The Top 3 Volkswagen Vehicles That Deliver Lowest Cost of Ownership in Kansas City

This Article Will Make You Think Twice About Using Premium Fuel The price of fuel remains a lingering pain point for many American families. According to AAA, the average price per gallon on regular gasoline in Missouri was $3.21 at the end of May 2023. Granted, this is a considerable improvement from the $4.17 per gallon prices we were paying a year ago; however, drivers are more mindful than ever about the cost of fuel and fuel economy. Are there any best practices that can be employed to extend gas mileage? Which vehicles offer the best fuel economy? Does premium fuel offer any performance benefits over regular unleaded? Savvy consumers are looking for any advantage that will either reduce their gas expenses or boost their fuel economy. Before we dive into that, let’s first dispel a myth about premium fuel and how it relates to Volkswagen vehicles. The Difference Between Regular and Premium Gasoline Adding the word “premium” to anything tends to elevate the product in the minds of consumers. When you think of premium fuel, you probably get the impression it has some performance-enhancing effect on your vehicle that regular fuel does not. However, that’s not necessarily the case. The main difference between regular fuel and premium fuel is that they have different octane levels. Premium fuel has an octane level of 91; regular has an octane level of 87. So, what exactly do drivers get by paying a little extra for premium? It's reported that premium fuel is more balanced and more resistant to engine knocking and spontaneous combustion. Additionally, some varieties of premium fuel are advertised to have anti-corrosive elements that keep the engine clean and mitigate carbon buildup. At face value, this sounds great, but don’t make the switch over to premium fuel just yet. Can Any Vehicle Have Premium Fuel? What Are the Benefits? Here’s where things get interesting. The advertised benefits of premium fuel have convinced some drivers to use it instead of regular. One myth is that premium fuel equates to better mileage – not true. Premium fuel won't degrade the performance of your vehicle, but it won't enhance it either. Basically, you’d be overpaying for gas for nothing. Premium gasoline should only be used with vehicles that require it, such as those with turbochargers or high-compression engines. Not using premium fuel for vehicles that require it will eventually lead to a degradation of performance. Drivers will notice a lag when trying to accelerate and a slight reduction in fuel economy. If the incorrect fuel type is used for a prolonged period, it may result in engine knocking or other mechanical issues. Bottom line: stick with the fuel that the manufacturer of your vehicle recommends. The VW brand has always prioritized cost of ownership, which is why most Volkswagen vehicles are built to run on regular unleaded. A More In-Depth Look at Gas Mileage for Volkswagen Vehicles One huge benefit that has always remained consistent with the VW lineup of vehicles is the great fuel economy they provide drivers. Even the Volkswagen SUV models know how to stretch a buck at the pumps. The following breaks down the fuel economy statistics for each current model year VW vehicle. Volkswagen Jetta gas mileage – up to 31 city/41 highway Volkswagen Golf R gas mileage – up to 23 city/30 highway Volkswagen Golf GTI gas mileage – up to 24 city/34 highway Volkswagen Arteon gas mileage – up to 25 city/33 highway Volkswagen Taos gas mileage – up to 28 city/36 highway Volkswagen Tiguan gas mileage – up to 23 city/30 highway Volkswagen Atlas gas mileage – up to 21 city/25 highway Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport gas mileage – up to 21 city/25 highway Each of these vehicles runs on regular unleaded gasoline; however, there are certain members of the VW automotive family that require premium fuel to run at optimal levels. For example, the 2020 VW Jetta and 2021 VW Tiguan are both offered with turbocharged engines, meaning premium gas is essential for their performance. Drivers who wish to remove themselves from the gasoline dilemma altogether may want to consider the 2023 VW ID.4. It is the lone electric option in the stable of Volkswagen SUV models, providing drivers up to 275 miles on a single charge in the Pro model. Additionally, the new ID.4 comes with three years of free unlimited DC fast charging sessions at Electrify America stations. Where to Get More Info About Eco-Friendly Volkswagen Vehicles Drivers who are curious about what the VW brand has planned for their electric vehicle lineup should check out our preview of the 2025 VW ID.7 and our article about the automaker’s path to sustainability. Volkswagen also has an all-electric travel concept car in the works that aims to replace short-haul flights. For additional questions about the VW ID.4 or Volkswagen vehicles that use a combustion engine, contact your local VW dealership.

