2009 Volkswagen Eos Texas TX
Reader’s Question:
I’m thinking of getting a convertible as a gift for myself. Yay! What can you tell me about the VW Eos?
Hannah
Houston, TX
With Volkswagen, you’re sure to get top-notch German engineering and dependability, and the Volkswagen Eos is no exception.
The Eos is a 2-door, 4-seat retractable hardtop convertible. In 25 seconds, you change a coupe into a convertible. Did I mention that the hardtop includes a sunroof and heated glass rear window? No? Well, you’ll be sure to attract attention with it because retractable hardtops are a relatively new technology. Also, something called the Trunk Lid Assistance Program monitors and stops the roof from operating if there is something in the way. And for additional coolness factor, not only will the Eos’ windshields turn on automatically when moisture is detected on the glass, but wipers adjust their speed according to the density of rainfall.
For 2009, there are two trims offered, the base Komfort and the Lux model, and both run on a 2-liter 4-cylinder 200-hp engine. Standard transmission is a 6-speed manual, but you may opt to get the 6-speed DSG or Direct Shift Gearbox, which would give you the ease of driving without the clutch pedal (because the clutch is engaged/disengaged automatically), but the advantages of a manual transmission (quicker throttle response).
The Volkswagen Eos is an awesome cross between a sedan and a sports car—comfortable and practical yet enables you to worship Eos, the goddess of sunrise, from your front (or back) seat.
Volkswagen 2009 Passat Texas, TX
Reader’s Question:
I’ve always had a compact and now I feel like moving up in size. I’m thinking of whether I should go Japanese or German. If I visit a VW dealer in Texas, would the price tags there be enough to give me a heart attack?
Woody
Houston, TX
Hey there, Woody! That’s a hard decision. Turn Japanese or go German. Both smack of brilliant engineering and both will give you value for your money. To answer your question -No, the VW shop in Texas should not give you a heart attack. After all, if you read the VW ads, they claim that you get luxury and German engineering without the hefty luxury car price tag. One car that should interest you is the 2009 VW Passat.
So, what is the Passat all about? The Passat’s looks just smack of European design but with kindness to your wallet in mind. The current Passat model already comes ready for action with its 200 horsepower Turbo 4 -cylinder engine. That should be enough to get you to 60 mph under 8 seconds. As standards, you’ll enjoy the interiors that include free satellite radio for three months and heated front seats. I also think that you’ll get a kick out of having as a tempting option, a 12-way power seat for the driver. That’s to get you snug behind the wheel and enjoy the ride. After all, Passat’s suspension is tuned to provide comfort and give you that luxurious European car feel without a feeling of guilt for breaking your bank.
Tags: car, car dealers, Houston Dealer, Volkswagen
Volkswagen 2009 Jetta Texas TX
Reader’s Question:
I have always been intrigued by German engineering, and I’ve always wanted one on four wheels. Thing is, I’m afraid that I can’t afford one but I think I can gamble on a VW. If I’m to drive a Jetta on the roads of Texas, answer this question: What’s there to enjoy about the VW Jetta?
Larry
Houston, TX
Hey there, Larry! Jetta outta here! Back in the old days, there was the Beetle which was quite reliable. Anyway, the Jetta could be the match for you. I don’t think you need to break the bank to get one of these mid-size sedans from VW. I think if we do a bit of snooping around, we might just get you to drive a Jetta in Texas. Current owners are loving the Jetta in terms of comfort and the overall drive, I bet there won’t be much resistance from you once you get in one for a test drive.
The Jetta is one of those cars that are between a family sedan and a sporty compact. I can talk to you about the standard 2.5 liter 5-cylinder engine types of the Jetta. But right now, I’m thinking of pushing you to drive a TDi. You got that right, a TDi, Turbo Diesel. VW brought back its common rail diesel engine for the US market with the promise of lower emissions. Just fill up with ultra low sulfur diesel and you’re ready to go. Okay, surprised with recommendation? Well, if the Jetta meets the VW claim of 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, then it’s a worthy addition to the roads. You get low emissions, good fuel economy and 236 lbs-ft of torque. I think this spells efficiency which is the trademark of German engineering.
Tags: car, car dealers, Houston Dealer, Volkswagen
Volkswagen Rabbit Texas TX
Reader’s Question:
What features are available on the VW Rabbit? I’m just curious about it. I might, just might, go inside one of the VW dealers here in Texas tomorrow.
Brenda
Houston, TX
Hi there, Brenda. The VW is primarily designed as Volkswagen’s entry-level compact. Performance-wise you can expect, or should expect, a decent fuel economy rating. As far ride and zippiness is concerned, we’ll pile up the facts for you to read below. Looking from afar, I think this compact needs a wee bit more pushing for you just before you drive it in Texas.
