This is a placeholder... I'll put my account of the picnic here.

August 12, Spacepod and I take a field trip and experience Isotope Overload

well, spacepod and i took a fieldtrip to all three VW dealers in our area, in search of the mythical "Platinum Gray", as well as to look at any 2002 we could find.

There's one Isotope on the lot in Raleigh, NC (Southern States VW), and THREE on the lot in Burlington, NC (Maxwell VW). The one in Raleigh is a GLS, I could not get a look at the stickers on the ones in Burlington because they are in a fenced and locked lot, but they actually still have the white plastic on them-- brand spanking new, never been driven or touched.

So if you know of anyone still wanting an Isotope-- I bet Maxwell will cut them a very good deal on one. I am sure they're not happy to be stuck with three.

Aside from the Isotopes, I saw several 2002's, most of which were green! (including a green TDI auto with cream leather). I there is a new wheel style; it has curvey cut-outs and a smooth look, and seems to go with the luxury package I really love the curvey wheels. This is, btw, probably the easiest way to pick out a 2002 model.

I also saw a 2001 Techno Blue right next to a 2002 in the 2002 version of that color, whatever it's called. Got a pic of that under an overcast sky-- probably the best light for a good comparison. After contemplating them both for a while, i think the 2002 color does look deeper and darker-- but it's a VERY subtle difference. I'd never be able to pick a 2002 out just from the color, even if it were next to an earlier model in Techno.

I did not find a Platinum Gray-- I guess as always, we'll be the last to see the really new stuff down here in the boonies.