From: sgove@Ingres.COM (Stu Gove, Global Channels -- x2870)
Subject: Re: Corrado SLC or 325is?
Summary: 
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.4-b1  
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Organization: ASK Computer Systems, Ingres Product Division
Distribution: usa
Date: 16 Oct 92 05:28:26 GMT

>i think the 325i is a fine car by anybody's standards.  the corrado,
>on the other hand, has a lot to offer for its $22K asking price.  CAR
>magazine tested the 325i and the Golf VR6 and concluded that the Golf
>scored a narrow victory over the 325i.  I think that the Corrado VR6
>is probably sold at a loss (as is the Audi S4), financed by the
>marketing dept, as well as the millions of lesser golf/jetta models.
>after all the vr6 engine took nearly 10 years of development; not a
>single part of it comes from the existing parts bin of their 4
>bangers.  the low volume and limited availability probably makes it
>feasible as a loss-incurring marketing exercise for the entire marque.
>vw has to maintain its reputation for being affordable, the people's
>car.  several thousand corrado vr6s sold at a loss will be more than
>made up by all the rapturous reviews that the car is now universally
>acquiring.  porsche lost hundreds of millions selling the 200 959s.
>bmw does not have that luxury with the 325i, since it is their money
>making model, so they have to price the car realistically.  i think
>that in the corrado, one is getting a $30K performance car for a $10K
>discount.  check out corrado vr6 prices in europe.  about 20,000#
>sterling in the UK.
> 
> 
>eliot

Geez, anymore of this thread and I'm going to have a serious case of 
buyers' remorse, having just bought a 325is last weekend.  :-)

Well, let me first say that I've read several reviews of both cars, all 
of which have been very positive.  I've also read that the Corrado VR6 
will most likely blow the doors off the 325is.  Last but not least, I 
did alot of research through reading this group; in fact, the articles I 
read here on the 325is are what led me to my decision.  Well, that and 
the testimonials of a couple of BMW-fanatics.

Now for V-Dub's side:  again, I have no doubt that they have come up 
with a winner in the Corrado SLC.  However,

- I saw the JD Power report that listed VW as one of the three *worst* 
automobile makes in terms of customer satisfaction.  (Of course, the SLC 
may go a long way towards improving this.)

- My last girlfriend owned a Jetta that had given her nothing but 
trouble.  In fact, they had to replace the entire engine after just 
3,000 miles due to various problems.

- I actually visited a VW dealership in Oakland last Saturday, the 
fateful day I made my purchase.  The only salespeople there were 
literally a bunch of kids, obviously in their first sales jobs.  They 
only had one SLC and it was in the showroom, so I couldn't test drive 
it.  I sat in the car and the seat felt "snug" (I'm 6'2" and weigh 205 
lbs.); this had actually been one of the few complaints in one review I 
read recently.  Also, the interior felt cramped and did not seem to have 
the fit and finish of other cars I had seen.  Sure, don't judge a car 
just on how the door closes, but I had been driving an Alfa Spider for 
the last 5+ years and was ready for a sporty yet comfortable car!

But what really turned me off was that the dealer had the audicity to 
add about a 10% markup to the sticker price, which brought the asking 
price to around $26K and change.  Excuse me, but I don't deal with 
places that choose this type of tactic, especially during this economy.  
I don't remember what had been added to the car at the factory, but the 
sticker was in the $24K range.  You may be able to negotiate a better 
price, but if it is truly "low volume and limited availability" expect 
more dealers to try and take advantage of all the great reviews.

On the other hand, I had a great experience with my BMW dealer.  The 
sales rep was very courteous and professional, he cut me a great deal 
along with excellent financing (hell, they beat my credit union!).  They 
had exactly the color I wanted - black with black interior!  The car 
runs great and the driver's seat fits me like a glove!  Most important, 
when I did have a minor problem, it was taken care of promptly with 
little hassle on my part.  I may be wrong, but I have serious doubts 
that VW dealers would be able to match this level of service.

Well, this is just my 2 cents worth.  Decide what's important to you and 
choose the car that meets that criteria.  I'm happy with my black 
beauty!

Stu Gove