Cheap German Car

sketchers356 · 12-29-2006, 11:38 PM

I have a stubborn mathematician friend who is looking for a new car since his 87 Volvo 740 Intercooled bust. He is looking for something with good gas mileage, reliable, and he is really set on it being German. I was thinking of recommending a Merc 300D or maybe a 190D. However, I have never driven either but I have heard that they are great (thinking of doing a WVO conversion). He wanted to spend around 2500-3000. You guys have any further recommendations?
Thanks!

Moneyguy1 · 12-29-2006, 11:57 PM

I have to be brutally honest...I would NEVER recommend an older German auto to anyone that I wished to remain on good terms with. Your friend seems the type that wants something older and still wants it reliable and cheap. Those three conditions do not include BMW, Mercedes or any other German marque. If what he really needs is a daily driver, let him look at something domestic for which parts will not require a second mortgage. (includes Asian cars built here)

Now if they still built the original beetle, I just might make a recommendation.

Rick V · 12-30-2006, 03:21 AM

I second Bobs recomendations. These cars are as durable as they come but the cost of repair is second to none. I would recomend a new MB, the C-class can be had for cheep (relativly speeking). I love mine, it has over 70k on the clock and hasn't given me a moments trouble.

stomachmonkey · 12-30-2006, 03:26 AM

Agree,

The parts can be a killer.

Victor · 12-30-2006, 03:35 AM

From "Dictionary.Com":

ox·y·mo·ron – noun, plural -mo·ra

Rhetoric. a figure of speech by which a locution produces an incongruous, seemingly self-contradictory effect, as in “cruel kindness” or “cheap GERMAN car.”

Victor · 12-30-2006, 03:39 AM

Hang on - how about an (older) VW Polo? (Not sure what they are called in Amerika - could be a "Rabbit? Or Jetta? - They are the model smaller than a Golf.)

Noah930 · Noah930's Garage

No Polo here in America. VW doesn't import it, as they deem it too small for the US market.

But a Jetta (particularly a diesel one, if he places mileage at a premium) could be a cheap German car. Just as long as he's handy as a mechanic. Easy to work on. Unfortunately, you usually have to work on them.

k9handler · 12-30-2006, 07:23 AM

buy a GM product, the German company Opel is pretty much bolt for bolt a GM product. Or Chrysler for that matter...many of them are based from MB cars.

m21sniper · 12-30-2006, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Moneyguy1
I have to be brutally honest...I would NEVER recommend an older German auto to anyone that I wished to remain on good terms with. Your friend seems the type that wants something older and still wants it reliable and cheap. Those three conditions do not include BMW, Mercedes or any other German marque. If what he really needs is a daily driver, let him look at something domestic for which parts will not require a second mortgage. (includes Asian cars built here)

Now if they still built the original beetle, I just might make a recommendation.

Depends if the friend can fix cars. I can- so moneyguy, if you see a great price on a classic german machine- you can tell me.

Steve Carlton · 12-30-2006, 08:30 AM

His criteria implies he'd like something with minimal maintenance expense. To be honest, I think it's extremely hard to find any car that fits the bill for $2,500-3,000. I'd stay away from recommending anything. He's looking at grief.

HardDrive · 12-30-2006, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Moneyguy1
I have to be brutally honest...I would NEVER recommend an older German auto to anyone that I wished to remain on good terms with. Your friend seems the type that wants something older and still wants it reliable and cheap. Those three conditions do not include BMW, Mercedes or any other German marque. If what he really needs is a daily driver, let him look at something domestic for which parts will not require a second mortgage. (includes Asian cars built here)

Now if they still built the original beetle, I just might make a recommendation.

+500

Tell him to get a used Honda Accord with 150,000 on it. He can put another 100,000.

artplumber · 09:20 AM

Quote:

...He is looking for something with good gas mileage, reliable,.........He wanted to spend around 2500-3000. You guys have any further recommendations?
Thanks!

Sounds like a Honda or Toyota to me

Sarc · 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Moneyguy1
I have to be brutally honest...I would NEVER recommend an older German auto to anyone that I wished to remain on good terms with

I agree 100%, but if I was forced to make a recommendation I would say a clean E28 BMW, but not without the warning that repairs (when required) would be pricey.

k9handler · 12-30-2006, 09:34 AM

Sarc · 12-30-2006, 09:34 AM

Forgot a photo....

VincentVega · 12-30-2006, 02:37 PM

Knock on wood. My e36 was cheap to buy and so far at least to maintain.

sketchers356 · 12-30-2006, 03:34 PM

No comment on the Mercedes W124 300Ds?

VincentVega · 12-30-2006, 03:39 PM

Great cars, but good luck finding a nice one for less than 5k.

pwd72s · 12-30-2006, 10:37 PM

"Next time I buy a car, I'm buying one I can afford. And I do mean A Ford." -Chuck Berry

89911 · 12-31-2006, 02:14 AM

I agree with the majority of the post. A while back, I bought a Volvo wagon for my family that I planned to run into the ground. After 100k miles, (started with 50), I got tired of the expense of servicing it. Sure the major parts where fine, but loads of small annoying items emerged. It then dawned on me, Volvo doesn't make a car any better then most of the other makes. The owners generally are cheaper and don't want to buy a newer car. It is cool to own a run down Volvo. Motto. Buy a Honda, Toyota, or even Subaru.