My ownership is dented

[Prewy]

So I have owned my Gti for two years now, at the time the car I really wanted. Six months into ownership the wings started to bubble, all sorted under warranty. Shortly afterwards the tailgate started bubbling and after three months of arguing the dealership paid for repairs. I now have a front sill bubbling and o/s rear wing! And looking like I'm beating my head against a wall with regards to warranty.
Anyone else moved on and if so what too? Great drive for budget. I can honestly say I will never own a VW again. I had plans to have a few mods carried out on what is a low mileage example but what is the point spending money on a car that you are constantly chasing corrosion on!
I feel like giving up and walking away, tell me I'm wrong.

[pudding]

I think when all is said and done on Dieselgate, it will have cost VW approx. $20bn and a severely damaged reputation.  It's a well deserved wake up call for them I think.

Sounds like you got a Friday afternoon car, or has been accident damaged and badly repaired?  Did your car pass the factory paint thickness test?

Your only options are:

1) Move the car on.
2) Fix the rust at your own cost.
3) Keep hounding VW for contributions, but they have a get out clause for the sill called "Edge and fold".  Best you can hope for is 50% goodwill contribution from the dealer.

On 2), if the rust is minor, it's not too late to recover it and shouldn't cost the earth to put right either.

[Prewy]

A well deserved wake up call. Definitely no accidents of previous repairs and paint thickness test passed with ease, think you could be right regards Friday afternoon car, certainly with regards to bodywork!
Move the car on, but what too? That's my issue
Hounding VW just seems to be a waste of my time
Get it fixed at my own cost, looking that way all the time.

[pudding]

I suppose a MK6 or MK7 GTI is the only logical step forward if you like the MK5, but VW's 'legendary' build quality has left a bitter taste in your mouth.

I've been pondering a move myself, and again, what to?  BMW 1 series, meh, hate them.  MK6, only a half step forward from the MK5. MK7 GTI, bland looks.  S3, again bland to look at.  BMW 335i or something of that nature, boring.  Old school E39 M5, massive ££s to maintain.  M3, likewise and slow below 4000rpm.  A dilemma eh?!

[Prewy]

Lot of those cars on my list but I have pretty much the same thoughts! And yes a very bitter taste has been left, remember talking about the corrosion issues on the mk6 with the warranty guy, plus you get the cam belt tensioner issues as well, hmm focus ST anyone?

[pudding]

The MK6 corrodes as well?  Wow, the cost savings are strong with VW at the moment!

I think the Corrado was probably the most solid VW I ever owned for rust.  Hand built vs robots with penny pinching amounts of paint I guess.

I quite like the current shape Focus ST, and getting into a minor battle with a Mountune one recently, they are very capable cars.  Not as 'interesting' to look at as a MK5 GTI though.

[willni]

A 6c polo gti would've been a good replacement but size and it's volkswagen are the two issues.

That said a Focus St or RS are the only real two at the minute that would hold a candle to what you're looking for unless you just go for a M sport 3 series

[Prewy]

Ah yes the Corrado, good old days. Yep apparently mk6 has same design to front wings with sponge sound proofing, genius!!

[pudding]

Yeah I can't really take the Polo GTI seriously.  My missus used to have one, so will forever consider it a girls car now!

I think the MK7 GTI is a huge improvement over the 5/6, but is pretty spendy as it's so new still.  Even Mr Chris 'VAG hater' Harris rated the MK7 with Performance Pack very highly.

The problem with moving away from VW is the knowledge goes with it.  I know them like the back of my hand, so are easy to fix.  There's a lot of comfort in that really. And my VCDS will be redundant