Don't let people scare you out of an automatic. I have one and personally I love it. Yes indeed you should service them every 40K to 60K which is great because the 2000 is right in that range. If you do that you'll be fine. Always save up a pool of cash just in case. My auto on the other hand has 108K on it and has NEVER had a fluid change. So, my odds are against me. But at 108K, it's still strong as ever. Every auto tranny is a ticking time bomb; some are duds, some have short fuses. But that shouldn't keep you from getting one if you want it. Properly maintain it and you should be ok. But like I said, keep a savings for it, because it is indeed cheaper to make it a manual, even with all the mods and such, than to rebuild the auto tranny.
I still like the sound of the 2000. It's within reason. Now, you should be aware that around 80K you should replace the timing belt and waterpump before they break! So be prepared for that. Other than that, I think it's ok. I'm by no means an expert but I bought an 02 with the same mileage and have been through these things.
Also another thought for consideration. Check the tires. Which one has more tread left. You don't want to buy one that will need tires right away unless you can talk down the price to cover that.
Here's my advice. Do some research on local mechanics that know VW's, not the dealership, but small shops. Find a good one that seems trustworthy, but they should have lots of knowledge of VW. Not just a little discount shop. Then test drive both cars. Take each one to that shop and have them check the car. They will be able to tell you the things that will need some help in the future. I wish I would have done that with mine. I might have been better prepared for the things that have recently gone bad. Oh well, lesson learned! Good luck. We'll love whichever one you get, you just need to post pics!
|