Buying Advice

Martin · January 3rd, 2007, 06:00 PM

I'm looking to get out of my beloved Xterra for several reasons. I'm entering grad school and would prefer a more economical car, and a new car to save on cost of upkeep expenses that are undoubtedly going to crop up with the Xterra as it is 5 years old now. I still have about a year and a half left on payments on the Xterra so I have equity to work with. I no longer really need a vehicle the size of the Xterra either.

Anyway, I'm looking into getting a new VW Rabbit and was wondering if anyone has had any experience with the new Rabbit or recent VWs. A relative of mine had a Jetta back in the mid-90's and it was fine until about year 4 when it constantly had problems.

Any input in regards to this would be welcome.

hajj · January 3rd, 2007, 06:20 PM

A VW Rabbit? That's a Golf right?
I know some Golf V owners and most of them like it and haven't had problems with it. But it's a rather young car anyway, it has only be sold since '04, so major problems could still occur.

Martin · January 3rd, 2007, 11:30 PM

Yeah, it's whatever the current generation Golf in every other country aside the US, it's been re-branded here as the Rabbit for reasons of nostalgia or to freshen up the product line. Honestly I don't know.

Cobol74 · January 3rd, 2007, 11:35 PM

Someone other than VW owns the rights to the name possibly. Good car, a bit pricey here tho'. Japanese is an other way to go, a Scooby possibly?

jayhawk · January 3rd, 2007, 11:52 PM

How about a new Sentra or Versa (Teeda)?

FATMOUSE · January 3rd, 2007, 11:53 PM

What's your budget like?

Militant-Grunt · January 4th, 2007, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayhawk

How about a new Sentra or Versa (Teeda)?

*Shudder at new Sentra*

Civic Si?
Golf GTI?

Martin · January 4th, 2007, 12:58 AM

My budget is around $18,000. Possibly $19,000 depending on the financing deal. I would love a GTI, but driving it off the lot will be at least $22,000 if I'm lucky. The Civic is my second choice, but I prefer the styling of the Golf/Rabbit.

rjvracing · January 4th, 2007, 01:05 AM

Take a look at the Mazda 3s

teletubby-warrior · January 4th, 2007, 02:19 AM

Honda Fit?

British_Rover · January 4th, 2007, 03:02 AM

Not sure how it is down in your market but I know up here there is such a huge demand for Rabbits with very little supply that there are no discounts avaliable.

I think you would like the new rabbit as it is a pretty nice car for the price and not nearly as boring as the japanese counterparts. We have a VW dealer in our autogroup so I can ask them a couple of more detailed questions if you want. Just let me know.

NecroJoe · January 4th, 2007, 03:10 AM

Mustang. Base, with a V-6 can be had for around $16K

Scion TC: It looks small, but it's got impressive rear leg-room, and it's a hatchback, with back seats that fold flat...VERY useable space. 2.4L engine, and only 1mpg less hwy than the Mazda 3S's 2.3L.

While I'd love a Mustang, I'll probably end up with a Mazda 3S Wagon (roughly 18K, depending on trim level, transmission). You can find 2006 base (manual) sedans for (if you haggle) around 13K...but since the "sport wagon" is so popular, there's not much negotiation room. The average price people are paying is only $250 lower than sticker price, for all trim levels.

As far as the Rabbit/Golf thing...it is purely marketing. In fact, it was such a rushed decision, there were a few 2007 VW Golfs that rolled off the line before the name change.

Martin · January 4th, 2007, 06:43 AM

Thanks for the alternatives. Though for reasons that I can't explain I just can't stand Scions. Anyway, so far the advice has been good. Hoping to get a test drive in the next few days in the Rabbit/Golf. Won't be a purchase I make for at least a few weeks anyway.

epp_b · January 4th, 2007, 06:47 AM

My 240SX gets 40MPG on the highway. And it's bucket-loads of fun images/smilies/smile.gif

No, you won't get one new, but for the amount of money you're willing to spend, you'll be guaranteed to get one in good condition (if you can find one in the first place, that is images/smilies/wink.gif

)

cvrefugee · January 4th, 2007, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin

Thanks for the alternatives. Though for reasons that I can't explain I just can't stand Scions. Anyway, so far the advice has been good. Hoping to get a test drive in the next few days in the Rabbit/Golf. Won't be a purchase I make for at least a few weeks anyway.

What about Scions that make toast?

http://chinagoodsinspection.com/bzr/random/toaster.jpg

Salar · January 4th, 2007, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayhawk

How about a new Sentra or Versa (Teeda)?

