A Celebratory Review of One of the World’s Most Iconic Hatchbacks

With the exception of the Volkswagen Beetle, there is perhaps no Volkswagen more iconic, more recognizable, than the VW Golf GTI. Since its initial release in the 1970s, the VW Golf GTI has quickly ascended to iconic status with each subsequent iteration.

What started off as an unlikely underdog quickly transformed into a slick and speedy vehicle capable of keeping up with the likes of Porsche. The VW Golf GTI is now one of the main vehicles in the Volkswagen stable that drivers and reviewers look forward to, and the newest iteration – the Mk8 – is no exception.

Before we dive into the current day VW Golf GTI and which new car dealership near you carries it, let’s take a look back at this iconic hatchback through the years.

The VW Golf GTI (Mark 1) – 1976

The legendary status of the VW Golf GTI started all the way back in the mid 1970s. Utilizing a 1.6L inline-four engine, the Mk1 had 110 horsepower under the hood and could reach speeds up to 113 mph. What really blew people’s minds was the fact that this first Golf GTI could take down an entry-level Porsche on a speed test. Even though this was the very first Golf GTI, it put other automakers on notice. VW had finally figured out how to make fast cars.

The VW Golf GTI (Mark 2) – 1984

Drivers had to wait a good eight years before they got their next taste of the VW Golf GTI. In addition to having more curb weight, this iteration was two inches wider and seven inches longer than the Mk1. It paired a 5-speed gearbox with a four-cylinder engine, which yielded 102 horsepower.

In hindsight, the Mk2 was not a significant improvement over the MK1; they had similar top speeds and acceleration. It wouldn’t be until VW introduced a Golf GTI Mk2 16V edition that we saw some serious improvements. This version could reach 60 mph in just under 8 seconds and had 137 horsepower under the hood.

The VW Golf GTI (Mark 3) – 1991

Yet again, there was another long wait for the next VW Golf GTI. This iteration saw some cosmetic modifications in both the overall body style, the headlights, and the red grill accents (which became optional rather than standard).

The very first release of the Mk3 provided drivers with a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that yielded 115 horsepower, which wasn’t much of an improvement over the MK2. However, years later, another MK3 was released that featured a 2.8L VR6 which increased the horsepower to 172. This meant that the Mk3 could go from zero to 60 in about 6.7 seconds – a huge improvement over the prior iteration.

The VW Golf GTI (Mark 4) – 1998

In 1998, VW released the Mk4 iteration of the Golf GTI. VW gave it a more modern look by reducing the boxy features seen on earlier models. This was also the first iteration of the VW Golf GTI that didn’t feature the signature red GTI accents, which was viewed as a controversial choice at the time.

The MK4 expanded its wheelbase by 1.5 inches, was nearly 3 inches longer, and increased its curb weight by about 200 pounds. It was available in two engine types upon its initial release: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (115 hp) and a 2.8-liter narrow-angle VR6 (174 hp).

The VW Golf GTI (Mark 5) – 2004

2004 was a comeback year of sorts for the VW Golf GTI. VW decided to bring back the red accents on the grill along with the tartan upholstery pattern and GTI badging. The body style of the Mk5 got an overhaul with a shorter, curved front end along with a honeycomb patterned radiator grill.

The Mk5 came with a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine that produced 207 lb-ft. of torque and 200 horsepower. A couple years later in 2006, VW released a 30th anniversary edition of the VW Golf GTI that provided drivers with 230 horsepower; however, this iteration never made it to the US market.

The VW Golf GTI (Mark 6) – 2009

We’ll be honest with you here…VW did not make many significant changes between the Mk5 and the Mk6. The reason? The Mk5 performed so well that VW engineers and designers didn’t want to mess with perfection too much. Keeping that in mind, VW engineers did add in an electronic differential lock (XDS) for better grip, a new exhaust system featuring two tailpipes, and a low power-to weight-ratio.

The American edition of the Mk6 VW Golf GTI featured a 2.0L turbo-four engine that yielded 200 horsepower. International editions of the Mk6 delivered 210 horsepower with a top speed of 150 mph. A speed demon at heart, the Mk6 could go from zero to 60 in under 7 seconds.

The VW Golf GTI (Mark 7) – 2015

Ever since the initial release of the VW Golf GTI, each subsequent version got heavier than the previous one. The Mk7 edition marked the first time in the vehicle’s history that it got lighter in curb weight. Additionally, VW engineers and designers made some significant structural improvements to strengthen its build and improve its performance and handling.

With the VW Golf GTI Mk7 Performance Package Model, drivers had 230 horsepower at their beck and call with the ability to hit 60 mph in just 6.4 seconds. This also happened to be the first iteration of the VW Golf GTI that could go faster than 150 mph, earning it certified “whip status.”

The VW Golf GTI (Mark 8) – 2021

Finally, the current day Golf GTI. The Mk8 edition saw some significant design and performance improvements – a complete overhaul, really. This is the first iteration of the VW Golf GTI that is a four-door hatchback as opposed to the traditional two-door style. Those who are familiar with prior iterations of the Golf GTI will notice this most recent version is exceptionally roomy in the cabin.

The Mk8 iteration of the Golf GTI comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that yields 273 lb-ft. of torque and 241 horsepower. And, of course, this one is a hair faster than its predecessor, able to hit a top speed of 155 mph. It’s the fastest most powerful Golf GTI yet.

Trying to Find a Volkswagen Golf Near You? VW SouthTowne Can Help!