Deciding Between the Brand-New VW Taos and VW Jetta Graduation is a big step. It means your child will soon embark upon a new journey as they enter the workforce, and what better way to kick off a career than with a new vehicle? Think of it like a cherry on top for a job well done, and Volkswagen has numerous vehicles that will perfectly pass along the sentiment. Of course, when selecting a vehicle, parents should keep a few key items top of mind. First, the vehicle should offer a manageable cost of ownership. It should also be slick, stylish, and loaded with the latest in safety features and infotainment. Finally, the vehicle should fall in line with their particular driving style and meet their storage needs. Keeping that in mind, the new 2023 Volkswagen Jetta for sale and the 2023 VW Taos are among two of the vehicles that are a great fit for college grads. After directly comparing the two, we'll provide some useful information on where to find these vehicles and how to test drive them at your local VW dealership. VW Jetta vs. VW Taos – Main Specs and Pricing When comparing the Jetta to the Taos, first, it’s important to know the Jetta is a sedan while the Taos is a subcompact SUV. If your graduate has an extreme preference for one or the other, that will save you a lot of time right there. The VW Jetta offers 14.1 cubic feet of trunk space while the VW Taos has a max storage capacity of 60.2 cubic feet. The great thing about both vehicles is they provide low cost of ownership in several ways. The base trim level of the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta for sale has a starting MSRP of $20,665. By comparison, the VW Taos has a starting MSRP of $24,155. Both vehicles also do well in the fuel economy department. The VW Taos gets an estimated 28 miles per gallon in the city and 36 miles per gallon on the highway. However, the VW Jetta performs slightly better, yielding 29 miles per gallon in the city and 42 miles per gallon on the highway. In terms of performance, the VW Taos and Jetta are similar in that regard as well. Both vehicles provide drivers with 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The main difference is the Volkswagen Jetta for sale comes with a four-cylinder 1.5L Turbo 6-speed manual transmission while the Taos comes with a 1.5T TSI 8-speed automatic. Of course, the engine on the VW Jetta can be changed to an automatic for slight price increase. Features, Warranty Info, and Accolades No matter which vehicle you decide to get your grad, the VW Jetta and the VW Taos both come with a generous standard offering of features. Included in the feature package is the IQ.DRIVE suite of driver assistance features and the most current technology and infotainment that VW offers, such as Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro and App-Connect. Safety is priority number one with VW, and the Taos and Jetta both provide a hands-free smartphone experience. The other commonality between the VW Jetta and the VW Taos is they both come with one of America's leading vehicle warranties – Carefree Coverage. This suite of coverages ensures your grad’s new VW stays in tip-top condition, and includes scheduled carefree maintenance, roadside assistance, and a new vehicle limited warranty. Check out the full breakdown on Carefree Coverage for details. In terms of accolades, the VW Jetta and VW Taos have both received a warm reception by drivers and reviewers alike. The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta for sale is a Consumer Reports recommended vehicle, scoring high in the areas of fuel economy, usability, transmission, braking, ride quality, and overall quality. The 2023 VW Taos was named “Best City SUV” in Parents® 2022 Best Family Cars shopping guide. How to Arrange a Test Drive and Learn More Finding a Volkswagen Taos near you or a Jetta to test drive is incredibly easy. All you need to do is reach out to your local Volkswagen dealership – VW Lee’s Summit. Conveniently located at 2225 NE Independence Ave. in Lee's Summit, we carry a large selection of the VW Taos and VW Jetta in several different trim levels and colors. You and your college graduate are free to test drive both vehicles so you can get a true side-by-side comparison. If you're not quite in the market for a new car, how about a used car instead? As the leading Volkswagen dealer in the Kansas City area, we carry a wide variety of used car and certified preowned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. Don't forget to check out our specials for more great deals on VW products and services, such as our $500 discount for college graduates. For questions or to set an appointment, reach out to us by phone at (816) 841-7253 or by email using the contact form on our website.

