Deciding between first car?

[nazhafiz]

Hey everyone i was deciding between which car to choose. Stuck between 2004 Jetta GLI 1.8T or a 2001 Prelude SH. Id like some suggestions, tips, etc.

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

miles. price.

generally speaking, i believe even an older prelude is more reliable than a jetta of that era. MKIV jettas were notoriously unreliable.

 

[saratoga172]

Prelude for sure. Unless its in crap condition.

 

[Arkaign]

Prelude for sure. Unless its in crap condition.

Definitely. A lot of them have been beat on or riced out, but it's a very reliable vehicle when used normally. Make sure the timing belt has been done (verify with good documentation), or have the $ put aside to take care of it.

The VW 1.8T is not a good candidate for a cheap to operate first car. It may work great for you, or like many you might experience high maintenance costs and frequent little repairs.

 

[ElFenix]

i figure preludes are usually beat to hell and back like 240sxes have been

 

[Arkaign]

i figure preludes are usually beat to hell and back like 240sxes have been

Usually, but I do see them from time to time fully stock. Far more common than 240SX in my area to find a stock Prelude than a stock 240, probably due to 240s being used as cheap drift cars, and for having been on the market longer for cheapish prices. 5g Preludes were still fairly $$ (~$5k+) for good examples until the past 2-3 years.

OP, if the Prelude is at stock ride height, has stock muffler, and OEM Prelude wheels, then you're looking at the right car.

 

[T2urtle]

i figure preludes are usually beat to hell and back like 240sxes have been

it being a honda from the fast and furious 1 period yes but the prelude was always a bastard child. Its a honda and people will rice it out because of that fact alone but they weren't the most popular ones. Mainly because its heavy and not many engine mods were offered for the H series VS the B series.

240sx and B series engines were easier to make power out of due to price of price and available of parts.

I love my prelude myself, compare that to a GLI, I think i would roll with the prelude like most stated. Both are timing belt engines. GLI should have more creature comforts, have a more costly tire option since 19in BBS were standard. They are lowered with a lip kit, which you can damage if you dont pay attention to the roads. They do have minor issues and its a roll of the dice. MPG should be in favor of the GLI.

The prelude SH, should be a 5 speed. But in stock form should be a solid car. As long as you dont pay the honda tax on it.

 

[chin311]

Prelude, if stock.

 

[Zenmervolt]

As others have said, if the Prelude is unmolested, that's the one to get. If the previous owner "improved" it, run.

ZV

 

[alkemyst]

My 240sx has been modified, but hardly beat...it's 12 years old and in better condition than most 5-6 year old cars. But yeah, most have had like 10+ owners and sold for under $1500 to the last 3-4 of them.

 

[Arkaign]

^^ Haha yeah, most of them end up like this one before long :

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/2563691950.html

Muliple colors, crappy body kit, lowered too much, missing panels, etc.

SR20DET is a nice motor though.

 

[nazhafiz]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I also am wondering speed wise, which one i got mod better and which one is funner to mess around with as in adding kits new parts and what not.

 

[punjabiplaya]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I also am wondering speed wise, which one i got mod better and which one is funner to mess around with as in adding kits new parts and what not.

Troll or fail?

 

[SandEagle]

naz hafiz, eh? you're asian. go with the honda and avoid dishonoring yourself and embarassing your family.

 

[CraigRT]

Prelude. They are hot.