Volkswagen Frequently Asked Questions

New Cars

Should I buy a Volkswagen car?

As a well-known marque with a reputation for quality and reliability, Volkswagen is a great choice for your next car. Each vehicle is durable, efficient and includes an array of in-car and safety technologies as standard, and your purchase will be backed by a three-year/60,000-mile warranty for your peace of mind. Should you choose an electric or hybrid model, you’ll enjoy an eight-year/99,360-mile battery warranty.

A wide choice of vehicles and fuel types are on offer, meaning you’re almost certain to find a model that meets your needs and budget. Best-selling cars include the Polo, Golf and Passat.

Is a Volkswagen a luxury car?

Volkswagen is not, by definition, a luxury brand as it produces a range of models that encompass both affordable and premium options. There are certainly more luxurious vehicles available in the line-up, such as the R-Line editions, which offer sportier styling and a higher spec interior, but the brand’s origins lie in producing affordable cars. Indeed, the name ‘Volkswagen’ means ‘People’s car’ – the focus is on reliability and quality at competitive prices rather than luxury.

Why buy a Volkswagen car?

Since its inception, Volkswagen has built a reputation as a trustworthy brand. They are inexpensive to buy and run, and hold their value better than other mainstream brands, meaning that the model you purchase will depreciate less over time.

With a wide selection of models and trims to choose from, there’s something for everyone in the range. Urban drivers will appreciate the compact Up, while those with families can enjoy the comfort and space of the Touareg 4x4. There are also hybrid and electric cars on offer for the eco-conscious.

With reliability, efficiency and quality on its side, Volkswagen is a sound choice for even the most discerning drivers.

Are Volkswagen cars reliable?

Volkswagen cars benefit from the high standards and attention to detail that go into all the Volkswagen Group’s vehicles. German engineering is renowned for its quality and reliability, and Volkswagen models certainly benefit from this.

But don’t just take our word for it. In the 2017 WhatCar? reliability survey, the Golf SV was named the third most reliable MPV, while the Tiguan took the top spot for small SUV reliability. The survey is based on real-world driver feedback, proving that current owners are finding their Volkswagen vehicles dependable.

Where are Volkswagen cars made?

The majority of Volkswagen models that are seen on British roads are made in Germany. Upon the marque’s foundation in 1937, its headquarters were based in Wolfsburg in North Germany, and to this day Wolfsburg remains on of the manufacturer’s key facilities. The Touareg and e-Golf – among others – are made in Dresden, at Volkswagen’s state-of-the-art ‘Transparent Factory’.

The first two Beetles were sold in the UK in 1952, and Volkswagen has a base in the UK, located at Blakelands in Milton Keynes. From here, operations around the sourcing, marketing and distribution of vehicles take place.

Which Volkswagen is the fastest?

The current fastest model in the Volkswagen range is the Golf R. Boasting 310 PS, it races from 0-62mph in a mere 4.6 seconds and has an electrically limited top speed of 155mph.

The Volkswagen Golf GTI also has a reputation for speed, and the new Golf GTI is one of the fastest ever iterations. It’s able to achieve an impressive top speed of 153mph and can make the sprint from 0-62mph in only 6.5 seconds. The Polo GTI comes in a close third when it comes to the fastest models, accelerating from 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds and reaching a top speed of 147mph.

What does the Volkswagen factory warranty cover?

Each conventional fuel-powered Volkswagen comes with three-year/60,000-mile warranty. This is a comprehensive warranty to cover your vehicle against defects and repairs. Like any warranty, it has some exclusions; components that are subject to wear and tear are not covered unless there’s a clear manufacturing defect. These include tyres, wiper blades and light bulbs among others.

Electric and hybrid models come with an additional eight-year/99,360-mile warranty that covers the high voltage battery. For full details on the available warranties for new Volkswagen cars or to find out if your warranty covers some maintenance you require, contact our team today.

Why buy a new Volkswagen from Des Winks?

Established in 1978, Des Winks Volkswagen is a reliable and trustworthy brand, serving motorists in Scarborough and throughout North Yorkshire. Choosing us for your new Volkswagen brings with it a variety of benefits. You’ll receive exceptional service from the moment you arrive to the moment you drive away, whether you’re here to browse, discuss your needs or take a test drive.

We also have a range of fantastic offers available on our Volkswagen vehicles, many of which come from the manufacturer, but some of which are unique to us – meaning you won’t find them anywhere else. Finally, with a selection of finance packages available, we’ll do our best to ensure you drive away in the car of your dreams at a price you can afford. Visit us today to view the Volkswagen range.

Is a new car more expensive to insure?

New cars aren’t necessarily more expensive to insure than used models. While it’s true that the value of a vehicle has an impact on premiums, it’s one of many factors that are taken into consideration by providers.

