[HoodPin]

Also, FWIW, RWD is arguably the better platform for performance driving (track, autox, etc.). However, for basic DD duty, a FWD may be a better choice particularly in the winter. Our Focus on a set of cheap rims with some Vrederstein tires is almost unstoppable in the snow. Was the same story with our '83 GTI way back when.....

[DSgraham]

Thought about a bike... But then again I like my body parts where they are. I already don't trust drivers in this area enough... Plus any bike I really want is about the same price as my 951 was. IF I did a bike, it would either be a Ducati or a Triumph. Neither is particularly cheap.

And interestingly enough, I have seen remarks that the late 90's VW's tended to be less reliable than their Audi counterparts. Mostly the same sorts of electrical and drive-train gremlins I am already pulling my hair out over. Preferably I'd need a car I don't have to spend more on than its purchase price. The Idea is a car with absolutely minimal upkeep so I can part out the 951 and get the 914 resurrected.

[smdubovsky]

Originally Posted by DanJK

late 90's VW GTI? ... As reliable as any nearly 10 year old car

Bzzzzt! No, but thank you for playing. We have some lovely door prizes for you on the way out. You clearly don't own one or know enough other people that do. (I have a 97. Friends don't let good friends drive VWs.)

[Dr K]

If you want to resurrect the 914 out in Phoenix, get friendly with Patrick Motorsports (near the airport). They seem to really know what they're doing, and as they're into race cars, they're very familiar with early cars.

[DanJK]

Originally Posted by smdubovsky

Bzzzzt! No, but thank you for playing. We have some lovely door prizes for you on the way out. You clearly don't own one or know enough other people that do. (I have a 97. Friends don't let good friends drive VWs.)

I clearly have. 97 GTI and an 01 vr6.

[smdubovsky]

Originally Posted by DanJK

I clearly have. 97 GTI and an 01 vr6.

Wow, a glutton for punishment. You still have them both? Do you need more than 2 hands to count the # of times the window regulators have failed and dropped the glass into the door (ever broken any?) How many times have you replaced the coil in the vr6? How many handbrake cables in the 97? Plug wires? How often has the door trim fallen off? Cracked a wiring harness yet? Funny thing is, mines the most reliable one of anyone I know @ 180k. It currently has only 2 inoperable windows and one rusted frozen brake cable. It's doing really well.

[BlackTalon]

$3k makes it tough to choose between 'reliable' and 'fun'. Most $3k cars are going to give you some problems, as they likely will be a bit long in the tooth. Having the car checked at a shop is nice (uhm, not necessarily Curry's), but you may be spending $350 to check out a $3k car.

[DanJK]

Originally Posted by smdubovsky

Wow, a glutton for punishment. You still have them both? Do you need more than 2 hands to count the # of times the window regulators have failed and dropped the glass into the door (ever broken any?) How many times have you replaced the coil in the vr6? How many handbrake cables in the 97? Plug wires? How often has the door trim fallen off? Cracked a wiring harness yet? Funny thing is, mines the most reliable one of anyone I know @ 180k. It currently has only 2 inoperable windows and one rusted frozen brake cable. It's doing really well.

I have neither still. Maybe that says something?

One failed regulator. Glass didn't break. Otherwise the 01 vr6 was a rock. Traded it in on an Audi for my wife and new rear passenger - perhaps I am a glutton for punishment.

Honestly loved both GTI. Putting a car seat in one, not so much.

[racer]

1) Purge yourself of 951 ownership. I don't know the story, but I bet it was "cheap to buy", no?

2) Go to autotrader etc... type in a few guidelines like "manual transmission".. price between $1,000-3,000 and start looking. With few exceptions, look for a mass produced econobox (ok, maybe a Town Car if you like) and choose which blob of metal will be yours. Put another 100K miles on it and repeat.

No need to get brand stingy. At that price point most will be reliable Asian cars.. or a Focus ( )

[BlackTalon]

Originally Posted by racer

No need to get brand stingy. At that price point most will be reliable Asian cars.. or a Focus ( )

x2. And many 'fun' cars in that range will require a lot of maintenance (i.e., like the easily-modified Eclipses/ Talons. CHEAP to buy, but you will be working on them all the time. Stupid stuff, like switches, etc.)