Hi everyone,

I'm a new user (obviously enough) and I considered posting on one of the other Q&A sections, but the reason I am here is because I have questions as I am in the market for an Eos (and I'm pretty much set on it now) and I have questions which apply to Australian (specifically, Brisbane) conditions and models - and I'm worried I may get answers relating to overseas models if I post in the Q&A forum.

My current car is a 1982 Datsun Pulsar so I am most definitely needing a brand new one. In all honesty I've never cared to drive before as public transport was good - I've actually been on my learner's permit for 12 years and never bothered to sit for a test - but since it's becoming more economical to drive (plus I don't have to share stinky train carriages with loud teenagers or drunks), I'm not putting up with public transport or that thing. I know other people who are in the exact same boat, and I also know some people will think I'm crazy for going no-holds barred as a fresh licence holder. Meh. What better experience could there be than an Eos? I've researched heaps already (reading reviews/articles, forums and brochures for various VWs, since the Eos one isn't _quite_ as comprehensive as say, the Golf one), so hopefully these questions aren't too annoying...


One thing I've seen while reading reviews and articles is there is a lot of disagreement over TSI v TDI. Some say TDI is best as it's a cruising car and not a sportscar, TDI is best value for money, and it runs smoother anyway. Some say the TSI is best as it's smoother (as well!), has more punch and because TDI smells of diesel. Both sets of argument are weak-sounding - modern diesel cars don't smell, for example. Of course TSI performs better, but does it perform $2000 plus higher fuel prices better? Do owners of either regret not getting the other? $2000 is quite a bump on top of other options. That's why I ask here - how does each respective type handle Australian conditions and our fuel prices? This is going to be the hardest choice at this rate! (As it's an Eos, although I live in suburbia, I would be using this car for recreation so usage would vary.)

Leather seats v fabric seats: Which is best? I'm curious, as leather especially varies between cars and manufacturers; I just came back from a holiday in Melbourne where a friend had a modern BMW 3 Series with white/cream leather (orange dash lighting at night - hard to tell), and it felt as hard and cold as it looked. Although it was a nice car, I must say. I'm not convinced to get either in particular...it occurs to me leather is easier to wash and thus if it rains, is 'safer'...but when I look at used cars with leather seats there's always a massive permanent bum dimple, especially on four-seaters, especially on back seats. It's also a question of climate as leather heats up badly in the midday sun...but if I had to buy an Eos tomorrow, leather, definitely. Do fabric seat owners regret it? My research in this area let me down because it all comes from colder climates...seat warmers and so on are a factor.

Are xenon lights worth it in suburbia? I don't think I'm going night driving in any hinterlands or anything like that...and is it possible to upgrade this later at a dealer, or is there an electronic limitation like older cars apparently have?

If for some reason I decide to save money and get a used Eos, is there any substantial differences between older models and the MY09/10 other than the RCD 310/510 and apparently louder wind noise on the old one? When in Melbourne last week I saw a raffle for an Eos on the Bourke Street Mall on the Saturday, and it was a great opportunity to see an Eos parked with the top down, especially since you never see a good photo of the back seat legroom (which was generous). I barely noticed it was an old model!

Are there any options or accessories which people would recommend to get from the outset, including aftermarket stuff that won't affect my warranty? Are there any I should not waste my money on?


Part of the reason for these questions is so I can compromise to save time and money - I'm not fussed on a lot of things including car colour, so if I can find a new car at a dealer which suits, I'd rather that than the 16-week wait. I imported something massive by sea freight last year and it took five months of waiting, form-filling and chasing up customs as it sat in port for three weeks, so I'd not like to experience it again if I can help it! But the Eos itself is something I don't want to compromise on. There are other options, but I'd kick myself for taking them!

Thanks much for your time and, hopefully, assistance!

My 2cents is as follows:

1. For sportscar drive get the TSI. I personally chose TDI to get economy and ecofriendliness.

2. Leather is nice- I got Cornsilk Beige with Salsa red and it is truly stunning- gives the car the luxury feel it deserves. Beige is much cooler in the heat but a bitch to keep clean though. Bear in mind that black materials really heat up in the sun and you will be driving topless VERY often ! Seat warmers are standard even in Oz.

3. Dont bother with Xenon lights in the burbs.

4. Dont get a used Eos unless it has a (long) warranty- your roof is your Achilles heel and it will rattle, creak and require SOME attention at some time. My NEW Eos has been in the shop 4 times for minor roof issues in the first 4 months.

5. Can't comment on the old model vs new as I dont have direct experience between them. Just know that the dash lighting is different colour and the stereo system is better in the 10 model.

6. Consider the SmartTop roof remote if you get a used one with no warranty. Tint your windows. Get factory alarm.

7. My advice is get a demo/new car . Its worth the wait.

Thanks for the reply - I think what you've said is just what I hoped to hear. I've gone to a few yards after hours and had a look at what's in stock and they all look pretty good; and like I sort of said, I'm pretty certain I can budget for a new Eos with whatever features, but obviously cheaper is better and until I go to the bank and get confirmation in writing, I have nothing. I'd much prefer new for the reasons you've said, and because that way I'm in full control of the warranty from the outset too, rather than just inheriting it and perhaps leaving questions over what had or had not been done to it by the previous owner.

Guess the easy solution to TSI/TDI at the moment is to test drive and see if TDI is adequate. Fuel economy is important, but all I've ever driven is 4cyl cars, and it'd be nice to be able to speed up on a slight incline for once - if the TDI can do that on the test drive to my satisfaction, that may do just fine. I should point out I'm only interested in DSG, I've never been a fan of manual cars.

