Terminal understeer, winter tires and a real lack of skill all came together for me Friday morning: I whacked a curb at about 60 in the Passat.
Amazingly, the tires, wheels and suspension are all intact, but the bumper cover, lower panels--even the radiator support are broken up. And the CE light is on. Code P2096.
The car is usable as is, but I'm really cheesed I screwed up my nice car. I'm thinking of dumping the thing and going old & cheap for a while.
Here are a few criteria:
1: The first non-negotiable is the car MUST have a manual gearbox.
2: Four doors, ability to have a baby seat or two.
3: Cheap, probably no more than $4,000.
4: Reasonable fun to drive; OR interesting.
5: Decent condition.
Some cars that pop into mind are Volvo 850s, BMW E30s, Jettas & Golfs.
I've been a Saab guy in the past, but I'm really turned off by the '94+ 900/9-3. An OLD 900 would get my vote, though.
Alfa 164s are tempting. Does anyone know if they can be daily-driven without financial ruin?
My mechanic says the 1.8t in the Audi A4 is less reliable than the V6, which is why he recommended me get a V6 Passat over the more plentiful 1.8t. My V6 Passat HAS been great, so I trust he's right about the Audi as well.
With winter here in Minnesota, I'm dreaming of Series 1 Land Rover Discos as well.
I'd even consider a Volvo 240 or 740, Mercedes-Benz W123 240D (manual trans), or any other similar car.
Thanks!
