In my situation which car would be best?

[Ryland]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

Don't understand the cc/fussy Metro comment; the Metro I know has one and it works.

I gained that just from talking to people who have Geo Metro's and tried to put cruse control on them, one person thought that they were having trouble because their cruse control worked off engine vacuum and was to sensitive for the 1,000cc engine? but if it works then by all means do it.

[Awd180]

Turbos don't take more maintenance unless abused, an older vw that hasn't been taken care will need work. The good thing is there are a number of junk yards with cheap replacements if labor and parts are too much. Also if you're not comfortable doing the work pass, but it isn't hard. For the metro its about the same except cheaper and a lower top speed. The insight may be a good choice but has far less choices for maintenance. Tdi's are a high demand car, if you find one for a good price that's runs and the engine doesn't look like a sludge factory buy it. If you can find a good metro its not a first choice but it will get you there and back with a little change in your pocket, but fun level below lethargic.

[doviatt]

Originally Posted by Awd180

... If you can find a good metro its not a first choice but it will get you there and back with a little change in your pocket, but fun level below lethargic.

Ok. I'll agree with you to a point. But, who has fun driving to work? Save your fun for weekends with a different (more expensive) car.
My old Metro (not Tweety) was only used for work (and on purpose as I only bought it for the work commute). It was never driven on weekends, nor evenings, or even grocery runs, as it was so ugly, uncomfortable, bad, only I enjoyed driving it because of the savings and challenge for efficiency. The money I saved gave me better things in life that I actually enjoyed. My new convertible Metro, however, is lot's of fun and very efficient. I enjoy driving it.

Oh, and cruse control? Don't use it. Don't install it. It is inefficient. Drive with intent and focus always with your mind engaged. Take the effort and get good at adjusting to the variability of the commute. It takes practice but it is better and more enjoyable than mindless cruising.

[Awd180]

Originally Posted by doviatt

Ok. I'll agree with you to a point. But, who has fun driving to work? Save your fun for weekends with a different (more expensive) car.
My old Metro was only used for work (and on purpose as I only bought it for the work commute). It was never driven on weekends, nor evenings, or even grocery runs, as it was so ugly, uncomfortable, bad, only I enjoyed driving it because of the savings and challenge for efficiency. The money I saved gave me better things in life that I actually enjoyed. My new convertible Metro, however, is lot's of fun and very efficient. I enjoy driving it.

Why so contradictory, oh yeah you may enjoy the drive but lack power. But that's the efficiency game, in no way can the enjoyment of driving a metro be compared to a tdi. The unibody construction is by far superior.

[doviatt]

Originally Posted by Awd180

Why so contradictory, oh yeah you may enjoy the drive but lack power. But that's the efficiency game, in no way can the enjoyment of driving a metro be compared to a tdi. The unibody construction is by far superior.

Not contradictory! I (we) have both a Metro and a new TDI.
I love driving my wife's TDI when I can (she lets me), which is why I initially posted my vote for all three options. I'll admit the VW is way more fun. But when driving to work, hum, de, dum.. bla, bla, bla...once I get their I'm there. The journey wasn't anything to rave about.

I don't need power. I need to get to work and the TDI payments hurt more than the Metro.

[Awd180]

Originally Posted by doviatt

Not contradictory! I (we) have both a Metro and a new TDI.
I love driving my wife's TDI when I can, which is why I initially posted my vote for all three options. I'll admit the VW is way more fun. But when driving to work, hum, de, dum.. bla, bla, bla...once I get their I'm there. The journey wasn't anything to rave about.

I don't need power. I need to get to work.

See you have options. We don't have the op's options, spending limit but if a or b most would choice a. If you can choice both in your case kudos. No matter what, how enjoyable is it to drive 55miles at at least 65mph. From my quick search stock setup will have the car running between 3-3.5rpm or higher. The tdi should be between 2-2.5rpm with a 5spd, lower in a 6spd.

[Frank Lee]

I can never fathom people who ask other people what they should buy. Test drive a few and make up your own mind. You are the final judge anyway.

[doviatt]

I'll admit I do have options now. Back then...I didn't (original '89Metro). My wife was pissed when I drove home in my $450 ugly '89 Geo Metro. After many years and nearly flawless miles she started to get my willingness to experience the pain I sacrificed for savings. I celebrate that she actually considered my suggestion for the TDI that she just purchased for fun and efficiency (she was thinking large SUV). I knew she liked fun driving and the economics I embrace has worn off on her a bit. Her car purchase was her choice. The TDI is amazing and lots of fun to drive. Just consider (original post) the entry cost. Find a good VW at a good price and you get both.

[doviatt]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

I can never fathom people who ask other people what they should buy. Test drive a few and make up your own mind. You are the final judge anyway.

I agree, frankly. It does seem that we humans need validation for our wants. Several votes of agreement of our peers seems to justify our desires whether they made sense originally, or not. Disagreement just makes us angry.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

I'd rather get a TDI with a secondary heated tank for WVO over a hybrid any day

But if you couldn't get a manual TDI for a good price, a Metro has a good value for the money you'd be putting on it.