Sporty Daily Driver Under 20k
10-12-2016, 12:06 PM
#23
10-13-2016, 05:42 AM
#24
Don't go with a Fit. I had to get out of my lease because I couldn't stand the car. Now in a Mk7 GTI and much, much, much happier.
Reliability on the VWs: If you can find a stock example reliability is about as much a concern as any other used sporty 4-door/hatchback. In all honesty if reliability is your #1 priority you'll want to go as late-model as possible, or even new. A new Mazda3 hatchback can be had for around $20k decently equipped, but you'll have the noisy, less-powerful 2.0L. You might be able to find a used 2.5L for cheap.
Reliability on the VWs: If you can find a stock example reliability is about as much a concern as any other used sporty 4-door/hatchback. In all honesty if reliability is your #1 priority you'll want to go as late-model as possible, or even new. A new Mazda3 hatchback can be had for around $20k decently equipped, but you'll have the noisy, less-powerful 2.0L. You might be able to find a used 2.5L for cheap.
10-13-2016, 08:02 AM
#25
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: West Los Angeles
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You can easily get a nice used low mileage GTI for under 20k. I recently bought a 2012 with 16k miles for $16k. Reliability is pretty decent overall, with main components that fail (intake manifold and water pump mostly) covered until 10 years/100k miles also.
The only major issue is timing chain tensioners that like to fail and blow up motors. The design was changed in mid 2012 so if you get a 2013 or newer you're fine or if you have an older car you can spend ~$500 to have the old design replaced with the new one and drive worry free.
The only major issue is timing chain tensioners that like to fail and blow up motors. The design was changed in mid 2012 so if you get a 2013 or newer you're fine or if you have an older car you can spend ~$500 to have the old design replaced with the new one and drive worry free.
10-13-2016, 09:14 AM
#26
Don't go with a Fit. I had to get out of my lease because I couldn't stand the car. Now in a Mk7 GTI and much, much, much happier.
Reliability on the VWs: If you can find a stock example reliability is about as much a concern as any other used sporty 4-door/hatchback. In all honesty if reliability is your #1 priority you'll want to go as late-model as possible, or even new. A new Mazda3 hatchback can be had for around $20k decently equipped, but you'll have the noisy, less-powerful 2.0L. You might be able to find a used 2.5L for cheap.
Reliability on the VWs: If you can find a stock example reliability is about as much a concern as any other used sporty 4-door/hatchback. In all honesty if reliability is your #1 priority you'll want to go as late-model as possible, or even new. A new Mazda3 hatchback can be had for around $20k decently equipped, but you'll have the noisy, less-powerful 2.0L. You might be able to find a used 2.5L for cheap.
10-13-2016, 09:26 AM
#27
Registered User
Originally Posted by CMK' timestamp='1476366167' post='24083156
Don't go with a Fit. I had to get out of my lease because I couldn't stand the car. Now in a Mk7 GTI and much, much, much happier.
Reliability on the VWs: If you can find a stock example reliability is about as much a concern as any other used sporty 4-door/hatchback. In all honesty if reliability is your #1 priority you'll want to go as late-model as possible, or even new. A new Mazda3 hatchback can be had for around $20k decently equipped, but you'll have the noisy, less-powerful 2.0L. You might be able to find a used 2.5L for cheap.
Reliability on the VWs: If you can find a stock example reliability is about as much a concern as any other used sporty 4-door/hatchback. In all honesty if reliability is your #1 priority you'll want to go as late-model as possible, or even new. A new Mazda3 hatchback can be had for around $20k decently equipped, but you'll have the noisy, less-powerful 2.0L. You might be able to find a used 2.5L for cheap.
10-13-2016, 09:27 AM
#28
Registered User
The current model is completely new compared to a 2012 and way better and worth another look IMO. I would have gotten one if it weren't for marginal rear facing car seat room...
10-13-2016, 10:02 AM
#29
That's funny, because I'm in exactly the same boat, and ended up with very nearly the same car as you...
10-13-2016, 10:30 AM
#30
It seems like the GTI gets a lot of love here. VW as a brand has never really appealed to me and I'm not crazy about the exterior styling, but I'm going to give it a hard look as my next daily driver based on driving/owner reviews. 2017 Sport model seems like a good value.