Mace1647545504 Posted July 1, 2011 Report Share Posted July 1, 2011 I am looking to buy a stick as the son is wanting to learn now he has driven for a while. It will be a cheap car as it is strictly a learning machine. I've been looking at VWs(jettas and such non diesel but possibly a turbo) but dont now much...hell nothing about them. I do know a little about turbos as I had an early 90s awd turbo talon, but info on those would be helpful also. What should I be looking for?? Thanks Mace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TurboNova Posted July 1, 2011 Report Share Posted July 1, 2011 Id just get a 2.0 those engines are amazing and the manual transmissions will go forever. Just change the tbelt...if not oh well they are non interference. The 1.8 is a great engine if maintained. The 5 speed trans is the same so no problems there only difference is a dual mass flywheel. The engine it self as long as oil is changed with synthetic then you are good. If has common leaks as far as cam seals on front of motor and then then chain tensioner seals on the back side..look like a valve cover leak but more expensive/time consuming to replace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crossle Posted July 1, 2011 Report Share Posted July 1, 2011 They are a mess, and will probably be difficult for you to find an acceptable one in a "cheap" price range. Always ask about timing belt service on 1.8T and 2.0. Horrible coolant leak issues, suspension problems, flex pipes which include catalyst replacement, the list goes on. On the other hand we do have 1 customer that has made 194K miles on her 1.8T Jetta, but she has not missed a single maintenance mark and is religious with her oil changes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TurboNova Posted July 1, 2011 Report Share Posted July 1, 2011 Worked on vw for about 7-8 years never seen coolant leak issues on jetta/golf/beetles except coolant flanges on side of head which is a 50 dollar repair. Sometimes the afterun elec coolant pump will leak but very rare. There are a couple wheel bearing issues with age but replace them like anyother front wheel drive car. I have owned 15-20 volkswagens personally and all of them were great cars to own. If you find someone who borderline took care of a 2.0 car then you will be golden! There are great German parts stores online cheap for parts... Mjm autohaus, pap parts and ecs tuning to name a few Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crossle Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 meh everyone has their own experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Spam Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 Why not a 5 speed honda? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeitgeist57 Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 I've got a stick-shift Passat V6. Honestly? Stay away. Get a cheaper car with cheaper parts for your son to learn on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crossle Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 I've got a stick-shift Passat V6. Honestly? Stay away. Get a cheaper car with cheaper parts for your son to learn on. Annnnnd bingo, what most of our customers say. We hardly see them anymore, because they have sold them off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mace1647545504 Posted July 2, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 Why not a 5 speed honda? I've looked at a few hondas on CL , but they all seem to have been modded with a "fart can" exhaust or some other crap. If I could find a nice unmolested one I'd go that route Mace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyM3rC Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 Both my wife and sister learned to drive a manual on VWs, and neither had any problems. For a kid's car you want to stay away from a 1.8t, and look for a 2.0. If you're just looking for a beater $1000 car for a kid to kinda thrash and learn on you might be able to find a 1990s VW for that price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Spam Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=302098215&dealer_id=66394921&car_year=1999&model=CIVIC&pager.offset=25&search_lang=en&start_year=1981&scarid=301269285&search_type=both&distance=25&rdm=1309640421566&marketZipError=false&advanced=y&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2012&showZipError=y&dma=COLUMBUS_OH_WE&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=0&first_record=26&transmission=Manual&default_sort=priceDESC&address=43220&sort_type=priceDESC&make=HONDA&num_records=25&seller_type=b&cardist=13&standard=false Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocky31186 Posted July 2, 2011 Report Share Posted July 2, 2011 They are a mess, and will probably be difficult for you to find an acceptable one in a "cheap" price range. Always ask about timing belt service on 1.8T and 2.0. Horrible coolant leak issues, suspension problems, flex pipes which include catalyst replacement, the list goes on. On the other hand we do have 1 customer that has made 194K miles on her 1.8T Jetta, but she has not missed a single maintenance mark and is religious with her oil changes. ^^^^This... Unless you know the owner and they've serviced it on time, I would stay away from them.. Why not a 5 speed honda? I tell new drivers to always look at toyota or honda.. throw a timing belt and water pump on it and it will last 200k miles.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mace1647545504 Posted July 4, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 4, 2011 Thanks for the info Mace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Das Borgen Posted July 6, 2011 Report Share Posted July 6, 2011 Mace, a 2000+ VW GTI with the VR6 motor would be perfect for your kid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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