Replacing '87 4kQ

[urq]

The critical point I see is that Andrew pays people for his maintenance.  I've had throttle cables (foam buffers & cables), brake light switches, window switches (clutch cables, heater valves, etc.) fail and was able to return the vehicle promptly to service, perhaps with a bit of ingenuity (read: properly applied hose clamp or zip tie).  I think it is smart to set your sights as you have ... and hey, trading your trusty 4kQ for the right VW/Toyota/Honda/Ford/Mazda/etc. might truly be your best choice.  

I too am in the market for a car similar to the one you describe ... high sales volume good repair record ... for a young driver.  I happen to have a brand new 2014 Jetta rental in the parking lot in front of me ... and I've also had a chance to drive a Ford Taurus and Hyundai Hybrid (Sonata?).  The Hyundai frankly scared the crap out of me ... and while the Taurus was nice inside, it got terrible fuel economy.  Initially I was a bit critical of the Jetta, mostly due to the buzzy engine, but I'm coming to realize that is likely to be the way cars will be.  My boss has a new BMW 3-series, and I'd call it buzzy as well.  My preference would rather be TDI than hybrid.  
 
I own a 2009 F-150, which for better or worse has been a daily driver since we got it.  I am quite favorably impressed by the vehicle ... especially the Sync system ... so Ford is pretty high up on my list.  My list of target vehicles would be: VW Jetta/Passat (TDI), Ford Focus, Mazda3.  My mom has a 2006 PT Cruiser ... if the styling is acceptable to you (it is not to my 18 year old daughter) they seem to be pretty reliable vehicles.
 
I've never purchased a car from them, but there is a web based used car dealer (specializing in VW TDIs) up in Bellevue, WA that I seem to be following.  I just checked their inventory, and they've got a Volvo 240 listed in your price range ... along with a handful of VWs.  I suppose the Volvo has some of the negative characteristics of the 4kQ ... low volume & parts availability.  Many of the cars they offer appear to have high mileage on them.  
 
If you do plan to part ways with your 4kQ, don't trade it in.  I know that I would love to find the right '87 4kQ, and I'll bet I'm not the only one ... 
 
I hope this helps, and good luck on your quest!
 
Steve Buchholz
  

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Sent: Monday, February 24, 2014 7:45 AM
Subject: Re: quattro Digest, Vol 124, Issue 14
  


I rented a 2012? Ford Fusion, throughly impressed and it meets your criteria.  

I got nearly 40 mpg highway, ended up at 35 after Manhattan.

They seem to go for mid-teens and with $2/3,000 down with $200-ish payments your outlay is very small for a "new" car.

2/3 yr old off lease or trade and its very economical daily driver.

Can you get antique plates for the 4000Q?  Have both.

- Scott by BOSTON
quattro123.com
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