Question to all the VW owners out there...

[Steven Sprague]

Hello all,

    Sorry for bringing this up, but I am looking to purchase a car that
will get me along for the next 3-5 years.  Something reliable and will
carry a wheelchair in the trunk or in the back of a wagon.  Also
reliable enough for road trips.  As I am constantly doing mountain bike
trips during the summer and I assist my mother to dialysis during the
week.  Yes, I'm kinda busy!  The dialysis trips will change, but we need
another car.  I do have an 84 4kqs that is being sold because it isn't
as reliable as I'd like.  It has 319,000 miles on the clock.  It's
perfect for the young snowboarders!

     My price limit is $5000-6000.  The vehicle needs to be on the west
coast.

    I have narrowed my search to a few cars.  One which is the Passat.
I am looking at the 1995-1997's because the 1990-1994's have that
passive restraint-mouse-decapitation-device in the window.  This is
something I want to avoid.  I haven't ruled out the Audi 80/90's.
Preferbably a quattro but my price limit is somewhat constricting.  Also
I prefer an unmolested model too.  The 80/90's are usually out of my
price range and from seeing on the Audifans site, on the east coast.  I
will be looking at other sites but would like to find a fanatic owner
(don't we all).

    My question to the VW owners, is  what issues do you know of for the
models.  Or what are your experiences with this Audi derivative?  I
found a 1995 Passat, with 107k miles but needs the 90k mile service as
the PO hasn't performed it yet.  How much is the 90k svc and what is
invovled?  I was going to call the dealer for a quote.  Another buyer
has looked and had it checked out so I have a list of things needed.  I
can have her drop the price because of it but is there anything else to
look for.  I am not familiar enough with the VR6 and it is an autobox
too.  Not my choice.  Comments?  There is another one locally,
Sacramento, for sale but haven't called.  I'd appreciate any input.

    Other cars being considered besides the above:  92-93 Honda Accord
Sedan or Wagon and OvloV 740/760 Wagon.

Thanks for reading this alomst NAC email.  I'll update if my 4kq is
sold.  I kinda hate to see it go, but it needs some tlc.

Steve