Suggestions on 2002 VW Beetle

[chris7b]

Ok here's the deal. My finacee has a 2002 Beetle with about 67K miles. The car has been in a few minor fender benders but is clean overall inside and out.

List of problems:
Burns 1-1.5 quarts of oil between changes (common complaint on 2.0 engine)
Airbag light on (for no reason)
Driver door lock works sometimes
Lights burn out quite frequently

The car is paid off. The dillemma is should we keep the car and drive it for a while or would it be wiser to trade it in before the S%*$ hits the fan. Thing to keep in mind though is that we have a wedding to plan for May 2009 plus im a medical student who will not be bringing any income into the marriage. She will be making somewhere b/w 30-40K by that time.

Cliffs:
Trade or keep POS VW Bug
Marriage in near future
Car paid off w/ minor problems

 

[overst33r]

Sell it to carmax and get yourself a more reliable car for the amount they give you?

 

[MiataNC]

Airbag light is on for a reason. Get it checked/fixed.

It's paid for. Live the with quirks and pocket the money you would shell out for a car payment.

 

[chris7b]

Originally posted by: MiataNC
Airbag light is on for a reason. Get it checked/fixed.

Sorry what i meant to say was the airbag light is on w/o deployment and VW wants almost 300 just check whats going on with no guarantees!

 

[DeviousTrap]

Go to a different dealer. All they have to do is pull the code and they'll definitely do that for a lot less than $300.

 

[jagec]

My opinion is that you should dump it, but that has more to do with a dislike for the new beetle than practicality. If it were a different car, I'd probably say keep it, those problems aren't too major.

 

[TimeKeeper]

Get something inexpensive and reliable.
You might not bring any income for a while + you might have quarter million dollars student loan to deal w/ after you graduated. Even then, in 2007, Geogetown U (washington d.c.) Intern only get 46K contract and I don't see it will get any better.
Of course, you can make easy 6 figure afterward, but until then, keep it easy.

And congrats on your marriage. To have someone sharing your life is the most wonderful thing one can ever hope for. I sincerely wish you the best.