[Vwdiesel] "new" car suggestions

[William J Toensing]

You say you live in Eastern Montana. I can understand the need for a dependable car. I used to live in Minn. (both rural- Willmar, & Mpls) so I know what cold weather is, that's why I moved to Calif. If you like the way a VW handles why don't you check out a Ford Focus? It was judged European car of the year. With all the factory rebates & dealer discounts you ought to be able to buy a brand new ZX3 or 4 for around $11,000 or less & they now have a 100,000 mile driveline warranty. I own a 2001 Focus ZX3 5 speed I bought new for $11,643 including Calif. sales tax & license. However, the fuel economy STINKS! (24 to 29 or 30 MPG. If you want 4 wheel drive there is always a Subaru. The only reason I would look at a VW is the availability of a diesel. From my experience, my Focus & 1996 Escort have been much more reliable than VWs I have owned. Despite bad luck with a 1957 VW bought new in 1957 & average luck with a European delivery 1979 Rabbit diesel I have not given up on VWs despite what I have said. I have a 1981 Dasher diesel station wagon I am restoring & will run on biodiesel & or waste vegetable oil. 
One other little tip most people don't think of when buying a new or used car. Check out what size tire it has & price that tire as well as the availability of that size in less populated areas "with out having to order it". That stupid temporary spare will get you 100 or so miles at 50 MPH. Do you want to hold up in some motel for 2 or 3 days while the small town dealer special orders that tire & charges you full retail? My 2001 Focus came with the premium package that included 205/50 R-16 tires. When I priced new 205/50-R16 tires at $162 pre tire at Costco & higher most other places, I bought some 15 inch replacement factory alloy wheels on eBay so I could mount the cheaper 195/60 R-15s. Also get a full size spare if you live in a rural area or do cross country highway trips. No, I didn't learn the hard way. Also, check out the replacement prices on these "run flat" tires that eliminate a spare before you buy a car equipped with them in order to eliminate the spare. Thank the Click & Clack newspaper column for the run flat tire tip.