Help me car shop, Oppo.

"Tristan" (casselts) 11/26/2018 at 14:20 • Filed to: NO ONE EVER LISTENS TO CAR BUYING ADVICE

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The Official Car of Oppo, c. 2018

I’m in the market for a new daily. I love my gimongous GMT800 Suburban 2500, but since I sold the travel trailer, moved further away from work and my wife is quitting her job to stay at home with the youngsters, the $400/mo fuel bill is a tough pill to swallow. It’s been parked a lot lately while I’ve been daily driving my swaybar-less lifted Cherokee which gets better mileage, but is far from ideal from a safety standpoint.

Also, my life is just one big burrito of stress and responsibility. My commute is my time to listen to music, talk radio, etc. and decompress, traffic be damned. Roughly 2.5 years ago, prior to kiddos, I commuted in a happy little NA Miata. It was fun and engaging and I looked forward to every drive. The Burban is big, comfy, capable and safe, but fun it ain’t.

So, I’ve begun the search for a family-friendly fun car. Something that’ll put a smile on my face every day allows me hook up my daughter’s car seat and roll in to Cars and Coffee on Saturday morning . I’m currently stuck on Volvos, but I want something unique . I really want a V70R, but I also don’t want to be murdered with maintenance. I see an equal number of reports of “I don’t see what the big deal is, mine’s been fine” and “this car murdered my wallet’s whole family”. I’ll always have the Jeep to fall back on to get me to work and I’m more than competent with a set of wrenches, but I don’t want to be working on my daily all the time. I’m strongly considering a ‘98 P80 VR because it’s a much simpler car, but I don’t know if it’ll be as engaging to drive as a P2 chassis.

The other strong contender is Oppo’s car- the GTI. Specifically, the MK5 in 4-door flavor. Or, the sedan version- the Jetta GLI. I know not much about them other than they are extremely comfy, fun to drive, can have 4 doors, and have a neat automatic gearbox, if selected. Oh, and those sweet phone dial wheels that I hated when new, b ut love now. If I get a decent example with higher miles, what is there to fear? I’d prefer manual, but is the DSG as good as they say? Does it get costly to maintain as the years and miles add up?

Should I just look for a FWD V70 T5? I’m opposed to Suabarus and Hondas, Audis and BMWs seem like maintenance nightmares in untraveled territory for me (plus I haven’t see any that really give me “the fizz” aside from E46 coupes, which are out because not enough doors and the Audi S4 which is well-known wallet death) and my budget is limited to sub-$7k.

Make suggestions. Who knows, maybe I’ll even listen!

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Tristan 11/26/2018 at 14:46

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The MK V Golf is problematic. I would advise caution.

IS300 Sportcross?

Mazda 3 Hatch?

Ash78, voting early and often > Tristan 11/26/2018 at 14:47

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Congrats to your wife on her choice — it’s very, very hard, but I’ve never heard anyone say they regretted it.

I’ve been our sole income for almost 9 years now and it’s just a wee bit of pressure. I don’t take as many chances at work, and definitely not with cars (unfortunately). That said, I’d err toward something newer and with a decent reputation.

DSG maintenance (DIY) is not really much difference than aggressive auto tranny maintenance. A couple hundred bucks every 30k miles, IIRC.

Personally, I find DSG overrated and think that most newer auto trannies are just as good in normal driving.

Tristan > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) 11/26/2018 at 14:53

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I’m not averse to problems as long as there are solutions. What are the major problem areas?

IS300 Sperkrass would be difficult to find in my price range, and the back seat is a bit tiny for rear-facing seats.

Mazda 3 hatch is too pedestrian. It’s a good economy car that’s fun for an economy car, but it doesn’t do anything for me.

RX > Tristan 11/26/2018 at 14:54

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Abarth 500 . It’s the most fun car in the world under 50 mph. Back seat fits kids under 5 foot, gas mileage is over 30 unless you really drive like a lunatic.

Tristan > Ash78, voting early and often 11/26/2018 at 14:57

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I 100% support her decision. If she stayed at work, she be doing a ob she doesn’t love just to pay someone else to raise our kids. Daycare is so expensive she’d barely bring anything home, anyway. She’d just be doing it to further her career, which she doesn’t love. It’s a no-brainer.

As far as something newer and $$-er, she’ll be turning in her company car, so that’ll be for her. Besides, I hate new cars. Hate hate hate. They’re all hideous with cramped interiors (I’m 6'7").

