2010 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

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Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 2 Safety Rating: 5 Technology Rating: 2 Value Rating: 3

A sporty hatchback that gets 35mpg! What's not to love? In theory this car is fantastic and I've heard nothing but good things before buying. That VW reliability issue was always in the back of my head but never stopped me from buying. I bought it used for $17,500 in December of 2014 with 24,000miles. The first month was by far the best (Honeymoon phase) and even though Boston had record breaking snow i never had a problem even with all season tires. Soon, after 1500 miles the water pump went (under warranty) and I was stranded an hour away from home late at night. With all the potholes here in Boston I blew out three tires and dented a wheel in the course of three months. As a result of poor road conditions,my front suspension took a beating,ball joints and sway bar end links had to be replaced. Then in October with about 43000miles two coil packs blew and have since continued to randomly go. VW techs have said nothing is wrong with my car. Then in December of 2015 a fuse melted and severely damaged my fuse box (wish the car would have burnt to the ground) Now that it's been just over a year, my water pump went out again, 47,000miles (no longer under warranty). Unfortunately I'll have to shoot myself in the foot, take the loss of a few thousand and buy another car. Maybe a Subaru WRX/STI or more likely the new Ford Focus RS. Between the uncomfortable front seats, poor pedal feel and all of the reliability issues the GTI is not worth the hassle, at least not here in Boston.