By Josh RosenbergWhile historically high new and used car prices have forced buyers to look for "older" vehicles that may have aged well as a way of saving money, the issues of reliability and dependability have become even more crucial.
For those considering a 2010 Volkswagen CC, its reliability record has been somewhat mixed. While some owners have had positive experiences with their CCs in terms of reliability and performance, others have encountered issues.
Consumer Reports and J.D. Power, among other sources, has provided varying reliability ratings for the 2010 CC. In general, the CC's reliability fell somewhat below average compared to its competitors in the midsize sedan segment. While owners often praised its stylish design, comfortable interior, and driving experience, many also noted concerns about potentially higher maintenance costs and the frequency of repairs.
It's also important to consider that individual experiences with reliability can vary based on factors like maintenance history, driving habits, and how well the vehicle was cared for by previous owners.
So here, ...
- We'll list areas of possible mechanical problems that some owners have experienced that should be checked before buying one today.
- Next, we'll take a look at the overall pros and cons of buying a 2010 CC all these years later.
- Then we'll review its features as it was originally released in 2010.
- And finally, we'll suggest ways of buying one today at the lowest price.
But first, two very important suggestions ...
1. Know How To Get The Lowest Used Car Price:
Get Dealers To Compete For your Business: When you are searching vehicles to possibly purchase, the following is the absolute best way to get the lowest price, and it is extremely easy and stress-free.
Just go to a national car listing site, (I happen to prefer CarsDirect.com for their massive dealer participation and ease of use, although others will get the job done as well) and find several listed vehicles that you may be interested in.
Then write something like the following in the "Check Availability" box or "Contact Dealer" box or whatever the site you are using uses.
"Hello, I've contacted several dealers about cars I am interested in and am looking for the best value. I am also a serious buyer planning to make a decision soon. Please send me your best out-the-door price. Thank you.
After receiving the offers, follow up by explaining that based on the price, you're leaning in another direction but still really like their car and would certainly consider another offer. When dealers drop out, you'll know you're at the best price.
Using the internet to get dealers to compete for your business is extremely important. More details on this and how to intereact with the dealers can be found here at Best Used Car Buying Techniques.
2. Things To Do When Considering An "Older" Vehicle:
Locate Lower Mileage Vehicles: They are certainly out there to be found with careful and patient shopping. Be willing to drive a distance if you have to.
Vehicle History and Maintenance: Ask for the vehicle history report (CarFax or AutoCheck) as well as documented maintenance and repair records. If not provided by the dealer or private seller, it's best to move on.
Pre-Purchase Inspection: Have the vehicle independently inspected before making a final decision. This usually will cost in the $150-$200 range but is well worth it given the potentially thousands in savings over the long term.
2010 Volkswagen CC Mechanical Problem Watchlist:
The 2010 VW CC has had some reported mechanical issues reported by owners. These potential problems should be included in an inspection before buying:
Transmission Problems: Some models with the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) transmission experienced issues such as hesitation, jerking, or rough shifting. These problems could range from minor annoyances to significant mechanical repairs.
Engine Concerns: There were occasional reports of engine-related problems, including issues with the timing chain tensioner and turbocharger failures. The timing chain tensioner could fail prematurely, leading to potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.
Electrical System Faults: Instances of electrical issues, such as problems with the power windows, door locks, or various sensors, were reported by some owners.
Suspension and Steering: Some drivers experienced problems with the suspension system, including premature wear of suspension components, leading to a less comfortable ride or increased noise while driving. Steering-related issues, like power steering pump failures, were also reported in some cases.
Cooling System Problems: Instances of coolant leaks or issues with the cooling system were noted by a few owners, potentially leading to overheating problems if not addressed.
Again, it's essential to note that not every 2010 CC experienced these problems, and the severity could vary widely among individual cars. Regular maintenance, proper care, and addressing issues promptly may have mitigated some of these potential problems in many vehicles.
2010 Volkswagen CC Pros
Affordability: Obviously, older models like the 2010 CC tend to have significantly lower upfront costs. However, this has to be weighed against the increased likelihhod of possibly higher maintenance and repair costs going forward.
Potentially Lower Insurance Costs: Older cars often have lower insurance premiums than newer models, contributing to overall cost savings.
Stylish Design: The CC had a sleek and attractive design, resembling a luxury coupe, which appealed to many buyers.
Comfortable Interior: It offered a well-designed and comfortable cabin with good-quality materials, making it enjoyable for both driver and passengers.
Smooth Ride: Its suspension provided a balanced and smooth ride, offering a good blend of comfort and handling.
Available Features: Depending on the trim level, it came equipped with a range of features such as touchscreen infotainment, premium audio systems, and advanced safety options.
Fuel Economy: It generally had good fuel efficiency for its class, making it economical for daily use.
2010 Volkswagen CC Cons
Reliability Concerns: Some CC owners have reported mechanical issues, mostly with the transmission, engine, or electrical components. Older cars might require more frequent repairs or maintenance, potentially offsetting the initial cost savings.
Higher Maintenance Costs: Volkswagen repair and maintenance costs could be relatively more expensive compared to some competitors.
Outdated Technology: This CC lacks some modern tech features and safety advancements present in newer cars, which could impact convenience, entertainment, and safety.