You have a choice for the Rabbit: go 2-door and just ride all by yourself and a friend, or get a 4-door. In any case, you’d still get a 2.5 liter 5 cylinder engine. I originally thought the fuel economy on this will be similar to the New Beetle’s 28 miles to a gallon on the highway and 20 miles per gallon in the city. But checking on the ratings, the economy was a whopping 30 miles to a gallon on the highway. In terms of space, it is a compact, so don’t expect a lot from it. But even with the two-door model, the VW engineers had enough foresight to put in a 60/40 split and a flat folding passenger seat for the driver to accommodate more gear inside the car. Standard safety features are also available to ensure your drive will always be a safe one.
Tags: car, car dealers, Houston Dealer, Volkswagen
Volkswagen Beetle Texas TX
Reader’s Question:
My daughter, Angela, had been bugging me about getting a bug for her to drive here in Texas. I haven’t read up on it, and she’s bugging me to go to the dealer next week! Can anyone volunteer some info?
Nick
Houston, TX
Hey there, Nick. Obviously, you’re getting “bugged” enough. So before you “bug-off” to look at a bug at a Texas VW dealer, let’s get you equipped, alright? Let’s not get Angela disappointed by daddy. But I’m sure you’d like to find out really what’s under the hood and would your daughter be safe when she drives this around?
Key points when you check out the new Bug. The engine is now a 2.5 liter 5-cylinder i, and I hope you won’t try to look for the old Beetle sound. In terms of fuel economy, it does a comfortable 28 miles per gallon on the highway and 20 miles per gallon in the city. I’ll also bet that Angela loves a good tune in the car, so she’ll enjoy the great sound system in the new Beetle. It has an in-dash CD player that can also play mp3s, perfect for hours of driving fun for your daughter. And to put your mind at ease in terms of safety, VW also has standard seat belts and airbags for driver and passenger. There’s also Anti-lock Brakes and traction control for the Beetle. Better to be in control. Personally, I wouldn’t want to test if the Side Intrusion Beams work in a real collision. Let it stay looking good on paper without any of us having to find out first hand.
Tags: car, Houston Dealer, Volkswagen
Volkswagen Phaeton Houston Texas TX
Reader’s Question:
Nothing beats Volkswagen for a car enthusiast like me. I am looking for a full-sized VW sedan model here in Houston, Texas, any suggestions?
JR
Houston, TX
If you are looking for a comfortable full-sized sedan in Houston, Texas in addition to maximum stability control, then the 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton is the perfect model for you. The wheel base of this vehicle is roughly 118 inches, thus, giving the travellers adequate area for their legs for their ease. The Phaeton is almost 204-inch long and 57-inch high and its wheel has a full-time security functions that includes a four-zone climate control function that comprises of an humidity sensors, individual temperature control and onboard computer system that also works from the backseat.
The core of the Volkswagen Phaeton has a lavish passenger accommodation clipped from the premium woods, brushed metals, powerful chromes and Italian leather. You may also pick either a four or five-seat construction available. This model also boasts off its 12-way power front seat with memory, a 4-way power adjust table load support, leather-wrapped steering wheel, sunshades and an improved 12-speaker audio system. Its outside looks are very simple and yet, good-looking, being the biggest and trendiest vehicle in the Volkswagen family.
Tags: advice, car, car review, Houston dealer, Volkswagen dealer
Volkswagen Touareg SUV Houston Dealership
Reader’s Question:
I’m curious about the Touareg SUV from Volkswagen. I am pretty sure it will be different from the other SUVs I see around Houston, TX. An SUV with the all-familiar VW stamp? Can anyone give me a push to get one?
Samantha
Houston, TX
Okay, Samantha, I will try to fill you in on some information you may already know but have not really thought about seriously. I think, usually, we get an SUV based on the following criteria: enough room for the family or anything you would like to put inside the car, and does the car have enough power to haul everything. I left out fuel economy. Since you decided that you will get an SUV, for me, it automatically means that you are not exactly looking at doing more than 21 miles per gallon while driving around Houston, Texas.
Since you mentioned “different,” there are some worthwhile features you should check when you look at the Touareg. Style-wise, I think the VW stamp alone makes it different. For some technical features, you can also put Volkswagen’s permanent four-wheel drive, called the 4Xmotion, through its paces. If you can get to test drive the Touareg 2, then much better. Personal tip, though. If you won’t be doing a lot of off-roading, I suggest that you can consider the V6 engine variant as the logical choice for your needs. The V6 engine gives about 280 horsepower to carry you, and whatever you have in your Touareg around. You can get 18 miles to a gallon in city driving and 20 on the highway, and of course, almost a 10,000-dollar difference from the V8 variant.
