I was selling the the CRV for something quieter. nicer and hopefully a bit better mileage. I still have two girls so I need a little room.
I want relibility and comfort for my wife. she is looking at vr6's jettas I was thinking a 1.8T golf. How much more room in in one over the other?

I have not driven the vr6 but have driven two chipped 1.8 and the slow 2L
all were automatics. and were ok once a person got moving. I am thinking that the 1.8 turbo in a standard will be something that will get decent mileage but be able to have a little go juice.

While my wife really likes the jettas I miss the old rabbit I had.

My Son is going to take her out for a drive and let her have a go at his Jetta because he is pushing us to get one. His is a chipped 1.8 turbo triptronic automatic and thinks it s power house and I am agreeing so he does not mod it anymore.

If I am stuck at getting one I want to get one for the right reasons other than my wife wants one.

I always buy used and was thinking 2000 to 2004. I originally was going to get a civic or altima but the Jetta is without a doubt a really nice car and not much more money.

I also do most of my own work and wonder how much money does a guy has to spend on special tools?

Any words of wisdom to help me make a good buy.

I should mention that all my past vehicles have been incredibly long lasting and reliable.
most of them excluding the CRV have worked out less than 1100 a year in repairs and cost of the vehicle included, in the years I owned them.
I am hoping the VW's are as good as they used to be 30 years ago.

This car is going to be a daily driver for me and once in awhile for my wife. If I get a VW I plan on tweaking it so I can shake off a few years of responsible adult hood and raise that 1100 a year just a bit.

Thanks all.
well off to look through the forums
Gexter

We shall see what happens in the next while. I have my ranger and suburban to sell as well as my honda CRV. Except for extra comfort and cool factor the CRV and Jetta or pretty much the same in mileage and usability. The AWD CRV kills the Jetta in the winter and has more usable room. I may not catch a 1.8T or a VR6 but I spanked a 2L

who knows I may be back because without a doubt the Jetta is a nice looking car and with a 1.8T my kinda car.

Nobody was very helpful with the post but lots of info on the forums.

I've been very happy with my Jetta. I've had the usual problems for a Jetta with 110K. I really don't think repairs have been expensive and most things you can easily do yourself. Fantastic support in the car/engine specific forums here.

My Jetta was able to lay a large box flat where we had to tilt in a CRV. I usually average 29-30mpg mixed chipped with APR. I been putting off getting a Vag-Com which would be helpful for doing your own repairs/diagnostics.

As for winter, I'd definitely recommend some winter tires. We had our 2nd worst winter ever, and the Blizzak WS-60's were fantastic. The Michelin's were ok. The Pirelli Pzero Neros M&S were utter crap in the snow. Still the AWD CRV would probably better without the higher torque of the turbo.

137K on my 2002.5 Jetta GLS 1.8T- repairs - window regulators, coil packs, water pump plus timing belt, coolant sensor, maf, pcv Y hose, rear wheel hubs, fuel pump, kombi-valve

Thanks for the input and my window of opportunity is over but there is always the next one. You can always find good deals sometimes you have to wait for the next one.

The mileage is pretty much the same which is ok.
I have Michelin ice X on the Crv and there ok. I have nokians on my Van and love them.

Thanks for the input.
the jetta is still going to be on the looking list later. Today I work on my Sons and listen him rattle on why I should get one while I fix it and install Focals in the Doors . LOL

Thanks again.