Why spend $14k on a used Toyota if I can get a new Jetta for $18k?

[Anonymous]

I generally prefer to buy used cars, but I'm tired of trekking out to used-car dealers in Rockville every weekend if the best I can get with less than 50k miles is a used Toyota Corolla for $14,000 or a Mazda 3 for $12,000. Wouldn't it make more sense to just buy a new Jetta for $18,000? I really don't care what kind of a car I have, I just need something reliable, simple with good visibility for my commute. I'm thinking that the extra $4k I spend on a new car is worth the reduced repair costs/risk of a lemon. Am I right or wrong? Please tell me what to do! Thanks.

[Anonymous]

You'd be much better off getting a new Corolla for $18k.

You specifically said you wanted reliability. Volkswagens are shit cars.

[Anonymous]

Toyotas are better

[Anonymous]

VW repairs & parts are going to be higher.

A VW Jetta was my dream car ages ago when I graduated from college. My grandparents got it for me as a gift and it was not cheap to maintain. I'd never own another.

[Anonymous]

Because VW makes crappy cars. If you are leasing or only plan to own it for a few years, fine, but you will have zero reliability with a VW over the long term.

[Anonymous]

+1 on the reliability issue

Former VW owner

[Anonymous]

Do not buy a VW. Nice cars but crazy maintenance costs. I seriously would not accept a free VW based on 12 years of owning a properly maintained Passat.

[Anonymous]

Last fall I wanted to buy my daughter a late model small car. Used decent late model cars are like 14k. And at 20k miles, tires and brakes 1/2 worn out and most of warranty gone.

I ended up buying a brand new Chevy Cruz for 16k with a full warranty. Plus the car had apple car play and some new features the 2-3 year old cars don't have

I am cheap and never buy new. But 2k difference to go used is crazy

[Anonymous]

Honda fit

[Anonymous]

Because VWs are shit cars. I bought myself a Jetta when I graduated from college and starting my first “real” job. It was cute, and fun to drive, but so unreliable and costly to maintain. Never again.

[Anonymous]

The above posters are right. Look around and you should be able to find a brand new base model Corolla for under $17K if you're lucky.

I'm all for buying used cars, but for the particular market segment of "reliable small sedan," and you plan on keeping the vehicle a while, in the current market you're better off just buying a new Corolla or Civic than anything you'll generally find on the used market. You can find a good deal on a used vehicle in that category, but they're few and far between.

And always choose Toyota over VW if you're looking at reliability.

[Anonymous]

Had a Jetta once, never again,the upkeep and repair costs are not worth the hassle. I bought a used Corolla 10 years ago with 40k, think it was three years old. It’s shows it’s age but no major repairs at all (max $7-800 in an off year, plus regular maintenance, new tires). 185k miles and still going strong.

[Anonymous]

We have had three VWs. Cabriolet, Golf and Jetta. Probably won't buy another one. They were okay but not great. Our Mazdas and Hondas have been better.

[Anonymous]

I spent much of my mid-20s at the repair shop with my Jetta.
Never again.

[Anonymous]

I used Caravan to purchase a 2017 Toyota with low miles. Such a pleasure not to deal with a car dealership!