I recently traded my Z in for a VW Eos. I kind of wanted to go in a different direction. It's pretty nice, but not quite as quick as a Z. I got the 2.0T version for its tunability, so I'll probably be hanging out in the GTI MkV forums.

 

Why?

 

I think if I went with the G35, I might have kept it longer. With two kids it got difficult trying to fit everyone and everything I wanted to into it. I never had a problem with the Z, it was a marvelous purist's car. So when I went shopping for a replacement, I wanted something I thought would be fun, practical and kind fo sporty.

I knew I wouldn't really find performance on the level of the Z, but the Eos shares some of its parts with the GTI/TT/A4 as well as Jetta and Passat. It actually rides quite nicely and is fairly peppy. I plan to start getting it up to the 300HP point eventually, but will probably start with a simple ECU reflash to gain a quick 50HP and 80 ft/lbs torque. I had considered getting the 3.2L version, but wanted a manual transmission and didn't really see the point in paying $3K more for the engine when a $700 reflash would gain more performance on a 183 lbs lighter car.

 

Why didnt you consider a Mustang GT? i think the newer ones have more room in the back

 

I was mainly considering a hardtop convertible. I did also look at the A4 Cabriolet, the Volvo C70 and the 328i, but for some reason I felt the Eos was more for me, plus the price was right. I didn't want to pay $50K for the BMW, and the C70 seemed too soft to drive. I liked the A4 although it was a soft top, but I felt that the VW was on par quality-wise with the Audi, had the same engine, the interiors looked very similar, the Eos is hardtop with a sunroof included as well which is pretty damned nice. I also paid about $7K less for the same type options as the A4.

 

Sorry to hear you got rid of the Z.

Are there any mods that you're trying to get rid of?

Later

Ian

 

I sold the entire car to the dealership.

 

Enjoy!

 

Thanks I am. However I still like reading this forum and will check back regularly.

 

Well boss, you will be missed! Family comes first and i know since i have my first newborn on the way. but the Z is going nowhere...lol. Enjoy the new ride....

G

 

I found some Eibach springs to lower it an inch, but I'm going to get the APR ECU flash first to get stage 1 to get me up to 250HP. I'll go stage 3 later one (bigger turbo) and that'll get me up to 300. I am also eyeing some 19s I like as well. There are a few body kits, but if I go that route, that mod will be last. I prefer the performance stuff first.

I'm still very happy with the car and it's above normal VW standards. I'd say it's more Audi-like especially the interior.

 

Just to update everyone, I did in fact get the APR Stage 1 ECU Flash and it makes a world of difference. It's certainly not Z fast, but I'd say it does 60 MPH in the mid to upper 6 second range. Plus the gas mileage hasn't gone totally down the tubes unless I spool the turbo a lot. I only paid $628 for the flash and got about 40+ whp and 96ft/lbs torque. APR increases the boost from the stock 11 PSI to 19 PSI. A lot of guys run with that and haven't had any problems other than sometimes cracking the stock diverter valve which can easily be replaced with a stronger one for $70.

I do miss the rear wheel drive. But I love driving with the top down too and the security of the hardtop. The only major issue I have so far is that if the top is down, a lot of weight is in the ***, so getting traction is more challenging since I have front wheel drive.