think i am going to sell my car...
07-01-2003, 03:35 PM
#16
Three Wheelin'
I rented a Eclipse Spider and put 500 miles on it from San Fran to Santa Monica on Highway 1 about a month ago. Started out with a hilly curvey drive through a forest on the way to Santa Cruz. For background I drive a 968 Cab and my wifes 03 Jetta 1.8T.
The Eclipse was a tiptronic V6 with 16 or 17" wheels. I did not like how it drove either on the freeways around San Fran or on the curves of Highway 1. In parking lots the 1st gear was way to low causing it to be jerky when parking. It felt like they had engineered in fake turbo lag. There would be no power and then all of a sudden it would violently downshift. On the freeway it did not have enough power or brakes. On the curves it felt like it was floating.
Im not sure how the 2000 compares but I would not buy an Eclipse. My Wifes Jetta would have handled the drive much better, I would suggest you get a 2000 or 2001 Jetta for the same money if you are looking for something practical.
The Eclipse was a tiptronic V6 with 16 or 17" wheels. I did not like how it drove either on the freeways around San Fran or on the curves of Highway 1. In parking lots the 1st gear was way to low causing it to be jerky when parking. It felt like they had engineered in fake turbo lag. There would be no power and then all of a sudden it would violently downshift. On the freeway it did not have enough power or brakes. On the curves it felt like it was floating.
Im not sure how the 2000 compares but I would not buy an Eclipse. My Wifes Jetta would have handled the drive much better, I would suggest you get a 2000 or 2001 Jetta for the same money if you are looking for something practical.
07-01-2003, 04:18 PM
#17
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The following BMWs are NICE cars and under $12k. They are all better than any honda in every way.
3 Series (E36) 1991 - 1998 (almost bought a ///M e36)
5 Series (E34) 1988 - 1996 (i own one)
M3 (E30) 1987 - 1991 (i love the look of this car)
3 Series (E30) 1983 - 1991
Also check out what kind of VW you can get in that price range... STAY GERMAN.
3 Series (E36) 1991 - 1998 (almost bought a ///M e36)
5 Series (E34) 1988 - 1996 (i own one)
M3 (E30) 1987 - 1991 (i love the look of this car)
3 Series (E30) 1983 - 1991
Also check out what kind of VW you can get in that price range... STAY GERMAN.
07-01-2003, 04:19 PM
#18
Well, I went out looking for cars today. So far I test drove an '98 Audi A4 1.8T quattro. It has 55k miles and they are asking 12995. The car drove great and was really fun to drive with the "tiptronic" transmission. The car is a beuatiful blue with matching blue interior. The ONLY problem with it is there was a light that was on. It was a little picture of whoknowswhat and it said check. I don't know if it were the check engine light or what but if I decide that I want the car I am going to make sure they take care of it.
I went to look at the eclicpse that I found but it already sold. They had a '98 3-series BMW in silver. They were asking 12900. It was a 5-speed. It had 92k miles
But by looking at the interior you would think it were brand new. The car was defiantly quicker than the A4 but it kinda felt like the clutch slipped when I would ship. I would love to have the Bimmer but the high miles are going to keep me away from it. And I really love the color of that A4.
I think I am going to stick with a German car, most likely an Audi because I want that Quattro.
What do you guys think?
I went to look at the eclicpse that I found but it already sold. They had a '98 3-series BMW in silver. They were asking 12900. It was a 5-speed. It had 92k miles
But by looking at the interior you would think it were brand new. The car was defiantly quicker than the A4 but it kinda felt like the clutch slipped when I would ship. I would love to have the Bimmer but the high miles are going to keep me away from it. And I really love the color of that A4. I think I am going to stick with a German car, most likely an Audi because I want that Quattro.
What do you guys think?
07-01-2003, 04:20 PM
#19
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You could get an older Audi GT Coupe. I love the styling the older Audis.
But nothing will compare to your p-car. You should get a 951. I love mine. And you could get one for way less than 15k.
But nothing will compare to your p-car. You should get a 951. I love mine. And you could get one for way less than 15k.
07-01-2003, 04:33 PM
#21
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Tim,
My GF has an A4 1.8 quattro, which I get to drive quite often, I think it is a great car. Make sure the person selling you the A4 fixes the dash light properly by remedying whatever is causing the idiot light to illuminate and not just "snipping the wires". Also, check to see if the coil packs have been replaced--they went bad on hers and also on my buddy's A4 wagon, it must be a common problem because even though hers was covered under warranty, Audi still sent her a gift certificate for the "inconvenience".
My GF has an A4 1.8 quattro, which I get to drive quite often, I think it is a great car. Make sure the person selling you the A4 fixes the dash light properly by remedying whatever is causing the idiot light to illuminate and not just "snipping the wires". Also, check to see if the coil packs have been replaced--they went bad on hers and also on my buddy's A4 wagon, it must be a common problem because even though hers was covered under warranty, Audi still sent her a gift certificate for the "inconvenience".
07-01-2003, 04:39 PM
#22
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Eric:
<strong>Tim,
My GF has an A4 1.8 quattro, which I get to drive quite often, I think it is a great car. Make sure the person selling you the A4 fixes the dash light properly by remedying whatever is causing the idiot light to illuminate and not just "snipping the wires". Also, check to see if the coil packs have been replaced--they went bad on hers and also on my buddy's A4 wagon, it must be a common problem because even though hers was covered under warranty, Audi still sent her a gift certificate for the "inconvenience".</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Do you have any idea what the light could mean? Its a dealer that is selling the car. How many miles does your GF have on hers?
