Buying a VW golf 1996 bad idea?

[Romie]

I have been looking for my first car, I only want something to drive my kids to school and little runs to the store. I found a 96 golf with 141,000 4 door its for 1,600 and Im going to check it out today. I already know they are pricey to fix. I am just looking for a car to last a few years. I have heard that VW are NOT good in automatic? How long do these last miles wise? I know it all depends. But if you have one... How many miles has it gone up to before major work was an issue.. Do the trans suck in these cars? 141k alot for this type of car. Its a great price compared to whats out it my area and price range. Thanks So much

 

[Nick]

Trust me pal, $1,600 for an automatic with 141,000 miles on it is entirely too much, that transmission WILL need to be replaced before 200,000.

Pretty much a rule of thumb: If you want a pre-2005 VW, you better know how to drive a stick.

I wouldn't bet on it lasting another 25k. Contrary to your knowledge, the 2.0l is a very affordable engine to maintain.

Here's a thread on what to look for when buying a Mk3 VW: http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?4299174-Thinking-of-buying-a-mk3-Here-s-what-to-look-for.

My first car was a rusted out 1996 Jetta 2.0l 5-speed. I learned how to drive a stick in it and taught 4-5 friends how to also. I beat the hell out of the thing for 30k miles before the transmission blew up. The engine was still going strong with no major service ever needed. Got it for a good price and managed to sell it for $600 so I bought a 97 VR6 Jetta that I've babied.

They're awesome cars, I saw as much as 37mpg on the highway, a Golf can do better. Read the thread, print it and take it with you if you must and AVOID AUTOMATICS.