Damsel in distress

[ZorroAMG]

My friend has a choice to make between a 2000 Vr6 Jetta with 70,000K for $20,000 approx or a Mercury Cougar 1999 with 100plus K for $9000...

She knows they are two different cars with very different price ranges, can anyone list pros and cons of each?

Also any suggestion for other cars (max 4 yrs old) for under $20,000 for a hot chick that doesn't want mechanical nightmares...

Thanks in advance


Zorro

[maximus]

Most of the bad rep with the VW is due to the 1.8T and the 2.0L engines (o2 sensors, MAF, windows, coil). My friend has a 2000 jetta VR6 and the only problem he's really had has been the rear brakes wearing out fast.
Sorry don't know anything about the cougar but with that price difference she could do alot of repairs

Oh ya and $20,000 for a VR6 is a good deal :thumbsup:

[sputnik]

i personally would go with the Jetta...

the VR6 is quite a reliable engine. IMO the interior styling is much nicer in the Jetta (especially with Leather) than the Cougar.

I have no experience in terms of reliability with the Cougar, but considering Mercury pulled the plug on it... im sure it wasnt doing with in its final iteration

[ZorroAMG]

Any other cars to consider, or more pros and cons people? Thanks for the help...

[Khyron]

Parts cheaper for the Merc. VR6 will have to deal with MAFs and O2 sensors, just like the rest of us. Other than that, and the rattles, it should be good.

Oh - find out if the window regs have been replaced. If not, the window WILL fall in the door sooner or later (and be replaced with metal clips for free, but it's still a pain).

I guess it's what she can afford - or wants to spend. I'd get the Cougar and a nice big screen TV but that's just me. :D

Khyron

[jdmakkord]

2000 accord v6 coupe, honda reliability, decent styling, decent power, not a mercury:D

[missblondie]

the vr6 is such a nice looking car, so personally i would pick that...

there are definely a lot of vehicles in that price range that she would be happy with so it is basically up to personal preference..


she could buy my car:D

[B18C]

Originally posted by maximus
Most of the bad rep with the VW is due to the 1.8T and the 2.0L engines (o2 sensors, MAF, windows, coil). My friend has a 2000 jetta VR6 and the only problem he's really had has been the rear brakes wearing out fast.


My friend had the same problem with the brakes on his VR6.

[Khyron]

For 20 grand, you can get into a brand new base Mazda 3 :drool: .....

Or if cost is her concern, a brand new Hyundai Accent can be had for 14ish with options. With that warranty, it might be a good option.

Khyron

[three.eighteen.]

what problems are there with the o2 sensors and mafs on the jetta's? i have a friend looking to buy a 2000

[ZorroAMG]

thanks Khyron...anymore?? keep the ideas coming people...

[VWbloke]

The Jetta for sure. There's a reason why the Cougar is so inexpensive - it's shit.

Also, I think she should be able to pay less for the Jetta than 20k. If she does decide on the Jetta, tell her to make an offer for $17,500 - especially since the used car market is crappy right now.

Is the jetta being sold from a dealership? If so, they probably bought the thing for like 16k. When i sold my 2001 GTi back in May, I got $18,500 from the dealer and they turned around and sold it for $24,500!! Wankers.

At any rate, the jetta is a much better car than the Cougar - build quality, features, and the VR6!!

[1badPT]

She could actually choose from a pretty wide range of brand new cars:
Focus ZX3 ~19K (mid range focus)
Saturn Ion Quad Coupe ~18K (base model)
SX 2.0 ~17K (base SX 2.0)
Hyundai Accent ~14K (well dressed)

There are a lot more but that should give her some ideas if she prefers new (especially if she wants warranty which is what I'd recommend given her concern).

[missblondie]

the only thing that hurts is the huge depretiaion she will pay on a new vehicle ( I am feeling that right now) not to mention the added costs of GST and freight...

[benyl]

I have a 2001 Accord V6 coupe that I am thinking of selling for around that price...

[missblondie]

Originally posted by benyl
I have a 2001 Accord V6 coupe that I am thinking of selling for around that price...

HEY! i am trying to sell my car here!!! :(

hahaha.. just buggin

[ZorroAMG]

Ok, while I appreciate all the help, here is some more info:

She is a professional who makes good coin, got into a write-off accident and wants a GOOD car with good resale cause she'll be buying a 60k plus car in a couple of years, hyundai, focus and SX, while all good cars for the money, are a step down from what she used to have and she most likely wants euro or japanese in the 20k or less range, not new necessarily.

Thanks PT, any other thoughts?

As for the Calgarian sellers, she lives in Windsor (works in Detroit).

