We want to buy a Jetta for our daughter about to go off to college. NEW vs. USED???

Question

My daughter has been driving for a few years now and is a very good driver. She handles herself well in town, Chicago toll roads, long trips on interstate, etc. We have no concerns with her driving her 3 younger siblings around. We are at a point where she really needs her own car. She works part time is able to help each month with the cost of a car and insurance (she can help with $150- $200 a month) We like the size, safety factors, and MPG ratings of the 07' Volkswagon Jettas ($20,000). The Jettas seem to hold their value. We are torn between a new one for her (pts. being: lower interest rate, we know how car will be cared for from the start, full warranty, car will carry her thru college and first job) OR a used car with low mileage and a little warranty left on it (how do I know previous owner has taken care of car/is honest about it). The used Jettas that are 2 & 3 yrs. old still sell for at least $15,000.00 & have a higher interest rate. Help me think this thru, NEW/OLD?

Answer 1

Buy used, from an individual. Why should you pay the $5000.00 ++ hit as soon as you drive the Jetta off the lot?Have an independent mechanic check out the private owner's car. There are some companies, like one I used once called Car Checkers of America, who make a business of examining used cars for people. Edmunds.com is very accurate as to the exact value of used vehicles. There are other appraisal systems, but Edmunds seems to be right-on every time I use it. Before you buy any car, new or used, always check out Consumer Reports' reliability ratings on that exact year and model. It is an eye-opening experience. Some states (mine for example) do not charge sales tax on purchases between private individuals, so that may help sometoo.

Answer 2

Jetta's are great cars. I see them everywhere when I'm on the road, and most of them are new. If you don't buy new, definitely buy a Certified Used VW from a VW dealership. They'll come with a great warranty package, and if they're certified, they're basically a new car all over again. But, since you're looking at the interest rates and such, New is the way to go. I have many friends and customers that own VW's, and I've heard some horror stories, but who hasn't had problems with a car that they've owned. I have a 1968 Mustang that runs better than my 2004 Chevrolet Silverado! Regardless of that though, new Jetta is cheaper in the long run than used Jetta.

Also, if you're looking at the Jetta, maybe you'll want to take a look at Toyota as well, esp. with their first time buyers program. It is one of the best offered, and Toyota is a synonym for reliability. I own a 2003 Lexus GX 470 with 98,000 miles on it (it is based on the redesigned 4Runner) and have had absolutely zero problems with it. The resale value of Toyota vehicles is HUGE, so come three to five years from now, you'll be able to recoup a large amount of what you've paid for the car compared to any other American or Foreign vehicle. Toyota also has a certified used program, and their warranty on the certified stuff I believe is 3 years. With a Toyota, you'll basically never have to worry if the car is going to run right. My Lexus was a certified vehicle (3 years/100K) and I've had to use the warranty once for the rear windshield wiper spring. Either way, I think with the car you're looking at, you won't make a bad decision. Good Luck!

Answer 3

We have had two used manual Jettas 1997 and 2001, and at some point the check engine light goes on and we can never find the problem. I would say new just to avoid complications and having all the warranties in place. And it is a good investment that will last longer than a used car. They do hold their value, but i think part of the used price is the popularity the cars have seen in recent years. And honestly, the new ones look very sophisticated compared to the models that are only two years old.

Answer 4

If you're going to go with VW at all, get a new car. My roommate at school has a Passat (automatic) and bought it used from an older lady who barley put 15k miles on the car, and she has had nothing but trouble. My brother has a Jetta (I think a 2001) and it is a manual, and the engine sounds horrible and has been unreliable. I think getting a new car would be best in the long run, because you also have the full warranty, etc. Good luck!

Answer 5

I would recommend that you actually consider buying either a Toyota or Honda. No, I do not sell these cars or own stock in the companies. VW's (and European cars in general) tend to be high maintainance and more costly to operate per year. Also, being such a small segment of the market, finding qualified service places can become problematic. Replacement parts are also rather expensive.

Look at the Honda Cvics. The have strong value retention, reliability, safety and quality standards. Meaning: bottom line, you put gas in it, turn key and go. Maintainance is important, but it is reasonable. These cars have a track record of being "user friendly".

I have over 20 years of experience as an auto tech. I find that owners of these type of cars tend to be happier with their car owning experience and return to buy the same as a replacement. From hearing the "reviews" from owners, the general idea is "my car works for me" not "I work for my car". I think for your daughter's future "worries-over-the-car" and both of your wallets, check out a Toyota or Honda.

Answer 6

I am in the same situation as your daughter, I am looking for a car to drive to college and have studied the Jetta meticulously for several months.

Aside from the car itself, here's my opinion. I was looking for the same monthly payment as you mentioned, but at that rate, by the time you pay it off, its probably worn out. Then you have to try to get rid of the worn out car, and star making payments all over again on another car. I thought that it would be more economical to actually lease a new one, because then you have the warranty, and after college, you are free of commitment, and you can get into a car that you will drive for a number of years. In all honesty, you will probably never get free of a car payment and drive something decent at the same time, unless you buy it outright, but then if something goes wrong, your stuck with it and the problem.

I hope that I was of some assistance to you, and like I said, I have looked at a ton of them. So if you need more info, you can instant message my account.

Answer 7

Personally speaking from a parents view with it being a first car and that it is going to be getting a lot of mileage on it I'd go with the used. Once you buy a new car and the mileage gets past a certain point then you're "upside down" in it and it's harder to trade in later. If you do go w/ a used I'd ask permission to take it and have it checked out by your mechanic. If there is truly nothing wrong w/ then they should have no problem with it. Have your mechanic check it fully. Good Luck

Answer 8

I got my VW golf used. It was in excellent shape for having 80k miles and being an 04. I do have to say one thing, I've always heard that automatics in VW's have trouble with shifting gears. Now having my car for a year, I can see why.... it's not a huge deal but it'll have to get fixed sooner or later.

I would go with a new VW of any kind. Newer is actually cheaper! (in the long run).

Answer 9

if your going to buy a VW get it new and do the maintenance religiously. after about 60k these cars can become very expensive to keep on the road if not maintained. personally for value and reliability I would go with a Toyota or Honda, it may cost a little more initially but they are much more forgiving and extremely dependable.

Answer 10

For a student I think you better buy a used car.
I am a student too.Two months ago,I bouht a near new SUV from online police auction.It only cost me $730.
I followed the guide on
http://www.usedcarsinfo.info/index.php?t=usedcar .That site listed top 5 Police auction sites and help you choose the best one.
Hope that help you.