Sparks280zt Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 Old diesel rabbit! When VWs werent crap. Perhaps a nice mid 80s Izuzu trooper with the turbo diesel and 5 speed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woldson Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 The lastest Consumer Report magazine wrote a small article about VW's.. VW has the highest amount of problems per 100 cars than any other company tested! heads up I really like the cars they are putting out. That aside, limited frist hand experiance; sucks for maintaince. I wanted to say sooner but limited experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gollum Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 VW definately seems to have their problems, but I'd dare say that if most of the american cars built in the 80's and 90's had engines that lasted 300k they'd see just as many other random problems with window motors, fuel pumps, wiring, etc. In fact my dad bought an explorer back in 03' and had nothing but problems (all replaced by factory). I think he went through 3 window motors on the rear left window... a window rarely ever used. All companies have their issues, but VW MOTORS seem to be pretty reliable. It's everything else that might be hit or miss depending on what year/model you buy. If I was looking for something with your requirements I'm not sure what I'd get. Maybe a newer volvo diesel wagon? Those things can TOW. Would make a good tow vehicle for bringing a car to the track. Can lay down some seats and put a tool box in it and STILL bring the wife and kid to the track with you... Ugly as sin. But safe and economical. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
naviathan Posted April 18, 2008 Author Share Posted April 18, 2008 Well I think I'll be looking for either the Jetta TDI, Toyota Echo or a late model Civic. Those seem to be the best options for the time being. Thanks for all the comments and ideas guys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
80LS1T Posted April 19, 2008 Share Posted April 19, 2008 My Mom has an 06' VW Jetta TDI. She loves it. She has the automatic but it has a lot of options for shifting(sport mode, normal mode, and shift on your own). She knocks down 42-47mpg driving to work(30 miles hwy) and some city driving. I hate VW's because of what I see at work(we have a VW shop at our dealership). It seems like there is always something wrong with them. I must say though that my Mom's car has been great to her, ZERO problems and she already has like 55,000 miles on it! You have to beat on your VW diesel though to keep the intake clean(VW guys told me that). Guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillZ260 Posted April 20, 2008 Share Posted April 20, 2008 Perhaps a nice mid 80s Izuzu trooper with the turbo diesel and 5 speed. Don't tease! Those are near impossible to find, at least near me.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
240swapped Posted April 21, 2008 Share Posted April 21, 2008 http://forums.hybridz.org/showthread.php?t=132837&highlight=electric+240z Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparks280zt Posted April 21, 2008 Share Posted April 21, 2008 Don't tease! Those are near impossible to find, at least near me.... Ebay, some nice ones pop up for about $2500. Worth a plane ticket and a road trip for the right one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete84 Posted April 21, 2008 Share Posted April 21, 2008 What is so good about the I4 diesel Isuzu's? Without a turbo it would seem that they wouldn't have enough umf for such a vehicle. MPG? That good? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
naviathan Posted April 21, 2008 Author Share Posted April 21, 2008 http://forums.hybridz.org/showthread.php?t=132837&highlight=electric+240z Thanks, I'm well aware of the electric swap. Would love to try that one day. The car I need would be good for long trips also. My current line up of vehicles includes the Z cars in my signature, a Harley Roadster and an 89 Ford Ranger. None of which are good gas or good travel vehicles. Especially with a kid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparks280zt Posted April 21, 2008 Share Posted April 21, 2008 What is so good about the I4 diesel Isuzu's? Without a turbo it would seem that they wouldn't have enough umf for such a vehicle. MPG? That good? As I said the trooper is a turbo diesel. 35-40 mpg. The non turbo isuzus get 50-55 mpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
naviathan Posted April 21, 2008 Author Share Posted April 21, 2008 My brother had a gas Isuzu Trooper II from the 80s. That thing was fugly, but it was damned hard to beat off road. It didn't go fast, but it was a beast climbing dunes and rolling through rivers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillZ260 Posted April 21, 2008 Share Posted April 21, 2008 My brother had a gas Isuzu Trooper II from the 80s. That thing was fugly, but it was damned hard to beat off road. It didn't go fast, but it was a beast climbing dunes and rolling through rivers. I had an 84 2 door. Loved that stupid little thing... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.