What's a good cheap commuter car? Update: the search is over

[rubenswm]

Originally posted by: NightFlyerGTI
Late 90s Volkswagen Jetta GLX-VR6 or pre-owned late-model Jetta turbo. You can find a GREAT one for under $15k.

Try this on for size- I'd rather get the 1.8T for sure, and with a black leather interior, but that's just me. Hunt for new-style Jettas with 1.8Ts and you'll be very satisfied.

oh yeah and heres another reason you dont want the jetta (unless youre gay) cars.com link

 

[Thegonagle]

Civic HX. It's the only Civic (besides the Si and Hybrid) with alloy wheels. It also has cruise control and power locks. My sister's '01 HX 5-speed has clocked over 50 MPG for her on occasion. Pretty sweet deal for $14,000 if you ask me.

 

[Thegonagle]

And never buy a mid 90s VW, unless you're a car freak and a mechanic, like Yakko. They will not just nickel and dime you, they will $100 and $200 you into the poor house.

 

[vi edit]

If I was in the market for a cheap, comfortable commuter car, I'd go with the following -

1. VW TDi(Jetta w/ leather seats for comfort)
2. Hyundai Elantra GT
3. Toyota Matrix XR/Pontiac Vibe
4. Mazda Protege

The Veedub is the best equipped, and gets the best milage out of the bunch. The Elantra offers the best people space. The Toyota/Pontiac combo would be the best combination of reliability, economy, and functionality. The Protege would be the most entertaining to drive in ES form.

Each a great car for varying reasons. I'd suggest a test drive of each if you can.

 

[Stark]

My wife is a nut. I had her passat tonight and she had the volvo. The volvo wouldn't start (it's been having issues for about two weeks) so now she's down at the vw dealer buying me a new 2002 Golf TDI GLS with luxury package and monsoon sound. That's sort of a nice suprise for a sunday night!

 

[Stark]

Further Update:

Some moron at the dealership filled the car up with gasoline while prepping it. We never took delivery of the car, so we'll figure out what we want to do tomorrow. We'll either hold out for a different car (they're rare as the 2003's are coming in) or walk away from the deal.

Oh well.

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: Stark
Further Update:

Some moron at the dealership filled the car up with gasoline while prepping it. We never took delivery of the car, so we'll figure out what we want to do tomorrow. We'll either hold out for a different car (they're rare as the 2003's are coming in) or walk away from the deal.

Oh well.

Ouch, you'd think they'd know a little better.

Viper GTS

 

[loup garou]

Originally posted by: Stark
Further Update:

Some moron at the dealership filled the car up with gasoline while prepping it. We never took delivery of the car, so we'll figure out what we want to do tomorrow. We'll either hold out for a different car (they're rare as the 2003's are coming in) or walk away from the deal.

Oh well.

OMG, what an idiot! That really sucks....

 

[ObiDon]

Originally posted by: Jfrag
Mini!

At least that is going to be my next commuter car.

They start out around 16k and if you get a decent trade you could get around the price tag you're looking to spend.

I don't know what it's like where you're from but last time I looked around here, it would be a hot deal to find a stripped Mini for under $22,000. I saw the Cooper S versions going for $28k+.

I think they're cool cars but I don't think they're $20k+ cool. Also, as much as I like them now (and have always liked the original) I think they're going to end up like the Mazda Miata. When the Miata first came out everyone wanted one and there was a several-month waiting list to get one. Now, everyone is sick of seeing them and you almost can't even give the mofos away!

It saddens me to think that this will ultimately happen to the Mini.

 

[StattlichPassat]

Originally posted by: Stark
My wife is a nut. I had her passat tonight and she had the volvo. The volvo wouldn't start (it's been having issues for about two weeks) so now she's down at the vw dealer buying me a new 2002 Golf TDI GLS with luxury package and monsoon sound. That's sort of a nice suprise for a sunday night!

SCORE!! :Q N8Magic has one too.

 

[StattlichPassat]

Originally posted by: Stark
Further Update:

Some moron at the dealership filled the car up with gasoline while prepping it. We never took delivery of the car, so we'll figure out what we want to do tomorrow. We'll either hold out for a different car (they're rare as the 2003's are coming in) or walk away from the deal.

Oh well.

"Job opening"

 

[Freejack2]

Originally posted by: Stark
Further Update:

Some moron at the dealership filled the car up with gasoline while prepping it. We never took delivery of the car, so we'll figure out what we want to do tomorrow. We'll either hold out for a different car (they're rare as the 2003's are coming in) or walk away from the deal.

Oh well.

I don't get it. What happens when you fill a car up with gasoline while prepping it. Did it explode or something else?

 

[Dragnov]

I heard that the normal Civic is cheaper than the Hybrid Civic even in the long run...

