Should I be talked out of giving up on this automotive dream?

"No, I don't thank you for the fish at all" (notindetroit) 05/01/2016 at 13:32 • Filed to: Jetta, Legacy, Volkswagon, dream car

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So, a lot of us have weird automotive dreams. Mine is to get !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! just like what I !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ( !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ) But I’m wondering if maybe there are better options out there. The Mk IV Jetta seems to be a bit...spotty when it comes to accepting performance mods due to the usual Teutonic engineering quirks. Also, it doesn’t seem to get a lot of respect.

See !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! for an example of what I’m talking about

Image from MotorAuthority.com

I’m wondering if maybe I should aim for an 05-09 Legacy instead. Despite being midsize they’re not much larger than a Jetta, they look better than the same-era Impreza, in fact they look good either as a sedan or wagon, and several Opponauts have them.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > No, I don't thank you for the fish at all 05/01/2016 at 13:37

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Have owned both.

Jetta: buy a fuel pump, leave it in the trunk. You’ll need it. VW has a thousand warning lights for everything except “your fuel pump is gonna die”.

Subaru: start saving for head gaskets. BUT...it won’t leave you stranded in the desert because its fucking fuel pump died.

For the money, get the Subaru. It’s a little more expensive, but more reliable. I have a blue one with 100k miles if you’re interested ;)

dogisbadob > No, I don't thank you for the fish at all 05/01/2016 at 13:41

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The Mk4 Golf/Jetta is one of the worst cars ever made.

Btter options include the Civic Si sedan, Corolla XRS, Matrix XRS/Vibe GT, PT Cruiser GT (a Neon SRT4 wagon), even the Echo0, Scion xA and XD are good too.

Fridge LargeMeat > No, I don't thank you for the fish at all 05/01/2016 at 14:29

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The Mk4s are quite good when it comes to accepting performance mods. Unfortunately, the 2.0 doesn’t have all that much support in that regard. If your goal is modding then the 1.8T/VR6 or even a TDI would be better. The 1.8Ts in particular don’t require all that much to get into the 250 HP range, and seeing guys with 400+ HP beasts isn’t that uncommon.

The VR6 is even crazier in that aspect, just look at HPA Motorsports’ 600+ HP R32 (though to be fair it’s not quite the same engine that went into the Jettas of that generation)

As for the respect , if it’s the car that you want then you should buy it regardless of what other people will think. Though they may not get as much “respect” as more performance-oriented cars they can still be great cars to drive. Despite the “hellaflush” crowd that makes up the popular perception of the VW scene, there’s still a ton of cool and generally awesome people around. It’s thanks to these people that I met that I’m now into cars as much as I am.

Justin Hughes > No, I don't thank you for the fish at all 05/01/2016 at 14:40

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I actually have a Mk4 Jetta on my short list of next project cars.

But only because I want to do this to it.

Bytemite > No, I don't thank you for the fish at all 05/01/2016 at 14:47

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...that’s your dream car? Come on.

Monkey B > No, I don't thank you for the fish at all 05/01/2016 at 16:09

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that era VW is a nightmare. On the other hand, a Legacy from that era will not only be a better car but also hold it’s value. Especially in GT form.

Monkey B > Justin Hughes 05/01/2016 at 16:10

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this is the only reason I’d suffer the Jetta.

RanWhenParked > dogisbadob 05/01/2016 at 16:10

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You suggesting a PT Cruiser discredits your entire comment.

I’ve had two mk4's, a modded 1.8t and stock tdi, and it’s been generally positive experience. They have issues here and there, but the massive internet cult/fanbase following makes finding parts and finding solutions to problems relatively easy, if you are someone who works on cars.

Spasoje > No, I don't thank you for the fish at all 05/01/2016 at 16:12

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Check out VWvortex – you’ll see how often these cars are modded and how easy that is to do on them. Plus, they were praised when new for their handling, steering feel, and overall solidity. As someone who’s owned one for 13 years now, the lack of respect is puzzling.

In this case, however, there’s something else to worry about: at this age, most are examples that have been beat to hell (maybe that’s why people think they’re crap?).

But if you can find one that’s been well-cared for, go for it.

TFSIVTEC drivesavolvo > dogisbadob 05/01/2016 at 17:02

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As a former MKIV owner I’d happily make a repair once a week rather than drive any penalty box on that list, I’m probably bias since mine was a GLX VR6, yes I had every MKIV problem too, including the “common” spider gear pin sliding out of the differential and punching a hole in the transmission case

79 horsepower monster > dogisbadob 05/01/2016 at 18:32

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I don’t know how you could ever possibly recommend a PT Cruiser over any other car. Looks aside, its a crummy Chrysler product from a terrible Chrysler Era.

dogisbadob > 79 horsepower monster 05/01/2016 at 18:35

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A PT Cruiser is no Toyota, but it’s definitely better than a crummy VW product from a terrible VW era.

79 horsepower monster > dogisbadob 05/02/2016 at 11:54

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Well I see that this isn’t going anywhere...but it is my opinion that a PT Cruiser isn’t much better than anything in any terrible era.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > No, I don't thank you for the fish at all 05/03/2016 at 10:27

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Surprisingly similar looks (a bit bigger, hey bigger trunk!) and drastically better reliability:

Mine has treated me pretty great as a solid DD