Volkswagen's Green Revolution: Driving Towards a Sustainable Future

Hey there, Volkswagen enthusiasts! Lexie here, your friendly neighborhood car aficionado from Mankato Volkswagen. Today, we're diving into the world of Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles. What exactly does CPO mean for you, the customer, and your soon-to-be beloved car? Let’s break it down with a dash of humor, a sprinkle of wisdom, and a whole lot of Volkswagen love. If you have any questions or cool VW stories you want to share, you can reach me at lexie@mankatomotors.com or (507) 344-6984. CPO: The Basics CPO stands for Certified Pre-Owned. But what does that really mean? Imagine a used car that’s gone through a rigorous boot camp, emerging as the elite among its peers, ready to serve you with reliability and a shiny new badge of honor. Requirements for Certification Before a vehicle can join the prestigious ranks of CPO, it must meet several criteria (and each brand will be a little different): Age: Typically, the car must be a 2018 or newer model. (No offense to classic car lovers!) Miles: The odometer should read under 75,000 miles. Think of it as “lightly seasoned” rather than “well-traveled.” Condition: The vehicle must be in good condition before inspection. No major accidents, flood damage, or fire damage allowed—those are deal breakers. Vehicle History: Every car has a story, and a CPO vehicle's story must be clean. We check for any severe damage in its past. Intense Inspection: This isn’t your average car wash and polish. Our technicians scrutinize over 100 plus points on the vehicle. Any necessary repairs (generally your normal wear and tear items) are made to ensure it’s in top shape. The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly of Buying a CPO Vehicle The Good: Benefits to the Buyer Newer Vehicle Without the New Car Price Tag: You get a newer model car without the hefty price tag. Low Mileage: Enjoy a vehicle that hasn’t been around the block too many times. Better Condition: CPO vehicles are typically in better shape than your average used car. Peace of Mind: Thanks to that intense inspection, you can drive confidently knowing your car has been thoroughly vetted. Warranty Benefits: Unlike regular used cars, CPO vehicles come with a manufacturer-backed warranty. More on that below! The Bad, and the Ugly: Things to Consider Brand Differences: There is no standard CPO program in the car industry… Each brand has its own CPO program, so it’s wise to do a little homework first. Dealer Certified vs. CPO: These are not the same. Dealer certified means the vehicle meets the dealership’s standards, but it’s not backed by the manufacturer like a true CPO. Higher Cost: CPO vehicles can cost more than other used vehicles, but you’re paying for the added assurance and benefits. Limited Options: The selection of CPO vehicles may be smaller compared to the general used car market. Volkswagen’s CPO Program Now, let’s talk about Volkswagen. Our CPO program is designed to give you maximum peace of mind and plenty of perks. But what exactly does that mean for you?  Here’s what you get: Warranty Coverage Model Year 2018 and 2019: 1-Year or 12,000-Mile (whichever comes first) Comprehensive Limited Warranty. Repairs covered by this warranty will be performed at no additional charge after a $50 deductible per dealer visit. It's like health insurance but for your vehicle. Model Year 2020 and Newer: 2-Year or 24,000-Mile (whichever comes first) Comprehensive Limited Warranty. Similar conditions apply. Electric Vehicles Model Year 2018 and Newer: 3-Year or 36,000-Mile (whichever comes first) Comprehensive Limited Warranty. Repairs covered by this warranty will also be performed at no additional charge after a $50 deductible per dealer visit. Side Note: Now remember the warranty is added on to what is left of the original warranty. For those of you who are unsure, Volkswagen's original warranty is 4 years or 50,000 miles. So you start from the vehicle's original in service date aka its purchase or lease date and add on, depending on where the vehicle falls with age and mileage. Roadside Assistance Two Years of 24-Hour Roadside Assistance: This includes towing to the nearest licensed authorized VW dealership, flat-tire changes, and jump starts. Roadside assistance is provided by a third party and may require additional payment for services rendered. CARFAX® Vehicle History Report CARFAX® Vehicle History Report: Every CPO Volkswagen comes with a CARFAX report. While Volkswagen doesn't warrant the accuracy of these reports, they provide valuable insight into the vehicle's history. SiriusXM® Three Months of SiriusXM®: If your CPO vehicle is SiriusXM® equipped, you’ll enjoy three months of premium programming at no additional charge. (Because what’s a road trip without some great tunes?) 100+ Point Dealer Inspection Comprehensive Dealer Inspection: This includes checking the engine, transmission, brakes, steering, and more to ensure your Volkswagen meets our high standards. Conclusion Buying a CPO vehicle is like getting the best of both worlds: the assurance of a new car and the savings of a used one. With Volkswagen’s CPO program, you can hit the road with confidence, knowing your vehicle has been thoroughly inspected and comes with robust warranty coverage. Have more questions? Feel free to reach out to me, Lexie, at lexie@mankatomotors.com or (507) 344-6984. Happy driving!

