WTB-VW jetta, manual

[.RJ]

I wouldnt actively avoid the 1.8T - it seems like a solid motor, the one i had was a 1.8T and I think the problems I had were a lot more to do with the mods (K04, ecu, intercooler, intake/header/exhaust, etc, etc - totally not stock) than the motor. The VR6's are great too (and they sound nice with an exhaust), but if you plan on keeping it for a while then budget for a timing chain+clutch job - transmission has to come off to change the timing chains so "while you're in there... ".

[D_Eclipse9916]

I wouldnt actively avoid the 1.8T - it seems like a solid motor, the one i had was a 1.8T and I think the problems I had were a lot more to do with the mods (K04, ecu, intercooler, intake/header/exhaust, etc, etc - totally not stock) than the motor. The VR6's are great too (and they sound nice with an exhaust), but if you plan on keeping it for a while then budget for a timing chain+clutch job - transmission has to come off to change the timing chains so "while you're in there... ".

Jesus christ, I already knew VWs were pits, but that just reinforces it. Sounds like a dsm would be more reliable. :bootyshake:

Honestly the only thing that an e36 could nickel and dime you ofor is the cooling system. If you just do it right by an aluminum thermostat housing/stewart water pump/aluminum radiator youll never have to touch that engine again, well aside from power steering hoses, but theres a permanent fix for those as well. You could make an e36 dead reliable with about $600. Every VW I have seen its just CONSTANT problems and there arent permanent fixes.

Now that thats said, y not a lexus es300 or something? Dead reliable, comfy, smooth. Just as sporty (or lack thereof) as a jetta without the million electrical issues. Ask the only girl on here to also have a jetta (Christine), she has had radio go out, random things with the windows, just constant electrical issues. (the generation your looking at).

[.RJ]

Suspension bushings, electrical gremlins, interior falling apart, vanos/cam position sensors and so on are also fun E36/46 problems I owned one, it was a pile of shit - and I bought it from the original owner with dealer/shop service records

[goodWIN]

Well every car has it's problems!! And a lexus, naw!, The only lexus I like is the 2001 Lexus rx. and that is not raceable at all.

[D_Eclipse9916]

Suspension bushings, electrical gremlins, interior falling apart, vanos/cam position sensors and so on are also fun E36/46 problems I owned one, it was a pile of shit - and I bought it from the original owner with dealer/shop service records

Electrical gremlins? suspension bushings? interior falling apart? vanos/cam position sensors? Holy crap whoever maintainted that did a piss poor job. Those are quite rare problems. The two that I maintain, Mikes and my own do not have any of those problems and they are both 140k+

That said if she doesnt want to touch it, an e36 is getting a bit old that it is going to require some maintenance. But at the same time if she is considering a VW she could easily maintain an E36. Either way I would suggest how about a civic hatch? Miatar? Sentra SE-R (90s)? All really easy on gas and tires and brakes.

[.RJ]

You got lucky then if cooling system stuff is the only thing thats been replaced in 140k.

I'd take the VW any day. My GTI at 90k miles was in much better shape than the similar mileage E36 I owned, even with some mystery electrical fuss.

[Jake]

Miatar?

Her brother and I both tried convincing her to join the dark side and pimp an Otter. Alas, she did not like the idea of putting the babysittin' chilluns in the trunk.

[goodWIN]

"Her brother and I both tried convincing her to join the dark side and pimp an Otter. Alas, she did not like the idea of putting the babysittin' chilluns in the trunk."

-Quite honestly the Miata is too small for me and I feel claustrophobic in them. Forget the kids. I need a little more space. And I like to go to the beach and perhaps shop a little once in a while and I like that back seat for shoving all my shit back there, ya know. And I am obsessed with GERMAN cars..hints the love for VW's..and Audi's ..and perhaps BMWs.