Also, now I think about it, leather would definitely increase resale value should I ever wish to sell, especially after about 5 years or so. The tartan fabric pattern isn't very flattering and when you see it in older cars, and similar patterns in other makes, it makes the car look 10 years older. It's definitely an acquired taste and one that not everyone will want to acquire. Besides, I didn't see any dealer models with fabric anyway! (In fact, I think I even looked in the window of a Polo that a friend was inspecting and it was fabric.)

Now all I can do is wait I guess...!

Hi gurt,
I recently bought a used Eos at the same time my mother got her White Night.

We both got the TSI (well, TFSI for ours as it is an '07) as my wife, my mother and I are all waht would you call it... revhead? not quite, but we do enjoy the performance. Is it worth 2k and the 20c/L premium, extra consumption? I don't think so, but we reasoned that the Eos is a sports car and a diesel just doesn't belong. We do like modern VW diesels, I drive a Caddy Camper TDI myself and you're right, it's smooth and not stinky but it runs out of puff at 4000rpm.

My previous job was involved with aftermarket tuning for VAG cars - and I'd recommend software tuning if you want something extra. Ours is loaded with APR, but the catch is that it must run 98 RON. It goes well now... mum's taking hers in soon too.

Eos's have stayed the same pretty much. The difference is slight audio and electronics upgrades, '09 saw a new touchscreen radio and mirrors. I'm not sure if the new chain-driven 2.0TSI came in '09 or '10. The colours changed a bit too. For both cars, we've fitted the excellent RNS510 touchscreen nav unit. That should stop the girls getting lost...

Xenon, we both would've ticked the option if we could. But we were after a manual used car so our choice was limited. My mum had the adaptive cornering xenon in her passat, but as the Eos is a White Night edition, you couldn't put factory options on it. In suburbia it's not needed I agree, but brisbane is huge and just going through somewhere like Rochedale Road really shows the difference between halogen vs xenon.

Cloth vs leather... the cloth in the Eos isn't very nice looking. I'd go leather, but get some sun on it and it will burn your bottom. We both got black vienna leather and they feel firmer than the cloth seats.

Lastly, I agree the public transport in Brisbane is ridiculously expensive and not up to standard! If you are buying new, the guys at Garry Crick in Maroochydoore has looked after us very well and offer very competitive prices.

Hi all,

I also drive the 2.0 turbo TSI and loving it every time.
Besides the performance of turbo, the thing I really love is that sonic "boom" sound when DSG changes the gears. It's hard to describe but when you push it little harder then you hear that awesome "boom", "boom", "boom"...
That's worth more than anything.

I believe I got the best deal in the country on my EOS at 55K drive away with all the goodies thrown in. How good is that!!

If you want I’ll take to my dealer to match the deal.

Happy EOSing.

Hi EOSing,

I paid $57000 drive away for mine so sounds like good deals alround here in Brissy.

Barry

Hi brissybazman,
awesome deal! individual pack alone $7000!
that's a steal... well done!
we should do a weekend drive sometime I missed the last one...:(

Lams, those are some excellent points. I really don't think I'll know if I want TSI or TDI until I drive one, since I've only ever really driven gutless cars and either way I'll be better off. From what I understand it's a question of if I want faster speed or more torque. But it's definitely a compliment to VW that it's so hard to decide because it means the TDI is competitive...and I might just do as you said and see what's up at Maroochydore if I can - I've been waiting for an excuse to go back there but I was going to go post-car, of course, since it's such a lovely area to explore. I think my plan when I get the car is to, at one point, take it up the highway to Cooroy, go over to Noosa Heads, head back down David Low Highway to Maroochydore...then I'm not sure. I guess that's the fun part! And the Esk route, of course. That's another story :P

I have to say re: xenon lights, I've since discovered a friend of mine lives down an extremely poorly lit, winding and 70km road with a number of roadside crosses on it. Maybe I will consider that option after all, haha. Also the RNS 510 is something I might consider after the initial purchase, but generally speaking I have an excellent sense of direction and a street directory should do fine - either I pull over and look, or the more likely situation is a friend will be in the front passenger seat and they can look at the map. But I'd strongly consider getting something before going interstate, especially to Melbourne or something. Their different style of maps is kind of annoying to switch to! They really love Melways for some reason!

RE: best deals, At the moment the best deal I can see as listed online is the White Night, which comes with a lot of would-be options as standard for just under 60k, but of course a dealer might be negotiable in some way. I'm not a huge fan of the White Night's look as it's too subtle, but when I first read the description I somehow got the impression it was a black car with white seats, which sounded disgusting. It's quite possible I'd bring a friend along when I go to buy as I got one who's in the marked for a used VW anyway - he'll have some test drives of his own to make. I'm still definitely after new though, so it limits me on aftermarket options...although after 3yr/100,000km, it'll be a nice consolation to be able to add a few things to it. :)

I do keep count of any Eos that I might see on my day-to-day business, just for fun, since I work in the city...for example, on Friday I saw two. They seem to congregate around Elizabeth Street and Albert Street!

Hi EOSing,

We will have to do a drive for sure, havn't done one yet. I'm looking forward to the winter months when the sun isn't as strong, gets a bit warm with the top down in brisvegus in summer time.
By the way look out for my Eos the plate is "TOPDOWN" so give us a wave if you see us.

Barry

I don't think I've seen a black one yet, excluding I think the Newstead VW dealer! Also, nice plate :)

I paid 53K driveaway. Less Kevin Rudds business discount !