeot. Never again. No more euro cars for me.
What a load of rubbish… I also own an Amarok and mostly service it myself.. When i do get it serviced by a mechanic it costs no more to service than our Ford. In fact it's way easier to work on than any Jap/Asian built car and the parts are no more expensive than the equivalent for our Ford Territory! You obviously arn't getting your parts from the right suppliers, or you're charging a ridiculous markup for working on a 'Euro' car because you really don't want the work.
He's retired. What benefit is to him to come on here and lie.
This wasn't an amrock, I have no experience with those, it was a Transporter. I have been out of the trade for 7 years now. I charged him 1 hours labor, it was $80 at the time. He paid the dealer direct for the parts. I wasn't talking about servicing. The oil & filters cost about the same as anything else, its the special parts. I never once ripped a client off as you suggest.
@Buzzl1ght:
Sorry mate, I'm not suggesting you ripped him off. Just trying to balance the argument with my own experiences with the vehicle in question here. It seems your customer has made the mistake of ordering parts direct from the dealer which anyone in their right mind should avoid regardless of the brand. Ie: Ford wanted $750 for a catalytic converter, the same basic part you can get for $220 from any old exhaust shop but without the Ford emblem on it.
@pauliau: And here in lies the issue, sure for belts and filters etc no problem, but the pulley for the air conditioning, alternator, power steering pump and crankshaft were genuine only. There was no after market alternatives. And of course the dealer talked him into the genuine belt and idlers as well. Which was my original (probably not explained to well) point. "they are murderously expensive for parts"
It cost me $100 to have the serpentine belt replaced on my Hyundai diesel
It cost me $63 on my Amarok.
@pauliau:…. for the part only, gave you +1 for your skill in putting in yourself without killing something…. On a side note, how old is it?
Cost me $13 and 5mins with a 12mm spanner to change my i30 serpentine belt. Non genuine part though from that Korean Parts place in deception bay.
@spy: Very easy to change if you have basic spanner skills. More than enough room to work in there too. Mine is MY12
@pauliau: gonna try on my Lancer CE sedan. It's making a screeching sound for 10 seconds when starting.
@spy: Before changing the belt out, just check it's tensioned properly. If it's too loose it can squeal initially or under load.
What do you recommend?
I presume these vehicles are Diesel, right? :-/
And petrol too.
There's just gotta be a new model coming soon as it's the only 4wd ute that hasn't had one in the past year or two. I reckon there will be a reveal in the next few months.
There is already a 'naked ute' campaign running, might be the new model.
With all the bad attention VW is copping from the inept vehicle design & manufacture, watch their depreciation rates skyrocket
relax. everyone will forget about it in a few years. just like politics
Apart from the fuel system debacle, everyone in my country bumpkin Prado town who owns one loves it. Even some Prado converts!
Yeah thats because a $65k prado is still very poverty and low tech. Toyota has some tough competition now adays
Bought 4 - Thanks OP!
More like PrinceBroden…
Insert obligatory:
Price match at Officeworks?
Does that include the false emission reports?
Sorry couldn't help it.
I don't think the emission reports were ever false, just maybe used a calculator in the no calculator section of the test.
I see, so maybe let the kids doing their High school certificates know it's okay to sneak and use a calculator when their exam papers say "do not use a calculator."
Sound like someone work for VW bought 4.
Don't forget cashrewards
It doesn't matter if you have an Amarok, it's all about the technique
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVd3KsRE1_E
Here's the brochure: http://www.volkswagen-commercial.com.au/content/medialib/vwd…
No doubt there will be the usual VW haters but you can't deny that the Amarok is a pretty competitive package overall. The eight speed auto and twin turbo diesel are apparently great performers and the factory rear differential lock gives it serious capability. You do miss out on low range in the auto however.
The usual VW haters? Can you show me some more posts with these VW haters? lol
I loved them in the UK, I just wouldn't touch one here tbh.
I said "will be", you just gotta give it time :)
If you really want to see the keyboard warriors duke it out, visit www.caradvice.com.au
Personally I'd rather not stir the pot.
Shit car produced by a bunch of cheaters. The badge is German but exudes none of the qualities for the wannabe euro douche. Buy a Ranger and stop being a knob head.
Say no to VW….Lying b@$t@rd.
Rear passengers don't get airbag protection.
You'd be crazy to get one of these if you have kids!
I think the Colorado is the one with the best safety features.
I thought all the major dual cabs did actually?
And the $36990 is for a 4x2… I'd hate to see resale on a 4x2 Amarok
Amarok…You'd have to have rocks in your head to buy one
What's???!!!!!! That is insane in this day and age. Must be incorrect.
http://www.caradvice.com.au/350466/2015-volkswagen-amarok-td…
Can't boast the same torque or towing as some rivals; no rear airbag protection; engine can be a little wheezy under heavy load
I never had air bags in the back with me in my parents cars, and I'm still here. So what?
Congrats you didn't have an accident. Would you rather you had 1 just to see how you go?
Holy crap is a VW diesel. My guess cheating device installed…Once you drive this car out of the dealership. It will be worth closer to nothing.
scary!
Maybe it's different for commercial vehicles, but I got 3.9% over 5 years for a Golf on Friday. And no, not a diesel :p
Where does one get 3.9%?
This was at Doncaster Volkswagen.
That's fantastic.
50% refund after class action
BECAUSE, IT'S AN AMAROK…..
What does that even mean lol
It's a Jeep thing you wouldn't understand.
I have one on the fleet cheap for a dual cab but what a piece of shit. Buy it, flog it, sell it when warranty runs out. Parts and downtime too much of a hassle.
Only pro Zf 8 speed.
FYI 6% finance is about industry average currently, can get 5.98% from a few credit unions out there.
LOLOL
you can get a 3.99% (4.88% comparison) from VWFS
why would you suggest 6%……
6% finance? Volkswagon should be doing 0% and move some stock. they need to revamp their entire line and get a PR company to give them a rebirth.
Das auto….Das crap
Totally agree!
I think this is an alright deal. Like all of the lite diesel dual cabs have their problems. And there all one loud bang away from $7000 of repairs. It's just an unfortunate side effect of modern common rail engines with turbos and lots of expensive parts. The problem with owning one of these in the future will be small volume not many in the wreckers and no aftermarket parts market. Theres a reason farmers all drive Toyotas. When you need a part you can always get it and move on.
Toyotas aren't exempt from this. Client of mine forked out 8k for repairs on his current shape diesel prado not all that long ago.
That's what Im sorta saying. It's just with the hilux, your not waiting for the parts…
Toyota have had their share of problem diesel motors as well.
They make great petrol motors, their diesel have few issues
Google "D4D death rattle" Poor Prado driver I know ended up with a cracked piston and $9000 bill with no assistance from Toyota even though he had reported the rattle at the previous service. The issue is said to be caused by overfuelling of the injectors.
Anyone have the full specs of the core plus edition? Cant seem to find them anywhere.
RedBook has a list of all the standard equipment: http://www.redbook.com.au/cars/research/new/details/2016-vol…
The following are extras that I believe you will not get on the regular Core edition:
17" wheels
Wheel flares
Rear bumper (matte black metal) with parking sensors
Sports bar (matte black)
Fog lights
Light sensing automatic headlights
Rain sensing wipers
Lumbar support
Thanks! Not sure its worth the extra money. Hmmm
Mechanics love Volk$wagen$$$.