Need some advice on this vehicle

3LOU5 · 10-29-2020, 02:08 PM

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...6448183500914/

It's for my g/f's son, who is looking for a RELIABLE commuter car that gets decent mileage.

I have read many years ago ('80s or '90s) that VWs aren't that reliable, and was wondering if they improved their cars, particularly this model year.

Also, other vehicle suggestions are welcome.

Thanks in advance....

John V · 10-29-2020, 02:23 PM

A VW? Specifically a MkIV?

Avoid. Run away screaming. Find the newest Honda / Toyota / Hyundai / Mazda he can afford and don't look back.

I have a folder full of receipts and records of what it took to keep our MkIV Jetta (same car basically) running. Unless he's really mechanically inclined (and I guess electrically inclined)... avoid.

3LOU5 · 10-29-2020, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John V

A VW? Specifically a MkIV?

Avoid. Run away screaming. Find the newest Honda / Toyota / Hyundai / Mazda he can afford and don't look back.

I have a folder full of receipts and records of what it took to keep our MkIV Jetta (same car basically) running. Unless he's really mechanically inclined (and I guess electrically inclined)... avoid.

Thanks for your reply.

He is mechanically inclined. I was wondering what kind of mechanical/electrical issues to look out for....

Nick M3 · 10-29-2020, 02:52 PM

The early-mid 2000s were the period of time when VAG and MB build quality got so bad that they both took a step back and put real effort into unfucking their processes. They both seem to have largely turned themselves around in the late 2000s.

equ · 10-29-2020, 05:14 PM

Mk V is when VW got dramatically better, I'm not sure in terms of reliability if there were cut-off years. We only had mk vi and vii with minimal issues, but not past 100k miles. Also some red flags in that ad.

BahnBaum · 10-29-2020, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John V

A VW? Specifically a MkIV?

Avoid. Run away screaming. Find the newest Honda / Toyota / Hyundai / Mazda he can afford and don't look back.

I have a folder full of receipts and records of what it took to keep our MkIV Jetta (same car basically) running. Unless he's really mechanically inclined (and I guess electrically inclined)... avoid.

I don't recall this sales pitch when you sold it to me. :-)

Alex

3LOU5 · 10-29-2020, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by equ

…… Also some red flags in that ad.

Would you care to elaborate further, equ ??

I appreciate your input, as I am very inexperienced when it comes to buying/selling cars on the Internet, thanks.

dan · 10-29-2020, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BahnBaum

I don't recall this sales pitch when you sold it to me. :-)

Alex

wdc330i · 10-29-2020, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BahnBaum

I don't recall this sales pitch when you sold it to me. :-)

Alex

John V · 10-29-2020, 08:57 PM

Because I fixed everything!

10-29-2020, 02:08 PM	#1
3LOU5 Slacker Extraordinaire Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 3,717	Need some advice on this vehicle https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...6448183500914/ It's for my g/f's son, who is looking for a RELIABLE commuter car that gets decent mileage. I have read many years ago ('80s or '90s) that VWs aren't that reliable, and was wondering if they improved their cars, particularly this model year. Also, other vehicle suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance.... __________________ 2016 Toyota Sienna SE - hers 2002 BMW 325i - his 1994 Chevrolet Silverado K1500 Sportside Z71 - whoevers vehicle is in the shop 2009 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL883 Low (Vivid Black) - his 2018 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited - hers 2007 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL883 Low (Pearl White) - hers (SOLD 02/29/20) 2011 Tao Tao 50 - whoevers bike is in the shop 2007 Reinell 186 FNS - the dog's 1995 Fleetwood Flair 27R - EVERYBODY'S !

10-29-2020, 02:52 PM	#4
Nick M3 Relic Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Bethesda, MD Posts: 12,453	The early-mid 2000s were the period of time when VAG and MB build quality got so bad that they both took a step back and put real effort into unfucking their processes. They both seem to have largely turned themselves around in the late 2000s. __________________ 2011 M3 2006 Sierra 2500HD 4WD LBZ/Allison 2004 X5 3.0i 6MT 1995 M3 S50B32 1990 325is 1989 M3 S54B32 Hers: 1989 325iX 1996 911 Turbo

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10-29-2020, 02:23 PM	#2
John V No more BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: Ram, MS3, CX-5, RX-8 Location: Glenwood, MD Posts: 14,753	A VW? Specifically a MkIV? Avoid. Run away screaming. Find the newest Honda / Toyota / Hyundai / Mazda he can afford and don't look back. I have a folder full of receipts and records of what it took to keep our MkIV Jetta (same car basically) running. Unless he's really mechanically inclined (and I guess electrically inclined)... avoid.

10-29-2020, 05:14 PM	#5
equ Alphanumeric Join Date: Aug 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: 981S, 340i Posts: 9,583	Mk V is when VW got dramatically better, I'm not sure in terms of reliability if there were cut-off years. We only had mk vi and vii with minimal issues, but not past 100k miles. Also some red flags in that ad.

10-29-2020, 08:57 PM	#10
John V No more BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: Ram, MS3, CX-5, RX-8 Location: Glenwood, MD Posts: 14,753	Because I fixed everything!