[htownseanthomas]

I'm doing some ghetto fab car shopping this afternoon and I've come across two cars that I've favored. One is a 1995 VW Jetta, and the other is a 1990 Nissan Stanza. These two posts are on Craigslist, and were also posted with acceptable grammar and punctuation.

First is the Jetta;



$900
150k miles
4 banger
5 speed manual
A/C
No radio, don't like radios anyway.
Zero, to none, cosmetic damage.

Second is the Stanza;



$900
Doesn't mention mileage, probably high.
Doesn't mention cylinders, probably has 4.
5 speed manual.
Radio.
Cosmetic damage to body, minor.

I've sent emails to both owners, and texts messages as well. Which car would you guys prefer if everything was good with performance, and day to day travel qualities? The Jetta is what I favor, the Stanza second

I also am far from a mechanic, but I can do anything with some guidance. So repairing, replacing, or other DIY projects on a Sunday afternoon would be no hassle. Any input on ease of maintenance or upkeep would be appreciated. Any suggestions on what to look for when I drive out to see the car in person would also be very welcome.

[cvm973]

The Jetta looks sharp .

Though that Nissan reminds me of the cars in midnight club . If I got that I would rice it out like crazy .

[htownseanthomas]

I like the Jetta also man, it's better looking and isn't as roughed up cosmetically as the Stanza.

Are there certain questions I should ask the owners when I call them this morning? This isn't my first car, or last. I normally ask for service records, most recent oil change, most recent mechanic visit and why, tire/tread condition, how long they've owned it, how often they drove it. Although, it seems like I never ask enough questions.

[Alan777]

Gdm>jdm

[htownseanthomas]

[DrobertsPB]

I feel like that's cosmetic damage, and on the front end. Nissan doesn't show its age as much as the jetta but that doesn't mean anything. Get more information on it

[htownseanthomas]

Plus the scrapes on the front bumper. Would you check out the Nissan or Jetta first? The Nissan owner says the rear view mirrors don't have glass, and I have to replace them. The back bumper is dented in from backing into a small pole in a parking lot, and there is a crack down the middle of the back window.

[mymutter]

It's a 900 car.

it will start, don't take on long trips. Something will be wrong with it, and it will not be perfect.

Performance? lol, both those cars have neither

Go with whichever one get's back to you first, or which one looks better.

[lowbudgethero]

wouldn't buy either one, I've bought nicer cars for less

[DillonT]

id get jetta. not a fan of mk3 body style. but 2.0 lasts forever and pretty good on gas. just veeerrrryyy slow.
a buddy had a stanza, and it was a pos. see if you can talk vw guy down to 800. call it done.

then buy $360 racelands and dump it

[paintball-kid0811]

I just got back into a mk3 jetta! Obviously the 2.slow isn't going to pull hard stock, but they're fun motors to build and dead cheap (you can get bottom ends at the junkyard for 50-75 by me). The mk3 my dad gave me had a few bolt on mods that made the car a little more spirited to drive. They're so light so it's fun to whip around with a few added horsepower.

I'm planning on picking up another motor from a solid donor (mine only has 78k so it will stay the daily for a while) and doing a little build. Nothing crazy, just cam and valvetrain, head p&p, USRT short runner intake, neuspeed p-flo, chip, exhaust etc. Hopefully make around 140 whp. Then slap a turbo on that ***** and make some real power!

Please if you do the Jetta though, do it right. Don't just throw Racelands/Rokkors on it for "MOAR LOW." Bilstein sports and H&R sport springs will give you a considerable drop with a sporty setup! They'll ride better and get you around a corner like a mad man. Also, the textured bumpers/trim pieces look great on the white Jettas. Esp with smoked fogs, turns, and taillights. 16X8 with 205/40/16's look best

Mk3's have soul; It'll treat you right if you treat it right

[batmite10]

The volkswagen. Always the volkswagen. Mk3 bodies suck, but its a vw.

[Watermelondrea]

VR6T Mk3

[SA_4_LIFE]

why do you open ****ing threads that are like 6 months old???

[Seek_and_Destroy]

Originally Posted by batmite10

The volkswagen. Always the volkswagen. Mk3 bodies suck, but its a vw.

Hey, ten days ago called. It wanted its thread back.

[yuik (Banned)]

Oh bob saget