Archive for October, 2010

Car repair is expensive…very expensive. Unless you’ve protected your wallet against unanticipated repairs with a Volkswagen extended warranty – you are probably thinking about how to save money on car repairs. One way to do just that is to buy Volkswagen parts yourself and bring them to your mechanic. Use the coupons below to save even more.

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Saving with coupons is a very easy way to save. Take advantage of these opportunities!

Volkswagen has been on a roll recently… releasing one 2011 Volkswagen after another. Below is a run-down of the models we already heard about and some that are yet to come:

Known:

• 2011 Volkswagen Touareg
• 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid
• 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
• 2011 Volkswagen Passat
• 2011 Volkswagen Eos

Unknown:

• 2011 Volkswagen CC
• 2011 Volkswagen Golf
• 2011 Volkswagen GTI
• 2011 Volkswagen Routan

We look forward to learning more about the 2011 Volkswagens in the pipeline. We are not expecting any 2011 Volkswagen redesigns but we are yet to be surprised.

Background:

It is not uncommon for car manufacturer to ramp up new model releases in October-November time frame. The idea behind the rollout is too entice buyers in the market to settle for the new “slicker” model (usually with some bells-and-whistles). About every 3 years or so, manufacturers come up with either a completely new line of vehicles or a complete redesign. In 2011 Volkswagen’s case – we are not expecting any radical redesigns this year.

Whether you’re in the market for a new 2011 Volkswagen or you own one now – don’t forget that Volkswagen extended warranty will protect your wallet against unexpected repairs. Learn about available Volkswagen warranty options.

Volkswagen Beetle is probably the most iconic vehicle in the entire Volkswagen automobile line. The “bug” has been manufacturer by Volkswagen since 1938 and still going strong. The new model is called the “New Beetle”.

5 Fun Volkswagen Beetle Facts

1. Women prefer Volkswagen Beetle more than men
2. Over 21 million “Bugs” have been manufactured since 1938
3. Ferdinand Porsche (yes, Porsche) worked on the first Volskwagen Beetle design
4. Over the years, we’ve had: Beetle, Super Beetle and New Beetle
5. UK citizens annually organize “The Beetle Challenge” (race)

1938:

2010:

Love your “Bug”. Protect it with Volkswagen Beetle extended warranty.

Something in your Volkswagen breaks down and you decide to take it to the local repair shop. The mechanic looks at the breakdown and gives you the verdict. It goes something like this:

Mechanic:  You need to replace [insert some expensive part]. It’s expensive. I can probably get you an aftermarket part that will work just a well for 30% less. Do you want to save some money?

You: Sure, I want to save. Let’s go with a cheaper part.

It’s natural for an average consumer to go with a cheaper part. Afterall, if the mechanic says that it will work just as well, why not save some money. Well – let’s explore this a bit further.

What is an OEM Volkswagen part?

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. So OEM Volkswagen part really means Original Equipment Manufacturer Volkswagen part. The same part was used by Volkswagen to manufacturer the vehicle.

What is an aftermarket Volkswagen part?

Aftermarket Volkswagen part simply refers to a part that has not been sourced by the manufacturer. In other words, the part may be manufacturered to match the OEM part but it hasn’t been “approved” by the manufacturer.

Why are OEM Volkswagen parts more expensive?

According to Property Casualty Insurers Associate of America – aftermarket parts are at least 60% more expensive simply because dealers and other authorized Volkswagen retailers are able to squeeze a higher profit margin.

Are aftermarket parts just as good as OEM Volkswagen parts?

The answer is “it varies”. Some aftermarket price may be just as good or even better than the OEM part. However, you also get a few “bad apples” that complicate the decision. The problem really becomes whether you get lucky with a good aftermarket part or somehow end up with a “bad apple”.

Is it worth going with OEM Volkswagen part?

While aftermarket parts are certainly cheaper and may be just as good or better than OEM Volkswagen parts – you have to make a decision whether you’re OK taking a risk on the aftermarket part. If you’re out of luck – you may have to replace the part again. Be sure to have a conversion about this with your mechanic and require either a written guarantee of the work performed or some reassurances that the mechanical will replace the part (if necessary).

Bottom Line: OEM Volkswagen part is good choice. Aftermarket Volkswagen part is just as good of a choice but ask for assurances.

As always, keep in mind that you can get a Volkswagen extended warranty and never worry about any sort of part replacement bills.