Looking at Purchasing 323i

[CodyDH]

Hello. I presently have a 1999.5 VW Jetta GLS 2.0 Automatic. I know, compared to many of your cars it's a bug on the wall, but it's a much better car than many things out there. To any extent, I've had it for 2 years now, and I'm looking to move on for several reasons. It hasn't been terribly reliable (Probably spent about $3,000 on repairs and maintenance in the past 2 years). Also, I only get 20-22 mpg with the engine, being that I drive it hard somewhat often because of it's lack of power.

Anyways, I have been looking at the very early E46 323i. I'm looking to spend around $12,000, and I wouldn't want anything special, really. Manual, Sunroof. That's about it. I'm just wondering if you guys think I would actually be coming out ahead as far as being a bit more fuel efficient and reliable. Or perhaps should I be looking at the previous generation 3 series?

Also, I should note some of my other options:
- Newer (2002-2003) Jetta 1.8T, Manual, Probably Certified
- 2000-2001 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro Manual

Sorry if this entire post is laughable. I'm a V-AG man at the moment, and I'm not familiar with the intricacies with BMWs

Thanks for your help!

 

[bmwboi]

I left VW for BMW due to the unreliablility and expense of maintaining a VW. Funny, one would think a BMW is more expensive to maintain, but I say not. I would shy away from another Jetta, especially the model years you're contemplating. THey have issues with coils, diverter valves, cold start issues, etc etc. If you're a VAG man, like I am , you know that VW takes years years!! to address an issue and rarely will a VW service department warranty a known issue outside of the bumper to bumper. You can print out several pages from vwvortex, show it to your service advisor, and they'll still claim they've never heard of it. I'd go for the BMW, have an independent shop do a thorough checkover, and buy it. You'll be amazed at the difference in service at a BMW dealership vs. a VW dealership. Simply no comparison.