[mikestew]

What do people think about the ethics of buying (non-diesel) Volkswagen cars at this point?

Hey, if you want to buy a shit car, I don't think ethics really factor into it.

All kidding aside, despite being in absolutely no danger of ever buying another VW, I would think of it like I think of buying from (to pick a recent popular whipping boy) Amazon: does giving money to the company vote for the world you want to live in? I like workers to be treated fairly and with respect, so no more Amazon for me. I like clean air and products that win because they're great products that don't rely on cheating to make them great, so no more VWs for me.

As for used ones (assuming non-diesel), I'll use another metaphor. I'm a vegetarian. What if my veggie pizza shows up with pepperoni (and assume I otherwise like pepperoni)? I eat it. Cow's already dead, I didn't request that it be killed for my meal, and they're just going to throw it away if I send it back. Might as well eat it. Used VWs? Money's already in the pocket of a crooked company, might as well buy one if it suits your needs. Just take it somewhere other than the dealer when it needs work. :-)

[superuser2]

What comparably priced cars would you consider competitive with the Golf on interior quality? I want to love the Mazda 3, but until the 2014 model year it looks like garbage to me. I'd be much happier with a 3-series, but that's 3x as much money as a 2012-2014 Golf.

[mikestew]

I don't mean to be a smartass, but does my post strike you as coming from a guy who pays much attention to VW these days? :-) VW had their chance several times, so they are now on my "don't even bother to look" list, right next to Fiat.

Besides, I spend my real money on motorcycles, so I'm truly not the guy to ask about compact cars regardless of brand. That, and the interior is low on my list of priorities when selecting a vehicle.

[superuser2]

My point is VW fills a niche that's not otherwise well served. If you like the German sportscar aesthetic and can't afford a BMW, it's kind of your only choice.

[gambiting]

Well, there is always the argument to be made that people wouldn't buy a new VW if they knew getting rid of it in 3 years is going to be really difficult. But that's not going to happen.