Author Topic: 06 Jetta (deep debt) vs. 07 Jetta (???) vs. old Geo, 08 Polo (Read 5218 times)

bhtooefr · « **on:** March 25, 2006, 06:05:16 am »

This all assumes that my Mk2 actually is nearing EOL. I'm afraid it is, though. :evil:

This also assumes that the rumors of an 07 Jetta TDI are true. (Or, an 06 that's being sold well into the 07 model year)

This also assumes that the rumors of the Polo coming to the US in 08 are true, and that it'll have a TDI.

I think I can pull off an 06 Jetta, but I'd be eating ramen for the next three or four years, and doing 45 in 65s and 35 in 55s to try to join the 65 MPG club to save fuel. :lol:

I think I'll be in a much better financial situation in 07, so if there's a Jetta TDI then, that'll work better. BUT, it'll cost more, I'm afraid, because the rumors are saying that there's going to be extremely limited quantities. :roll:

I'll be in an even better financial situation in 08, and a Polo would be cheaper. However, other rumors I've heard say that TDIs are moving more upscale, and I'd have to go to Audi to get a TDI by then. Also, I doubt I could limp my Mk2 long enough to get a Polo before it dies, so I'd likely be getting a Geo Metro (gasser, ugh!) to hold me over until the Polo comes out. :? :evil:

So, what say you?

Laurentian · « **Reply #1 on:** March 25, 2006, 10:15:52 am »

Take a trip to Montreal and get yourself a clean Mk2 1.6TD.
Check out vwquebec.ca
Always one or two for sale weekly.
I would never shell out for new even if I had the money.
After 3 years some models are down 60% in value!
Keep your savings for a rainy day and sleep better.
Just my opion.

bhtooefr · « **Reply #2 on:** March 25, 2006, 10:33:20 am »

Some models meaning Chevy Aveos and Dodge Stratuses.

Some models NOT meaning Jetta TDIs, for the same reason that Priuses actually APPRECIATE.

Besides, used means that I didn't do all the maintenance. New would mean that I'd be doing it all.

Laurentian · « **Reply #3 on:** March 25, 2006, 01:57:31 pm »

You have a point there!
Or you could get a rebuilt engine and take care of it from day one!
( Just kidding you )
We all have different circumstances and being single I have the
luxury of being late or without my car for a few days.

The reason I mentioned this is a post I once read on personal wealth
and that the number one factor inhibiting people from saving is high car payments.
Just a thought,
Take care, best wishes.
Hugh

vph · « **Reply #4 on:** March 26, 2006, 05:45:20 am »

Only since you asked for opinion.

I say buy used for the same reasons as "Laurentian". I've read the same advice as him. I have also experienced it myself. I've purchased new cars and they end up in the shop just as often, if not more because of the service requirements to maintain the warranty. Repairs on a used tend to be less expensive when averaged over the year. Parts are less expensive on used because there are more in circulation. On used I do my own work. I'd like to believe that I will NEVER buy another new car. The older VW diesels get better fuel economy than the '05 and '06 models.

Unless you pay cash for a new vehicle you must carry full coverage insurance. That is another additional expense.

Why do you think your Jetta is at EOL?

LeeG · « **Reply #5 on:** March 26, 2006, 11:38:51 am »

Dude, you could rebuild your 1.6 TD every year for what you'd be paying in interest on a new car. If your current car is beyond hope, look for good used, let someone else take that big years 1 through 5 depreciation hit. Every standard production car depreciates, maybe not in year one or two, but eventually.

I had a new '96 4runner, sold it in 04 with 120k on the clock. It was reliable, zero maintenance except a couple sets of tires and oil changes. Worked it all out in the end and it cost us about $.55 per km over its life. Most of that was depreciation. Didnt take into account the time value of money either Sounds bad huh? Its bang on what our local Automobile Association says such a beast will cost. 4runners hold value pretty well around these parts too. FYI, the BCAA does an annual study of car ownership costs, last time I looked they said that a '2004 Cavalier' was about $.43/km for under 10,000km/yr, $.43 +$1000 depreciation for each additional 10,000 km.

My commuter car, '91 TD Jetta cost $4500 3 years back with 250,000 km on it. It now has 400,000 km on it. Minimal maintenance: 1 brake job, struts, timing belt, heater core, lotsa oil changes. Its now ready for a rebuild, but even taking that into account it hasnt cost anything like $.43 /km. Money saved goes into the mortgage.

LeeG · « **Reply #6 on:** April 03, 2006, 12:23:18 pm »

In case anyone is interested, here is a link to the document I mentioned above, but couldnt find at the time:

http://www.caa.ca/PDF/3708-EN-2005.pdf

I was actually low on the costs I quoted above.

BlackTieTD · « **Reply #7 on:** April 03, 2006, 12:28:04 pm »

find and ship, or drive up here to get, a 1.6TD. i bet the first u-pull yard on this side of the border has one. they are all over up here, just have to go get em. i even found a good 1.9TD over the weekend that i just happened to stumble onto... wasn't looking for it. that's my advice. new cars are all junk :lol: