new car...

[CTReptileRescue]

Hi all,
I don't know if you all may remember me asking about new cars a month or so ago.
Well we've narrowed it down to two (thus far)
a) 2002 VW Jetta GLS Wagon
b) 2001 Subaru Outback
Both are basic models with a 4.0 etc etc.
But I am excited about the VW, less cargo room but it is a better color (VW is silver, and the outback is burgundy)and the VW is cheaper.
I think we will buy by Monday.
any of you guys have good or bad experinces with either cars?
Thanks
Rusty

[invadertoast]

I've never owned either, but both of my sisters have had a VW at some point... both were lemons. One of them was a newer ('98 or '99) Jetta, and it was a super nice car, but after a year it suddenly had a million little things go wrong with it that shouldn't normally be a problem with a new car, and she and her husband ended up selling it because of that. My other sister had a 1990 Cabriolet, and it had similar small things go wrong. It's been sitting in the same spot in our driveway for about 4 years now. She also has a few friends that have or have had newer VW's, one has never had a problem and is an exteremly nice car (Passat), but all the others (about 3) have also been lemons. So in my experience, VW can make a really nice car, but some have the potential to be troublesome. Maybe someone on here who owns a VW can weigh in here, maybe they only have problems in Massachusetts? lol The only experience I've had with a Subaru is one we had when I was younger, it was an early '80s GL hatchback, it's still on the road today, but I have no idea about anything newer than that. I hope this was helpful!

[Marla]

I've had two VWs but neither was a Jetta, and I loved both. However, silver is the worst paint color to buy because it has more a higher proportion of solid matter from the relective materials in it than any other paint and that makes it more likely to flake.

[invadertoast]

However, silver is the worst paint color to buy because it has more a higher proportion of solid matter from the relective materials in it than any other paint and that makes it more likely to flake.

I've heard this too, but I think it depends on the manufacturer/type of paint. I have a silver Lincoln, the paint is original and 19 years old. It has shown no signs of flaking, the paint is swirly in places but that's mostly due to its age. However, I have seen other silver cars with horribly flaky paint. Ford has several types of silver and mine happens to be one that doesn't flake I guess. I suppose that depends on the amount of reflective material involved. I guess I don't really know a huge amount about car paint, but I thought I'd just give my .02 As for VW paint... drive around and look at silver Jettas? Lol, I don't know, I'm sure you could do a search on VW paint. (Ah! I should be learning this stuff, I'm going to school to learn custom sign/car painting next year! :mrgreen: )

[JamminJonah]

The older jettas (97 - some 2000) did tend to have more kinks than most but VW got it worked out halfway through the 2000 season. Both are pretty reliable generally and while the subaru might have some cool bells and whistles (and probably some sweet traction or turning features) if you are happier with the price and exterior of the VW you should pick that - a friend just bought a 2002 VW Jetta with a diesel engine and has had nothing but good things to say. VW like Lexus has worked hard to make a good silver paint (as has Honda in recent years).

[Marla]

Thanks for the updated info on the silver paint. It's good to hear that the manufacturers are working on those issues.

[JamminJonah]

Deffinately - I can't tell you how many of the older jettas i saw driving around (silver) with the paint flaked off in a huge circle on the trunk haha.