Hey, Volkswagen fans, I’m Lexie and I'm here to tell you about the futuristic VW Microbus! Get ready, because the Volkswagen ID. Buzz is about to electrify your world—literally. This isn't just any minivan; it's a revival of the iconic VW Microbus, updated for the 21st century and ready to hit the roads in December 2024 (in the U.S.). Whether you're a fan of that classic retro vibe or excited about the future of electric vehicles, the ID. Buzz is the perfect blend of both worlds. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this vehicle buzzworthy! Throwback Thursday Meets Futuristic Friday If you’ve ever seen an old-school Volkswagen Type 2 Microbus, you know it's a symbol of free-spirited adventure. Well, the ID. Buzz takes that nostalgia and adds some serious futuristic flair. It still has that oversized VW logo and short overhangs, but now it’s loaded with tech and eco-friendly features, all wrapped up in a sleek, electric package. Fun Fact: The T2 ( built between 1967-1979), also known as the "Bay Window" due to its single, curved windshield. You can even go wild with your choice of color schemes, both inside and out! Who says your car can't have personality? Customize Your Buzz One of the coolest things about the ID. Buzz is that it’s practically a canvas on wheels. The exterior comes in a variety of single-tone and two-tone color options, including eye-catching combos like Candy White with Pomelo Yellow or Metro Silver with Cherry Red. Did You Know: For those who love to go the extra mile (pun intended), Wrapmate offers custom graphics, so you can give your ID. Buzz that personal flair. With tons of design options you can go wild! (Works for other VW vehicles as well) Step inside, and it gets even better. Volkswagen has curated three interior color worlds for the North American models: Copper, Dune, and Moonlight. Whether you want mid-century modern vibes with brown leatherette seats and yellow piping (Copper) or a coastal-inspired interior with clay-colored accents (Dune), there’s something for every taste. And if you prefer a moody, darker look, the Moonlight option has you covered with its dark wood-look dash and blue door inserts. It’s Not Just a Buzzword—It’s a Revolution Of course, the ID. Buzz isn’t just about looks. It’s part of Volkswagen’s push towards a greener future. The ID. Buzz is 100% electric, which means zero tailpipe emissions. You can drive in style while knowing you’re doing your part to help the planet. In fact, Volkswagen has gone all out to make sure the ID. Buzz is as sustainable as it is stylish. The van is built in a factory powered by renewable energy, and recycled materials are used throughout the interior. So, whether you’re hitting the highway or just cruising around town, you’ll be reducing your carbon footprint in style. Ready to Buzz Into the Future? If you’re as excited about the ID. Buzz as I am, keep your eyes peeled—this retro-futuristic ride is set to hit U.S. dealerships by December 2024. Whether you're looking for a spacious family van, a customizable adventure-mobile, or just something that turns heads wherever you go, the ID. Buzz has got you covered. Have questions about the ID. Buzz or ready to reserve yours? Feel free to reach out to me at lexie@mankatomotors.com or give me a call at (507) 344-6984. I’m always happy to help! In the meantime, keep dreaming about your next road trip—because the future of driving is electric, and it looks amazing.