Tristan > RX 11/26/2018 at 14:59

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My kids are waaaaaayyyyy under 5'. One just turned 2, and the other is -2 weeks (due Dec. 15). Several years of car seats are in my future. Combine that with the fact that I’m 6'7", and the Fiat is a non-starter. Also, I drive like a lunatic. I’m aiming for low-20s fuel economy, though, which is a vast improvement over my current 12.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Tristan 11/26/2018 at 15:00

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I do not know specifics, only that I have heard numerous complaints about longevity and electrical issues related to the MK V GTI/Golf platform.

At $7k, you’re not really going to have much choice when it comes to fun and also reliable. Something like the Mazda 3 or the ~05 Focus with the 2.3L Duratec engine can be made more entertaining without being worrisome to own. If you can find that Focus Hatch, the SVT Focus suspension bolts on, and that chassis is remarkably lively for a econobox. Leave the engine alone and you should get great Em Pee Gees and still have a car that is fun to toss about.

I do not recommend the SVT Focus. It needs premium and is high-strung and needs constant routine maintenance to keep one running in optimal condition; which is nearly impossible as parts are no longer produced and many are SVT-specific. 

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > Tristan 11/26/2018 at 15:02

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I have nothing of value to add but I do love those wheels haha

Since I’m here though, maybe a previous gen IS250? You would be looking at high mileage versions but I think they are reliable enough. I really liked my friend’s and he had a center rear facing seat in his for about a year before he went full dad and bought a highlander hybrid.

AestheticsInMotion > Tristan 11/26/2018 at 15:03

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I’m sure you know this already, but if you’re willing to consider non-wagons... All other things being equal, an s60r seems to be about 30-40% cheaper than it's wagon counterpart. There are a lot of good deals out there, and they're not too hard to find with a manual

Tristan > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 11/26/2018 at 15:04

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They really are cool, aren’t they? I can’t believe I hated them when they were new, but I’ve always been a grumpy old man at heart.

I’ll give the IS a look. I hear they’re pretty cramped in the back, though.

FSI > Tristan 11/26/2018 at 15:04

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Look for rust on the MkV Golf and Jettas. Especially the edges of the front quarter panels. Other than that Volkswagen used soft touch paint for the buttons on the interior which will be guaranteed to peel off and look nasty.

I can only recommend the A3 8p which basically is   a MkV Golf underneath. The 2.0 T FSI is even the same engine as in the GTI   I believe ( maybe even   a newer 2.0 TFSI).

Tristan > AestheticsInMotion 11/26/2018 at 15:08

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Yabbut, if I’m going Volvo, I want to go full Volvo. V>S. Honestly, I’ve been seeing a lot more VRs than SRs around me, and the prices have been pretty even. The one I posted a couple of days ago with the bad clutch is singing a Siren song, drawing me to stare at the CL post longingly. There’s a voice in my head that says I’ll just end up shipwrecked, though.

Tristan > FSI 11/26/2018 at 15:10

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I’ve noticed the peely buttons. They look gross, but I can deal with it.

I’ll just make sure any car I look at is local. Here in the PNW, cars don’t age!

AestheticsInMotion > Tristan 11/26/2018 at 15:10

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This guy even says he wants to trade for a Suburban....... https://forums.swedespeed.com/#/topics/478705

I hear ya though. I love both of them. I think the sedan is one of the best modern sedan designs made, but the wagon.... Well. It's special 

Tristan > AestheticsInMotion 11/26/2018 at 15:12

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The link just directs me to the classifieds ToC... Which one was it?

The sedan is good, but my love for wagons runs deep!

AestheticsInMotion > Tristan 11/26/2018 at 15:15

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S60r, manual, $5000, etc. Seattle area

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > Tristan 11/26/2018 at 15:20

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The back seat is admittedly tight but I think it worked for one car seat.

They were not very traditional when they came out so I get why you wouldn’t like them, even though I did not share that opinion haha. It also might have been that VW had two versions. They originally offered the Hufeisen “Huffs” and then they came out with the Detroits. They are the same wheel but the Huff’s inlays were gray and the Detroit’s were black. I like both but the black inlay looks better in my opinion. I only know so much about them because I looked for a decent priced pair for like, 5 years. lol

Here they are on my beetle, if you haven’t seen it :

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/who-needs-a-truck-1826987525

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Tristan 11/26/2018 at 15:22

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I’d say MK6 and newer for Golfs. The 6 was miles  ahead of the 5 and much more reliable. The Mk7 is amazing.

Maybe split the difference? Lexus GS350, BMW E9X wagon, Legacy GT?

Tristan > AestheticsInMotion 11/26/2018 at 15:25

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Tristan > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 11/26/2018 at 15:27

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I like it!

Tristan > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 11/26/2018 at 15:28

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What were the MK5's big issues? I just remember that the press loved them when they came out. I don’t remember hearing too many horror stories.

