Somewhere, in this forum, I had input in a car thread where I stated I wanted a VW Jetta or Passat diesel wagon. I want a diesel because they're bullet proof, get awesome mileage, and I want a daily driver with a large, enclosed cargo area. It's interesting that these days I view a sedan (4-door) as a ridiculous and inefficient means of transportation -- trunks and rear seats have limitations. I'm also weary of driving my pickup every day as well as spending $60 per week to fill the tank.
Well, I soon learned that people who buy wagons *really* get their use out of them. It's almost impossible to find one with an automatic (personal preference), and then they're not sold until almost 75K minimum is on the clock. That's one rule I have -- never buy a new car. Someone else can take the depreciation hit.
Anyway, I go back to square one, do some thinking, and nail down the VW Golf/Rabbit/GTI diesel, between 2002 and 2008. Automatics seem plentiful, the 4-door version is said to be very roomy, plus the hatchback lends advantages. Prices are good, the safety ratings are great, and they're reported to be a blast to drive. Awesome. So, I check them out, like what I see, and set up some alerts on Auto Trader and CarMax. All is well, right? Nope.
I'm leaving work the other day and end up behind a Kia Soul. Hmmm, intersting little bugger (I've always liked small, sporty cars) that I don't believe I ever paid attention to when they were first introduced. The car is low, but not so low one has to stoop down to enter, 4-doors, and a rear hatch. The 4-cylinder engine has some impressive numbers for HP and torque, and even fully loaded they come in under $18,500. Safety ratings are very good as is the 10 year, 100K mile warranty, as well as Kia's record for well built vehicles. More research shows that common problems are easily scratched interior plastic and issues with the "mood lights" of the speakers. Wow
no show stoppers there.
The problem is that I can't make up my damned mind
Well, I soon learned that people who buy wagons *really* get their use out of them. It's almost impossible to find one with an automatic (personal preference), and then they're not sold until almost 75K minimum is on the clock. That's one rule I have -- never buy a new car. Someone else can take the depreciation hit.
Anyway, I go back to square one, do some thinking, and nail down the VW Golf/Rabbit/GTI diesel, between 2002 and 2008. Automatics seem plentiful, the 4-door version is said to be very roomy, plus the hatchback lends advantages. Prices are good, the safety ratings are great, and they're reported to be a blast to drive. Awesome. So, I check them out, like what I see, and set up some alerts on Auto Trader and CarMax. All is well, right? Nope.
I'm leaving work the other day and end up behind a Kia Soul. Hmmm, intersting little bugger (I've always liked small, sporty cars) that I don't believe I ever paid attention to when they were first introduced. The car is low, but not so low one has to stoop down to enter, 4-doors, and a rear hatch. The 4-cylinder engine has some impressive numbers for HP and torque, and even fully loaded they come in under $18,500. Safety ratings are very good as is the 10 year, 100K mile warranty, as well as Kia's record for well built vehicles. More research shows that common problems are easily scratched interior plastic and issues with the "mood lights" of the speakers. Wow
no show stoppers there.The problem is that I can't make up my damned mind