Are you interested in a test drive of the brand-new VW Golf GTI? The best way to arrange that is by contacting our dealership directly via the contact form on our website. Simply provide some basic information and let us know that you’d like to be contacted when the Mk8 iteration of the VW Golf GTI arrives at our dealership.

Not yet in the market for the VW Golf GTI? No problem!

As the leading new car dealership near you in South Jordan, we carry a wide variety of SUVs and sedans meant to suit any driving style and family dynamic. We also carry a wide variety of used cars and certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. Finally, we’re always running great deals on VW products and services and our specials section.

The best way to get behind the wheel of a VW today is by visiting our dealership at VW SouthTowne, conveniently located at 11000 South 290 West. You can also call (801) 988-5825 to set an appointment.

Are you a current VW owner in need of routine maintenance, repairs, or service? Contact the Volkswagen service center today to book your appointment.

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Tips for Shopping for New Cars for Sale in This New Automobile Landscape

Out of all the hits that we took in 2021 and 2022, nothing has lingered quite like the inflation problem. As many will remember, the pandemic caused a myriad of problems ranging from staffing shortages to shipping delays to issues with supply chains.

It seems like everything is more expensive these days. Groceries, clothing, medicine – you name it – chances are, it went up in price. Unfortunately, the price hikes also include new and used automobiles. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which is an authority on this issue, new car inflation is up 10.1% when comparing August of this year to August of last year. Additionally, the BLS reports that inflation on trucks and used cars is up 7.8% for the same time period.

What these numbers tell us is that it is significantly more difficult to shop for new cars for sale. So, what exactly is being done about it?

The Semiconductor Chip Issue and the CHIPS Act

The reason that new cars have gone up in price is because of the semiconductor chip shortage. For those not familiar, semiconductor chips are responsible for many of the safety and convenience features that modern cars have. Due to the shortage, some auto manufacturers are releasing their new vehicles missing certain non-essential features. Additionally, many auto manufacturers are releasing less cars than they did in previous years. Overseas shipping delays have also proven to be an issue.

However, there does appear to be a solution in the works. Recently, the Biden administration signed an executive order to address the semiconductor chip issue with the implementation of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. This act addresses a few issues: supply chain challenges, manufacturing jobs, and creating the infrastructure that is required to produce semiconductor chips.

Should everything go to plan, the CHIPS Act will create several domestic jobs in semiconductor chip manufacturing and effectively alleviate the semiconductor chip shortage. The drawback is that none of this will happen overnight. In fact, some experts are estimating it will take several years before domestic vehicle manufacturing gets back on track to pre-pandemic levels.

How to Shop for Used and New Cars for Sale at a Volkswagen Near You

Although inflation is at historic highs, many new and used car dealerships near you are trying to make the car buying process as painless as possible. In fact, Volkswagen SouthTowne is discounting all new cars $500 or more under MSRP during their Deflation Sale! So if you’re tired of inflated prices, now is the best time to get to Volkswagen SouthTowne.

In addition to discounts, Volkswagen SouthTowne is still offering incredible trade-in values for customer trades, making it a great time to upgrade to a new car. The second bit of good news is that many lending companies are allowing their borrowers to stretch out their loan repayment terms so that they can get low monthly payments on their cars. Although this results in a slightly higher interest rate, you will have more money monthly to put towards your budget for groceries, bills, and other essentials.

Another thing that you should pay attention to when shopping for new cars for sale is the overall cost of ownership. This includes things like repairs, routine maintenance, and service. A recent list provided by Savvy broke down the top 30 most expensive brands of cars to maintain for the first ten years of ownership. Brands like Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz were at the top of the list as the most expensive brands to maintain. Meanwhile, Volkswagen was near the bottom of the list in the #22 spot as one of the least expensive brands to maintain.

Finally, you’ll want to pay attention to the warranty when shopping for new cars for sale. Part of the reason that a new VW for sale cost so little to maintain over the years is because of our Carefree Coverage. It breaks down as follows:

• 2 yrs. Service – Scheduled Carefree Maintenance (2 years or 20,000 miles)
• 3 yrs. Help – Roadside Assistance (3 years or 36,000 miles)
• 4 yrs. Coverage – New Vehicle Limited Warranty (4 years or 50,000 miles)
• 5 yrs. Access – myVW Remote Access

When you visit the Volkswagen service center, Carefree Coverage will appear in your records, making the process simple and easy. It comes included on all late model VW vehicles.

Looking for a Used or New Car for Sale? Visit VW SouthTowne!

Now that you know a little bit more about what to expect when visiting a new or used car dealership near you, the next step is for you to find a great deal on a car or SUV that meets your family’s needs and is a thrill to drive.

Here at VW SouthTowne, we carry a wide variety of used and new cars for sale that are designed to fit any driving style, family dynamic, and budget. If you’re looking for a great deal, don’t forget to check out our great selection of certified pre-owned vehicles and our specials section.

Ready to test drive? The best way to get behind the wheel of a VW is by swinging by our dealership at VW SouthTowne, conveniently located at 11000 South 290 West. You can also call (801) 988-5825 to set up an appointment.

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If This Highlight Reel Doesn’t Convince You to Test Drive a Volkswagen Car – We Don’t Know What Will

One of the cool things about Volkswagen is that it’s not just a car brand – it’s an entire culture of automobile lovers and people who enjoy the thrill of driving. The VW brand is so iconic, in fact, that most of the vehicles don’t even need the VW badge to pick him out of the lineup. When you see a Volkswagen Beetle – you know you’re looking at a VW.