BJ > Tristan 11/26/2018 at 15:34

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Even the non-GTI Golf is a lot of fun to drive, and it’ll be a bit cheaper on the used market. Then you can put GLI badges on it and troll all the fanbois...

I had a MK IV Golf and it was fine. Not sure what the MK V did to get so much hate, but listen to those who have experience, I guess.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Tristan 11/26/2018 at 15:38

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Normal VW stuff from that era: fuel pump, carbon buildup, PITA timing belt, and a billion electrical gremlins. More importantly, I just don’t like how the Mk5 looks 

https://www.micksgarage.com/blog/golf-gti-buying-guide

Future Heap Owner > Tristan 11/26/2018 at 15:44

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You’re 6’7” and you dailied  an NA Miata?

AestheticsInMotion > Tristan 11/26/2018 at 15:44

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I'm not helping your decision making am I? 

RX > Tristan 11/26/2018 at 15:44

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The Fiat has quite a bit of head room due to it’s bubble shape, you might actually be able to fit inside. The issue more likely would be the rear facing seat , they really don’ t fit in anything with a smallish back seat.

And even lunatic driving (running it to the redline just to let off and hear the backfire) I dont think I’ve seen under 27mpg in mine.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > Tristan 11/26/2018 at 15:47

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Thanks!

Another option might be an older TL. I’m not sure if they made the non type S with a manual, though.

Tristan > Future Heap Owner 11/26/2018 at 15:47

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Yessir. Foamectomy+seat rail delete+seat pan modifications. Essentially, I was sitting on the floor with about 1/2" of foam under my butt. It was surprisingly comfortable but getting in and out of it got old, especially because it was on H&R Race springs.

Tristan > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 11/26/2018 at 15:48

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I’ve been eyeing them. I like the dynamics of the TSX, so I assume the TL would also be good.

Tristan > RX 11/26/2018 at 15:49

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Yeah, head room isn’t an issue in the Fiat... It’s the leg room. Plus, getting a toddler and infant in and out of a two door sounds not fun.

Tristan > AestheticsInMotion 11/26/2018 at 15:50

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No. No you are not. But I’m okay with it.

Tristan > BJ 11/26/2018 at 15:52

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I had a MKIV Jetta TDI. I quite liked it, but the MKV and up got more interior space. If I go with a non-GTI/GLI, I’ll get a cheaty diesel. Lots of torque and killer EMPEEGEEseses!

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > Tristan 11/26/2018 at 15:59

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What about a Saab 9-3 sport combi? They’ve got a couple of known issues but nothing too expensive and day to day maintenance should be cheap because GM.  There have been a couple here in the Midwest go for sale for well under your budget with 115-125k miles with a stick.

Ash78, voting early and often > Tristan 11/26/2018 at 16:02

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You might really like the GTI. When I ratchet the seat down to the bottom position (I’m 6'2") I can easily stack two fists over my head before hitting the roof, even more if you don’t get the moonroof.

Tristan > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle 11/26/2018 at 16:03

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Good call... I had a really beat ‘95 900SE manual convertible that I loved. Here in Portland we actually still have a Saab dealer, because Portland. They’ve got a couple clean ones on the lot, one of them is a stick! I might give it a look. I’ve also been looking for a manual, turbo 9-5 wagon.

Tristan > Ash78, voting early and often 11/26/2018 at 16:04

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Dude... my FAVORITE thing about any VW MK V+ is the fact that I can;t reach the controls with the seat all the way back. They’re made for people TALLER than me. Even with a moonroof my head doesn’t rub.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Tristan 11/26/2018 at 16:20

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My wife just left her job to spend time with our little one too. It was stressful beforehand making sure we could make it work, but best decision ever for all the same reasons you had mentioned in another response. Gave me the opportunity to find a cheap DD as well, similar to you.

I actually ended up with an E46 coupe – car seat fits in it technically, but realistically baby will never go in it. Which is all we needed out of it – might work for you too if wife has a car and/or you’re keeping the Suburban? For under $7k you can buy a very clean E46…they aren’t hard to come by if you’re willing to pay $5k even (sedan, coupe, or wagon) . Will leave you with a decent buffer too for maintenance. Anything outside a ZHP or M3 should be doable within that budget, I actually lucked out with a ZHP for well under that. It’s no Miata or E30 (my prior car the E46 replaced) but that engine is a peach and the handling is pretty good (transmission is the biggest weak point in this car for me - so rubbery/notchy). There are endless online resources for maintenance and all the common issues are very well documented – if you find a car you like I’d say give it a shot.

Looking back at my purchase, and all the other options I was considering – IS300, G35, etc. so glad I went with this thing. Those cars don’t sell any cheaper really, and the maintenance isn’t meangingfully better at least in the G35. IS300 is probably rock solid though if you can find one that hasn’t been abused and has a stick (assuming that matters to you).

