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Need some advice for buying a used car!!

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JRullo
Posts: 1794 - Karma: 265
Hey, its finally time for me to buy a car but im a little worried about it because i really dont know shit about cars.

the two that i am looking at are a 2002 vw gti, and a 2000 audi tt.

here are the links to both of them

GTI - http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=276479698&dealer_id=581371&car_year=2003&rdm=1275943516693&lastStartYear=1981&model=GTI&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=200&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&sownerid=1359068&showZipError=n&make=VOLKS&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=mileageASC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=2&sort_type=mileageASC&address=15216&advanced=y&end_year=2011&doors=&transmission=Manual&max_price=7000&cardist=178&standard=false

TT - http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=279966141&dealer_id=73160&car_year=2000&rdm=1275943618054&lastStartYear=1981&model=TT&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=200&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&sownerid=1076631&showZipError=n&make=AUDI&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=mileageASC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=2&sort_type=mileageASC&address=15216&advanced=y&end_year=2011&doors=&transmission=Manual&max_price=7000&cardist=236&standard=false

Those are just the two that i have found to be a good choice for me, but i know that they both have relatively high milage, and im just not sure how long audi's and VW's typically live.

If anyone has any other suggestions that would be sick my only criteria are... It must cost less than 7000, not be an american made car, not be a subaru wagon, anything exept rear wheel drive, and get better than 20 mpg.

Thanks!
Jun 7 2010 4:53PM
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*rkp*
Posts: 8198 - Karma: 257
here we go again....


I think we need to resurrect the car cult.
Jun 7 2010 4:55PM
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I_Am_Mod
Posts: 13214 - Karma: 3,753
i tought this thread said:
"Need some advice for buying used caT "

i'm kinda disappointed.....
Jun 7 2010 4:57PM
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kepler.
Posts: 8761 - Karma: 139
Why would you buy either of those cars?
Jun 7 2010 5:11PM
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cornholio
Posts: 3952 - Karma: 3,057
no hate on audi or vw but i think you could find something more reliable with less mileage than 100k+.  i'm thinking honda, toyota, or nissan would be good to fit your criteria, you could probably find something with less than 60k miles too if you're willing to sacrifice style for function. 
Jun 7 2010 5:19PM
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JRullo
Posts: 1794 - Karma: 265
yea im willing to for sure, what are you thinking of?
Jun 7 2010 5:27PM
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pigglywiggly
Posts: 4482 - Karma: 305
just for sure get some thing with AWD or 4WD so you can drive through snow. rear wheel cant do shit, and neither can front wheel. they both blow haha.

carter and i took the acura tl up to springs for a weekend when it wasnt snowing and it still couldnt make it up any road with a more than normal incline to it, and its front wheel drive and had winter tires on it.

btw audi's AWD is bomb as hell. for sure look in to that. practically any european car i'd recommend with 4WD because their engineering is very advanced and quality (almost all the time, but i guess that could be debatable)

also, bill's jeep was so great. it has 4WD, and it made it through the 2 +ft like it was nothing

pm me if you got any questions. i could also give you carters help. hes a gear head
Jun 7 2010 5:35PM
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cornholio
Posts: 3952 - Karma: 3,057
honda civic or accord, toyota corolla or camry, nissan sentra or altima. 

honda and toyota are known for lasting long without any major problems, nissans are fairly reliable too but i think hondas and toyotas are a small step above. 

i've had personal experience with nissans for about 10 years now, had to replace the transmission in my maxima at 140k and little dumb shit started to break once it was about 14 years old (fuel pump, power windows, tie rod,power steering pump,......) like $100 stuff here and there that made me replace it.  got an altima with 60k, up to 125k now and only replaced the clutch recently. 
Jun 7 2010 5:46PM
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1337
Posts: 31038 - Karma: 29,000
05 ceelin kitteh, bout a 100k pets on it, leiks to watch you masturbate but other than that its cool. $3000 obo
Jun 7 2010 5:49PM
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Brenone
Posts: 4944 - Karma: 296
yeah i have a maxima and it has treated me well. I have a jeep also but the max isnt too bad in the snow. FWD!

