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Comments
Meade
Cards: I usually tire of the cars before they wear out actually. I have had 6 cars (3 of which were new), and today is exactly 6 years since I got my driver's license. I work 35 miles from home, so that's where most of my mileage comes from. I also do not hesitate to jump in the car for a nice road trip every now and then. I have been known to drive 4 hours just to see a concert. Hey, you only live once, right?
I have never gotten past 38K miles on any of the new cars, but I am going to try to keep the VW until it dies (no smart comments please). I really like the car alot, and I also like the idea of going without a car payment, even if it's only for a month.
;-)
Meade
I'm quite a bit older than you, much older, and I don't think we have had more than 8 cars. We normally put 60+ miles and keep them in good shape. I understand that a car stops costing after about 6 - 7 yrs, except for routine mtce, of course. Before the Jetta I drove a 1990 Plymouth Laser (190 Hp w/Turbo, 5 speed) until now. It had about 70K miles,and it was a "good bang for the buck", as they say. It was really trouble free and it liked to scoot. I liked the performance because it could keep me out of traffic. By the way, speaking of traffic, how is your front end? Two inches from disaster, huh? It was Cardinals red, of course, as is my Jetta.
That's not true. You just want your control arms to be parallel to the ground. When you drop 1.5" that's where they are. If you drop 2", your control arms start pointing upwards, and thus in turns you will get bump steering.
It's really though all about properly matched spring rates and dampers.
- Anthony
I am 24, didn't get my license until I was 18 years old. I also drove my mother's car for a year or so. License came in 1997, car came around 9/98. When I totalled the car (not my fault, and the only accident I ever had), I drove her car until 7/99 when I got my Cavalier (POS). Then 3 months later came the 99 Protege DX, then 20 months after that the 01 Protege ES. The Jetta came 8 months after the 01 Protege. In between, a 1993 Bonneville SSE was bought for my mother, since I pretty much "killing" her 94 Bonneville that I drove. The Bonnie was sold when my mother died in 2001, before I got the 01 Protege.
Since I commute such a long distance, I was thinking that I should have gotten a TDI, but I am too power hungry. I could trade, when the loan balances, but that might be a long time though. Since I have 31.3K on the car now, it's only 15 months old, and the used car market's in the can, I don't have a choice. I am quite satisfied with my car though, so I would have no problem keeping it for 6-7 years. I just wanna go even one month without a car payment, since I have had one pretty much for the past 3-4 years on different cars.
(edited)
Meade
Troll.
We aren't here to make fun of other Town Hall members.
Now, this is getting fun. ;-)
BS & GL to everyone!
Anyone have a similar experience?
Wind Burn is something that I came up with earlier today. It was just "chatter" to make this forum a little more fun. ;-)
When I mentioned the shake, it wasn't like real bad at all. I didn't know how else to describe it. I ran it 3 times at that speed. Twice in the same direction just to consider the wind factor, although there wasn't much. The 1st time it ran very well at that speed and 2nd time it did seem like the front felt like it was trying to elevate. I guess at that speed and space between the road and car a bit of lift will occur. It still has less than a 1000 miles on it. Not quite broken in. After all, some small planes take off at a lesser speed. 120mpr? Man, I can't even imagine that speed. At 100mpr, I just started to think too much about it. it was fun, though.
Thanks for the time everyone! BS & GL
Did I do something??
BTW, had my GTI up to 144 MPH in the top of 4th gear, smooth as butter.... oh yeah, and the AC was on, with a passenger, and a full load in the trunk.
You didn't do anything. Vocus did. Just ask him, although he is quite shy. ;-)
Good Night
I do have to say that the 2.0 is alot smoother than some competitors' engines of the same size (think Neon, Cavalier, etc.) I know it runs 4000rpm at 85mph. That's the rpm I run at 100, but I also got a 5-speed auto compared to the 2.0's 4-speed unit.
Also, I wouldn't dare do 100 on any road that has oncoming traffic or a threat of deer. Also 3/4 of a mile isn't much at 100. You go through that in under 30 seconds.
If you want to stretch the legs of your car find an empty freeway (like late at night - much easier to see if other cars are behind you) and let loose. After midnight I've done 120+ on a several mile stretch I know doesn't have freeway entrances so I can see who is behind me and in front of me (nobody) the whole time. I can let off the gas and glide for a couple miles when I fear smokey or just decide I've had enough.
Nice catch. I meant to use MPH. I tend to make up a different language at times.
I was right in the middle of answering your message when aol disconnected me. I hate that! I can't remember where I left off. Any way, there are a couple freeways and toll roads that might be able to use. There are alot of speed traps around here, regardless of time of day. Illinois is hard on speeders.
Boy, I'm still trying to imagine going 100+. Isn't there a speed where things get a little hairy? The speed speedometer reads, what 140? I guess when I was younger I did play on the edge of disaster at times. Just need to build up my confidence in the car. I'll keep this site posted.
Thanks....
If you feel unnerved at 100, sure as shootin' don't go faster. Yikes. Cars can be fun but only if you're in control of that fun. Man, I sound like my dad all of the sudden. Regardless, don't put yourself in a situation where you may wind up slapping your forehead muttering, "what was I thinking?"
One more thing to keep in mind...you crash at over 100, don't assume you'll walk away with just scratches. Be safe, man.
You offer very good and sound advice. Probably old enough to be your dad. Your wisdom exceeds your age.
Just got back from a Valentine's Day dinner with my wife. I was thinking, most of you guys have sway bars. Would that make handling any better on a straight away? My wife really likes the car, also. Especially the heated seats. It's first time we've had leather and heated bottoms. I'll date myself, but we didn't have such things in my early driving days. See what you guys have missed. The evolution of the driving machine.
Thanks again...;-)
different springs and shocks can make the car feel more stable, however.
THe jetta does wonderfully at 135 MPH....Put wind noise gets a real boost when u have the moon roof open....ull kinda hear something simliar as if ur in an airplane but lower and quiter....I luv it
Also, IV done 190KMH(NOT MILES KMH) in a Dodge Caravan....it never felt as if its gona fly....but it feels really unstable...
I can really see the diffrence in german enginering...esp in the heavy Mercedec's like the S or SL....also the BMW 5 Series is very stable..and so is our jetta's...
Be carefull
Peace...
Just curious, because after I used my cell phone - with the engine off and the radio on, I noticed that when I turned the car on again all the radio station pre-sets were gone. Everything worked fine, I just had to reset the radio.
The manual says a separate outside antenna is needed? Has anyone added one?
They are just covering their asses... Don't worry about it.
So when's summer start again??
If you remember, a week ago I asked about the Jetta 200 vs 1.8T; you gave your response. Thanks so much; I am enjoying it immensely.
My concern now is that I will not have one of the models with the faulty coils; I looked on the door for manufacturing date: 10-02; I called VW and they said it should be ok since it was made in the 4th quarter of '02.
Anyway, thanks for your response.
Enjoy!
cut and paste this address to see a picture of what she pointed to. http://rtccom.net/~mfjgolf/710.jpg
and to find out what Jesus would drive (WWJD) cut and paste this link:
http://www.highrock.com/personal/WWJD/
I can only see the mirrors, the rear door handle, and the trunklid of my Jetta right now (I live on a side street). I was off work today for the holiday, and went outside to see what's going on. The snow was up to my calves, and I am 6'3! My car probably won't be dug out until Thursday, or until they get a front end loader up my street to get us out. The local stores are all closed too, since no one can get in to open them. Glad I stocked up before the storm! This is the worst since the blizzard of 1996...
Did I mention, I HATE SNOW!?!?!?
thanks
- Anthony
Your opinions please.