First Time Buyer

[camjambrown]

Hi folks!
My name’s Cam and I’m a university student studying in Halifax. I’m in the process of selling my 93’ Volvo 240 since it’s been plagued with reliability problems since the start. I know my next car will be a tdi but I wanted to hear from others about 2 things…

First, realistically how much work would it be to keep up with a mk4 Jetta/ golf. I know everyone says they’re reliable but everyone also said that about my Volvo.

Secondly, what are some common things to look out for when looking at mk6 Jetta/ golf. Age and price wise I think they’re the right combo for me as a student, but want to hear from the people that know best first.

I also want to note that if you, or someone you know, has anything for sale (preferably manual but not necessary) let me know too. I can definitely bum a ride off someone to come take a look!

TIA
Cam

 

[oilhammer]

If you can't make the last year of the venerable Volvo 240 reliable, then you probably should stay far away from any newer TDI. I know age isn't on that old Volvo's side, though, and that may be part of the reason. But man, those were VERY good cars.

Is rust a big concern there?

 

[J_dude]

Is rust a big concern there?

Undoubtedly, he's in Halifax. Even the air out there causes rust lol.

 

[camjambrown]

The rear left quarter has some rust showing up but considering it's age the body is in really good condition. J-dude is right though, Halifax isn't exactly old car friendly. Shameless plug but I've got a pic of it here haha http://instagr.am/p/CUG7jQTs3sp/

 

[J_dude]

First, realistically how much work would it be to keep up with a mk4 Jetta/ golf. I know everyone says they’re reliable but everyone also said that about my Volvo.

Well I love these cars but they aren't old Hondas, they actually require maintenance, and usually when you buy one used it will have already been neglected for several years so there will be "catch-up" maintenance needed. Unless you can find one for sale by someone who knows and loves German cars, but that's not super common.
So, how handy are you with a wrench?
I've said it before but in my opinion to own a VWAG product you need to be either independently wealthy, or love working on cars, because if you don't do your own wrenching it will end up costing you more than you'll save with the fuel economy.
(Mainly because shops that work on German stuff either don't know what they're doing and wreck more than they fix or, if they do know what they're doing they will charge accordingly.)