My (almost) 15k miles report

[John Darwak <jpdarwak@flash.net>]

I wanted to compare notes with everyone as the miles have almost hit 15k 
on my '97 GLX. 

I too have noticed some squeeking and a rattle that I plan to have the 
dealer fix at the next scheduled service. I'm a bit disappointed in VW 
about this...

I've noticed the idle get a little "lumpy" at times. I plan on running 
Techron through before I change the oil again.

Speaking of oil, I bought an oil filter today (Bill Cook VW/Audi/Porsche 
in Farmington Hills, MI) for $10.71. While I thought this was a bit high 
for a filter that looks cheaper to manufacture than the traditional metal 
canister type, it is quite a bit less than what I saw another list member 
quote ($18 something?). I plan on searching for a better price by buying 
in volume (say 6 or more at a time). 

Changes/additions I've made...
- -bought a Colgan bra. I hate these things, but the wife would never go 
for the $$ of those clear film kits that I have seen ($200-400 plus 
install and assuming a kit is available for the car). The paint was 
getting chipped (and bugs were making impact dimples in the bumper 
paint!) way too easily. BTW, this is not just VW, the guys on the BMW 
list have been complaining about this also. 

- -Clear turn/fog lens covers(thanks John Z!). Work great. Protect fog lens 
from chips and sandblasting that degrades foglamp performance and also 
from thermal shocks that could crack the lens. 

- -Also bought the clear film from Griot's that goes over your headlamps to 
protect from stone chips/sandblasting (are you detecting a pattern 
here?).Invisible.Install and forget.

- -Speaking of Griot's, I bought the paint cleaning clay kit (includes clay 
and "Fast Shine" lubricant/polish). This stuff works great! I could not 
get a good finish after waxing because there was a ton of crud in the 
paint (industrial fall-out and acid rain). This solved the problem and 
was quick and easy to boot. I also use the fast shine to clean the trunk 
and bumper before I put the bike rack on. Tip:go to Pep Boys (or the 
like) and buy Meguires clay and Qwik Detailer. It's cheaper and should 
work as well.

That's pretty much all I'm going to do this year. Next spring/summer will 
bring tire and suspension upgrades and a chip...

Safety Fast,

John Darwak
'97 GLX Sequoia/Biber Beige Leather