ISO MK3 or 4

[MK2Chuck]

I’m searching for a cheap car for my girlfriend. Here’s what I’m looking for.

MK3 or 4
Golf or Jetta
Automatic* (preferably not tip)
Max 4k

Preferably something that is relatively clean and doesn’t need much work to be driven reliably as her daily.

Let me know what you have and what you want for it.

PM, text or call 604-349-6041

- Chris




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[AirCooledRules]

Teach her standard, sell her your MK3 = profit

[aba16v]

honda civic

[AirCooledRules]

honda civic

Why ?

[Stephan Schmidt]

Why ?

She wants automatic.  VW didn't make a decent automatic in their MK3/4 models, so a civic auto would be much more reliable.

But I'm with you...if she feels comfortable mastering a manual transmission, then a MK3/4 could be a good choice.  If she doesn't feel comfortable, just get her an automatic and don't sweat the insignificant things in life.

[AirCooledRules]

I agree that MK3 automatics are terrible and the Japanese made VW Automatics in the TDI are terrible but all the others are fine and that’s really the only downfall, both cars MK3/4 are fantastic commuters otherwise. Just that pesky Japanese transmission

[Stephan Schmidt]

I agree that MK3 automatics are terrible and the Japanese made VW Automatics in the TDI are terrible but all the others are fine and that’s really the only downfall, both cars MK3/4 are fantastic commuters otherwise. Just that pesky Japanese transmission

The Jatco transmissions were terrible in the MK4's.  However, Honda makes their own transmissions and never used Jatco.  So civic is still the clear win here.  Plus, 6l/100 km without the need for preventative / sensitive maintenance of a TDI = WIN!

[MK2Chuck]

Though I’d rather see another VW parked beside me, a Civic does make sense. There is a couple clean ones up for sale right now too.

On the other hand, just how bad is an auto MK4 for maintenance? Most of the MK4s I see out there with transmission issues are equipped with the Tiptronic transmission.

I’m unfamiliar with MK4s and basically all things Honda. Do you think a Civic is going to be that much cheaper to maintain than a MK4 2.0?

My only hands on experience with VW VS Honda would be my old MK3 Wolfsburg Jetta vs my friends 96 Acura EL. His repair bills were always a lot cheaper than mine that’s for sure.


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[AirCooledRules]

MK4 auto/2.0L is a bulletproof cheap to maintain car.

The shitty automatics were the JATCO ( Japanese ) TDIs. All the other motors with Autos are fine.

[aba16v]

bought a 2001 civic a couple of years ago for like 2200 bucks for my sister and drove it to NS. Changed the plugs once and did the oil.

Could probably get a solid accord within your budget as well, don't think it'd be worth stretching for an 8th gen civic but they're solid cars, more efficient and chain driven. 

2L 8V VW is going to use another 1.5-2L/100, be just as slow, probably run into valve seal issues before 300k, and have general mk4 problems. Far from the worst option but realistically they're not as reliable as honda/toyota

Thing with a honda or toyota is that you don't need to learn all the weird quirks like on a VW, it's just going to work. Pretty well all maintenance is cheaper, parts are cheaper, and shops are more willing to work on them. I'm a VW guy thru and thru and don't think I'll own a honda


but there's no way I'd gamble a relationship with an automatic mk4

[AirCooledRules]

That’s not true, I’ve driven plenty of 2.0ls with 500,000 - 600,000kms.  $12 timing belt, 87 gas, 10/30 Dino oil and off you go.

The accord is actually terrible for transmissions. Most of the midsize Honda cars from the MK4 era are terrible for transmission failure

P.S. my GF has logged over 250,000kms on her 2 mk4s with the current one about to cross 300,000 with the original transmission ( manual ) and the engine has never been opened up. It’s so good that she’s just going to continue driving it even though it’s old and probably should be replaced with a newer car.

[AirCooledRules]

There are plenty of Honda auto wreckers in town, I know a few of them well and I’m told Honda Civic engines sell like hot cakes, and it’s not because nothing ever goes wrong with them.

I’ll tell you which engine doesn’t sell well, that’s the 2.0L boat anchor 8V that you couldn’t sell to save your life because they don’t fail.

[Parts]

but there's no way I'd gamble a relationship with an automatic mk4

Quote of year right here, folks.

[aba16v]

No offense Jakub, I don't think they're bad cars, the aba was probably VW's best workhorse motor. Just don't think the quirks are for everyone and they're definitely not as reliable as similar honda/toyota products.

[AirCooledRules]

No offence taken, just don’t agree.  😀