I like the Audi TT and the VW but I wouldnt buy a used one of either with 100k+ on it.
Jun 7 2010 5:51PM
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860media*
Posts: 1568 - Karma: 10,433
the tt looks like a womans car
Jun 7 2010 6:00PM
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Big.L
Posts: 703 - Karma: 15
fuck it yo just get a jeep. im tellin you grand cherokees are the way to go
Jun 7 2010 8:09PM
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nolan.
Posts: 909 - Karma: 59
^^ jeeps are dope as fuck. i just bought a jeep commander limited hemi. i love it. gas isn't great but i can't wait to drive it in snow.
Jun 7 2010 9:08PM
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dreadyboy
Posts: 2306 - Karma: 34
I'd say no to the gti with that many miles, just get a turbo diesel jetta or gti from before 92 when they were still german made, same mileage and  cheaper and better fuel economy.
Jun 7 2010 9:34PM
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[Adam]
Posts: 1937 - Karma: 256
this, or any jeep
Jun 7 2010 9:40PM
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Brenone
Posts: 4944 - Karma: 296
I have a Commander also. It kicks ass in the snow.
Jun 7 2010 9:53PM
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blatt
Posts: 5584 - Karma: 3,097
car fax dat shit
Jun 7 2010 11:46PM
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Caucasian_Asian
Posts: 2447 - Karma: 1,665
I love it when people write that rear-wheel drive is useless in the snow.  If you truly think that, go back and take some more driving courses.


If this is going to be your first car, buy something cheap so that you can afford the insurance.
Jun 7 2010 11:51PM
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AhrenStein
Posts: 1941 - Karma: 177
then you do not know how to drive...

front wheel or rear wheel drive with snows is fine in 99% of situations that you will be using them for.
Jun 8 2010 12:35AM
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1337
Posts: 31038 - Karma: 29,000
I would say gti over the tt
Jun 8 2010 12:36AM
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-ROY-
Posts: 3633 - Karma: 1,503
Im going to guess you dont have 7000.00 sitting around for a vehicle, and are going to be looking for some financing. You should probably do some thinking on looking into buying an older high mileage vehicle. Sure those two cars are sporty looking, but they are old as shit. Now when a bank or credit union says Auto loan rates as low as lets say 4.00% (based on my credit union loan rates), they are talking about rates for brand new 2009-2010 vehicle buyers with outstanding credit. Based on my credit unions rates the vehicles would be at a rate of 13.00% (If you have outstanding credit) allllll the way up to 21.00% due to how old they are and the high miles. And when I say good credit im talking 700-800. Your best bet is to go into your local credit union/bank and sit down with a loan officer and base what you want and can afford off your credit and monthly income.

Another thing is the maintnance for those two will put a frown on your face.

good luck!
Jun 8 2010 1:15AM
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XtRemE11
Posts: 5680 - Karma: 268
both are good cars, but id take the TT, gti's are sweet but its FWD, and its the worst generation of GTI imo.   
they both have the same engine, the 1.8t and its actually a really good engine, very reliable actually. i had a friend with a beat to shit 1.8t a4 that was actually extremely reliable, which is suprising for an audi. 
TT's may look funny but they handle amazingly and for the price its alot better than most cars you will find, alot better than any subaru your gonna find for the same price. its just a really good car. 

id say that or an A4, or an e30 325ix if you want awd and an extremely relaible and fun as fuck car. its bmw's best era of 3 series easily. 
if you dont need AWD id go with RWD over FWD, FWD is ok on some cars, golfs included, but rear is just so much better than either FWD or AWD when its dry.  obviously its not as great as AWD in snow, but its just as good as FWD and if you get some good snow tires you will be fine. people that think AWD is a must for snow are just pussies that cant drive. 

i could reccomend alot more cars for you, but can you be more specific on what your looking for in a car?
Jun 8 2010 5:16AM
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JRullo
Posts: 1794 - Karma: 265
actually yea i do haha, im in highschool so i dont need to pay any bills or anything and ive been saving for a while, so i dont have anything to worry about with a bank haha.
Jun 8 2010 1:56PM
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PASKIINGSUCKS
Posts: 9097 - Karma: 777
just get an old yota truck, extended cab if you need extra room or seats once in a while.
Jun 8 2010 2:07PM
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PASKIINGSUCKS
Posts: 9097 - Karma: 777
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=280828027&dealer_id=439938&car_year=1994&rdm=1276020555725&lastStartYear=1981&model=PICKUP&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=50&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=y&make=TOYOTA&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=17102&advanced=&end_year=2011&doors=&transmission=&max_price=7000&cardist=24&standard=false&rdpage=thumb
Jun 8 2010 2:11PM
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-ROY-
Posts: 3633 - Karma: 1,503
ha nice man..well in that case make a good choice! but for real man buy a newer car you will regret both of those in the future
Jun 8 2010 4:43PM
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Hemulen.
Posts: 448 - Karma: 17
Click for larger image
Jun 8 2010 5:46PM
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XtRemE11
Posts: 5680 - Karma: 268
both of those cars are pretty new, the tt had 100,000 miles, thats not bad at all. especially for a 1.8t 
and whats good about both of these is that they will have a pretty good resale value, audi's seem to get to a certain point and not get any lower, i could see him being able to sell that car for 1000 less than he bought it in another 4 years or so.
Jun 8 2010 6:01PM
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TheFlyingHonky
Posts: 339 - Karma: 13
whats wrong with america?