 

[mchammer187]

Originally posted by: Freejack2

Originally posted by: Stark
Further Update:

Some moron at the dealership filled the car up with gasoline while prepping it. We never took delivery of the car, so we'll figure out what we want to do tomorrow. We'll either hold out for a different car (they're rare as the 2003's are coming in) or walk away from the deal.

Oh well.

I don't get it. What happens when you fill a car up with gasoline while prepping it. Did it explode or something else?

no the TDI takes diesel fuel

 

[ObiDon]

Originally posted by: Freejack2

Originally posted by: Stark
Further Update:

Some moron at the dealership filled the car up with gasoline while prepping it. We never took delivery of the car, so we'll figure out what we want to do tomorrow. We'll either hold out for a different car (they're rare as the 2003's are coming in) or walk away from the deal.

Oh well.

I don't get it. What happens when you fill a car up with gasoline while prepping it. Did it explode or something else?

It was the diesel version of the car. :Q

 

[PsychoAndy]

Originally posted by: Stark
Further Update:

Some moron at the dealership filled the car up with gasoline while prepping it. We never took delivery of the car, so we'll figure out what we want to do tomorrow. We'll either hold out for a different car (they're rare as the 2003's are coming in) or walk away from the deal.

Oh well.

Morons....

Also, as Chief Ferengi I am obligated to ask price.

Are you paying for options you dont want?
Do you know invoice?
Have you checked edmunds.com kbb.com and NADA for valuations?
Been to www.carbuyingtips.com yet?

Personally, I would try and stick withinn 2% of invoice. I know guys here like going car shopping and all, but theres no reason to throw away $500-$1500 just because of a sleazy dealer and salesman trying to dupe you.

Lets try and keep your money exactly that: yours.

Work from invoice, not sticker. Remember: The dealer can still sell you a car for invoice (they make it on adminstrative fees as well) and they make anywhere ftom 2-4% on holdback. Check edmunds.com to see actual holdback for that model.

This has been my public service announcement for the day.

ALSO, dont give the dealer an immediate response. Since this lackey messed up your car to a certain degree, say you'd like to spend some time thinking about the situation. Run the numbers and then a day or 2 later, tell him to give it to you for $500 UNDER invoice for your time, efforts, cooperation and overall patience. Report back when you find out what's shaking.

-PAB

 

[FSUpaintball]

------n00b alert------


Why is filling the gas tank bad, and what is this prepping process?

 

[mchammer187]

Originally posted by: FSUpaintball
------n00b alert------


Why is filling the gas tank bad, and what is this prepping process?

its a diesel car

 

[TechnoKid]

Originally posted by: Stark
Further Update:

Some moron at the dealership filled the car up with gasoline while prepping it. We never took delivery of the car, so we'll figure out what we want to do tomorrow. We'll either hold out for a different car (they're rare as the 2003's are coming in) or walk away from the deal.

Oh well.

Hahahahaha....oh dayum that really sucks, for them alot more than you. As long as you didn't sign anything....whats worse is that they may have lost you as a customer, and a sales. And maybe even dealer/customer service trustworthyness. But hey, maybe the kid was a newb there...or color blind and can't tell difference between the green handled diesel pump.

 

[StattlichPassat]

TDI = Turbo Diesel Injection = DIESEL, not gas!

 

[PsychoAndy]

Originally posted by: FSUpaintball
------n00b alert------


Why is filling the gas tank bad, and what is this prepping process?

Attention Skoorb, you have another victim.....

ITS A TURBODIESEL!!!!

sorry.

-PAB

 

[Freejack2]

Ahh, I consider diesel gasoline. Probably not correct, but since I've never dealt with a diesel beyond some odd uhaul we rented once, wouldn't know much about em.

 

[PsychoAndy]

Originally posted by: Freejack2
Ahh, I consider diesel gasoline. Probably not correct, but since I've never dealt with a diesel beyond some odd uhaul we rented once, wouldn't know much about em.

Diesel fuel is much different in terms of weight, smell and structure of hydrocarbons. It has a higher energy density and it can be usually be compressed in an engine to a 20:1 ratio (some cases higher, like 22:1), as opposed to normal gasoline (most engines 8:1, some higher performance 11:1 or so).

In short: Diesel fuel, more energy per gallon. Not to be confused with 87 octane gasoline.

-PAB

 

[FSUpaintball]

Originally posted by: mchammer187

Originally posted by: FSUpaintball
------n00b alert------


Why is filling the gas tank bad, and what is this prepping process?

its a diesel car

WOW. That is pretty f'n bad.

 

[Stark]

short update:

the dealer is trying to locate another car. All the paperwork is signed, but since we didn't drive it off the lot we can walk away if we want.

the price was 18k (less than invoice). it was a good deal, but not the color (black) I would have normally picked.

If they can't find another car, we'll wait and get a 2003.