"stuttgartobsessed" (grantharmsen) 09/24/2014 at 18:50 • Filed to: Vw

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I'm very conflicted about which commuter car to get (so I can get around while I work on the Alfa). So far I've found two Mk4 Jettas. They are, however, quite different. One is a 2000 tdi sedan with 196k and the other a 2002 vr6 wagon with 119k. The tdi is currently owned by a Porsche/German car mechanic who aounds like he knows what he is doing and has maintained the car well. Plus I test drove it. I'm hopefully test driving the vr6 on Friday. But it's a claimed one owner car with a clean carfax.

They're both 5spds. And for arguments sake the same price. ($4900 for the tdi, $5600 for the vr6)

My question to you, Oppo, it which do I get? Or do I look for a Subaru or a mini or something? Any things I should keep an eye out for maintenance related? Thanks!

jkm7680 > stuttgartobsessed 09/24/2014 at 18:51

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Links?

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > stuttgartobsessed 09/24/2014 at 18:54

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Buy a 914.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > stuttgartobsessed 09/24/2014 at 18:55

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I'd go with the wagon. Lower miles, newer and the difference in the price of gas vs diesel will eat away a big chunk of your fuel economy savings. Plus wagon.

But in reality I would stay away from both, I'm not a fan of VWs from this era. For that type of money I would probably be looking for an E46 BMW or a WRX.

stuttgartobsessed > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic 09/24/2014 at 18:57

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Lol did you not see the part about needing something newer and more reliable? I already have an Alfa that needs my attention haha. But I'd love a 914 someday.

HammerheadFistpunch > stuttgartobsessed 09/24/2014 at 18:58

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Mark 4?

Thats just my 2 cents though.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > stuttgartobsessed 09/24/2014 at 18:58

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I saw it. If that is too old get a Boxster.

stuttgartobsessed > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 09/24/2014 at 19:00

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I'm assuming the VR6 takes premium, just as a BMW would, which is more expensive than diesel where I live... Plus I'm really looking for a manual and I don't think a lot of BMWs came that way. As for the WRX, head gaskets?

stuttgartobsessed > jkm7680 09/24/2014 at 19:00

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Vr6: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/ctd/468096…

jkm7680 > stuttgartobsessed 09/24/2014 at 19:02

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That looks unmolested and super clean! Go for it!

Just stay away from VWVortex, Haha. The Mk4 forums are about as friendly to unlowered cars/new people as North Korea is to Americans.

stuttgartobsessed > stuttgartobsessed 09/24/2014 at 19:02

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tdi: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/468222…

stuttgartobsessed > HammerheadFistpunch 09/24/2014 at 19:03

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Why? What makes you involve Disco Stu in this??

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > stuttgartobsessed 09/24/2014 at 19:05

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Plenty of E46s came with manuals, not as many as Autos but there are plenty out there. I still miss my E46. If the VR6 requires premium then I would avoid it, I think those engines were temperamental anyways.
I've never owned a WRX so I can't really speak to the head gaskets, would probably be a bitch to change though being boxer.

Go test drive a E46, probably my favorite car I've ever owned, I really regret selling it. If you're really lucky you can find a manual wagon E46, they do exist but are hard to find.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > stuttgartobsessed 09/24/2014 at 19:21

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If MPG's matter that much to you get the TDI. keep in mind the VR6 is a driver's car though. plus it's a wagon! :D

it's between a 90hp 5-speed 1.9 diesel sedan (yawn) and...
201hp 5-speed 2.8L V6 powered wagon (fun, fun, fun!)

stuttgartobsessed > jkm7680 09/24/2014 at 22:50

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haha right? I went there hoping find a thread with relevant info and it was all basically stance nation links... Cool, but not helpful

stuttgartobsessed > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK 09/24/2014 at 22:51

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if I can find a manual e46 wagon that would be dope. Let the search begin!

jkm7680 > stuttgartobsessed 09/25/2014 at 07:09

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Haha, That's just a small sample of what it's like in there.