Jun 8 2010 6:38PM
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-ROY-
Posts: 3633 - Karma: 1,503
i really hope you are not serious..how can you call a 8 year old car and a ten year old car "pretty new" they are terrible investments and wont be worth shit in 4 years
Jun 8 2010 8:37PM
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Bean_Slc
Posts: 514 - Karma: 25
I cant see the year/mileage/and model of the GTI
so if its a
vr6: So much fun to drive, I have a 2000 GTI vr6 with 100k miles. Handles pretty well, just get nice tires, and is so fast. Shifts really really smoothly and is overall an awesome car to drive. You get a good amount of power at all RPM's. The acceleration makes me smile everytime i gun it. I get like 18mpg  around town and 24 or 25 highway,  but I drive like an asshole so you might get better
The bad- VR6's run really strong, and generally nothing goes wrong with the engine itself, BUT when something does go wrong it is generally costly. I just had to change whats called the intake manifold changover valce, ran me $400. serpentine belt to come. Take good care of it and it will be a happy car.

1.8t- Not as wide of a tourque band as the VR6, and not nearly as fast. But with a chip you can make it as fast if not faster. From what i hear they dont have many major problems besides the turbo going, but I personally like the feel of raw power better than a turbo. Turbo is easier to mod though. 1.8t gets much better gas mileage especially on the highway.

VW's are generally expensive to fix, and take it to a mechanic. Even if you have friends who say they can work on it, or freinds who say they have friends dont do it. You end up getting fucked over because nobody actually knows what they are talking about, they just like to pretend to.

oh and dont get the TT its a chick car
Jun 8 2010 10:21PM
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Bean_Slc
Posts: 514 - Karma: 25
Also the GTI's do really well in the snow, the front end is so heavy that it has sweet traction. Just get snow tires
Jun 8 2010 10:25PM
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Funnel
Posts: 7808 - Karma: 1,414
American vehicles are pieces of shit.
Jun 8 2010 10:33PM
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Scott0_robot0
Posts: 3291 - Karma: 212
i wouldnt get either of those unless you really like repairing cars and paying alot to fix audi's. but if you do get and audi and something happens to it repair it with volkswagon parts its much cheaper.
Jun 8 2010 10:37PM
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XtRemE11
Posts: 5680 - Karma: 268
yes i would call an 8-10 year old car pretty new. i dont know how anyone could call that old. shit i wouldnt call an 80's car old. as long as its well taken care of and not a pos car to begin with having something 20+ years old isnt bad at all.

my first car was a 30 year old mercedes with 250,000 miles, it was cheap as hell but it ran great, and never had one problem, which is more than most my friends with their new-10 year old cars can say. i sold it 2 years later for 500 more than i bought it for.

and yes that tt will be still worth a good amount in 5 years, probably even another 10 or 15 years too as long as its well taken care of. my grandpa had an audi 90 that he bought for 6 grand in 02 and just sold it for 5 grand a couple months ago. good cars keep their value, german cars are generally very overbuilt, which means alot for it lasting a long time.
if you want to see your cars value decrease like crazy, buy some new economy car honda or something for 15. its not gonna be worth shit in 10 years.
Jun 9 2010 2:37AM
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josh.
Posts: 3469 - Karma: 42
a mark 4 golf diesel is your ticket, you can get a ridiculous amount of torque from that motor with some simple mods.
Jun 9 2010 2:46AM
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-ROY-
Posts: 3633 - Karma: 1,503
well we are on totally different wave lengths here i guess
Jun 9 2010 2:57AM
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Laurent.
Posts: 10054 - Karma: 25,277
Audi A6 Allroad quattro 2,7t Avant

You get the big boot space, sophisticated German engineering (the best kind of engineering), speed, place for skis, and quattro (Audi's fourwheeldrive system) The allroad is basically an A6 with some plastic bumpers and higher ride-heigth and different suspension set-up to make it better for rugged terrain.

Example:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=280406359&dealer_id=56801106&car_year=2001&rdm=1276067005467&lastStartYear=1981&model=A6&num_records=25&systime=&make3=AUDI&make2=AUDI&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=500&marketZipError=false&model3=A4&model2=ALLRDQUA&search_lang=en&sownerid=1076631&showZipError=n&make=AUDI&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=15216&advanced=&end_year=2011&doors=&transmission=&max_price=8000&cardist=414&standard=false

Audi's are good cars, just make sure to get a quattro for driving up the ski hill.