I've driven both. The Versa drives better, esp with manual transmission. I was never a fan of the Sentras, the feel of steering and power is not nice. IMO

I have more fun with my 92 Accord.

un-dee · January 4th, 2007, 10:47 AM

What about a Focus ST or a Mazda 3 MPS, both are cheaper than the GTI.

AiR · January 4th, 2007, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cvg

What about Scions that make toast?

My god what is that. Why does it have wheels?

Banii · January 4th, 2007, 03:19 PM

The 2 only things I have heard about that car is that it has something to do with "America" and "youth".

In other words: LAAAME!

Labcoatguy · January 4th, 2007, 04:32 PM

If you're worried about reliability, why are you considering moving from an older Nissan truck (generally bulletproof) to a new VW (electrical storm)? I fear you're setting yourself up for new problems rather than just getting rid of old ones. The new Versa is a Megane, so there may be French problems with that one.

January 3rd, 2007, 06:00 PM	#1
Martin Joined: Jul 5th, 2005 Last Online: December 1st, 2008 Location: South Carolina, USA Age: 30 Posts: 118 Car: 2007 VW Golf Rep Power: 14	Buying Advice I'm looking to get out of my beloved Xterra for several reasons. I'm entering grad school and would prefer a more economical car, and a new car to save on cost of upkeep expenses that are undoubtedly going to crop up with the Xterra as it is 5 years old now. I still have about a year and a half left on payments on the Xterra so I have equity to work with. I no longer really need a vehicle the size of the Xterra either. Anyway, I'm looking into getting a new VW Rabbit and was wondering if anyone has had any experience with the new Rabbit or recent VWs. A relative of mine had a Jetta back in the mid-90's and it was fine until about year 4 when it constantly had problems. Any input in regards to this would be welcome. __________________ "A 1992 Dateline expose revealed that GMC trucks were dangerous when explosives were strapped to the gas tank and then detonated." See story.

January 3rd, 2007, 11:30 PM	#3
Martin Joined: Jul 5th, 2005 Last Online: December 1st, 2008 Location: South Carolina, USA Age: 30 Posts: 118 Car: 2007 VW Golf Rep Power: 14	Yeah, it's whatever the current generation Golf in every other country aside the US, it's been re-branded here as the Rabbit for reasons of nostalgia or to freshen up the product line. Honestly I don't know. __________________ "A 1992 Dateline expose revealed that GMC trucks were dangerous when explosives were strapped to the gas tank and then detonated." See story.

January 3rd, 2007, 11:35 PM	#4
Cobol74 Joined: Mar 21st, 2006 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Southampton Posts: 5,813 Car: Vauxhall Zafira 1.9 TDI Slush box. Rep Power: 50	Someone other than VW owns the rights to the name possibly. Good car, a bit pricey here tho'. Japanese is an other way to go, a Scooby possibly? __________________

January 3rd, 2007, 11:52 PM	#5
jayhawk Cigar Smoking Man Joined: Dec 11th, 2005 Last Online: 02:02 AM Location: A-Town, Illinois. Age: 33 Posts: 5,000 Car: MY07 G11 WRX-TR WRB. Rep Power: 87	How about a new Sentra or Versa (Teeda)? __________________ It is nice to have friends like you on this forum. ...A fox among the chickens... Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery None but ourselves can free our minds…

January 4th, 2007, 12:58 AM	#8
Martin Joined: Jul 5th, 2005 Last Online: December 1st, 2008 Location: South Carolina, USA Age: 30 Posts: 118 Car: 2007 VW Golf Rep Power: 14	My budget is around $18,000. Possibly $19,000 depending on the financing deal. I would love a GTI, but driving it off the lot will be at least $22,000 if I'm lucky. The Civic is my second choice, but I prefer the styling of the Golf/Rabbit. __________________ "A 1992 Dateline expose revealed that GMC trucks were dangerous when explosives were strapped to the gas tank and then detonated." See story.

January 3rd, 2007, 06:20 PM	#2
hajj Joined: Mar 29th, 2005 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands Posts: 1,648 Rep Power: 18	A VW Rabbit? That's a Golf right? I know some Golf V owners and most of them like it and haven't had problems with it. But it's a rather young car anyway, it has only be sold since '04, so major problems could still occur.

January 3rd, 2007, 11:53 PM	#6
FATMOUSE Joined: Jun 30th, 2005 Last Online: Yesterday Location: NYC Posts: 2,993 Rep Power: 28	What's your budget like?

