[net.auto.tech] Update on Purchase of New Jetta

cbd@ihu1n.UUCP (Deitrick) (02/20/86)

Several weeks ago, I posted an article asking for information about VW Jettas.
I thought I'd post an update on what has happened since then. I also want to
ask two questions.

I received about 12 replies from readers out there. Only one was negative. The
rest said good things about the quality and reliability of the car. I also
talked to a friend of a friend who owns one and he had nothing but good to say
about his. Consumers Reports was neutral about them. My mechanic, who special-
izes in German and Japanese cars, recommended one. He also recommended against
the new VW Golf.

On the basis of all that, I decided to buy one. I shopped around for price and
got a fairly good deal from a dealer not far from where I work. I'm now
waiting for delivery, which will take about 4-8 weeks because I ordered your
basic plain Jane car - *no* options except gas engine, not even air condition-
ing.

(Note to Chicago area readers: beware of Downer's Grove VW. They refused to
give me a test drive in a Jetta, citing something about no insurance. That's
purest bullshit and a sign that they feel nothing but contempt for potential
customers.)

Now for the questions:

	* When my car finally arrives, I want to check it out thoroughly
	  before I accept delivery. I've been told that Consumers Reports
	  published a list of stuff to check before accepting a new car.
	  Does anyone out there have a copy of that list that you can
	  send me? Can any one out there point me to the issue of Consumers
	  Reports that had that list?
	
	* My insurance company (USAA) will give me a 5% discount on other-
	  than-collision coverage if I have either a theft prevention device
	  or the Vehicle Identification Number engraved on the windows. I've
	  decided to go for the engraved VIN. Where does one have that kind
	  of thing done? Does it affect the integrity of the glass?

Thanks in advance.
						Carl Deitrick
						ihnp4!ihu1n!cbd