dmw16

I test drove a new GTI before buying my S2000. It was ok. Certainly doesn't handle like the S, it is more civilized and defiantly more practical. I am not sold on the reliability of the VWs. My girlfriend has a new beetle and it has needed a few major repairs. Mostly senors but those things are expensive.

I think it was mentioned, but an 04 R32 might be a possibility. I rode in one and was very impressed. The seats are very sporty, it feels like it has good pull and the AWD is nice for bad weather.

One thing I noticed with the GTI is that it didn't feel fast. But the flat bottom steering wheel was pretty cool as were the plaid seats.

gomarlins3

GTI's are nice. I would like to have a Subaru Legacy GT Spec B though. It's more money for sure, but a very nice car IMO. The AWD appeals to me due to weather concerns up here.

Tyraid2K

Maybe an S4 if you don't mind being good friends with your mechanic? Over 50bhp and 60tq by chip tuning it. Pretty relaxed styling. Although, in your situation, I'd be shopping for an EVO 9. Although I doubt it's the style you are shooting for.

Bboy AJ

I've driven a GTI extensively and worked an OTD price of $22,750 with 0% over 36 months. They didn't have the car I wanted so I bailed. I was offered a 2007 instead of 06, but without the 0%. Didn't want it. Still a great daily driver, but I hate FWD.

Got a WRX for $23,800 OTD for 0% over 24 monhs. I am happy the GTI didn't work out because it's a better car to me. Serendipity.

$800 a month on a WRX? Good to me in NJ. Look at a Saab if you want. Same car, lower insurance. Also, wagons are significantly cheaper on insurance than sedans. What insurance company are you with? I have NJ Manufacturers and they're pretty cheap.

And if you think you are avoiding the ricer scene with a GTI, you are wrong. Hell, even the S2k is in that scene now.

Kicker

what about the new mustang. keep american workers employed.

Axel6

You'd keep a LOT more American workers employed by buying a Toyota.

KeithM

Well since I own a GTI I guess I should put in my .02

I own a 2004 1.8t GTI 5spd. 29,500 miles and my 1st gear stopped working. Mind you I do not race, no clutch drops, no beating, just my get around/winter car. Modification wise I just have an intake and some KWv2 coilovers. Took it in to the dealer and after arguing with them about if they were going to warranty it or not, they decided to go ahead and warranty it, but only 1 time even though I have the 4/yr 50k bumper to bumper warranty. Long story short, they now claim the 5th gear is broken as well. As of yesterday it has been 3 weeks, still not fixed, and no calls from the dealer with updates.

I am currently driving their loaner 2007 Jetta 2.5 with 2300 miles. The car has trouble shifting in cold weather and the dash lights dont light up at night. I gauge my speed at night by other cars on the highway.


A friend of mine had an 05 Jetta GLI which his insurance just totalled 2 weeks ago because they had now invested more on blown motors and new transmissions than the car was worth. (40k miles on the odometer)

I had also previously owned an 01 Audi A4 1.8t and my father had an 02 Audi A6 2.7t. Both nothing but problems...

Furthermore, my mother has an 01 BMW X5 4.4i w/ 65k and needed a new transmission at 50k. Obviously not VW related, but german nonetheless.









Cliffs notes to this post: Buy japanese, stay far far away from German.

honda606

You can get more than that on the GTI with APR's Stage I chip.

http://www.goapr.com/VW/products/ecu...de_mkvgti.html

honda606

Oh the humor.

NICKS2K

I'm thinkin Used R32s go in the high 20K range and come with an Amazing interior..Heated leather Recaros and AWD..FTW!!!