The presence of security devices and safety mechanisms often brings the premium down a little. Since newer cars typically have better technology in place to prevent theft – as well as measures to help prevent collisions – they are seen as safer to drive. This means you could benefit from purchasing a new model as opposed to one several years old.

Other factors affecting insurance premiums include your personal driving and claims history, annual mileage, when the vehicle is mainly in use, and any modifications that may have been made.

What do you need to know before buying a car?

There are a number of considerations when you’re buying a new car. Among them are your needs: what will you mostly be using the car for? What sort of environment do you typically drive in – urban, country, long distance or a mix? You’ll also need to know what you can afford – both as a deposit and as a monthly payment.

It’s also vital to buy from a reputable dealer, such as Des Winks. In doing so, you’re guaranteed quality and reliability, a full manufacturer warranty, and flexible finance solutions that meet your budget.

Finally, look into running costs and insurance costs before making your purchase.

Used Cars

Can you lease a used car?

With the range of finance packages available at Des Winks Volkswagen, it’s possible to lease a used vehicle from us. We have a variety of pre-owned models in stock, from the compact Up to the mighty Tiguan, and each can be leased on a long-term basis. Solutions such as Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) enable you to make a deposit followed by monthly payments over an agreed period. If you choose not to make the final ‘balloon’ payment, you can simply bring the car back to us and exchange it for a new one.

For further details on PCP and our other finance leasing options, contact Des Winks Volkswagen today.

Are used Volkswagens reliable?

Volkswagen has a reputation for producing reliable vehicles. Choosing a Das WeltAuto used car from Des Winks means you’re guaranteed a certain level of reliability from the moment you drive away. Our technicians carry out a multi-point check to ensure there are no mechanical issues, and your vehicle is covered by a 12-month unlimited mileage warranty and 12 months’ roadside assistance.

In addition, we carry out a check to make sure there’s no outstanding finance and that a full service history is available. That means you can purchase with the peace of mind that only a reputable dealer can offer. 

Why buy a used car from Des Winks?

In addition to the checks and tests carried out by our staff to ensure the reliability of our used Volkswagens, there are many benefits to purchasing from Des Winks. We offer a selection of flexible finance solutions which enable you to buy your dream car at a price you can afford. We can also provide five-day Volkswagen insurance on Das WeltAuto used cars, meaning you’re covered for a short period until you can sort out your own insurance.

Our used Volkswagen vehicles are competitively priced, and many have low mileage, which makes them even more attractive. Finally, you can count on professional, friendly service each and every time you visit us.

Should I buy a used Volkswagen car?

There are many great reasons to buy a used Volkswagen. Among them are the benefits you receive when purchasing a Das WeltAuto used car from a trusted dealer. These include:

  • 142 checks
  • 12 months’ warranty
  • No quibble exchange
  • 12 months’ roadside assistance
  • Independent vehicle history and mileage tests
  • Service history checks
  • Flexible finance options
  • 12 months’ unlimited mileage warranty
  • 5-day Volkswagen insurance
  • If the vehicle you’re considering is less than three years old and has under 60,000 miles on the clock, you’ll benefit from the remainder of the manufacturer’s new car warranty

Finally, Volkswagens hold their value well, so buying used means you can be sure the resale value won’t depreciate too much over the course of your ownership. When you come to sell, you can expect a good price.

What do you need to buy a used car from Des Winks?

Before purchasing a used car from Des Winks Volkswagen, it’s a good idea to have a browse through our online listings to see which models and specs take your fancy. You’ll also need to have an idea of your budget.

When you come in to take a test drive, we’ll need to see your driving licence, so have it with you when you visit. If you’d like to part exchange your current vehicle, it’s a good idea to drive it to the dealership when you come for a test drive – we’ll be happy to take a look at it and provide you with a fair valuation.

What should I look for when buying a used Volkswagen car?

When buying a used Volkswagen car there are a few things you may want to look for. These include the quality of the vehicle – are there any scratches in the paintwork? What is the tread on the tyres? You should also make sure there’s a satisfactory service history that can be provided.

Aside from that, considerations include what you’ll be using the car for, its running costs, what sort of space you’ll need and the vehicle’s mileage. Test driving the car before purchase is really important too – it enables you to see whether it’s a good fit for your driving style and preferences.

What do you need to know before buying a used car?

The most important thing to remember when buying a used Volkswagen is that purchasing from a trusted dealer affords benefits that private sellers or independent retailers may not be able to offer – such as flexible finance options and a used car warranty. These provide essential peace of mind from the moment you drive away.

You’ll also need to have an idea of your budget, as well as the annual ownership costs of the car(s) you’re considering. Finally, make a note of any questions you may have about the vehicle’s history and spec – at Des Winks our sales advisors will be happy to give you as much information as you need.