What new make/model is easiest to work on?

[FordBroncoVWJeta]

Originally Posted By: FordBroncoVWJeta

FordBroncoVWJeta, what speed does the '12 Jetta with the 2.0 do at 2000 rpm in top gear? I assume it's the 115HP 2.0. Auto or manual?
Honestly it's been awhile since I drove it last. Probably since last summer. It was my dad's car that I drove quite regularly until I got the 17. If I remember right 65MPH is 2200-2300 RPMs. It's the 2.0 MT.

 

[DuckRyder]

How involved are you talking in “repair” are we talking normal maintenance batteries/tires/brakes or more in depth?

I actually agree with the VW rec, there is a very good information from enthusiast sites and Ross-Tech program will do quite a bit more than the average scan tool.

A base Honda shouldn’t be too bad either, and has good enthusiast base, though somewhat more chaff to wade through...

Jeeps and trucks are probably out at 20,000 new.

 

[CharBaby]

Yes, VW did outsell Toyota worldwide in vehicle sales for 2017. I don't understand why? Now, VW has Monkeygate.
After the Dieselgate scandal, I thought for sure VW would have lost sales. But, there are many sources from the U.S., Europe & Australia that claim how nicely(handsome) VW are to look at and drive, they're terrible in terms of reliability, customer service, MFG & dealer support etc.

I hear & read about it all the time which is what is keeping me away from the brand. I'd love a Golf GLS(nothing more)...no need for a GT/GTi, just the standard Golf for me. It's the perfect car for me in terms of size, quality, comfort, quiet, fuel economy & performance. Quality is high, reliability is low. And, cost of repairs is higher than many.

When the Mark VII came out in 2015, Consumer Reports said the Golf base model was ideal. No real need for more. And it handled as well and most sporty cars all while it rivaled some midsize family sedans for interior ride & quiet. What's not to love? Then there is its reputation!

 

[john_pifer]

^ That’s the case for nearly all Euro brands. They tend to have nice fit & finish, and drive very well. But reliability tends to be not great, and parts/service are expensive.

VW dealers in particular also have a horrible rep for being unhelpful and hard to deal with, especially if you have any problems and you didn’t have all your scheduled maintenance done by THEM.

No thanks.

 

[scusemez28]

how about something like my old Ram.Work Truck w/chrome package,no power windows,3.6.

 

[Silverado12]

^^^Yes, those work trucks are about 20K and reliable. Also about the same gas mileage than the smaller/less capable Tacoma. Link

 

[SatinSilver]

Right, except the OP was looking for a sedan.

Originally Posted By: AshleyQuick
Originally Posted By: FordBroncoVWJeta
Well what kind of vehicle are you looking for?


Probably a sedan

 

[john_pifer]

Originally Posted By: Silverado12
^^^Yes, those work trucks are about 20K and reliable. Also about the same gas mileage than the smaller/less capable Tacoma. Link


Guess it depends on what your definition of “reliable” is.

I won’t be buying a domestic because I don’t enjoy being nickle’d & dime’d to death replacing alternators, starters, water pumps, fuel pumps, blower motors, and other cheapass parts put on those trucks by the Big Three.

 

[FordBroncoVWJeta]

Originally Posted By: john_pifer
Originally Posted By: Silverado12


Guess it depends on what your definition of “reliable” is.

I won’t be buying a domestic because I don’t enjoy being nickle’d & dime’d to death replacing alternators, starters, water pumps, fuel pumps, blower motors, and other cheapass parts put on those trucks by the Big Three.
How reliable is that WRX in your signature? Burn oil, piston ring problems, clutch bearing problems?
Might be nice cars but you can't be spewing reliability...

 

[john_pifer]

Originally Posted By: FordBroncoVWJeta
Originally Posted By: john_pifer
Originally Posted By: Silverado12


Guess it depends on what your definition of “reliable” is.

I won’t be buying a domestic because I don’t enjoy being nickle’d & dime’d to death replacing alternators, starters, water pumps, fuel pumps, blower motors, and other cheapass parts put on those trucks by the Big Three.
How reliable is that WRX in your signature? Burn oil, piston ring problems, clutch bearing problems?
Might be nice cars but you can't be spewing reliability...


Hey, hey, we’re not talking about my WRX right now!

LOL...

You’re right, they’ve had their issues, mainly when people tune them to 350 wheel horsepower and expect the stock components to work under that kind of stress when they were designed to perform @ 225 WHP.

I’m actually thinking about selling the WRX...not because of any reliability issues, but because it’s not much fun to drive around town. It’s most at home at Deal’s Gap, but I only make it out there a few times a year.

 

[zorobabel]

Originally Posted By: FordBroncoVWJeta
Originally Posted By: FordBroncoVWJeta

FordBroncoVWJeta, what speed does the '12 Jetta with the 2.0 do at 2000 rpm in top gear? I assume it's the 115HP 2.0. Auto or manual?
Honestly it's been awhile since I drove it last. Probably since last summer. It was my dad's car that I drove quite regularly until I got the 17. If I remember right 65MPH is 2200-2300 RPMs. It's the 2.0 MT.

Thanks.

 

[fdcg27]

Realistically, for the fluid changes, brakes and plugs that most cars will need out to well beyond 150K, they're all pretty easy.
How many new cars even use dry timing belts these days?
I'd worry more about reliability and durability as shown in actual use rather than ease of repairs the car will likely never need.

 

[mtndew_dad]

You might want to look at this in reverse...find a car you like the best and than see if the things you are willing to work on are easy and cheap to do. No sense driving a car you hate because something like the starter motor is easy/cheap to replace, and you might not every need to replace it.

How long do you plan on keeping this new car?