Help me pick my first car!

[got_mike33]

I'll admit the GTi's are nice, but they seem really small to me. The A3 I am looking at is 14k all in from a dealer, and I feel like it would be hard to find a GTi with a lower price to make me jump to one of those.

I guess I would just prefer a manual, it's not necessary, but I find I get bored driving an auto.

Mazda 3 is definitely a front runner but I just can't find one that doesn't need a lot of work or have major rust issues. Those suckers are just as bad as the protege 5.

[btimbit]

A3 is about the same size as a 4 door GTI, just a more expensive less reliable version.

I still say go with the Impreza + roof rack option. I know you mentioned that you wanted to keep costs low and a roof rack adds to that, but they're pretty cheap for the amount of versatility you get. $150 for the base bars, maybe $80 for attachments.

[Eleanor]

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...AdIdZ386190857

[got_mike33]

Alright so all you guys suggesting the GTI has finally convinced me to start looking at them. Found this one on Autotrader and was wondering what the Beyond community thought.

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Volkswage...howcpo=ShowCPO

Is there anything I should be looking for in this year GTI? Any problem spots or issues that should keep me away?

[gulfstorm]

Get an A3 if you can afford it. The MKIV Gti is defo within your budget but if you can get MKV GTi or A3 8P you'll get better reliability and overall experience. But it would be hard to find those at your price range. There is a never ending debate b/w A3 vs GTi. Good luck

[got_mike33]

This is the A3 I am looking at. They have told me the best they can do is $14000 all-in. I am considering walking in and offering a little less in cash and see if they bite.

http://glenmoreaudi.com/inventory/Au...Effect5D+31716

[flipstah]

Originally posted by got_mike33

Went and test drove an A3 tonight and it was super impressive. The car's history is a bit odd though and the price is a bit low for that year. Anyone have any experience dealing with Glenmore Audi?

How is that not troubling you?

[ianmcc]

Don't laugh but have you considered a domestic?

http://forums.beyond.ca/st/355791/f-...nly-68000-kms/

Great little car (I have no affiliation with the seller!).
Easy to maintain, cheap to insure, good mileage and ½ the price of the other cars you are considering.
Fold the seats flat and there is a ton of room back there.
Never been a powerhouse but superb handling.

[got_mike33]

Originally posted by flipstah


How is that not troubling you?

Haha it is... Originally a Quebec car, brought to Alberta after being bought in an auction in 2010, owned for two years, then traded in for a "2012 A3" (so says the salesman)

I just have heard too many bad things about Ford to consider anything prior to 2009/2010. Seems things have been picking up for them as of late.

[btimbit]

That history isn't that bad, half of my cars were from out east. The A3 does seem really cheap, that's a good price.

[got_mike33]

Originally posted by btimbit
That history isn't that bad, half of my cars were from out east. The A3 does seem really cheap, that's a good price.

Yeah, the price being that low makes me a little hesitant, but it is in pretty nice shape. These cars seem like a gamble though, if something goes wrong it's a pretty penny to repair.

[btimbit]

Originally posted by got_mike33


Yeah, the price being that low makes me a little hesitant, but it is in pretty nice shape. These cars seem like a gamble though, if something goes wrong it's a pretty penny to repair.

See what George at Tunedub thinks. He's the guy to go to for that car

[FiveFreshFish]

Originally posted by got_mike33
I'll admit the GTi's are nice, but they seem really small to me.

They're not that small for a 2-door hatch.

Eight tires/wheels...

[btimbit]

Seat bottoms fold forward, seatbacks fold down flat. I've gotten a lot of stuff into the back of my VW before

[got_mike33]

So I went and test drove a 2007 GTI this weekend and couldn't stand the engine noise being pumped in to the vehicle. I also found the shift was a bit harder in the GTI than it was in the A3.

Long story short I think I am going to go ahead with the purchase of the A3 at the dealership. They sent me a bill of sale and want to charge me $395 to register the car. After looking online it appears to only cost $75. Is there any way I can register the car myself and not have to pay this ridiculously inflated price?

Double Edit

I asked the salesguy and he says it's just an overhead fee... dumb, but whatever I guess.

Also I will be taking it to George at Tunedub, do I have to ask for him specifically?

[lilmira]

I don't think there is any real reason that the dealership has to register a vehicle on behalf of a customer.

Doc fee? Always negotiable, they charge as much as a lawyer does for the amount of paperwork.

[got_mike33]

Apparently I have basically have negotiated the price of the car as far down as possible. There is another interested party willing to pay more so I don't think they will negotiate with me any further unfortunately.

[gulfstorm]

Hopefully it went through as planned for you. Its a great deal considering the kms on it as well. It shouldnt be a realiability nightmare IMO as long as it was maintained properly. Enjoy the ride.

[dirtsniffer]

Originally posted by got_mike33
Apparently I have basically have negotiated the price of the car as far down as possible. There is another interested party willing to pay more so I don't think they will negotiate with me any further unfortunately.

then let him buy it. don't trust the salesman

[got_mike33]

Originally posted by gulfstorm
Hopefully it went through as planned for you. Its a great deal considering the kms on it as well. It shouldnt be a realiability nightmare IMO as long as it was maintained properly. Enjoy the ride.

It is now conditional on it passing an inspection to my satisfaction. I am hoping this one works out, it is a nice ride.

I don't trust the salesman, but the price is right, so I am going to go for it.