You May Also Like:
Learn To Negotiate The Lowest Price
Do This For The Best Trade-In Price
The Truth About Wholesale And Trade-in Values
How To Get The Lowest Rate Car Loan
Potential Parts Availability: As the vehicle gets older, finding specific replacement parts might become more challenging, possibly increasing repair costs and lead times.
Limited Rear Headroom: The coupe-like design compromised rear headroom, making it less comfortable for taller passengers in the back seats.
Trunk Space: While decent, the trunk space was not as generous as in some other sedans of its size due to the sloping roofline.
Limited Visibility: The stylish design impacted rear visibility due to the sloping roof and smaller windows.
2010 Volkswagen CC Review
The 2010 Volkswagen CC's stylish design, athletic yet fuel-efficient standard turbo engine, strong optional V6, long feature list and nice balance of ride and handling make it an appealing choice in the midsize sedan segment.
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
The 2010 Volkswagen CC is available in four trims: Sport, Luxury, VR6 Sport and VR6 4Motion.
Standard features on the Sport include power and heated front seats, leatherette (premium vinyl) upholstery, cruise control, automatic climate control, 17 inch alloy wheels, foglights, automatic headlights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a trip computer, a tilt/telescoping steering column, split-folding rear seats, Bluetooth and an 8-speaker audio system with a 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.
The CC Luxury model then adds leather upholstery, a large tilt-only sunroof, front and rear park assist, driver memory functions, dual-zone automatic climate control and upgraded alloy trim.
The CC VR6 Sport model includes everything from the Luxury model plus a V6 engine, steering-wheel paddles, a power rear sunshade, 18 inch wheels, adaptive bi-xenon headlights and a 10-speaker premium sound system. The top-level VR6 4Motion tops things off by adding all-wheel drive.
There's also a Technology package (not available on the Sport) which includes a hard-drive navigation system, a back-up camera, digital music storage and iPod integration. The iPod integration is also offered as a stand-alone option for all models, while satellite radio is available on the Sport and the premium sound system from the VR6 Sport is optional on the Luxury.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
All models are front-wheel-drive except the 4Motion which is all-wheel-drive. Under the hood of the VW CC Sport and Luxury trims is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces a healthy 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque.
On the Sport. it's paired with either a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 6-speed dual-clutch automated manual (DSG). The DSG is standard on the Luxury. In performance testing, a 2010 CC with this engine was timed from a standstill to 60 mph in a quite respectable 7.4 seconds.
Powering the CC VR6 is a 3.6-liter narrow-angle V6 that's good for a robust 280 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a 6-speed conventional automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The CC VR6 4Motion does the 0-60 spring in a very quick 6.3 seconds.
The EPA-estimated gas mileage for a four-cylinder CC with either transmission is a very good 22 mpg city and 31 mpg on the highway. Gas mileage for the VR6 Sport comes in at 18 mpg city and 27 highway, while the CC VR6 4Motion drops slightly to 17 and 25, respectively.
Safety:
Standard safety features on all 2010 CCs include traction control, stability control, antilock disc brakes (ABS) with brake assist, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. In addition, rear-seat side airbags are an available option on all models.
In government crash tests, this CC earned five out of five stars for front-passenger side crash protection and four stars for rear-passenger side protection. It also received four stars for frontal crash protection.
Interior:
The 2010 VW CC's cabin is attractive, upscale and solidly constructed with high grade materials. It should be noted that its standard cross-stitched leatherette upholstery actually looks and feels better than the "real" leather found in many cars. There's an overall interior ambiance of quality and refinement throughout the cabin.
Seating, both front and rear, is supportive and comfortable ... perhaps most impressively so in the rear bucket seats. However, as previously mentioned, the sloping roof-line limits rear headroom for taller passengers. Legroom is also abundant both front and rear, while trunk room of 13 cubic feet is adequate but below average for the segment.
Drive:
The 2010 CC strikes a nice balance between drive comfort and sporty performance. The CC's sport-tuned suspension enhances handling but also manages to smoothly handle road bumps and rough spots. No, the CC is certainly not intended to perform like a "sport sedan", but most drivers will likely be pleased with the overall driving experience. And the VR6 4Motion's all-wheel-drive traction is still more athletic.
The six-cylinder VR6 possesses impressive power, making it quicker than all-wheel-drive rivals such as the Acura TL SH-AWD, BMW 328i xDrive and Audi A4 2.0T Quattro. In addition, the CC 2.0T's turbo engine is both smooth and strong, giving it an advantage over many mainstream four-cylinder rivals.
Also, Always Know The Value Of Your Trade-In
Whether you are trading or selling on your own, it's just a good idea ... even whether you are in the market or not at the moment. You can then use this important information for a number of purposes ... to negotiate with a dealer, or to know how to price your car in the retail market, or simply to know the value of one of your assets, which is always a good idea.
Getting trade-in values online tend to vary a lot from site to site. But I've found the one at Edmunds Trade-In Quotes is particularly comprehensive and accurate.
It's free and just takes a couple of minutes. I think what helps its accuracy is the inputs will include either your plate# or VIN# followed by many simple, but specific, yes/no questions. It really focuses in on the detail of the specific vehicle.