Volkswagen is one of the rare brands that pays homage to its automobile roots while always looking forward to the future. This is one of the main reasons that VW owners love their vehicles so much. Let’s break down a few of our other favorite reasons why drivers are so obsessed with their Volkswagen cars.

#1 – Volkswagen Cars Are Some of the Most Competitively Priced on the Market

During a challenging time in the automobile market where inflation has caused the price of new and used vehicles to skyrocket, you can count on VW to still deliver amazing deals on their cars. For instance, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta has a starting MSRP of $20,415, easily making it one of the most competitively priced sedans in its class. Additionally, the all-electric VW ID.4 has the starting MSRP of just $37,495, making it far less expensive than its biggest competitors in the EV space.

#2 – Volkswagen Cars Have Some of the Lowest Cost of Ownership of Any Brand

Buying a vehicle shouldn’t mean expensive maintenance and costly unexpected repairs, which is exactly why drivers love their Volkswagen cars. They are famously reliable, and the statistics prove it. A recent ranking by Savvy of the most expensive cars to own had Volkswagen all the way down at the #22 spot. When you own a Volkswagen car, you don’t have to worry about paying an arm and a leg for routine maintenance and repairs.

In the event you need service on your vehicle, don’t hesitate to reach out to the VW service center.

#3 – Volkswagen Cars Are Incredibly Fuel Efficient

2021 and 2022 were the years that shoppers of new vehicles put fuel economy at the top of their “must-have” lists. Paying more than $5 per gallon really motivated people to reassess their priorities. Fortunately, fuel economy is something that VW engineers always keep in mind when building out their cars. Perhaps the best example of this is the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta’s fuel economy, which provides 29 mpg in the city and a whopping 42 mpg on the highway.

#4 – Volkswagen Cars Are Some of the Best in the World

A lot of car brands claim they make the best cars in the world, but only Volkswagen has the hardware to actually back it up. Case in point: the all-electric Volkswagen ID.4. It was the winner of the 2021 World Car of the Year Award, besting its EV and non-EV counterparts alike. Not bad considering the ID.4 is the brand’s first foray into the electric vehicle category.

#5 – VW SUVs Can Handle Even the Largest of Families

VW established long ago that it could handle even the largest of parties with the release of the Type 2 Microbus back in the 1950s. In the current day, VW is still releasing vehicles made to accommodate the large family dynamic. The VW Atlas, the brand’s full-sized SUV, can comfortably seat up to 7 passengers. It’s also worth mentioning that this vehicle offers plenty of cargo room with up to 96.8 cubic feet.

#6 – All Volkswagen Cars and SUVs Come with an Industry Leading Warranty

Another big reason why drivers love vehicles is because they know they are going to be taken care of through the manufacturer’s warranty. Every late model car and SUV sold at a Volkswagen dealership near you comes with Carefree Coverage. It includes the following:

• 2 yrs. Service – Scheduled Carefree Maintenance (2 years or 20,000 miles)
• 3 yrs. Help – Roadside Assistance (3 years or 36,000 miles)
• 4 yrs. Coverage – New Vehicle Limited Warranty (4 years or 50,000 miles)
• 5 yrs. Access – myVW Remote Access

When you visit the VW service center for maintenance or repairs, Carefree Coverage will appear in your records, making the process simple and easy.

Let’s Get You Behind the Wheel of a Volkswagen Car Today!

Looking for a Volkswagen dealership near you? Then look no further than VW SouthTowne! As the leading new car dealership near you, we carry a wide variety of sedans, compacts, and SUVs made to suit any driver and budget. One test drive and you’ll see why Volkswagen owners are practically obsessed with their cars.

The best way to get behind the wheel of a Volkswagen car today is by visiting our dealership, which is conveniently located at 11000 South 290 West. You can also call us at (801) 988-5825 or e-mail us directly using the contact form on our website.

We look forward to showing you how sweet the VW life can be!

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Done Looking at New Cars for Sale? Here’s How to Shop For a Used Car Like a Pro

With the combination of the semiconductor chip shortage, the pandemic, and record highs in inflation, we totally get it that it has not been the best past couple of years for those looking to buy a new car. Statistically, most automobile brands have been challenged with keeping a healthy supply of vehicles to meet demand.

Fortunately, your local Volkswagen dealership has been able to provide its customers with a steady supply of used vehicles, which is great news for people like you who are looking for an upgrade. However, navigating the world of used car shopping can be a little bit challenging if you’ve never done it before.

Finding the best used car dealership near you, along with identifying two or three vehicles that meet your needs, is going to require a little bit of time and effort.

Here at VW SouthTowne, we make this easy by offering a wide variety of used vehicles such as SUVs, sedans, and compact vehicles. We also carry a wide variety of certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection, ensuring that our used car-buying customers can drive off our lot with complete confidence.

To ensure that your shopping experience goes smoothly, here are some tips and best practices to use when shopping for used or preowned vehicles.

Set a Budget (With Cushion)

One of the major pitfalls of used-car buying is accidentally going over budget. This tends to happen when you don’t factor in things like sales tax, the cost of registering a car, and any additional dealership fees that may be factored in at the very end. Make sure to build in a cushion to your overall budget to ensure you’re shopping within your means.

Remember, You Can Get Financing In-House

Maybe you don’t have the entirety of the cash that you need to purchase a used car free and clear. That is totally okay. The in-house financing team at VW SouthTowne works with both used and new car buyers alike. Visit our financing center to get started on your pre-approval process.