You’re in the Portland area too right? Happy to keep you in mind with my aimless CL browsing (now that I am no longer in the market).

Tristan > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/26/2018 at 16:27

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Yessir, Lake Oswego/Tigard area. I’ve been browsing the BMWs, but the main thing that keeps me away is that I have experience with VWs and both brands of Swedes. My only experience with BMW was with a beater 318ti I owned for about 2 weeks. I know absolutely zero about them.

Ash78, voting early and often > Tristan 11/26/2018 at 16:28

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Hey, Wilt Chamberlain helped pitch the Rabbit several years after the Beetle. They definitely cater to tall people...and the tallest people on earth are Northern Europeans. No coincidence.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Tristan 11/26/2018 at 16:32

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That description of where you live makes it sound like we’re neighbors (exactly how we describe where we live – “technically Portland, border of LO and Tigard”)…we’re off 49 th by PCC Sylvania.

I’m not particularly mechanically inclined – the countless forum DIYs and youtube videos help a lot with these cars. Given your experience with VW and the Swedes sounds like you’re handy with a wrench so I wouldn’t shy away from a BMW. Parts are plentiful and can be had cheap if you stay away from the dealer too and have other cars to use in a pinch.

No pressure to buy a car you don’t want, just if something that looks good/interesting pops up at least give it a second glance.

BobintheMtns > Tristan 11/26/2018 at 16:54

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MKV GTI owner here —— Car now has 150K miles, and I’ve had it since it had 50K.....

In short- best, most reliable car I’ve ever owned. Easily.

Built in Wolfsburg, by old-school VW’ers... (versus mexico/brazil/etc).

Epic motor... 30+ mpg on the highways, but can also set the cruise control at 130 mph...

But for god’s sake—- get the manual.

What Clarkson had to say about the MKV:

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

BobintheMtns > Tristan 11/26/2018 at 17:07

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The only big problem was the high pressure fuel pump for the direct injection (soft cam lobes in some cars)- but VW warrantied the hpfp system to 120K miles once the problem was recognized.

Mine finally went out at 118,000 miles... and VW completely styled me by warrantying everything and giving me a loaner for the week.

And there were almost no differences in the mk6 versus mk5.. (hence why mk6's are often jokingly called mk5.5's) Except in the MK5 the traction control is defeatable- where as it’s always on in the MK6's.....

MOARPower > Tristan 11/26/2018 at 19:33

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I had a MKV 4 door GTI. Fantastic car, I am actually looking at MK7’s now as it would be one of the few vehicles I have owned out of 25+ that I would buy again. I would go for a 2008+ as they went to a timing chain vs a belt. 

Tristan > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/26/2018 at 19:49

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Basically straight south of you between Boone’s Ferry and Childs. It’s a Lake Oswego address, but I always lie and say I live in Tigard so people don’t assume I’m a better-than-you rich yuppie.

I’ll keep the Bimmers on my radar!

Tristan > MOARPower 11/26/2018 at 19:50

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Good to know. I wasn't sure when the switch from belt to chain happened.

Tristan > Ash78, voting early and often 11/26/2018 at 19:55

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My family is primarily of German heritage, so no surprises there!

Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner > Tristan 11/26/2018 at 21:40

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How many times do i have to say it. Mini. Clubman. JCW.

Tristan > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 11/26/2018 at 21:46

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Well, Mini does have a stellar reputation for reliability!

Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner > Tristan 11/26/2018 at 22:50

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Once you get the niggles sorted out, the engine is actually very reliable. I mean , I ’ ve gone 7,000 miles since i rebuilt my car (previous owner tore the cams up) and the only major problem to come up is the hose leading to the inter cooler came off (100% my fault)

OmerCarrothers333 > Tristan 11/27/2018 at 00:19

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My Mk6 GTI has given me miles of smiles. My kids hate it, because it’s one of the rare 2-doors (they want to roll their windows down).

As I said on you GLI post: DOOOOOOO IIIIIITTTTT.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Tristan 11/27/2018 at 11:25

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Ooh, Lake Oswego, look a you. I’m judging alright! 

Tristan > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 11/27/2018 at 11:54

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NOOOOOOOOOOooooOooo!!!

It was a case of finding the worst house in the best neighborhood. It was a total dump in a good school district. Its becoming nice, though!

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Tristan 11/27/2018 at 14:24

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Ha, that’s a good way to do it. Those schools sure are damn good…I’ve heard they can be a bit catty and snooty, but raising good kids can combat that as long as they’re getting a solid education.

Us poors, we just like living on the border so we can easily enjoy all that LO has to offer without it’s brutal property prices and related taxes J. Moochers all the way!