January 4th, 2007, 01:05 AM	#9
rjvracing Joined: Jan 23rd, 2006 Last Online: November 13th, 2008 Location: Cold Lake, Alberta Age: 23 Posts: 193 Car: '07 Mazda 3 GT Rep Power: 0	Take a look at the Mazda 3s __________________

January 4th, 2007, 02:19 AM	#10
teletubby-warrior Da Superfan Joined: Jul 13th, 2006 Last Online: 12:52 AM Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 2,014 Rep Power: 0	Honda Fit?

January 4th, 2007, 03:02 AM	#11
British_Rover Joined: Sep 4th, 2006 Last Online: 01:14 AM Location: Canton / Torrington, CT United States Age: 28 Posts: 1,415 Car: Different every week Rep Power: 19	Not sure how it is down in your market but I know up here there is such a huge demand for Rabbits with very little supply that there are no discounts avaliable. I think you would like the new rabbit as it is a pretty nice car for the price and not nearly as boring as the japanese counterparts. We have a VW dealer in our autogroup so I can ask them a couple of more detailed questions if you want. Just let me know.

January 4th, 2007, 03:10 AM	#12
NecroJoe Joined: Apr 12th, 2005 Last Online: 04:15 AM Location: San Francisco area, CA, USA Age: 29 Posts: 1,841 Car: 2001 Mercury Cougar V6 Rep Power: 55	Mustang. Base, with a V-6 can be had for around $16K Scion TC: It looks small, but it's got impressive rear leg-room, and it's a hatchback, with back seats that fold flat...VERY useable space. 2.4L engine, and only 1mpg less hwy than the Mazda 3S's 2.3L. While I'd love a Mustang, I'll probably end up with a Mazda 3S Wagon (roughly 18K, depending on trim level, transmission). You can find 2006 base (manual) sedans for (if you haggle) around 13K...but since the "sport wagon" is so popular, there's not much negotiation room. The average price people are paying is only $250 lower than sticker price, for all trim levels. As far as the Rabbit/Golf thing...it is purely marketing. In fact, it was such a rushed decision, there were a few 2007 VW Golfs that rolled off the line before the name change.

January 4th, 2007, 06:43 AM	#13
Martin Joined: Jul 5th, 2005 Last Online: December 1st, 2008 Location: South Carolina, USA Age: 30 Posts: 118 Car: 2007 VW Golf Rep Power: 14	Thanks for the alternatives. Though for reasons that I can't explain I just can't stand Scions. Anyway, so far the advice has been good. Hoping to get a test drive in the next few days in the Rabbit/Golf. Won't be a purchase I make for at least a few weeks anyway. __________________ "A 1992 Dateline expose revealed that GMC trucks were dangerous when explosives were strapped to the gas tank and then detonated." See story.

January 4th, 2007, 06:47 AM	#14
epp_b n00b of the year Joined: Jun 23rd, 2006 Last Online: 02:35 AM Location: Canadaland :) Posts: 4,704 Car: 1995 Nissan 240SX Rep Power: 40	My 240SX gets 40MPG on the highway. And it's bucket-loads of fun No, you won't get one new, but for the amount of money you're willing to spend, you'll be guaranteed to get one in good condition (if you can find one in the first place, that is )

January 4th, 2007, 10:47 AM	#17
un-dee I hate your sig! Joined: May 21st, 2004 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Frankfurt, Germany Age: 24 Posts: 1,397 Car: Mazda MX-3 Rep Power: 25	What about a Focus ST or a Mazda 3 MPS, both are cheaper than the GTI.

January 4th, 2007, 03:19 PM	#19
Banii Joined: Aug 19th, 2006 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Norway Age: 22 Posts: 656 Car: Mazda 626 2.0i 16v GLX, w/ SSE Rep Power: 12	The 2 only things I have heard about that car is that it has something to do with "America" and "youth". In other words: LAAAME! __________________ I will not carry a gun, Frank. When I got thrown into this war I had a clear understanding with the Pentagon: no guns. I'll carry your books, I'll carry a torch, I'll carry a tune, I'll carry on, carry over, carry forward, Cary Grant, cash and carry, carry me back to Old Virginia, I'll even 'hari-kari' if you show me how, but I will not carry a gun! -- Hawkeye approved by NADU (Not A Dude United)

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January 4th, 2007, 04:32 PM	#20
Labcoatguy Joined: Mar 27th, 2005 Last Online: 05:08 AM Location: Boston, MA Age: 25 Posts: 2,518 Car: None, but soon enough Rep Power: 75	If you're worried about reliability, why are you considering moving from an older Nissan truck (generally bulletproof) to a new VW (electrical storm)? I fear you're setting yourself up for new problems rather than just getting rid of old ones. The new Versa is a Megane, so there may be French problems with that one.

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