Try to Narrow Down Your Options Beforehand

The used car buying process goes much more quickly if you have a general idea of what you want beforehand. Take a day or two to peruse our selection of SUVs, compact vehicles, and sedans to try to narrow things down to a handful of choices before meeting with one of our sales team to schedule a test drive.

What to Be Mindful of When Shopping for a Used Car
Now that you have your budget, your financing, and a general idea of which type of used cars you want to test drive, the next steps in this process should go more smoothly and quickly.

How the car handles, the feature package, and the aesthetics are all very important. However, here are a few other major items you’ll want to keep-top-of-mind when used car shopping:

1. The warranty: Having some sort of protection in place on the powertrain and mechanical aspects of the vehicle are important when buying a used car. Unfortunately, many used cars don’t have an active warranty in place because they’ve lapsed. That’s why we encourage drivers to check out certified pre-owned vehicles, which should offer at least a year or so of coverage, or add an extended warranty when purchasing a used vehicle.
2. Check the records: Although a used car is new to you, you still need to be mindful of previous ownership and what the car has been through. Make sure that you thoroughly check out the accident report, vehicle history, and its service record to ensure it’s up-to-date on all routine maintenance and things of that nature. The last thing that you want is to buy a car and then immediately need to take it into the shop for repairs. Here at VW SouthTowne, we can assure you that our used cars are ready to hit the road because they’ve already spent time in our Volkswagen service center, ensuring they meet our standards.
3. Be thorough when test driving: The test drive is one of the most important parts of used car buying. Make sure that you take the vehicle at high speeds on the interstate and at low to moderate speeds through suburban areas. Also make sure that you are thorough when checking out all the vehicle’s features and functions such as the windows, the locks, the wipers, the blinkers, and so forth.

If these major items all check out, then you should be able to move ahead with your used vehicle purchase with confidence. Don’t forget to request a new insurance policy from your agent and get your used car registered at your local DMV.

Ready to Shop for Used or New Cars for Sale? Visit VW SouthTowne!

Although we are best known for being the leading dealer of new cars for sale, the beauty of working with VW SouthTowne is that we are also the leading used car dealership near you in South Jordan. We carry both used cars and certified pre-owned vehicles made to fit any budget, driving style, and family dynamic. Don’t forget to check out our specials for more great deals on VW products and services.

The best way to test drive a Volkswagen near you is by coming down to VW SouthTowne, conveniently located at 11000 South 290 West in South Jordan. You can also call us at (801) 988-5825, or email us directly using the contact form on our website.

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Finding New Cars for Sale That Are Best-Suited for Sustainability

For those who have flirted with the idea of living a life a little more nomadic, you may have heard the term “van life” once or twice. As the name implies, van life essentially means living your life out on the road in a van that’s been converted for mobile living.

You can almost think of it as a scaled-down version of RV life. However, whereas RV life can be accommodating to an entire family, van life maxes out around one or two people.

This begs the question: How can a person live life on the road in a van?

What’s interesting about van life is that these seasoned travelers aren’t just rolling around in a standard van. They have modified it with conveniences and amenities such as bedding, a sink, and a stove top for cooking. Some of them even have toilets. As you can probably imagine, modifying a van does take a little bit of investment and some creative thinking – but it can be done.

That brings us to our topic at hand, which is our upcoming all-electric van release, the VW ID. Buzz, which is expected to hit showrooms by the year 2024. Let’s get to know a little bit more about this vehicle and how it can be used for van life – much like the old-school VW Transporter vans.

The VW ID. Buzz – Electric Van Life is Coming to a Volkswagen Near You

Van life requires a lot of camping and outdoor living, which means drivers need plenty of storage for hauling cargo. We also can’t forget that van life requires a lot of driving and constant relocating, which can be hard on the wallet when considering the cost of gas.

That’s why many individuals that are a part of van life culture are seriously considering switching over to electric. Rather than paying over $60 per tank, they can hit the nearest charging port and pay pennies on the dollar. An EV vehicle is a much more sustainable option, and far less impactful on the environment. The ID. Buzz aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions.

The battery on the VW ID. Buzz is a big topic of conversation. It should be noted right away that nothing about the Buzz’s battery is 100 percent confirmed at the moment. However, we do have clues and evidence that suggests that it will provide drivers with an extensive range. Hot Cars reports that the current range on the European concept version currently gets up to 263 miles on a single charge.

It is projected that the U.S. version will exceed that, possibly providing drivers with up to 300 miles on a single charge. However, only time will tell if that speculation comes to fruition. Because it will still be at least a couple years before the VW ID. Buzz hits American dealerships, plenty is subject to change.

One thing that we know for certain is that the VW ID. Buzz will offer drivers a lot of interior space. It will be able to accommodate up to five people; some reports are claiming that the Buzz will be able to accommodate up to seven people, similar to the VW Atlas. This means that van lifers will have a ton of opportunity to do modifications to the interior, including adding bedding and other amenities.

Of course, when it comes to making van modifications, it’s a good idea to stick with modifications that you can easily undo for the sake of retaining the vehicle’s resale value. Otherwise, if you try to resell the vehicle, your audience will only be limited to other van lifers. It’s also worth noting that extensive van modifications can affect your vehicle’s Carefree Coverage warranty. Be mindful of that before you do anything permanent.

Ready to Shop for New Cars for Sale in South Jordan? Visit VW SouthTowne!

