fatbrit

They also do one with the same engine that looks a little like a Yaris to me. Much prettier.

Bob

not bad milage...still a bit of a minger for a motor though

Bob

I've seen the coupe version which wasn't to bad looking either...and not a bad little mini motor..though I think I still prefer a smart car or a proper mini

User Name

For some reason the Scion looks like it is made out of tissue paper ... but given that it is a Toyota, maybe I should take a look at a used one (the Honda Element looks a bit stronger if that makes any sense).

Ray

I thought that .. get in and drive one ..you are gonna be surprised...

fatbrit

Think the coupe has a bigger motor, though, so you ain't gonna get the economy.

Bob

The Element is horrid though....solid motor and great if you have kids, but it's still a horrid motor...you really do need to be a frumpy soccer mum to have one

Bob

true...but almost worth it

TRPardoe

I have seen a lot of "Soccer Moms" driving them but they certainly were not all frumpy.

Bob

one's i've seen around here have been

it's a sound motor, but just reminds me of that mingy Fiat multima probably, or whatever it was *lol*

Crispyuk88

Can't go wrong with a Volkswagen
Majority of them are manuals and you should have no problem finding one. They will be 1000000x better in comfort, ride and build quality than any scion, saturn or whatever other tin can on wheels can compare to. On par with mid priced ranged cars also!
I'm slightly biast, but biast for a reason.

Big D

even the shite ones they make in Mexico - or is that just the Audis that got the bad reputation?

BritGuyTN

Actually VW reliability here is a bit pants as they are built in Mehico as you presumed

i think just the jetta station wagon is actually built in Germany

we were looking at getting a jetta diesaland the reliability ratings put us off

User Name

Sorry, I have a lot of questions. I have made my mind up to replace my current tank with a lighter but strong/durable manual shift car with better mpg. Some questions on my mind ... any feedback most welcome, and thank you guys for the very useful thoughts and tips passed to me so far in this thread ... my questions seem to have narrowed to:

* Diesel engined VW cars - bad idea to buy in the USofA?
* What is the minimum recommended height for a front seat passenger in a car fitted with a passenger side air-bag?
*Volkswagen Beetle GLS TDi 2D Hatchback - all views welcome.
*Volkswagen Passat GLS TDi 2D Hatchback - is this vehicle on sale in the USA?
*Carmax seem to have a no haggle price sticker - is this for real?

I've been looking closely at Carmax and their offers on VW cars. A 2002 Volkswagen Beetle GLS TDi 2D Hatchback has caught my eye. Comes with a fantastic EPA Mileage rating of 42/49. I want a car that will be easy for a senior with bad arthritis to get into/out of and will give the senior a good ride. "My senior" is just just 5 foot tall (might be slightly less with wear) ... so my only beef with the Beetle is that it seems to come with just 2 doors, I worry (I am a worrywart at times) that should I end up inadvertently in a car wreck (only ever been involved in one car on car crash, a rear ending, and I was just a passenger). But with the crazy way folks drive around here and despite my conservative driving style (plenty of space between me and the vehicle in front (and behind for that matter), it is a distinct possibility. So what about the passenger size air bag ... if I could put the senior on the back seat the passenger side air bag becomes moot. I just wonder about the passenger side air bag going off in the face of a short senior - its supposed to hit the chest of a average height person. Someone of less than average height should be in the rear seat, but with a 2D car, this would be problematic for my senior passenger (mum). So maybe I should keep my eyes peeled for a TDi 2D Hatchback manual shift Jetta. The Passat has caught my eye, and it is a heavy car (good for driving around DC), but it seems to be built around an automatic transmission system. I am pleased though, to see that the VW Beetle is heavier than I thought it would be, so should cope well on snow and G-d forbid, should it ever be involved in a car wreck - I am beginning to talk like I am a G-d forbid true blue true grit G-d dam American, but I still have my British accent! The other worry I have with a diesel engined auto, is that diesel isn't exactly popular over here - probably because many parts of the USA are so stinking cold in winter. Anyone have thoughts on this? Finally, Carmax seem to have a no haggle price sticker - is this for real?

gruffbrown

Try this for a 2D car, although 3D may get you further.....