[V1GiLaNtE]

I would not say proactively avoid the 1.8T.. Yes it can have it's down falls but if it's maintained well you shouldn't have a problem AS LONG AS YOU KEEP UP WITH MAINTAINCE! Any car will instantly go to hell if you don't take care of it.. I'll be honest my v6 passat is a bitch to work on but I still love the car and can say it really hasn't been that bad to keep up with.. All german car's are going to be the same price when it comes to parts and labor.. And each one is just as much as a PITA to work on yourself.. With that said the VR6 is great platform, torquey, decent mileage, good reliability, good aftermarket, and sounds like satan's trumpet if you get an exhaust on one..

Edit:

Call me a fanboi but if you're looking for German reliable and roomy buy a v6 passat 4 motion... :thumbup: I'll help you work on it I promise.

[Maengelito]

7. Still convincing the padre to buy Maeng's car (did I spell that right..Brian M-ya know with the Miata..anyway)...working on it

do eeet! you will both love the car! It isn't bad for hauling stuff around. I've strapped kegs in the passenger seat with the seat belt, I've gone to the beach with all sorts of stuff for both me and my wife, I've even gone to the track with most of my gear before I bought the tire trailer!

[REED]

its not a manual, so I'm sure it will be a tough sell, but my parents are looking to unload a '02 passat wagon, we just replaced the timing belt (literally, as in days ago). It's been well used, but maintained and its a wagon so you can fit 75 babysitties in it.

just throwing it out there

ps - wagons are sexy

[Sijray21]

the dubs may need a little work, but every car does. some of the electrical issues are the frustrating problems to have, especially the mkIV. my ex had a 2001 jetta and the only real issue with the car was that the ecu was going hay-wire. i'm pretty sure it had something to do with the rain-guard leaking under the wipers onto the compartment where the ecu is stored (yes, it's outside the firewall). but, yes - any car that's not maintained properly will have issues. at least the vw community has a pretty vast amount of knowledge and experience that can help you diagnose an issue and provide a potential solution pretty quickly.

[Jake]

at least the vw community has a pretty vast amount of knowledge and experience that can help you diagnose an issue and provide a potential solution pretty quickly.

This. At the very least, everything you're looking at has good online presence. That helps immensely when you try to do anything yourself - always great to have online guides and other peoples' experience to search and read up on if you hit a metaphoric wall. Try finding a good (being the key word) forum/community for a Maxima/I35. They don't exist. Trying to find info on my dad's car sucks hard because of it.

[.RJ]

the vw community

:lol:

[goodWIN]

1. Wagons?-sexy?-they scream soccer mom, and that's the last thing I want to be right now..
2. Sijray...vanilla frosties?..seriously? Chocolate FTW.
3. I think the main conclusion I am getting from all of this is that every car has its problems, but it seems everyone of you know something about something, therefore whatever car I choose I should be covered on the help. right?

[JustinG]

1. Wagons?-sexy?-they scream soccer mom, and that's the last thing I want to be right now..

TAKE TWO OF THESE AND CALL ME IN THE MORNING......

[Maengelito]

2. Sijray...vanilla frosties?..seriously? Chocolate FTW.

lol, here we go again

[.RJ]

Vanirra Frosty > Chocorate Frosty > Slurpee

[Sijray21]

12. Sijray...vanilla frosties?..seriously? Chocolate FTW.

wat....? seriously...?

vanilla is the new chocolate

Vanilla Frosty forever!



ps...sexy:

[Jake]

1. Wagons?-sexy?-they scream soccer mom, and that's the last thing I want to be right now..

A Ford Taurus GL wagon screams soccer mom. An Audi RS6 wagon or E39 wagon screams megabawlin.

3. I think the main conclusion I am getting from all of this is that every car has its problems, but it seems everyone of you know something about something, therefore whatever car I choose I should be covered on the help. right?

Yeah basically. I mean, I wouldn't recommend buying say, a Cavalier or something, but collectively there is a lot of good knowledge floating around these parts. Look around and broaden your horizons past those of the mighty 1.8T and VR6 :wink: just for shiggles, and post about what interests you. Someone will chime in and say why it's great and never breaks down evar, someone else will say why you should never buy anything from that brand, and someone else may give you decent advice.

Now go forth, young grasshoppah, and read/look/drive to your heart's content.