Now that you’ve gotten a preview of the upcoming all-electric VW ID. Buzz, the next step is for you to check out one of our EVs that you can test drive for yourself. We currently carry the award-winning Volkswagen ID.4, which provides drivers with up to 275 miles on a single charge on the Pro model. A trip between South Jordan and Denver would only require one quick stop to charge. The 64.2 cubic ft. of storage (with seats folded down) makes it perfect for hauling your camping gear cross-country.

The VW ID.4 was the winner of the 2021 World Car of the Year award and was recently named one of Wards 10 Best User Experiences.

The best way to test drive the VW ID.4 is by visiting VW SouthTowne, conveniently located at 11000 South 290 West in South Jordan. You can also call us at (801) 988-5825, or email us directly using the contact form on our website.

Looking for other new cars for sale at a Volkswagen near you? VW SouthTowne has you covered!

Our dealership carries a wide variety of SUVs, compacts, and sedans all right here on our lot – ready to test drive. Additionally, as one of the leading used car dealerships near you, we carry a wide variety of used cars and certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. Don’t forget to check out our specials for more great deals on VW products and services.

Are you a current VW owner in need of routine maintenance, service, or repairs? Contact our Volkswagen service center today to set-up your appointment.

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Our Top Things to Make Sure You Do When Test Driving Used and New Cars for Sale in South Jordan, Utah

Deciding to take a test drive usually means a few things.

It means that you like the look of the car and that it is within your budget. It means that it probably meets your driving style and overall needs for storage, features, and performance. It also means that you’re pretty close to making a decision on whether you want to buy it.

There’s no bigger moment of truth for a vehicle than the test drive, so you want to make sure that you get the most out of it. What exactly should you check out before test driving to ensure that you’re not missing anything?

Here is our list of top things you should check out before and during your test drive.

What to Check Before Getting into the Vehicle – The Visual Inspection

As a savvy used car-buyer, you want to make sure that you are checking absolutely everything on the car before getting into it for a test drive. Be slow. Be deliberate. No detail is too small. Here are some of the top things to look at:

• Doors: Make sure to open and shut every one of them to ensure they are in good working order. If any of them stick or jam, that may be a deal-breaker.
• Windows and windshields: Check each door window to make sure it goes up and down smoothly. Also check every window and both windshields for cracks and chips.
• Body: Make sure that you do a comprehensive check of every single panel of the body. You want to look for things like scratches, chips, rust, and other cosmetic damage that may impact the value of the vehicle.
• Tires: Although you may not be a professional mechanic, you should be able to check the tires of the vehicle and determine if there’s a sufficient amount of tread left on them. If you’re looking at bald tires, you’ll definitely want to bring that up with your sales associate.
• Lights: Although a burnt-out light is relatively inexpensive to replace, you still don’t want to incur the cost of doing it. Make sure that you go around and check all the blinker lights, headlamps, and brake lights of the vehicle.
• Interior features: Before you hit the road for your test drive, make sure that you go through the interior features with your sales associate. Make sure things like the air conditioning, stereo, and other technology features are in good working order.

Getting the Most Out of Your Test Drive

When it comes to test driving, you want to be just as diligent as you were when doing a visual inspection of the vehicle. A test drive should be comprehensive, meaning that you should take it through various situations that will come up while driving.

Make sure to complete the following when test driving:

• Driving at high speeds on the interstate
• Driving at low to moderate speeds through neighborhoods
• Complete multiple right-hand and left-hand turns
• Driving the car in reverse
• Thoroughly testing the brakes (both normal gradual stops and hard stops)
• Acceleration test (getting to 60 mph quickly)
• Making lane changes (left and right)

Don’t feel like you’re in a rush when taking a test drive. Remember, you’re only a few steps away from purchasing this vehicle. Feel free to run it through your battery of tests for as long as it takes for you to feel confident about the car.

If the used car dealership near you doesn’t live up to your expectations – walk away. You can find used cars elsewhere or try shopping for new cars for sale.

Ready to Take a VW for a Spin? You Can Find a Volkswagen Near You at VW SouthTowne!

Whether you’re looking for used or new cars for sale, VW SouthTowne has a wide variety of SUVs, compacts, and sedans all right here on the lot and ready for test driving. We have the fuel-efficient and luxurious VW Jetta, the all-new VW Taos, and the award-winning all-electric VW ID.4.

The best way to test drive used and new cars for sale is by coming down to VW SouthTowne, which is conveniently located at 11000 South 290 West in South Jordan. Call us at (801) 988-5825, or email us directly on our website.

As one of the leading used car dealerships near you in South Jordan, we also offer a wide variety of used cars and certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. Don’t forget to check out our specials for more great deals on VW products and services.

Are you a current VW owner in need of routine maintenance, service, or repairs? Contact our Volkswagen service center today to set-up your appointment.

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What This Means for the Future of Volkswagen and Its New Cars for Sale in the EV Space

Developing electric cars is no small feat. The design and engineering elements take years of hard and diligent work to create something that is both sustainable and exciting for consumers to drive.

However, Volkswagen accomplished just that with the release of the game-changing VW ID.4. To say that they hit it out of the park would be a massive understatement. The VW ID.4 was the winner of the 2021 World Car of the Year award and was recently named one of Wards 10 Best User Experiences.

So far, VW is batting a thousand when it comes to electric vehicles. However, the plan was never to release one and be done with the EV market. It’s always been the plan of VW that the ID.4 would be the first of many electric vehicles. Volkswagen has always had an eye on sustainability and creating something that will truly matter in the grand scheme of things.

