Older model Passat vs New Model Jetta

That's what it probably has to come down to.

The RL is a GREAT car, very underrated, which is why you can pick up a nice low mileage one for that money. I think because the design is so bland, they didn't sell a lot of them. Another example of a great valued used car like that is the Infiniti Q45, except that's at a higher price point, and don't sell because it's butting heads with the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7-series, and Infiniti's brand image just isn't quite that strong.

But if it's going to be a car you're going to drive, there's nothing wrong with jumping on the RL. If it's mainly for her, the Corolla is a great car for a teen. Reliable, economical, well built. And that new body style isn't quite as tiny as it used to be also. It's gotta be tough for you when you're thinking of driving a minivan vs. something like an Acura.

Although the RL would be a pretty safe car for her, it's heavy. Just realize she's probably going to ding and scratch it up at some point.

Oh, and too big?

What did you learn to drive in? Pre-80's cars were all boats. I learned to drive in a 1979 Buick Park Avenue! Now something like an RL is considered a boat, when back then it would be mid-sized.

hehe, you're right about the days of old. My parents '66 chevy was bigger than anything I've owned since but I drove it around for a few years before buying my VW bug.

I gave the guy a check to hold the RL overnight. I'll take Mr B over tomorrow and get his opinion. I never intended to buy my daughter a car (unlike most parents in our community) but I know how she'll feel about driving the minivan when the RL is sitting in the driveway.

She is still in driver's ed so we won't be having those battles for a bit yet.

Thanks, for all your input. I appreciate the tip to check out the Acura. The new RLs in the showroom (new design) have a sticker price of $57,000. Getting a great deal on a great car that's only a couple years old sounds good to me.

BTW, I stopped at the Honda and VW dealerships this morning too. I couldn't get anyone at Honda to talk to me and the VW guy must have been convinced that I was wasting his time because he acted like it was too cold to stand outside and show me the cars. Made me all the more happy to talk to the Acura dealer who was very interested in selling me a car.

Slappy, wether you meant it or not, that was a really great critique of my obsession with VWs and still holding your own views on vw's.

My all time spending record on car repairs was with three
Volvos: 1967 4dr sedan, 1971 4 dr sedan, and 1976 station wagon. A small 90 degree angle drive for the speedometer - $90, front struts - $400, etc. I spent $3,000 the last two years I had the wagon. (1970's prices}

I bought the RL! Thanks, all for the discussion and a special smooch to Slappy for the idea to check out Acuras.

Silver, grey leather interior, just like this one.

Yea...I'm not trying to bash VW's, like I said, I think they're great cars. Don't forget the older models aren't filled with all the electronics and technology of the newer ones. I've never seen them have any major engine & transmission problems, with the exception of a few VR6's. I just like to warn people of the potential maintenance costs.

And J_B, congrats! You're going to love driving that car. For $23K, you can't beat it. Big body luxury on a FWD platform with the reliability of an Acura.

Congrats, J_B!

E.G.'s poo car (bought for a dollar, worth maybe twice that) is finally on its last legs, and he's looking for a new car, too. Not sure what we can afford, yet, but probably looking for something similar, and this is informative.

Soz, may I suggest a car?

One I didn't want to bring up earlier, because only a powerful, in your face type of person like yourself can handle such a beast.

Allow me to present....

THE 1986 YUGO!

<gasp>

It's... it's... it's GORGEOUS!!!

<swoon>

(Side note -- I was at a light today [6:00], and the car waiting at 3:00 were a couple of swarthy chest-haired-and-medallion types in some fancy-ass bright yellow lowrider porno car -- Lamborghini, maybe? There was some sanitation guy in a little golf cart type thing next to them, and he was positively drooling. He gave them this thumbs-up sort of thing, and the driver rolled his eyes like yeah, as if I'd acknowledge you, peasant.)

YES, nailed it in one, this is EXACTLY the car:

I love those cars.

You know how many comments that guy gets driving a Lamborghini? I was going to say it must get tiring, but then again, what do you expect driving a multi six figure exotic?

I can't believe how much looks and comments I get driving a Crossfire. Never would have thunk it.

I'd never seen it in action before. It was this whole little testosterone ritual.

Haha...definitely.

I had some guy, let's just say he looked like your typical "local."

I'm at a stoplight, and he's crossing the street towards me. He's a pretty big guy, walking really fast, and staring at me. He starts nodding really fast, and pointing at me. I had no clue what he was doing, he looked kind of pissed. He walks right up to my passenger window and says "how you like this thing?!?!?! Does 220!!!!" right as the light turns green.

1) He's retarded. My car does nowhere near 220, and a Lamborghini isn't that fast either.
2) It kind of scared me since while crossing the street he yelled at someone in a car who pulled up to the crosswalk too fast while he was walking, then it looked like he was taking it out on me.

When I had a BMW, I stupidly parked it in front of a bar that draws a young crowd in Boston. Walk up after a night of drinking, and three guys are leaning on it. I politely tell them "get the fu&k off my car, it's not a leaning post," and they do. As I'm taking off, they start yelling at me and spit on my car. People get jealous over having a nice car, it's stupid.

Won't even start on how many times I hear "how fast does it go?" when on my bike.

i sure get many comments on my car too ! hbg

The Ladyfriend wants a car
Hey folks!

I had a friend refer me to the automotive section of this site. I'm, admittedly, more than a little green with this whole chat/message thing (no stranger to IM or e-mail however!).. so I hope I'm not out of place here!

I'm a long-time car nut, have driven all kinds of cars and by the looks of it- would have a great time debating the merits of all sorts of stuff on the market wtih you guys. My question for ya'll is this...have any of you had a chance to drive the new 06 RAV4? My GF is waxing poetic about "how cute" it is and all that, and I wanted to get a collective opinion or get the DL on what ya'll might think.....

From what I've heard its a good little car (either the four-banger of the V6)...pretty reliable all that crap...but thoughts?

Only thoughts on that is like you said, reliable and all that crap. Haven't driven the newer model. The older, smaller one wasn't that great driving, but I know they beefed the new one up a good amount. Check out motortrend and roadandtrack's websites.

JB, how are you liking the RL?

Love it!

I'm alternating between the mini-van and the RL. I'm now realising how little umph the 4 cylinder Odyssey has and how stiff it is. The RL is smmooootttthhh handling and has tons of pep. It's been a long time since I've driven a car with any performance (accept the very occasional drive in the TT) so I'm really enjoying it.

i guess i'll try and get some more miles out of my 99 olds-intrigue . it certainly has plenty of horsepower (210 ?), and when you step on it, those twin-cams sure start growling and give plenty of accelaration - but "a bit hard on gas" in the winter . hbg

99 Olds Intrigue? That was a pretty darn good car for those boys over at GM. My dad drove one of those for a while- I was always impressed with the thing. Fit and finish was "good" for a GM...but I was always pleasantly surprised by its prowess on the road. I feel like it drove more like a Saab than its other GM stable-mates.

Whats your mileage on the 99? Have you had any major electrical work on that thing yet?

hi, southerngentleman : welcome to a2k !
don't drive much anymore, so there only about 65,000 miles on it . except for a paint problem - that was fixed to my satisfaction , there have been no mechanical or electrical problems . still the first exhaust system and battery - to be replaced this year if necessary . brakes also stood up very well .
but it does need winter-tires . tried the first winter (the month of december anyhow ) ; the car would fishtail like crazy ; with winter-tires it goes through heavy snow without a problem . i've had it sprayed with 'rustcheck' every spring and so far body seems to be in good shape - not bad for snow and salt in eastern ontario.
sorry they stopped production . hbg