[missblondie]

Originally posted by ZorroAMG


As for the Calgarian sellers, she lives in Windsor (works in Detroit).

oh damn! oh well, it was worth a try:)

[max_boost]

Here's my plug for the Honda's

For $20K, how about a Honda Civic or Acura Integra model years 99+

It's good on gas, low maintenance, strong motors, good resale value. It seems to fit the bill quite nicely:D

[Khyron]

Originally posted by ZorroAMG
Ok, while I appreciate all the help, here is some more info:

She is a professional who makes good coin, got into a write-off accident and wants a GOOD car with good resale cause she'll be buying a 60k plus car in a couple of years, hyundai, focus and SX, while all good cars for the money, are a step down from what she used to have and she most likely wants euro or japanese in the 20k or less range, not new necessarily.

Thanks PT, any other thoughts?

As for the Calgarian sellers, she lives in Windsor (works in Detroit).

Tell her to go drive a Mazda 3 GT - around 23ish. She might not bother getting that 60K car. :D

Khyron

[Weapon_R]

Another vote for an Accord V6. Suitable for a young professional, powerful, more reliable than any other car listed here, and decent looking vehicle.

If she wants something sportier, what about a newer Altima or Jetta 1.8T (she could jump a few years up for about 20k and get a 2002.

[ZorroAMG]

Yeah, leaning towards Accord Coupe, Mazda 3 she'll test drive this weekend, and the jetta,

Acura and Honda are good calls Max, thanks..i'll suggest....

She is a woman who gets most likely taken advantage of at dealers so I am attempting to arm her with enough knowledge.

Accord Coupe: What should she look for problem wise, km's engine etc

Jetta: is 1.8T more expensive than VR6? Which is easier to maintain (I assume the N/A VR6)

Mazda 3...new car, cool looking what are the thoughts?

Thanks

[benyl]

for the Accord coupe V6, make sure she gets a 2000 or newer. They have an extended Transmission warranty from the factory for 7 years or 160,000 km. '99 and '98 don't have that.

Also, look for wear and tear on the side bolsters of the front seats. If the car still has warrantee, the whole seat back (skin) will be replaced if ask.

Shims on the power driver's seat need to be replaced after a number of KMs. Also under warrantee.

That's about it... if I think of more, I will let you know.

[A_3]

Originally posted by ZorroAMG
Jetta: is 1.8T more expensive than VR6? Which is easier to maintain (I assume the N/A VR6)
Thanks

VR6 is more expensive then the 1.8t, 1.8t is easier to mantain in my opinion, my dads had a few expensive problems in his 2001 VR6, great cars though, fun to drive. As for the Cougar i wouldn't but it... break down alot made of alot of cheap parts.

[E36M3]

Is she going to buy in Detroit? If so, I'd be happy to hook her up with a trusted dealer once she figures out which car she wants.. I don't have contacts in Ontario, but have lots in Detroit. PM me if you're interested.


Originally posted by ZorroAMG
Yeah, leaning towards Accord Coupe, Mazda 3 she'll test drive this weekend, and the jetta,

Acura and Honda are good calls Max, thanks..i'll suggest....

She is a woman who gets most likely taken advantage of at dealers so I am attempting to arm her with enough knowledge.

Accord Coupe: What should she look for problem wise, km's engine etc

Jetta: is 1.8T more expensive than VR6? Which is easier to maintain (I assume the N/A VR6)

Mazda 3...new car, cool looking what are the thoughts?

Thanks

[Hash_man]

For around that price I would definately look at around a 2000-2001 Infiniti G20, quite nice cars, much nicer than both of those IMO, and are usually around 20,000.

[ZorroAMG]

Nice call Hash man...post a pic if you have one...thanks

[ZorroAMG]

Originally posted by E36M3
Is she going to buy in Detroit? If so, I'd be happy to hook her up with a trusted dealer once she figures out which car she wants.. I don't have contacts in Ontario, but have lots in Detroit. PM me if you're interested.



E36M3

While I totally (she totally) appreciate the offer, I think she wishes to purchase in Canada, it is just easier with registration, and I think cars cost less here..

Thanks though!!

[Xpnsve]

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_47415.html

Read some reviews on the jetta :eek:

and the Cougar

http://www.carsurvey.org/modelyear_Mercury_Cougar_1999.html

[A2VR6]

$20,000 for a 2000 VR6 seems pretty reasonable in my opinion... almost all the dealers in Calgary with used VR6's are selling for that much it seems. If i recall correctly, the 2000 had the 12 valve VR6 which has been proven and in use since the early 90's. So i wouldnt expect too much trouble from the engine. Tell your friend to check the history of the car and like Khyron said to see if the window regulators have been replaced. Other than that nothing else comes to mind thats a concern for a VR6 besides the fact that a odd rattle here and there from the dashboard is not uncommon.

[hockeybronx]

Go for the Jetta for sure... No questions asked.
Does your friend really want to drive a freakin Mercury?

[403Gemini]

ive always loved the body of the cougars :D but thats just me