This is why VW has so many other EVs in the pipeline, including the VW ID. Aero, the VW ID. Buzz, and the VW ID. LIFE. These are all meant to serve as entries and to the all-electric vehicle market meant to sway consumers over to greener pastures.

Building out these game-changing vehicles takes more than just great design and engineering – it takes materials. Most notably, these vehicles all need battery components. These batteries include materials such as cobalt, lithium, graphite, and nickel.

VW knows what it needs to get the job done. Now it’s just a matter of sourcing them responsibly, which is exactly where the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) comes into play.

What is IRMA?

Sourcing and mining raw materials is a huge industry, and many companies beyond VW are all trying to find ways to get their materials in a manner that’s cost-effective, ecologically responsible, and socially conscious. Bottom line: there’s a right way and a wrong way to source materials. VW is committed to doing things the right way.

So, what is IRMA? They are an initiative that works with companies to ensure that they are sourcing and mining their materials in a socially conscious and responsible way. They also ensure that companies keep their environmental impact to an absolute minimum, and that local residents and workers are not put in harm’s way.

IRMA’s board is made up of a collective that includes members of the mining industry, community members, investors, organized labor officials, nongovernmental organizations, and other individuals who have a vested interest in mining and sourcing.

Considering what they do and what they stand for, Volkswagen is proud to be one of the newest members of IRMA and looks forward to conducting business in the right way.

Climate-neutral mobility is one of the main goals for Volkswagen, and a partnership with IRMA can help them realize those aspirations. It’s a true win-win scenario for everyone involved.

Volkswagen wants their drivers to know that when they are looking at new cars for sale from VW that are electric, they are getting a responsibly sourced product. Innovation at the expense of the planet or human life isn’t good business, and VW firmly believes that.

Looking for New Cars for Sale in South Jordan? Visit VW SouthTowne!

Those that are looking for new cars for sale in South Jordan that run on electric are encouraged to check out the VW ID.4. We happen to carry it right here on the lot at VW SouthTowne. All you need to do to test drive it is come down to our dealership, which is located at 11000 South 290 West in South Jordan. If you’ve been looking for a Volkswagen near you, look no further than our dealership. You can also call us at (801) 988-5825 or email us directly by using the contact form on our website.

Not yet in the market for a new car? We’ve got you covered there, too.

As one of the leading used car dealerships near you in South Jordan, we carry a wide variety of used cars and certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. Additionally, you can find more great deals on VW products and services in our specials section.

Are you a current VW owner in need of routine maintenance or service? You can set up an appointment with the Volkswagen service center today through our website.

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Top Perks to Look for When Shopping for New Cars for Sale in South Jordan

Why do people love driving Volkswagen vehicles so much? Quite frankly, they make amazing vehicles that are actually fun to drive.

Granted, they may be used for running errands and making the dreaded daily commute, but they consistently offer an enjoyable experience each time a person gets behind the wheel. That applies to their slick and speedy sedans as well as their oversized SUVs. Driving a VW is pure joy – plain and simple.

VW also happens to win a ton of awards, so we know they’re doing something right with critics as well as drivers. Perhaps their biggest win as of late was when the VW ID.4 claimed the 2021 World Car of the Year award, besting electric and non-electric vehicles alike. Additionally, no less than six VW vehicles were featured on the Car and Driver’s Editors’ Choice List.

Here are some of the top things that drivers love about their Volkswagen vehicles.

#1 – They Love the Industry-Leading Warranty

If you get a new car, you want to make sure that you have a warranty that protects your vehicle just in case. Yet again, VW comes through in the clutch with Carefree Coverage. It’s a suite of coverages designed to protect your vehicle and make sure that it gets proper maintenance services. The coverages break down as follows:

• 2 yrs. Service – Scheduled Carefree Maintenance (2 years or 20,000 miles)
• 3 yrs. Help – Roadside Assistance (3 years or 36,000 miles)
• 4 yrs. Coverage – New Vehicle Limited Warranty (4 years or 50,000 miles)
• 5 yrs. Access – myVW Remote Access

Anytime that you visit the VW service center for routine maintenance or service, Carefree Coverage will come up in your records, making the process simple and easy.

#2 – They Love the Storage Capacity Our SUVs Offer

VW has made a name for itself accommodating the large family dynamic. In fact, the VW Atlas can comfortably seat up to seven people. It also offers up to 96.8 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats folded down.

For those that are looking for the perfect SUV for their next big family getaway or weekend camping trip, the VW Atlas will get the job done. Here at VW, we take storage seriously.

The VW Atlas also provides up to 266 lb-ft. of torque and up to 276 horsepower, proving that it’s not just for packing tons of cargo. It’s a force to be reckoned with.

#3 – They Love Saving on Gas

With the cost of gas prices being insanely high, there has never been a better time to consider switching over to an electric vehicle. The VW ID.4 delivers up to 275 miles on a single charge (Pro model), which makes it more than capable of handling your weekly commute and trips to the school pick-up line with ease.

In addition to never having to pay for a single drop of gas ever again, the VW ID.4 is one of the most competitively priced SUVs on the market with a starting MSRP of just $41,230 (as low as $33,730 after federal tax credit).