Hello, fellow Volkswagen enthusiasts! My name is Lexie, and I'm here to take you on a wild ride through the fascinating and innovative world of Günter Artz and his remarkable creations at Autohaus Nordstadt, at the request of my Uncle Steve. But first, if you have any questions or just want to chat about Volkswagens, feel free to reach out to me at lexie@mankatomotors.com or call (507) 344-6984. Now, buckle up as we delve into the unique legacy of Artz and Nordstadt. Who Was Günter Artz? In the 1970s and 1980s, Günter Artz, the ingenious director of Hannover's Volkswagen dealer Autohaus Nordstadt, took the world by storm with his extraordinary automotive creations. Artz's vision was anything but ordinary, and his special projects have become the stuff of legend among car enthusiasts and collectors. Volkswagen Golf Mk1: A Revolutionary Model The Volkswagen Golf Mk1, the first generation of a small family car, marked a significant shift for Volkswagen from rear-wheel drive and rear-mounted air-cooled engines to front-wheel drive with front-mounted, water-cooled engines. This revolutionary design paved the way for the incredible modifications by Günter Artz. The Nordstadt Golf by Artz: The Super Rabbit/ Golf 928 Imagine this: a Porsche 928 disguised as a Volkswagen Golf Mk1. Sounds like something out of a mad scientist's lab, right? Well, that’s precisely what the Golf 928 by Artz, also known as the Super Rabbit, was. Built in 1979, this beast featured a custom body styled after the Mk1 Golf, widened by approximately 9 inches and lengthened to fit the Porsche chassis. With a 240 bhp engine, it could go from 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and had a top speed of 230 km/h. Depending on who you ask or where you look only around 2-10 of these marvels were ever made, making them rare gems in the automotive world. Artz Speedster: The Cool Convertible Not one to shy away from a challenge, Artz turned his attention to the Golf Cabriolet. The result? The Artz Speedster, a sleek convertible with a roofline lowered by nearly 4 inches. This stylish modification required custom glass windows and a unique convertible top. Only around ten of these beauties were produced, making them a rare sight. The Artz Cabrio and SuperCabrio: Jetta on Artz didn’t stop at the Golf. He transformed the humble two-door Jetta into the Artz Cabrio and SuperCabrio. The Cabrio retained the donor car’s B-pillar, while the SuperCabrio went for a cleaner look by eliminating it. These convertibles showcased Artz's knack for turning ordinary cars into extraordinary head-turners. The Famous Golf 928 for Racing Driver Louis Krages Artz's creativity knew no bounds. He built a second Golf 928, this time based on the more powerful Porsche 928 S. This special car was bought by Louis Krages, a Le Mans 24-hour race winner who drove under the pseudonym ‘John Winter’. Though Artz envisioned producing more of these masterpieces, only one is believed to have been produced. The Artz Speedster for Kamei In 1982, Artz’s talent was recognized by German automotive accessories company Kamei, which commissioned two Artz Speedsters to promote their new X1 body kits. These cars, one painted gold and the other silver, highlighted Artz’s ability to blend style with performance. More Than Just Golf: The Cordett and Beyond Artz's genius wasn’t limited to Volkswagens. He applied his magic touch to various other cars, including the Cordett, which combined the chassis and drivetrain of a 1984 Corvette C4 with a widened and lengthened Opel Kadett body. This unique creation boasted a top speed of 245 kph and a 0-100 kph time of 6.5 seconds. Why Celebrate Artz and Nordstadt? Günter Artz and his team at Autohaus Nordstadt exemplify the innovative spirit that Volkswagen enthusiasts adore. Their willingness to push boundaries and create something truly unique reflects the heart of what makes the Volkswagen brand so special. Whether you’re a fan of classic Volkswagens or just love a good automotive tale, Artz's creations are sure to inspire. So, next time you’re behind the wheel of your Volkswagen, remember the legacy of Günter Artz and the extraordinary vehicles that dared to be different. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or to share your own Volkswagen stories at lexie@mankatomotors.com or call (507) 344-6984. Keep driving and dreaming big, Volkswagen fans!