[TJD]

Hey, guys. New guy here. Name's TJ, and I drive a '00 Silverado that gets 14/19 mpg and ends up costing between $60 and $100 per week to run as I typically drive about 360 miles on a weekly basis. I'm looking to sell the truck and get something more economical and dependable, and you guys really seem to know your stuff when it comes to that!

I've been researching for a little while now, reading these forum and whatnot, and I've narrowed it down to the '92-'00 Honda Civic (EX and Si not preferred) and the '02-'03 Jetta TDI. I'd go for the 5-speed manual transmission in either car as I've heard their respective automatics aren't as reliable. Plus... I love driving stick!

I know the Civic is probably less expensive to run than the Jetta, but trying to find a decent Civic around here is next to impossible. They've all been beaten to within an inch of death... especially the 5-speed ones. Subwoofers, tacky rims, window tint, Altezza taillights, engine swaps... they aren't pretty. The Jettas seem to be in better shape.

Does anyone have experience with either car that they could use to help me? I don't know if it'd be worth it to chance it with a used Civic, if I could find one, or pick up a TDI for $3-6,000. Any replies would be much appreciated!

-TJ