Buying first car (Jetta?)

[SteveK]

Hello everyone, looks like a nice forum! My first most, and a question.

I’m almost 20 and getting my first car pretty soon, around spring/early summer. As you might have guessed it, I don’t know much about cars, that’s why I need your opinion guys. Since my limited knowledge I might state something that’s sounds corny or might ask wrong questions, don’t hesitate to correct me.

I have around 8,000 to spend. I’m looking at nothing older then 5 years. I prefer 4 door sedans, and was interested in Volkswagen Jetta. How good or bad of a car is it? Should I look at something else with my $$ ?

[Bonka]

Any reasons in particular that you've selected the Jetta?

With that price, I assume you're looking into the 1993-1998 MKIII generations. You won't be able to get the newer body style.

VWs in general has always had electrical quirks in their cars (abbreviated in the newest generation MKIV) but this shortcoming shouldn't be a problem perse; many VW owners have had no issues except for scheduled maintenance.

For $8,000, you really don't get much bang for your buck with the Jetta. They aren't as fun to drive either compared to the older boxy MKII generation.

Now, assuming you prefer 4drs because the backseat will be used, I should note that the MKIII's have a tiny backseat with little legroom.

By the way, newer cars tend to cost more to insure so keep that in mind.

Unless you have your heart dead set on the Jetta I would look at other options.

I'm not sure what options to throw out but it doesn't look like your a Civic/Corolla person.

[euro_racer]

Jetta's are fun cars, they have enough of legroom and a big trunk, illl have my for sale shortyl, its a 97 gl white with only 85,*** km its in very nice condition like new and ts only going to be around the $8,000 range so pm me for further info if you are interested

[DreammEr]

Originally posted by euro_racer
Jetta's are fun cars, they have enough of legroom and a big trunk, illl have my for sale shortyl, its a 97 gl white with only 85,*** km its in very nice condition like new and ts only going to be around the $8,000 range so pm me for further info if you are interested



hmm hes in new york isnt he...

[euro_racer]

Originally posted by DreammEr




hmm hes in <a href="http://www.ntsearch.com/search.php?q=new york&v=56">new york</a> isnt he...

damn didnt look but anyways i would reccomend buying a jetta or any toher volkswagen, their really good cars, i had my for 2 years now and i didnt have a single problem with it

[Toms-SC]

Hi, search, this has been brought up 3423-94782390472309472308947230487 times in a month. :)

It all matters what you are looking for in a car.

[CryoCarnage]

get the old school Boxy MKii's. They last through everything. Last winter, my dad finally scrap yarded it (it was at 600,000 Miles, yes miles.) But it was still perfectly running. A couple trips to Winnipeg from Toronto will do that to you. :D

[statick]

$8000 USD you mite be able to find a MKiv.

but IMO go with a integra GSR sedan (or something of that manner).

[Aleks]

Cars are cheaper in the States, so for 8 K US he might be able to find a nice MKIV

[SteveK]

Thanks for all your opinions. I was thinking of a new MKIV, just like the looks. But I'm open to other suggestions to any other nice and reliable car that will run more then get served in a shop. Now I know that this depends on how car was used by the previous owner, but let’s just forget this fact for now.


Originally posted by statick


but IMO go with a integra GSR sedan (or something of that manner).

Yes it's a nice car, but i'm looking for 4 door and a big trunk

[statick]

E36/W202:dunno:

[SteveK]

BMW and Mercedes? Aren't those expensive to fix?

[Bonka]

Volvo 850 Turbo, maybe the T5-R or the 850R is you want to swing some more bucks.

These are awesome cars.

[SteveK]

yes , they are probably the coolest looking out of station wagons, but then again I'm not familiar with cars, and don’t know what to expect from Volvo in general....

[DEATH2000]

Steve, Mercedes and BMW's are only expensive to fix if something important breaks ie. lower ball joint ($675 for 2). But they are still good cars and run quite well, the Mercedes 190 (W201) is a good car. Most are in good condition and sell around 5g. The 190 and E30 M3 can look really nice if done right.

[rayoun]

Just some bacjground info for you before you make a decision.

VW (all models) was voted as the most unreliable car of the year by consumer reports. They are all almost exclusively produced in mexico from recycled parts.
I do not know about the older cars though...
By the way good luck.
If i were you i'd go after a honda.

[SteveK]

most likely i will too. how about Mazdas, 626, protege are they any good? Nissan: altima, centra?

[statick]

if ur going honda...get an integra GSR sedan ( or coupe if you changed ur mind).

[SteveK]

i couldn't change my mind, because it wasn't set;). on jetta in particular, only on 4 door

[Aleks]

I used to have a 93 Altima. It was not the prettiest car in the world but it was the most reliable our family's had. Hondas included. I've heard the new Nissans aren't what they used to be though.
And for the people who say buy a honda just cuz it's reliable, don't listen to them. If you're going to buy a car based on what others think is reliable get a Toyota Corolla or a Camry. Otherwise go with what makes you happy, get it inspected and take care of it afterward any car has potential to last you if you take good care of it.

[SteveK]

Originally posted by statick
if ur going honda...get an integra GSR sedan ( or coupe if you changed ur mind).

any particular reaon for acura? Better engine ect... or simply less generic then honda?

[statick]

faster, IMO looks better, has more potential for performance ( at the end of the day tho its still not a performance car), more options i think.

[Kirbs17]

Ive been driving my Jetta for about 6 months now, and I love it. I totally attached to VW.

[SteveK]

ok, ive been looking around . What you guys think of Matrix?