Or get a Land Rover, the Range Rover will get you everywhere, and I do mean everywhere.
And it has alot of space and luxury. If range rover is  too expensive get a Discovery.






Jun 9 2010 3:13AM
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XtRemE11
Posts: 5680 - Karma: 268
the allroad is a bad idea, the 2.7t is probably audi's most unreliable engine. its a sweet car, but if you have any little problem you have to be prepared to spend thousands of dollars. a 1.8t audi or just any other audi is a better idea.
land rovers are good, people say they are unreliable, but its the type of car where lots of little things go wrong that dont matter, but mechanically its going to last forever. i would definatly go with an older one, they were made much better than they are now, older discoveries are a good idea.
but really if you are looking for a land rover type car get a land cruiser, just as good if not better offroad, and as long as you get an older one you just plain will not have problems, they are tanks, you can beat the crap out of them as much as you want and they will not stop. the 80 series is my favorite, they made them between 1990-1997 i think. a friend has a stock one and he makes it up stuff people in lifted to shit wranglers, cherokee's, and tons of other "offroad" suv's cant make.

Jun 9 2010 3:29AM
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Laurent.
Posts: 10054 - Karma: 25,277
A friend of mine has a 2,7t and he never had any probllem they only reason I chose a big engine is because quattro ussually comes with bigger engines.

And Land Rovers are brilliant offroad.
Jun 9 2010 3:57AM
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XtRemE11
Posts: 5680 - Karma: 268
ive heard it can be hit or miss with the 2.7. and if something does go wrong, which there is a better chance that it will, its almost certain that your gonna be spending thousands and thousands of dollars for what should be pretty basic and cheap stuff. especially cause the 2.7t is so hard to work on.

and yea land rovers are brilliant off road, not too sure about the newer ones, i was just saying that the land cruiser is very similar and more reliable, and most likely performs better. still discoveries are some of my favorite suv's ever. and the defender is by far my favorite.
Jun 9 2010 4:03AM
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Laurent.
Posts: 10054 - Karma: 25,277
If Toyota's are more reliable how come the Red Cross, Medical/support and teams for long distance rally's/army's/Ray Mears always use Land Rovers if Toyota's are more reliable.
Toyota's are good but Land Rovers are amazing.

I do realize i'm biased over Land Rovers but they are just that good.
Only downside to defender on regular road it drives like a ship,

The best Offorader would be a Range Rover with the reliabiliy of a Toyota and the capability of a defender.

Jun 9 2010 5:30AM
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JSLV
Posts: 128 - Karma: 6
Be careful with european cars. Repairs and maintenance CAN be very costly as spare parts are very over priced.
Jun 9 2010 6:28AM
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skithesprings
Posts: 9086 - Karma: 1,349
James, just get an x-terra. Most bomb ass snow vehicle ever. I mean. I only drove mine over a jump at 7 springs, no biggie.

4WD is a must if you ever want to leave a clean paved surface. Have fun not being able to make it from your cabin to the springs in those little bitch cars.
Jun 9 2010 6:53AM
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Alkyy
Posts: 2839 - Karma: 149

I didnt read most the thread but i would NOT get either, they are basically the same company and VW electronics are the worst.  two of my roomates have VWs one has a 2004 passat that he has replaced the body controle computer 2 times and its broken again.  The other one has (but its basically sold) a gti that always has some sort of light on, airbag traction control something.  The mechanics of thoes cars is amazing, but id go for something else.  Are you set on getting a sports car(did you look how much insurance is going to cost on one of these with being your age, it could run you a few hundred bucks a month) 

Just my two cents and gives you something to research more.  hope it helps

Jun 9 2010 9:14AM
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SkierX
Posts: 16253 - Karma: 538
Since it seems that this is your first car. Get a car that is inexpensive to insure, has a good track record with reliability, and that you can buy outright with cash, preferably keeping some money for the "WHEN shit breaks fund" (it's not if breaks, it's when it breaks).
Jun 9 2010 9:31AM
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XtRemE11
Posts: 5680 - Karma: 268
its pretty well known that land rovers are unreliable, but its because of stupid little problems like electronics getting fucked up. as far as i know they are still very reliable mechanically.
as far as whats better offroad, im not gonna say just cause i really dont know for sure, but in my experience land cruisers are the tougher car. this is compared to a range rover or discovery.
the defender is always gonna be my favorite. that or a mercedes G class, ive only seen a couple in action but they were extremely impressive.
Jun 9 2010 3:25PM
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