#4 – They Love the Huge Feature Package

Torque, horsepower, and handling make up the majority of a driving experience, but we can’t forget about the wide variety of safety and infotainment features that VW offers. In all late model VW vehicles, drivers will get Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a premium sound system, Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro, and myVW, which is an app that features a suite of connected and remote features. Additionally, drivers will get IQ.DRIVE, which brings intelligent driving to the next level. It includes:

• Travel Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Active Blind Spot Monitor
• Rear Traffic Alert
• Front Assist
• Emergency Assist (automatic transmission only)
• Lane Assist

Many VW vehicles have earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation because of their comprehensive safety feature packages.

Ready to Shop for New Cars for Sale in South Jordan? Visit VW SouthTowne!

Now that you know what to look for when shopping for new cars for sale, the next step is for you to find a Volkswagen near you in South Jordan. You can come visit us directly at the VW SouthTowne dealership conveniently located at 11000 South 290 West in South Jordan. You can also call us at (801) 988-5825 or email us directly by using the contact form on our website.

Not yet in the market for a new car? No problem!

As the leading used car dealership near you in South Jordan, we carry a wide variety of used cars and certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. Additionally, you can find more great deals on VW products and services in our specials section.

Are you a current VW owner in need of routine maintenance or service? Set up an appointment with the Volkswagen service center today through our website.

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Breaking Down the Fine Print on Warranties on New Cars for Sale

A lifetime warranty on your car sounds pretty great, right?

Taking that at face value, it sounds like you’ll be 100% covered for the life of your car and never have to worry about paying for expensive services for your vehicle. But are lifetime warranties on new cars for sale actually real? Usually when something sounds too good to be true, it is.

At Volkswagen SouthTowne, where we have been Utah’s #1 Volkswagen dealer for volume sales and customer satisfaction since 2013*, we believe that a lifetime warranty on your car is little more than an advertising hook.

In fact, dealerships offer it because the steps to fulfill the warranty are sometimes so meticulous and difficult to meet that they may be banking on a customer not being able to do it. People have lives. They don’t have time to get their car serviced all the time.

Let’s look at a few of the reasons why Volkswagen SouthTowne does NOT offer a lifetime warranty with our vehicles:

Lifetime Warranties are Usually Handled by a Third Party

When a dealership offers a third-party warranty instead of a manufacturer’s warranty, things get murky. If they go out of business, your warranty is no longer valid. If the ownership of the dealership changes, you will no longer be covered.

These often-unproven companies may use outside insurance companies, but many of them do not have their warranties supported by insurance. More often than not, they are banking on you not being able to fulfill all the steps or have all the right documentation to prove your case and make sure your warranty is properly backed.

Lifetime Warranties Require a Lot of Hoops to Jump Through

Many dealers offering lifetime warranty won’t tell you all that is required of you to maintain it. If you decide to take a lifetime warranty, make sure you ask to read the fine print! You may need to have your vehicle serviced at that dealership at the prescribed mileage intervals. Anything short of this may void your warranty. In fact, sometimes they require you to do MORE service than what is required by your manufacturer.

Furthermore, you will usually have to keep copies of all your repair orders for each service visit. Warning lights must be dealt with immediately, and you also may have to call your lifetime warranty company and get pre-approval before getting any service done on your vehicle. This can be a huge pain when all you need to do is get routine maintenance or an oil change.

Lifetime Warranties Offer Inadequate Coverage

If it is not on the list, it is not covered. Full stop. Usually, the items on the lifetime warranty are parts that are rarely going to fail, if at all. According to coverage from a Toyota dealership on the matter, lifetime warranties usually don’t cover seals or gaskets, which are the most common parts to fail. So, basically, lifetime warranties essentially eliminate the most common reasons you’d need to repair your engine or powertrain!

Lifetime Warranties Are Easily Voided

Another reason we don’t offer the lifetime warranty shtick at Volkswagen SouthTowne is that they are so easily voided. Basically, your lifetime warranty can become null and void if you do every day normal things like:

• Moving – if you move your household 50 miles away, your lifetime warranty is voided.
• Towing – as soon as you tow a Uhaul or a boat, your warranty is dead in the water.
• Modifying your vehicle! We have so many customers who love to add mods to their VW, but as soon as you do that, your so-called lifetime warranty would be untenable.
• Driving for commercial reasons. Want to write off your car for your business? Well, if you want to keep your car under its lifetime warranty, you can’t. Also, if you want to drive for Uber or Lyft – these are all examples of driving for commercial reasons that would void your warranty.

Free Lifetime Warranty is a Myth

One big reason a lifetime warranty is a scam is because many dealerships raise the price of other items to offset it. For example, if you inspect your dealer-arranged financing, you may find that they have raised the price of the car to a much higher amount than they originally advertised. It’s a “rob Peter to pay Paul” scenario.

Another tactic is to charge well above a normal price for service appointments in order to pay for the so-called lifetime warranty, which is a requirement of reaching the many required steps to receiving its benefits. Both tactics result in a higher overall cost to the customer. So, what seems like a “freebie” is actually a way of getting more money out of you.

Is Lifetime Warranty Worth It?

The so-called lifetime warranty often doesn’t start until the manufacturer warranty has expired. For Volkswagen, right now that is 4 years. So why pay more money and jump through all those hoops just to get something you probably won’t use? In fact, most dealerships who offer these kinds of lifetime warranties are betting on you never using it.

Lifetime Warranty Guarantees Your Service Business

When you sign up for a lifetime warranty with a dealership, you are committing to their service department for the life of your vehicle. What if their service department is disappointing? What if they have no availability, and you’re in a bind? What if they aren’t able to fix your car or can’t properly diagnose the problem? You’ll be without options because their lifetime warranty is null and void if you don’t service your car with them.

