Opinions on a couple cars...

[peobryant]

Well, I really wanted a Subaru but Dallas starts school in a few weeks and we don't have the money for one so we're looking at other options. I need a few opinions on two cars we're looking at.

The first is a '99 Volkswagen Jetta. It has 86,5xx miles, 2.0L engine, automatic tranny and the Carfax shows regular service and no accidents reported. It has had 3 previous owners and has a few scratches, nothing major. It's listed at $5,300 but I've been told by my cousin who works at the dealership I can walk away with if for $3,500.

The second car (and the one I'm leaning toward is a '98 Honda Accord with 144,4xx miles, the 2.3L engine, and an auto tranny. The Carfax shows regular service, and it says it's been in one very minor fender bender, no real damage. They're asking $3,500 and they're firm on the price.


So, for those that have owned Jetta's and Accords, would you be so kind as to share your experiences with me? I know you really can't beat the reliability of a Honda (unless I can talk Dallas into a 1st Gen...) and I've heard that Jettas are expensive to work on.

Thanks.

[ellis93]

Carfax,to me,is a sick joke. I'd never believe it if it said the car had regular maintenance done,how could it know when the last oil change was done

I'd go honda all the way. Prices to maintain are about tit for tat,when using honda parts. I would think that the honda would be easier to buy aftermarket parts for.

Very first thing to do to it if you bought it,change the 2 timing belts,water pump,and all seals in the front of the motor. If the t belt breaks,the valves bend

Very good cars other wise

[peobryant]

Carfax,to me,is a sick joke. I'd never believe it if it said the car had regular maintenance done,how could it know when the last oil change was done

I'd go honda all the way. Prices to maintain are about tit for tat,when using honda parts. I would think that the honda would be easier to buy aftermarket parts for.

Very first thing to do to it if you bought it,change the 2 timing belts,water pump,and all seals in the front of the motor. If the t belt breaks,the valves bend

Very good cars other wise

Yep, that was what I was planning. I'll be going to test drive both later today so I'll have a little better outlook on the cars.


Mods, I meant to post this in the Lounge, so feel free to move it where it belongs.

[Tacoclaw]

They're both known as reliable cars, so that shouldn't worry you too much. I've never even been around a Vdub, so I can't comment on them, but I've always heard that Honda can make a perfect car, unless it's equipped with an auto. I've heard a couple nightmare stories with Honda autos, so of the trans seems even a little bit funny to you I'd run away.

My buddy tried diagnosing/fixing a local girl's Civic auto. It turnes out they don't even have transmission filters on them. I'm not sure they're serviceable at all TBH.

Why no stick cars? None available anywhere?

[The_Head]

I'd get the Accord. If the car is clean, that's a good price. I'm actually picking up a '92 wagon in a few days for $3500, it's super clean, but with more miles. Wagons are kind of rare too. I also have a 1990 Accord Sedan that my wife daily drives with 225K and it's good for another 75K. The 4 banger models are a little slow, but they are fine most of the time. Be very wary of V-6 AT Hondas from 1998 to 2004.

I was meaning to ask here about VW's, because I have noticed some of you own VW diesel models. In the Honda world they get hated on for being unreliable. Is this true or is it just internet hate?

[The_Head]

My buddy tried diagnosing/fixing a local girl's Civic auto. It turnes out they don't even have transmission filters on them. I'm not sure they're serviceable at all TBH.

My wife owns a 1991 Civic Wagon, AT with 206K on it which is now my work car. She nor I have had no problems with the auto. Matter of fact, I changed the fluid a couple years ago, and it was still bright red. Only problem with it is it sucks the power and makes the car a real dog, but it's alright with me.

[peobryant]

They're both known as reliable cars, so that shouldn't worry you too much. I've never even been around a Vdub, so I can't comment on them, but I've always heard that Honda can make a perfect car, unless it's equipped with an auto. I've heard a couple nightmare stories with Honda autos, so of the trans seems even a little bit funny to you I'd run away.

My buddy tried diagnosing/fixing a local girl's Civic auto. It turnes out they don't even have transmission filters on them. I'm not sure they're serviceable at all TBH.