<strong>Tim,
My GF has an A4 1.8 quattro, which I get to drive quite often, I think it is a great car. Make sure the person selling you the A4 fixes the dash light properly by remedying whatever is causing the idiot light to illuminate and not just "snipping the wires". Also, check to see if the coil packs have been replaced--they went bad on hers and also on my buddy's A4 wagon, it must be a common problem because even though hers was covered under warranty, Audi still sent her a gift certificate for the "inconvenience".</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Do you have any idea what the light could mean? Its a dealer that is selling the car. How many miles does your GF have on hers?
07-01-2003, 04:40 PM
#23
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I worked for a Nissan/Audi dealership here in Atl in the mid 90's when the A4 came out. It was a huge improvement over the earlier 80,90, and 100 series. The V6 has been in the A6 for 3 years when it was put in the A4. At the time it seemed like Audi was headed in the right direction. I don't know how well they held up over time, but the initial quality was there.
BMW quality with VW pricing.
BMW quality with VW pricing.
07-01-2003, 04:48 PM
#24
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Wow, if you are going to drop $12k and are comming from a 944, you will hate most other cars. I strongly suggest a C4 corvette. Easy to work on, and you can get into them for less than the 12 and still have cash for mods if you want them. Plus you are still sportin the sportscar and loads of torque. Plus if you shop around you can get lower milage cars than the eclipse you are looking at. For example. (and I'm not saying you have to buy my car) But I will soon be selling my 89 coupe for about $10k. It has 52k miles, new tires, soon to have new brakes, new interior... And I'm not the only person selling a C4. (selling it because I have a C5 and I could use the money) so enough sales pitch, but really, take a look at them. They are a lot less expensive than people think, and PLENTY of fun.
07-01-2003, 05:04 PM
#25
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</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by tim timmer:
[]</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Do you have any idea what the light could mean? Its a dealer that is selling the car. How many miles does your GF have on hers?[/QB][/QUOTE]
Tim,
She has about 19K on it(it's a lease). If you can get me more info. on the light--color, icon, location in the dash, etc. I can probably help you out there, my buddy with the A4 wagon wrecked it this past winter, but repaired it, however he has several idiot lights lit on his dash because he refuses to spend the $$$ at the dealer to get them reset.
or I can check in the owner's manual.
[]</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Do you have any idea what the light could mean? Its a dealer that is selling the car. How many miles does your GF have on hers?[/QB][/QUOTE]
Tim,
She has about 19K on it(it's a lease). If you can get me more info. on the light--color, icon, location in the dash, etc. I can probably help you out there, my buddy with the A4 wagon wrecked it this past winter, but repaired it, however he has several idiot lights lit on his dash because he refuses to spend the $$$ at the dealer to get them reset.
or I can check in the owner's manual.
07-01-2003, 05:33 PM
#27
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if youre gonna stick german (good choice) i recomend looking at 00-01 VW gti vr6...i test drove one and gotta say i was blown away. Handled great acceled great and was a ton of fun to drive. That one was 15000 but it was pretty much off a lease with lowmiles. Even the 97-99 jetta vr6's are a blast in that price range..had one before i entered the p-car nightmare.
07-01-2003, 06:55 PM
#28
i don't like gti's and Jetta's are a dime a dozen around here.
I am having the dealer with the A4 bring it to my shop tomorrow so I can put it on a lift and check it out.
I am having the dealer with the A4 bring it to my shop tomorrow so I can put it on a lift and check it out.
07-01-2003, 08:20 PM
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Selling the Audis here. definitely have them make it right... MUST have the coil packs addressed!
Otherwise, check all the joints in the suspension, plus all the CVs. May also be a good idea to peek in the turbo system to look for oil/crud. These can be costly to fix, but you did get a little better of a motor and interior if it has the tiptronic, meaning later 98.
Don't forget to check the AC blows cold and al the other typical things.
And if you buy it and need more power; 3 letters... APR! There is even chips to make the tranny work better for you too!
Otherwise, check all the joints in the suspension, plus all the CVs. May also be a good idea to peek in the turbo system to look for oil/crud. These can be costly to fix, but you did get a little better of a motor and interior if it has the tiptronic, meaning later 98.
Don't forget to check the AC blows cold and al the other typical things.
And if you buy it and need more power; 3 letters... APR! There is even chips to make the tranny work better for you too!
07-01-2003, 09:36 PM
#30
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by PSUice944:
<strong>Selling the Audis here. definitely have them make it right... MUST have the coil packs addressed!
Otherwise, check all the joints in the suspension, plus all the CVs. May also be a good idea to peek in the turbo system to look for oil/crud. These can be costly to fix, but you did get a little better of a motor and interior if it has the tiptronic, meaning later 98.
Don't forget to check the AC blows cold and al the other typical things.
And if you buy it and need more power; 3 letters... APR! There is even chips to make the tranny work better for you too!</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Ah, yes, you are the one I need to talk to.
I am going to give it a througho PPI tomorrow at work. How can I tell if the coil packs been replaced? Do you have any idea what the "check" light would indicate?
<strong>Selling the Audis here. definitely have them make it right... MUST have the coil packs addressed!
Otherwise, check all the joints in the suspension, plus all the CVs. May also be a good idea to peek in the turbo system to look for oil/crud. These can be costly to fix, but you did get a little better of a motor and interior if it has the tiptronic, meaning later 98.
Don't forget to check the AC blows cold and al the other typical things.
And if you buy it and need more power; 3 letters... APR! There is even chips to make the tranny work better for you too!</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Ah, yes, you are the one I need to talk to.
I am going to give it a througho PPI tomorrow at work. How can I tell if the coil packs been replaced? Do you have any idea what the "check" light would indicate?