I drive a 2003 VW Passat V6. A beautiful black, license plate DRYVER, a play on our name and their advertising. Manual of course. It has about 50,000 on it.

My daughter phoned home last night and is planning on changing her employment and will now need a car. She wants my Passat She has to buy it (tax purposes) so at least she is not asking me to give it to her.

What do I do? Tell her, "no way". Or do we go out and buy something new. If so what?

Our eldest son bought a Toyota Scion XB last year and it is a lovely little car but not a great deal of acceleration. (We have that need for speed or we wouldn't own Tachus)

Of course the Honda Fit has crossed my mind or one of the faster Civics.

Give me your thoughts please.

 

If you are attached to the dub you might point out that v6 equipped vw's don't have the best reputation for reliability. If your daughter packs a full set of tools in the trunk and knows how to troubleshoot this might not be much of a deterant, of course.

One of the most enjoyable cars I have ever owned was a 1999 Civic Si. If you could find a 2000 version with low mileage it could be a strong contender. Late model V6 Accords are pretty nice and fun to drive as well. And if she get one Honda-certified at a decent price she would have a great warranty. BTW...If you buy a Honda from an owner who purchased it certified by a dealer the warranty goes with the car...you can transfer it at no charge! While Honda dealers usually charge a heafty premium for a certified vehicle, you can often pick one up from an owner at or below blue-book.

 

Catherine, do you WANT a new car? Is your daughter simply looking for a used car that she knows the history, therefore Mom's car "fits the bill"?

If you want a new car, then sell her your VW, if not, I'd go with the suggestion of finding a good used Civic. People here swear by them.


On the other hand, if you do sell her the VW, what would YOU like to drive, when it's not Tachus weather, of course.

 

Point her towards the Smart car. I sat in one this weekend. They will price in at $14k to $17k. 40+ mpg. Of course they only seat two and she may have to go on a waiting list.

 

If you are going to be getting a car for yourself I'd also suggest the Civic Si. My wife just took delivery yesterday on a 07 Rallye red one, sort of reminds you driving the S2000, 6 speed, Vtec etc, but in a coupe that has rear seats.
Levi

 

And a good sized trunk as well. But get the Nighthawk Black Pearl.

 

Good idea, black pearl! You save the cost of a new Canadian paint job!

 

My daughter wants a new Fit to drive to school -- dream on...

 

So if that's her dream what is the reality?

 

Her mom's hand-me-down 2003 G35 sport...a fun car, but she is looking at having to buy her own fuel.