Why no stick cars? None available anywhere?

Dallas doesn't want to learn how to drive a standard, and since she'll have our Son with her most of the time, and she isn't a fantastic driver in the first place an auto seems to be the better choice. When I buy my next vehicle (either a Subaru or another 1st Gen) it has to be a manual so she'll be able to learn without any pressure.

I've heard a few bad stories about Honda auto's as well and have always been told Toyota makes a damn fine automatic tranny.

I appreciate the input The_Head. Dallas doesn't need a fast car so we're fine there.

Any reason why the '98-'04 tannys were worse?

As far as Volkswagen Diesels (I wish there were some in our price range) I've heard nothing but good things, other than the older ones have pretty bad automatic transmissions. My oldest brothers girlfriend has a brand new TDi Jetta and absolutely loves it. Darwin has an older diesel Jetta I believe so he can chime in as well.

Thanks for the input guys.

[The_Head]

For 98-04, its the V-6 trannys that have issues. My friend (who is a master Honda mechanic) told me once but I dont remember what the issue was. They are infamous though, it's all over the internet. Honda even extended the warranty on them.

The I-4 autos are fine though. I'd rather have a stick though, more power and economy, but my wife also prefers an auto, although she can drive stick (She has a CDL actually).

[ellis93]

Any reason why the '98-'04 tannys were worse?
.

Trans Solenoid failure mostly,they all are on the outside.
Reason the 4bangers don't have real bad issues is,like head said, the power is not there to burn things up. You'd know if it had problems with it, it'll kinda flare in between shifts and turn the fluid turd brown.
If later you had problems with it,you can pick those trans up for 5 or 600$. Try that with a VW, it won't happen

[1STGENFARMBOY]

I also agree with John, and Ellis, i think i would go with the Honda, even though i have a jetta and have had no real trouble so far at 98,500 miles
i have heard bad things about the trans in the VW and they are also prone to electrical problems, and that can be a nightmare.

good luck on what ever you end up with.

Dar

[oldestof11]

Having owned a 98 Golf 2.slow and a 93 Accord, there really isn't much different between them. The 2.slow is the 12v Cummins of the VW world. Slow, reliable, ok autos behind them. I cannot comment on the 98 Accord as well but the VW seems to have more rear leg room. The only problem I can see is the VW seats lean back more and a rear facinf car seat needs to be in the middle or the passenger seat need to be moved as far forward as possible. The manual netted me 31mpgs mixed driving.

If you can get the Dub for less than 4k, I would get it.

[The_Head]

If later you had problems with it,you can pick those trans up for 5 or 600$.

You would have no problem finding a replacement F23A1 auto for a reasonable price. I was pricing trannys for my wifes wagon and they can be found for $200. Problem is they're used, and that makes it a gamble. F series (Accord 4 banger engine variants from 90-02) parts are dirt cheap because they are plentiful, and are in low demand from the tuner world.

[ellis93]

You would have no problem finding a replacement F23A1 auto for a reasonable price. I was pricing trannys for my wifes wagon and they can be found for $200. Problem is they're used, and that makes it a gamble. F series (Accord 4 banger engine variants from 90-02) parts are dirt cheap because they are plentiful, and are in low demand from the tuner world.

I only know what a friend went thru with an 01 vw. That dude couldn't find a used one for under a grand with decent mileage. He ended up with a reman unit for 3200$ installed
That is sickening.

[The_Head]

I'm talking about Honda stuff. I drive the Hondas I drive for a reason.

I know nothing of VW's although I did own an '81 Rabbit Diesel back in the day.

[ellis93]

Oh... ....I tarded

Ya I do a lot on the hondas,mostly t belts and cleaning out the VTec solinoid. Those give alittle he77,but its a cheap correction.
The trans thing is few and far in between,but it does occur. There is lots of them on the road so used trans supply is plentyfull. Reason for the price I gave is that I'm picky about what I buy. I don't want anything over 100grand in mileage,this causes it to be more. I warranty my work so the best is what I shoot for. After all who likes doing jobs twice