Next time I will buy a Malibu – because for me the key word is RELIABLE.

Would like someone here to get something right. At least for my particular 98 Volkswagon Jetta – it likes to Getta me in the wallet – it’s a wannabe European car – it is a Mexican built piece of German Engineering and I think too many Burritoes with Mexican Jumping Beans and Tequila went into it’s making. As far as performance it does perform a good rendition of a Mexican Jumping Bean…

I dont expect performance from a 2.0 liter engine. I just want a car that I can get into every now and then and not have to worry about before I get in it.
Here is a list of things I think about before and during driving… none of them relate to where I get the best powerband, what is the optimum rpm to shif at, what gear ratio I should be running etc.
1) Get keys – Is the car going to start?
2) Key in Ignition – Is car going to turn engine?
3) Engine is turning – Is engine going to crank over?
4) Engine is running – I’m out of driveway, onto parkway – Am I going to get to do the Jumping Bean Act for the drivers around me.
5 ) Jumping Bean Act was a success – go back to #1, however have moved the car 20miles – may need backup – did I charge my cell phone?
6 ) Okay the car is tired from it’s perfomance of the Mexican Jumping Bean – will need to flatbed it – sometimes it likes to go to the garage so I’ll take it there.
7) Wait a couple of months – the car will start performing it’s Mexican Jumping Bean Act again.

This “”Mexican Jumping Bean”" performance is my best way of explaining what the car does. It sounds funny but is really quite dangerous. I had someone driving far too close to me as I was going off the on ramp when the act started and was almost rearended/ sideswiped by the car behind be.

I agree with VR6 it’s not a boring car to drive, and I am accustomed to performance style vehicles. First car was a Mustang Cobra Turbo and the Second a Dodge Daytona Shelby. I am just not accustomed to this type of “”EuroPEON”" performance. I will admit it is the best handling car I have been in for the price. What good is a car that handles well if you can’t safely drive it? PassatVR6 – will trade straight up for a 98 Chevy Malibu, standard transmission of course. I would race you for pink slips, however pretty sure the Malibu would win ’cause I would have a hard time getting out of the hole. Let me know. I’ll give you my e-mail address and some pictures of the car.

OK this is sure to rekindle the debate about expiring posts!

I sold my corvette and bought a beetle. No big deal. I made some money. I have driven my bug now for 15K mi. The MAF went bad. VW will not replace despite the fact that they have recalled so many.

BTW – I am only 25 and I drive and own the following:
1982 Cutlass – New Engine and trans
1950 Chevy Truck – 71K mi, 3 on the tree, 411 rear end, I-6 216, AND NO IT DOES NOT HAVE AN OIL FILTER. Somethings were built better back then.

The body on VW cars seems to be solid, however their mechanicals suck big time.
Here is my point. VWs are built for the dealer to service, not the HAPPY DRIVER.

I may have spent more time working on my vette, but i could blow the doors off any v-dub anyday, and still get 30 mpg. My point – VW sux. You want a kick A** daily driver, buy a vette. Not a remake hitler car (dont complain unless you do your Homework)

I sold my corvette and bought a beetle. No big deal. I made some money. I have driven my bug now for 15K mi. The MAF went bad. VW will not replace despite the fact that they have recalled so many.

Here is my point. VWs are built for the dealer to service, not the HAPPY DRIVER.

I may have spent more time working on my vette, but i could blow the doors off any v-dub anyday, and still get 30 mpg. My point – VW sux. You want a kick A** daily driver, buy a vette. Not a remake hitler car (dont complain unless you do your Homework)