Tags: Houston Dealer, Volkswagen
2009 Volkswagen Houston Dealership
Reader’s Question:
I’ve always been fond of the Beetle convertible. Whenever I see the old Beetle in the movies, I always picture myself driving one. Is there a new model out? Can someone tell me about it? Maybe it’s time I drive around one here in Houston, Texas.
Cathy
Houston, TX
Great thing you asked about the convertible, Cathy, because there is actually a 2009 model out. And yeah, I have to agree with you on what you said. If you have been picturing yourself in one, it’s time you put your hands on the wheel of one. I suggest you schedule yourself for a test drive to get the full feel of driving one around Houston, TX.
While you’re at it, I think you should take some time to appreciate what the folks at Volkswagen put inside the 2009 convertible Beetle. It comes with a 2.5 liter engine, which I think will suit your needs. You appear to be more into the styling of the Beetle. Of course, some of the standard features, that I think you will love, include: 16” wheels, an anti-theft system, an in-dash CD player. Good thing with the 2009 convertible, getting the top up is relatively easy. Push a button and just latch it on the windshield. Since I am a freak when it comes to safety, I do think it will also good for you to know that the convertible comes with side-door beams. These help in keeping you safe in an accident by “absorbing and re-directing” impact energy. I don’t want to ruin the test drive for you by cramming more information. What I know is that you will get style, safety and performance out of the new Beetle convertible. Have fun if you do get one.
Tags: Houston Dealer
Avoid Overheating Your Volkswagen Houston Texas TX
Reader’s Question:
Temperature here in Houston, Texas can sometimes go extremely hot, what options do I have to keep my Volkswagen Car in good running condition?
Sheryl
Houston, TX
Probably one of the most painful experiences in my driving life is getting stalled on a highway in Houston, Texas with the sun burning my skin and my head. I would not forget that day when my Volkswagen Golf had an engine overheat. That experience taught me a lesson to regularly check the cooling system of my Volkswagen. I knew then for a fact that my car is almost at its dehydration point.
This one is also applicable to any car make that you or other people may have. Having the engine cooling system in good shape is really the key for an enjoyable driving style. It does not only give comfortable feeling to the driver while cruising down the highway under the summer heat but it also prolongs the function of your engine. In the case of Volkswagen, according to my Dad, who is by the way a Volkswagen auto mechanic, this type of car has sensitive cooling system that it requires regular cooling parts replacement and tuning. So keeping the main cooling system parts such as the hoses, thermostats and pumps could be your key in having a longer driving relationship with your Volkswagen vehicle. Since then, I make it a point to regularly check these three components and make sure they are not yet damaged or worn out. It is also one great idea to get a car insurance that has options for unexpected car systems breakdown. You sure can check some car insurance premiums and details on this site.
Tags: car, car dealer, car insurance, car parts, car repair
Volkswagen Pump and Parts Houston Texas TX
Reader’s Question:
My VW usually overheats while driving along Houston, Texas. I checked the water pump and thinks about replacing it. How will I be able to maintain the cooling system of my VW?
Peter
Houston, TX
I used to have an older version of the Volkswagen Beetle which also overheats especially during long drives to downtown Houston, Texas. I had it inspected by a Volkswagen mechanic and found out that the water pump which drives the entire cooling system of the car is already worn out. He explained to me that since this is the main part that provides cool air to the vehicle, this should be always checked and properly maintained. He even suggested at my option to install another pump which will serve as a back up so that the primary pump would not easily get dilapidated. Of course it is really costly to have the entire cooling system replaced, So he suggested that since there are available Volkswagen parts in most Volkswagen dealers around Houston, Texas, I should try considering parts replacements at a time. In your case, you can start off with replacing the water pump and its accessories or attachments then you can give it a few months to replace the drive belt or whichever gets near worn out state.
Having a sound and efficient cooling function for your Volkswagen car will make your driving experience a great one. I still use my old Volkswagen Beetle from time to time and still practice regular checks on its pumps and other cooling parts. So far, I haven’t experienced any incident of overheating because of the type of care that I give. After all, maintenance is still better than acting when the damage got worst. I also suggest that you look for a comprehensive car insurance which would cover towing services just in case you get stocked in the middle of the road due to engine overheating. My friend found nice car insurance on this web page.
Tags: car, car insurance, car review