Originally Posted By: rg200amp
What about the new Hyundai Genesis coupe????
For $8K?
What about the new Hyundai Genesis coupe????
For $8K?
search for my next car
- Thread starter asiancivicmaniac
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OVERKILL
$100 Site Donor 2021
Originally Posted By: asiancivicmaniac
I might take the Fusion off my list. I knew it was made in Mexico but I didn't realize 40% of the parts are also made in Mexico.
Drive it first. It's a great car.
I might take the Fusion off my list. I knew it was made in Mexico but I didn't realize 40% of the parts are also made in Mexico.
Drive it first. It's a great car.
Originally Posted By: rg200amp
No
But 300 HP V6 coupe!!!!
Is it at least RWD?
No
But 300 HP V6 coupe!!!!
Is it at least RWD?
Originally Posted By: Cutehumor
How come no Chryslers?
The big 3 can appreciate a purchase right now...
My dads first new car was a 1996 Dodge Stratus and it was a terrible car.
How come no Chryslers?
My dads first new car was a 1996 Dodge Stratus and it was a terrible car.
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Mazda3 and Civic will probably be your safest bets from a reliability standpoint. They won't be the most fun to drive, but then again, that was not one of your requirements. But if you get one with a stick, it'll be more fun than otherwise.
Me, I'd probably look at a Golf/Jetta, although the mpg will most likely not be as good.
I really like the interior of VWs but how are they reliability and safety wise?
Mazda3 and Civic will probably be your safest bets from a reliability standpoint. They won't be the most fun to drive, but then again, that was not one of your requirements. But if you get one with a stick, it'll be more fun than otherwise.
Me, I'd probably look at a Golf/Jetta, although the mpg will most likely not be as good.
I really like the interior of VWs but how are they reliability and safety wise?
Originally Posted By: asiancivicmaniac
I really like the interior of VWs but how are they reliability and safety wise?
Safety is no worse or better than the other cars you're considering. Reliability-wise, it's a khrap-shoot. My g/f's '01 Jetta has been pretty reliable. So was my '01 A4. But I know others haven't been as lucky.
I really like the interior of VWs but how are they reliability and safety wise?
Safety is no worse or better than the other cars you're considering. Reliability-wise, it's a khrap-shoot. My g/f's '01 Jetta has been pretty reliable. So was my '01 A4. But I know others haven't been as lucky.
I'd go for the Mazda 3 or another Civic. Try to get a stick shift as it will probably be more fun to drive, and cost a little less. I taught myself on the 5spd Civic I now have (I drove an automatic Civic the same year as mine, it felt like a different car, much less fun to drive). I also might consider an Elantra if your trying to keep it under 8k, I've never driven one, but seems like good value for the money especially since Hyundai is catching up to Honda/Toyota from a reliability standpoint. Also it would be very easy to find a Cobalt under 8k, and there much better than the old cavaliers.
How about an Impala? Check out on http://www.fueleconomy.gov what they're getting for mileage. Pretty impressive. They are assembled in Canada with a 90% American parts content. A used one w/low miles 2004, 2005 can be had for around 8K. The 3.4 solved its intake issues sometime midyear in 2003, and that engine gets the best mileage.
Another vote for Mazda 3.
I'd recommend a VW if you like thinking about your car and the type of oil you will run in it, etc. They are a blast to drive and have intangibles that few other cars have. But you do have to make sure you are on top of things. If you just want to gas it and go, then forget about a VW.
I'd recommend a VW if you like thinking about your car and the type of oil you will run in it, etc. They are a blast to drive and have intangibles that few other cars have. But you do have to make sure you are on top of things. If you just want to gas it and go, then forget about a VW.
I have to say I'm pretty good at staying on top of maintenance. But I don't like having unexpected failures to fix and that's the impression that I get about VWs.
BTW thanks to all who have given useful information
BTW thanks to all who have given useful information
Has anybody here have experiences with buying a car on e-bay and is carfax a useful tool or just a waste of money?
i wouldn't say VW has many unexpected failures except for those who aren't on top of things. The last few years the major issues are:
1. coilpacks - everybody on vwvortex knew about it. So if you were proactive, you got them replaced under warranty.
2. Sludge in the 1.8T - not at all unexpected to any VW owner on this forum. Entirely preventable with synthetic.
3. Cam lobe wear on the 2.0T - use a good oil and change frequently. Even if it does wear out, its gradual and not unexpected.
4. Timing belt - the owner's manual pushed it too far. Change every 60K and you'll be okay. Most failures occured around 75K and above.
1. coilpacks - everybody on vwvortex knew about it. So if you were proactive, you got them replaced under warranty.
2. Sludge in the 1.8T - not at all unexpected to any VW owner on this forum. Entirely preventable with synthetic.
3. Cam lobe wear on the 2.0T - use a good oil and change frequently. Even if it does wear out, its gradual and not unexpected.
4. Timing belt - the owner's manual pushed it too far. Change every 60K and you'll be okay. Most failures occured around 75K and above.
How much does it cost to change the timing belts and the cam lobes?
What about electrical issues?
And how is the Saab 9-3?
What about electrical issues?
And how is the Saab 9-3?
I'm knocking the Focus off my list. I don't think I can live with the interior of that car.
I wouldn't own a VW. My son had a 2000 Passant. Bought it new. When it got to 90K miles it turned into a money pit. He finally traded it.
Originally Posted By: LT4 Vette
Learning to drive a manaul trans takes about 30 minutes.
I think the Mazda 3 hatchback/sedan is a very nice car.
Took me about a month to really get it down. Mind you, that 2.0 in my dad's 2000 Jetta was completely inadequate for the heft of that car...
Learning to drive a manaul trans takes about 30 minutes.
I think the Mazda 3 hatchback/sedan is a very nice car.
Took me about a month to really get it down. Mind you, that 2.0 in my dad's 2000 Jetta was completely inadequate for the heft of that car...
Originally Posted By: asiancivicmaniac
How much does it cost to change the timing belts and the cam lobes?
What about electrical issues?
And how is the Saab 9-3?
$1000 for belt and pump. Dunno about cam lobes as most are replaced under warranty. I dunno about Saabs except they're very hard to work on according to a mechanic friend of mine. He's turned away Saab customers because he says its not worth the time he has to spend to fix it.
Basically, any euro car is going to cost $$$. If you don't plan on dropping serious dough over the life of the car on the car, then don't get a euro car. BWW oil changes cost ~$200. While VWs aren't as expensive to maintain as BMWs and Audis, its still going to cost you more than a domestic or a Japanese car.
How much does it cost to change the timing belts and the cam lobes?
What about electrical issues?
And how is the Saab 9-3?
$1000 for belt and pump. Dunno about cam lobes as most are replaced under warranty. I dunno about Saabs except they're very hard to work on according to a mechanic friend of mine. He's turned away Saab customers because he says its not worth the time he has to spend to fix it.
Basically, any euro car is going to cost $$$. If you don't plan on dropping serious dough over the life of the car on the car, then don't get a euro car. BWW oil changes cost ~$200. While VWs aren't as expensive to maintain as BMWs and Audis, its still going to cost you more than a domestic or a Japanese car.
i have bought eight cars and trucks on ebay and have had great success in doing so.
i have never paid in full for them before seeing them in person, and i always did a car fax with the exception of one truck.
i always saved money over buying locally, including the travel.
i have never paid in full for them before seeing them in person, and i always did a car fax with the exception of one truck.
i always saved money over buying locally, including the travel.
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