A better deal? The Prius III or the VW GTI/TDI. Case Study.

This is interesting, thanks for sharing. Hopefully you help counsel your clients on more than just how much dealers are willing to come off of MSRP. Between 2 manufacturers, MSRP is fairly meaningless.
The fact that the TDI is in such high demand now means that it could possibly hold it's value longer than the Prius, so when the company pulls it out of commission, it could recoup more. Also, there are current tax incentives on the VW TDI's through the end of this year.

 

Priuswoo!

That's what I've been trying to tell people! Unfortunately, there are certain markets where it doesn't seem to matter how may Prii are sitting on the lot, those Market still treat them as though there have the one one available and gas is still $5.00 per gallon! I was extremely luck when I purchased my new 2010 Blizzard pearl Prius III w/Nav and Floor Mats for $22,088.00 on 31 July (MSRP on this vehicle was $27,224.00). Of course no one believes me, but I don't really care because I have the paperwork to prove it and I'm extremely happy with the deal I received and the vehicle! Those willing to do the research, work the dealers, and even travel a bit, can get a good deal and save thousands! I used USAA Buying Service, but it sounds like to have a pretty cool concept pitting the various dealers against one another in a virtual reverse auction!

 

I really wanted the A3 TDI or GTI TDI when I was shopping for my prius but there wasn't stock for them within 100 miles of me for how I wanted it so I ended up with the Prius. I do miss the power and I think the TDI would have been a better fit for me since I do more highway driving but the Prii is great and I'm happy with my decision.

 

I don't think the demand is higher for the TDI's......there's just not enough supply.

if you look at the sales number of 2010 Jetta TDI versus 2010 Prius you'll see what I mean. Prius sales numbers crush the Jetta TDI.

 

One thing that you probably won't have considered but causes big problems over here where diesel and petrol cars are split 50/50 is mis-fuelling. Hire car companies and company fleets end up spending thousands every year correcting the problem where someone used to a petrol car ends up putting petrol in the new quiet diesel car they've borrowed/hired.

If they catch it before they start up or only put a very small amount in then you're ok, but if they fill it up and set off down the road then - bang. A very expensive problem and very common. Hire car companies have diesel stickers all over the filler cap yet it still happens a lot.

It could be even more of a problem in a State where diesel cars are rather rare.

The following link is from the UK AA website (UK AAA equivalent);

AA Fuel Assist : misfuelling - what to do if you've put petrol in a diesel car - The AA

Hope this helps.

 

If you are referring to the Golf diesel, you are comparing cars that are not really that similar in size, the Prius is larger and much more capable of coping with a family. Also, the VW does not come as well equipped as the Prius for the money, not to mention it is painfully boring in appearance.

Some would argue the VW is the better car, but I think the Prius wins easily, not least because Toyota has a much better reliability and customer satisfaction record than VW. VW is an overrated marque in terms of reliability and quality.

 

You forgot one other thing. I know that VWs are going to generally have a much better drive and feel to them than the Prius but they are also horrendously unreliable, scoring among the worst of modern cars based on the studies I've seen (consumer reports and others). This is why for me VW would simply not be an option even if I like some of their vehicles. Their quality sucks.

 

I truly believe that if VW is ever going to beat Toyota to world's largest they are going to have to improve quality to at least Hyundai levels...

 

That's great and all but what about those of us looking for the lowest possible emissions? Money is not everything.

 

The tranny to to service every 60,000 miles I believe in the auto and it is over a couple hundred dollars
and what about brake cost

 

It is unfair to accuse VW of poor quality and workmanship without facts and data:
Settlement Addresses Engine-Sludge Issue In Audi A4, VW Passat - The Car Connection

Bob Wilson

 

I've heard some of their engines drink oil like a drunk working at a bar. Anyway, the numbers I've seen (anecdotes aside, and I've heard of many), like from consumer reports, all have damning reports on VW quality. I believe it used to be good years ago but is terrible for years now.

 

Does this forum have a policy on commercial advertising?

 

I would take the TDI, end of story...

 

No comparison - Prius is a nice little family car, GTI is an edgy little hot hatchback with a reputation for suspect reliability and expensive maintenance.

Consumer Reports has lots of GTI data, it's listed as average reliability, but there are black circles in just about every category, and as usual, half the years are blanked out.

 

Is this some kind of troll OP?

VW GTI runs on premium, 91 pump octane gasoline.

A Golf or Jetta TDI run on diesel.

 

Just for kicks...bright side? VW is better than Land Rover and Hummer!

 

In other words:

The GTI is that saucy firecracker of a high-maintenance girl next door that you know is gonna break your heart and dump you when you want more than just fun.

The Prius is the quiet wallflower, attractive in a nerdy way, but will never leave your side and the one mom wants you to settle down and raise a family with.