VW Passats, trying to a used one

[ridisson]

been looking at 2002-2003's passats, i am looking to buy one for my first car. (im 19 years old) all the mileage on craigslist are 160+ and i was wondoring if i should really spend around 3k for it. 3-3.5 is my budget.

 

[CrackRabbit]

Quick answer: Nope.

Long answer: You would probably have more fun poking yourself with a rusty knife than dealing with the issues a 10+ year old VW would bring you.
While anything under 7k or so is probably a crapshoot getting a German car as your first one is asking for trouble.

 

[ridisson]

Quick answer: Nope.

Long answer: You would probably have more fun poking yourself with a rusty knife than dealing with the issues a 10+ year old VW would bring you.
While anything under 7k or so is probably a crapshoot getting a German car as your first one is asking for trouble.

What other good cars are there that'll last long? i really do not have that much money since i have to pay for my own college education.

 

[cbrsurfr]

Honda Civic, the perfect car for the college student. Cheap, lasts forever, and gets good mileage. I'm a VW fan but that generation passat is definately one to avoid, especially with high miles.

 

[Demo24]

3k? Hell no! Maybe 500 bucks. Get an accord, camry, altima, etc.

 

[desy]

A 2003 minimum or even better 2005 Ford Focus on that kind of money
Saturn S series cars as well or any Buick if gas isn't a concern with the 3800 series engine
The Passat is a money pit

 

[halik]

been looking at 2002-2003's passats, i am looking to buy one for my first car. (im 19 years old) all the mileage on craigslist are 160+ and i was wondoring if i should really spend around 3k for it. 3-3.5 is my budget.

Get the diesel, awesome mpg and will last forever.

 

[halik]

Honda Civic, the perfect car for the college student. Cheap, lasts forever, and gets good mileage. I'm a VW fan but that generation passat is definately one to avoid, especially with high miles.

No, fobby indians and asians make sure you cannot find a used honda civic for anywhere reasonable amount. Ford focus or similar is far better value.

 

[thedarkwolf]

Get the diesel, awesome mpg and will last forever.

yeah the only VWs I'd buy are the TDIs, bought an 04 jetta wagon TDI last year for $3500. Problem there is the TDIs have insane prices and finding one for less than $5k is really hard. Beetles are about the only ones that pop up for that price on any kind of regular basis.

 

[CrackRabbit]

A 2003 minimum or even better 2005 Ford Focus on that kind of money
Saturn S series cars as well or any Buick if gas isn't a concern with the 3800 series engine
The Passat is a money pit

I'm not a fan of the S series nor the Pre-2005 Focuses.
Any GM car with the 3800 is a good bet but can be a pain to work on due to the transverse mounting of the engine.
Mazda 3 and 6 are not horrid either.
Subaru Imprezas and Legacys are another good choice.

The big question is; if it breaks are you going to be the one to fix it or are you going to take it to a mechanic?

 

[ridisson]

The big question is; if it breaks are you going to be the one to fix it or are you going to take it to a mechanic?

Im probably going to take it to a mechanic.

Right now im currently looking at honda civics and mazda's.. i just need to make up my mind on something before the summer hits, because im working on giving her the car i currently have.

 

[deadken]

I own a 2003 Passat with 190+k on it. I love the car, but I didn't pay very much for it. I have the 2.8L 30V V6 and it is LOVELY to drive. I think mine is fairly loaded (short of the W8 and AWD), so the stereo, seats, moonroof, etc are all awesome. I really enjoyed driving that car on a 5.5 hour trip.

But, it does have its flaws. You have to put it into 'service position' to get at most anything in the engine compartment. Sure, that only takes about 45 minutes, but it can be a hassle when you just need to change the alternator, etc... Also, a few check engine light hassles every now and then. Nothing major for me, but it hasn't been a care free car. Right now, I'm aggravated that the heat is to hot unless I set it on 64*. Also, I'm never really able to get the intermittent wipers at the perfect speed. Ohh yeah, and I need to have my ABS module rebuilt (around $150 plus $100 labor).

I will say that the engine and transmission are awesome. Really a nice combination. Plenty of power and acceleration while being smooth and getting decent gas mileage. I tend to get around 20MPG for mostly stop and go driving with a bit of a lead foot. I have the 5-speed automatic. I don't know if the 5-speed manual will get you any significantly better fuel mileage.

I have heard that the turbo four cylinder engines are good, but not quite as reliable as the V6's. The W8's are supposed to be awesome for power, but I don't know how expensive they are to maintain. I have heard that the AWD systems are very robust and don't need a lot if any maintenance.

 

[Excelsior]

Want to buy my 2002? 157k miles, just had full timing belt change. 1.8t, auto, leather, sunroof, aux input, upgraded speakers but stock hu. Audi 17" wheels with new tires.

 

[ridisson]

Want to buy my 2002? 157k miles, just had full timing belt change. 1.8t, auto, leather, sunroof, aux input, upgraded speakers but stock hu. Audi 17" wheels with new tires.

With all these comments on not getting a passat, i started trying to look for something else :/

 

[nerp]

Get a used Crown Vic, a Civic as others have mentioned, or a buick century. Also consider Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix.

 

[Mermaidman]

His budget is $3,500. It's going to be hard to find decent Japanese cars as they tend to be over-priced.

How about something like this:
2002 Buick LeSabre, $3300

 

[ridisson]

Every suggestion is worth looking at, right now I have some time before i need to buy a car. Do you guys know if ebay is worth looking into, other than craigs?

 

[Spec412]

Run from an old vw