Great Deals on Great Wheels – The 2012 Volkswagen Edition

When it comes to car companies building safe, affordable, fun-to-drive family cars, Volkswagen is tough to beat. That’s one reason we think parents seeking an entertaining way to shuttle the offspring ought to consider visiting their local VW dealer between now and the end of August. The other reason is because all 2012 Volkswagens (except models with TDI Clean Diesel engines) are currently available with zero-percent financing for 60 months.

There’s something in VW’s lineup for just about everyone, from the standard Jetta S at $17,470 to the locked and loaded Touareg Hybrid at $62,930. Whether you seek a sedan, hatchback, coupe, convertible, station wagon, SUV, or minivan, Volkswagen can fill the need. The only vehicle type the company’s lineup lacks is a pickup truck.

MOST VOLKSWAGENS ARE FUN TO DRIVE

For the most part, VWs deliver the ride and handling qualities expected of German cars, which means Volkswagens are communicative, responsive, and entertaining to drive. Some models are more adept at this than others and, unfortunately, the bestselling Jetta and Passat are a bit watered down in this regard. And since the Routan minivan is basically a Dodge Grand Caravan with VW badges on it, don’t expect much in terms of driver engagement.

2012 Volkswagen Passat SEL

MOST VOLKSWAGENS ARE “TOP SAFETY PICKS”

As for safety, with few exceptions, every 2012 Volkswagen model is rated as a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety due to top-notch performances in the moderate overlap frontal crash test, side-impact crash test, rear-impact injury prevention test, and roof crush strength test. The exceptions are the Beetle, which has not been crash-tested, and the Eos, which because it is a convertible cannot pass the roof crush strength test. Also, the “Top Safety Pick” rating for the Golf and GTI applies to the tested 4-door model, not the untested 2-door model.

DETAILS OF THE DEAL

Until August 31, every new 2012 Volkswagen except the TDI Clean Diesel models can be purchased with a zero-interest, 60-month loan through Volkswagen Credit. The 2013 VW CC is also eligible for this program. No down payment is required, but you do need to have good credit to get the deal.

As an additional incentive – as if one were necessary – every 2012 Volkswagen includes a free scheduled maintenance program covering all oil changes, tire rotations, and vehicle checks every 10,000 miles for the first three years or 36,000 miles of ownership.

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn

To figure out what your monthly payment will be, you’ll need to pay $16.67 for every $1,000 you finance. Let’s say you’re like me, and you want a Jetta GLI Autobahn with Navigation and a handful of extra-cost accessories. This zero-down, zero-interest loan for $30,000 will result in a monthly payment of $500.10 (30 x $16.67).

READ OUR REVIEWS OF 2012 VOLKSWAGENS

Speedy Daddy has reviewed several of the 2012 Volkswagen models, as well as the 2013 CC. If you’re interested in what we have to say, choose a link:

Read our review of the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo
Read our review of the 2013 Volkswagen CC
Read our review of the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Read our review of the 2012 Volkswagen Passat
Read our review of the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan

SPEEDY DADDY SAYS…

Fun, safe, affordable cars and SUVs are on sale through the end of August. If need a new set of wheels, now is the time to get thee to the local Volkswagen dealer, post haste.

– Christian Wardlaw