Information About Your Volkswagen Service Schedule and Priority Items to Be Mindful Of If you've lived in the Kansas City area for even a little bit, then you're already aware this neck of the woods knows how to bring heat. No, we're not talking about a rack of piping hot ribs. We're talking literal heat. That sweltering, humid summer heat that makes the air feel thick. Considering how hot it can get in this area, it's all the more important that you stick to your Volkswagen maintenance schedule to ensure your vehicle remains reliable all summer long. The following breaks down some of the high priority Volkswagen service items you should consider before summer ramps up. Once we cover those, we'll provide some information on where to get professional VW service from a certified mechanic. First Things First – Your Volkswagen Service Might Be Covered All late model Volkswagen vehicles include the Carefree Coverage warranty package, so if you bought your VW recently, it's likely your basic maintenance services coverage is still active. Volkswagen carefree maintenance is active for the first two years or 20,000 miles (whichever comes first) of ownership, and covers many of the basic maintenance services, like filter and oil changes. If your carefree maintenance has lapsed, the best course of action is to refer to your Volkswagen maintenance schedule or to contact the VW service center to find out which routine items should be addressed. The same way drivers “winterize” their vehicles, there’s a summer equivalent to that. Typical Summer Problems That Can Impact a Vehicle Summer weather comes with its own unique set of challenges for a vehicle. Fortunately, there are several warning signs to look for that will tip drivers off that a vehicle problem is on the horizon. The following breaks down the main parts of the car to keep an eye on: Tires: Every driver is one flat tire away from being completely immobilized. The last thing you want is to be stranded in the Midwestern heat on the side of the road. Do yourself a favor and check the tread of your tires. You can do this yourself using a penny. Simply insert the coin into the groove of your tire tread head-first. If all or most of President Lincoln's head is obscured by tire tread, then your tires are in adequate condition. If you can see all or most of Lincoln's head, that means your tires are low on tread and need to be replaced. While you're checking out your tires, it's also worth confirming they are at the right PSI. Driving on underinflated or overinflated tires can lead to excessive wear and negatively impact how the vehicle handles. You can easily find out the correct PSI for your specific Volkswagen and your driver's manual or by performing a Google search on your year, make, and model of VW. Engine: It probably comes as no surprise that overheating engines are a common problem during the summer. To ensure your vehicle performs well during hot conditions, it's advised that you flush or top off the power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant. The Volkswagen service center can easily do this. Further, there are warning signs to look for that will indicate your engine is in need of service. Be mindful of: Ticking noises emanating from under the hood. A lag when attempting to accelerate. A burning smell or other odd odors. Smoke or steam coming from under the hood. A hood that's excessively hot to the touch. A temperature gauge that reads much higher than normal. If you notice any of these signs, the best course of action is to contact the VW service center to schedule an inspection. Air Conditioning Unit: Midwestern summer weather is like a decathlon to your AC unit. It's going to have to work much harder than normal to keep the interior cabin cool, so it’s best to be prepared. At minimum, drivers should top off the Freon levels to ensure they don't run out of cool air. If you really want to have your bases covered, have the AC unit inspected by a Volkswagen service technician. Oil and Filter Changes: Oil is one of the most important fluids that pumps through your engine, and it can lead to a disaster if left unaddressed for too long. If it's been a while since your last oil and filter change, we can't recommend this service enough. Although best practices vary from vehicle to vehicle, drivers should consider having their oil changed once every 3,000 miles or three months (whichever comes first). Other Miscellaneous Items: Once you've addressed the big stuff, it's a good idea to work your way down to smaller items that ensure prolonged vehicle integrity. Consider the following VW services: Have the battery checked. Check the brake pads and rotors. Check the wiper blades for wear. Have the suspension checked. Have all belts and hoses inspected for wear. Scheduling Volkswagen Service at Your Local VW Service Center Owners of Volkswagen vehicles are highly encouraged to get service exclusively through Volkswagen mechanics. Since VW mechanics are specifically trained on Volkswagen products, they will be way more knowledgeable and skilled in servicing your vehicle than a generic mechanic. This also mitigates the chance they may potentially miss something, which is a problem that often happens with other mechanics who aren't familiar with German engineered vehicles. Volkswagen Lee’s Summit is the #1 VW dealer in the entire Midwest!. Contact the Volkswagen service department at your nearest VW dealership in Lee's Summit to make an appointment. This can be done using the online form or by calling (816) 841-7253.