Hello everyone. I joined this forum just to ask this question!

I am the owner of a 1999 VW Jetta and am not happy with the long term prospects of owning this car. I have 3 years of payments left and this car has a horrible reputation. I have had many things replaced such as the cd player, moon roof etc. I need to add a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. The place I bought new tires told me I need new struts!! (The car has 35,000 miles on it!)

I do not want a high maintenence car. I want a car that I can pay off and drive for 4-5 years after that. I take good care of my cars. I should have bought a Honda instead!

Here is my quandry. I can pay for this VW for the next 3 years hoping that it lasts that long. Or, I can buy a used Honda. I say used because I am a big proponent of buying a year or 2 old car instead of a new one.

I went to my local dealer and he has a 1998 Accord EX, 4D, V6 3.0 Liter VTECH. It has 40,000 miles and they are asking 14,000 for it. All research has told me that the retail value on this car is 15,000 plus. Carfax shows up nothing bad.

What do you think? Keept the Jetta, buy this Accord, look for a newer accord?

I have no dad/husband/friends who are into cars and can offer me any solid advice. That's why I am here!

Thank you so much in advance.
-A

 

My personal opinion is that you got a bad car with that particular Jetta. I have many friends who own Jettas and have not had as many issues as you are describing....oh well it happens.

I think maybe the Accord would suit you fine and is definitley a very solid car as far as reliability goes. 14k for a 98 isn't too bad (but I haven't priced em either), maintenence will be much less of an issue with it (usual stuff but not much more), and the comfort of the car overall is a huge step up from a Jetta.

Good luck in your decision and sorry to hear about your Jetta being a bomb I actually like the Jetta and was considering one.

 

Oh please do some research on the Jetta first. I don't know about the newer models, but the 1999 GLS has a HORRIBLE reputation.

It is sad, because it is a great looking car and drives like a much more expensive car.

 

Jetta's have always had sketchy reliability. And, like I've always said, the 1.8T chugs the oil. But nobody listens. :fawk:

The Accord sounds like a pretty good deal. I paid $12,500 for my 1999 with 24K miles on it (it was advertised for $15,000).

Good luck.

 

i got a 1998 honda accord for 10,000 it has 45,000 miles on it. its has a 4cyl. v-tec engine.

 

I don't have the time to comment on the rest of this, and everyone else has and has done so acceptably.

But just one thing: it is spelled VTEC. It stands for Variable valve timing with lift Electronic Control. Just FYI so you don't sound like an idiot :thumbup:

Good luck

 

really sorry to hear about the jetta... I know how unreliable they can be... my neighbors are VW fanatics, and all they ever have is problems with their new or almost new cars... (u'd think they'd get the hint!).

$14,000 is a good price for that car... the EX-V6 is worth more than all the other models of accords (LX-V6, EX, LX, SE, DX...) and the mileage is not too bad... the Accord is a fine car, and if I had the money i'd get the same car you're looking into. The parts for a Honda are generally cheaper than Volkswagen... so IF something is to happen, you'll spend less money.

See what, if any, warranty is with the car, if its certified by Honda you should be running worry free for a long time to come, they're very good with warranty repairs and will give a loaner car (usually) if you're over 21.

If your finances allow, go for the accord... yeah it can be a hassle to sell the jetta, switch insurance, regestration and all that crap... but if you feel you can do it, go for it... Honda builds some of the most reliable autos on the road!

Good luck with everything!

 

trade that vw in for the almighty "H". if you really want a reliable car, get a toyota, the other good car.

 

I knew that was coming.

 

Someone had to say it :fawk: