i need to get a new daily driver. something that is dependable, a good family car and not ugly.
i have looked through tons of cars over the last week or so. and for some reason i keep going back to european cars.

here is a few that i am looking at.
take into account that i am not looking to spend more than 9 or 10k

2002 Volkswagen jetta GLX VR6


2004 Volkswagen passat GLX AWD V6 wagon


those are the two i am mainly considering.also on the list that i might further contemplate are.

2000 BMW 323i (although my wife hates BMWs)


2002 BMW 325i (this car has 144,000 miles on it but is a really nice car for great price.)


2001 Audi A4 2.8 quattro


there are a few other Audis ranging from 2000 to 2002 A4s and A6s.

and finally a
2002 Acura TL 3.2 Type S


(all these pics are of the actual cars im looking at.)

like i said. the first two are mine and my wife's first picks but cant decide. the wagon is uglier but prettier than the jetta if that makes sence. but it is slower and worse on gas mileage. but it is practical and can look really good modified. its also 2 years newer and has 1/3 of the miles on it.
let me know what you think.

moddibility is important as well. some of these cars look sick modded out if done right and some like the BMWs are not. they look best the way they are.

just need something to save the evo from the wife's 150 mile days at work. i have 12,000 miles on it already and need a replacement DD for her and the baby.

the more i look the more im liking the wagons. either a jetta wagon vr6 or a passat wagon.

thanks in advance

 

maybe these pics are influencing me a bit.



not bad looking family haulers.

and as mods go. i am not planning on crazy power mods. just a few bolt ons. but mainly suspension tint and wheels is all i am looking to do. mostly visual. i want a balance between performance and practicality. less performance than the evo and more practicality and luxury. i like the standard features in the Volkswagen heated washer, mirrors and seats, leather you know all the options.

 

FAIL: 2002 Acura TL 3.2 Type S
Bad transmission in the CL. Can't remember if they were bad in this year for the TL too. Buddy just sold a pristine 00 TL for 5.5k. That car would likely last another 100k miles with just minor maintenance.

All the BMWs and Audis should be avoided unless you have a reasonably priced independent shop around there.

For that matter, the VWs you are looking at too. The early 2000's were not good times for VW/Audi and BMW. Lots of little issues (electrical mostly).

Are any of these CPO? If your wife is like my wife, having that peace of mind might be something to consider.

 

quoted for truth.

 

^^^^^^^^ 1+ every one i know that had an older year VW or audi wanted to put it in the river.. so many problems and way too much money to fix

 

I hate to say it, but if looking for a 10k car, you need to stick with the land of the rising sun or domestic.

I recommend looking at an Altima. In 2003-2004 that's what we got as loaner cars from the Infiniti dealership and they were actually pretty good little cars.

 

Yea that timeframe for Audi/VW had lots of electrical issues. The BMW would be nice if you could find one still under warrentee but probly not ganna happen for the sub 10k market. I'd have to agree with the others if you want something reliable and not expensive to maintain your probly better off with Japanese or American car. You could probably get into a 2.5 RS subaru for around 10k that'd give you AWD and a bit more fun to drive than some of the econo cars

 

I was just looking into some subies. I kinda like the 03 foresters. Their fuel mileage kinda blows though. Will I be able to get some decent miles out of those flat 4s before they blow up. I can't find one with less than 115k.

 

I would avoid anything German, they tend to die after 80k afaik.

If you get a Subaru, look at 2001+ Legacy GTs.

 

bugeye wrx wagon.

btw, i agree with the audi/vw reviews, but i disagree with the take on bmws. i had a 2001 325xi wagon and i beat the crap out of it and it never skipped a beat. plus, the car had the sport package and handled incredibly.

 

Avoid the VW's.

Especially and B5 Passat!

 

what about a mazda 6? not a bad looking car, 225 horse power if my memory serves me right....think they came out in 01-02 ?! Should be able to find one pretty cheap.

 

Unless you know about VW's or Audi's, the slightly older ones tend to be problematic and expensive. I would look at a bugeye WRX as well. You could easily pick up an 02-03 wagon for your price range with not too high of mileage.

 

unmodded suby engines tend to have good longevity

 

if only there was one That's like trying to find an unmodded Evo VIII