Being locked into servicing your car at that dealership in order to keep your lifetime warranty intact is just one of the many stifling rules of such a program. These are a few of the many reasons why we prefer not to dupe our customers into taking a lifetime warranty.

How Carefree Coverage from VW Breaks Down

Carefree Coverage from Volkswagen is a suite of services and coverages meant to keep your vehicle in perfect working condition. It includes:

• 2 yrs. Service – Scheduled Carefree Maintenance (2 years or 20,000 miles)
• 3 yrs. Help – Roadside Assistance (3 years or 36,000 miles)
• 4 yrs. Coverage – New Vehicle Limited Warranty (4 years or 50,000 miles)
• 5 yrs. Access – myVW Remote Access

Anytime that you visit the VW service center for routine maintenance or service, Carefree Coverage will come up in your records, making the process simple and easy.

Ready to Shop for New Cars for Sale in South Jordan? Visit VW SouthTowne!

Now that you know how lifetime warranties work, the next step is for you to visit VW SouthTowne so you can check out some of our amazing vehicles. We carry the economic and stylish VW Jetta, the all-electric VW ID.4, and the supersized VW Atlas, just to name a few. If you’ve been looking for a Volkswagen near you, then look no further than VW SouthTowne.

Not yet in the market for a new car? No problem!

As the leading used car dealership near you in South Jordan, we carry a wide variety of used cars and certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. We also run plenty of great deals in our specials section.

Visit us directly at 11000 South 290 West in South Jordan. You can also call us at (801) 988-5825 or email us directly by using the contact form on our website.

Are you a current VW owner in need of routine maintenance or service? Contact the Volkswagen service center to make your appointment today.

*Based on well-documented Volkswagen of America retail reports 2014-current YTD.

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Getting to Know the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and How to Test Drive it at Your Local Volkswagen Dealer

SUV shoppers always have a definitive list of must-haves in their ideal vehicle. It needs to have superior size for passenger and cargo needs, a full suite of advanced infotainment features, sophisticated style, and plenty of muscle under the hood.

Additionally, in a world where a gallon of gas can cost upwards of $5 a gallon, an SUV also needs to have fantastic fuel economy. Cost of ownership should not be a deal-breaker when selecting the perfect SUV for you and your family.

Fortunately, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has all those critical bases covered. As one of the leading SUVs in its class, the Atlas Cross Sport hits all the right notes with drivers and reviewers alike. Let’s break down this game-changing SUV.

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport – Sophisticated and Sized Just Right

Think of the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport as the slightly downsized version of the Volkswagen Atlas. It’s just a shade smaller, yet it’s still able to comfortably fit five people in its luxurious cabin and offers up to 77.8 cubic ft. of cargo room (with rear seats folded down). If you’ve been waiting for the perfect SUV for that big camping trip – the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport fits the bill.

The VW Atlas Cross Sport offers drivers up to 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft. of torque, so you won’t be lacking any power under the hood. The Cross Sport is renowned for its ability to get up and go at the drop of a hat. It’s also jam-packed with driver assistance features, courtesy of IQ.DRIVE. This suite of features includes:

• Travel Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Active Blind Spot Monitor
• Rear Traffic Alert
• Front Assist
• Emergency Assist
• Lane Assist

Additionally, owners of the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport will have myVW, which puts a myriad of convenient tools and commands right at your fingertips. myVW includes:

• Service reminders⁠, scheduling, and history
• Maintenance schedules⁠
• Roadside assistance requests⁠
• Remote start (if equipped)⁠ & lock/unlock⁠
• Vehicle alerts⁠
• Last parked location

⁠

You can also count on the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport to have one of the best warranties in the industry. VW Carefree Coverage offers a variety of coverage that will keep your vehicle in tip-top condition and secure for years. It breaks down as follows:

2 yrs. Service – Scheduled Carefree Maintenance (2 years or 20,000 miles)
3 yrs. Help – Roadside Assistance (3 years or 36,000 miles)
4 yrs. Coverage – New Vehicle Limited Warranty (4 years or 50,000 miles)
5 yrs. Access – myVW Remote Access

When you visit the Volkswagen service center for maintenance or repairs, Carefree Coverage will appear in your records, making the process simple and easy.

Ready to Test Drive the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport? Visit Your Local Volkswagen Dealer at VW SouthTowne!

With a starting MSRP of just $33,635, it’s no wonder that tons of SUV shoppers are flocking to the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. It’s the ultimate summer SUV, capable of handling any big camping trip or cross-country adventure.

The next step is to set up a test drive by coming out to VW SouthTowne, which is conveniently located at 11000 South 290 West in South Jordan.

We also have plenty of other SUVs, sedans, and compacts, just in case you’re looking for another type of vehicle. For instance, our award-winning all-electric VW ID.4 gets up to 275 miles on a single charge and ensures that you’ll never have to pay for gasoline ever again.

Not yet in the market for a new car? We’ve got plenty of used cars on our lot as well!

As the leading used car dealership here in South Jordan, we carry a wide variety of used cars and certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. It’s also worth noting that we have older model years of the Volkswagen Atlas, just in case a new model year is out of your price range. Don’t forget to check out our specials for more great deals on VW products and services.

To contact us about a vehicle or to make an appointment, call (801) 988-5825 or email us directly using the contact form on our website.

Are you a current VW owner in need of routine maintenance or service? Contact the Volkswagen service center to set up your appointment today.

Posted in VW News and Updates | No Comments »