Larry

I am currently in the market for a car. What is the best bang for the buck?<br>Contenders: '97 Auid A4 Quattro 1.8T - Auto ( no tip ), sunroof and sports pak. '99 Passat 1.8T - Tip base nothing else, '99 Jetta VR6 auto. Each car has its merits and are priced the same. I am looking to keep the car for 3 yrs then trade-in. Looking for a fun ride - not crazy. What are your thoughts???

love my A4

sorry, I've never driven the new Jetta or Passat, but I love my A4

Mike

nt

ChuckH

...because you seem to be bent on getting an automatic transmission. THe 1.8T and automatic don't work well together unless you raise the performance of the engine, and even then it's probably not going to be as exhilirating as the VR6 combo. Both the VW's will be covered under warranty while you own the car, as well. If you wanted a manual transmisison, my vote would sway to the A4. :-) Let us know what you decide! :-)<p>Charles<br>

Josh

Jetta VR6 is fun, but lacks a sporty feel (the driver's seat, for example, is very high, feeling like a made-for-those-looking-for-a-RAV4). It corners okay, the steering is very heavy, and the tires suck *** (Goodyear Eagle LS). It's definitely aimed for women looking for acceleration, safety and style.<p>A4 is classy, sporty, and luxurious. Wood, leather, etc. aside, the A4 is a far superior car to the others. It is solid, drives like a real sports car, and has all the components of a classic sedan. Downsides are the brakes, costs after 50K miles, and random squeaks and rattles that a 2 year old car will develop.<p>-josh<br>98.5 A4 2.8qms<br>99 New Jetta GLS VR6

Larry

one week and counting,,,,<br>Charles - I agree with you on both counts - if I go with A4 its because its one sexy car. However, you have to admit the Jetta VR6 is very potent and fun to drive - that's the danger I am quite certain I am going to rack up some derit pts with that baby!!! No comment on the Passat? - Its based on the same platform as the A4.

Larry

Good comments!<br>...however Jetta VR6 for women! Regular Jettas yes - I do not know anyone women that own VR6s - women tend to go for other options like cabriolet. Its actually also for poor punks like me that have to save money or zit faced teenagers who pour all their money on a fun set of wheels. The Audi interests me alot because even though its a two year car - I want to see want are its problems. On the bright side if my 2-3 yr test drive turns out I'll buy 2001 S4. If if doesn't its BMW baby. Thanks again.

BDW

<br>If you have to get an automatic, I say go with the Jetta and the V6. If you could get a manual, I say get the Passat (even $1,200 less!), get the new car warranty and two years free service. A4's are great (I love mine) but a '97 vs. a brand new Passat with warranty? <p>Reason I say Jetta with automatic is because I think the 1.8T engine loses it's luster without a stick, unless you plan to chip it.<p>Good luck.<p>BDW '99 1.8Tqms

ChuckH

...you said you wanted something sporty and fun to drive. The Passat is pretty soft and comfy, but not exactly sporty ny any stretch of the imagination. A Passat with a V6 would be nice though, but I think that takes you beyond your price point. Don't think you can go wrong with any of them. Something I did forget to mention is that the VR6 does get terrible gas mileage, comparitively speaking. A friend of mine has one, and gets around 20 MPG average (17 city/24 highway?), where the 1.8T is around 25 average, I think. But, that VR6 is pretty fun! :-)<p>Charles<br>

Gen

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