Hi there guys I'm new here. I decided to get a name after I put a refundable deposit down on a new RS3 tc but I am in a dilemma. In the driveway sits a 2002 VW Jetta 1.8t with official votex body kit from VW. It has been good to me but it's coming out of it's powertrain warranty at 60k miles. I enjoy the tc and everyone really likes to make it their own with parts or body kits or whatever. I personally like something with a sense of style and refinement. Think about the movie The Transporter, you get the idea refinement with an edge. I just don't know if I'm downgrading myself with the scion. I had a 94 Celica and i had some good times with it. I just hate buying a car everyone else on the road has, i need something different. Thought the RS3 would do that for me. Do you guys think I've moved on to bigger and better things and to disregard the tc as a choice for the European enthusiast?





Kind of a double topic I know but I'll ask anyway. If you do think the tc is a good choice then riddle me this.... I have a 5-speed tiptronic in my car. I have never owned a stick shift car but I was thinking the manual is the way to go so that's whats on the paperwork right now. I drive in the city a lot and not much on the highways. I am going to drive the auto tomorrow just to make sure I don't want them to change order to an auto. Everyone's been real nice so far thought I could share with you guys my confusion.

 

dude, keep the car you have. dont put urself in debt even more and save the money going to fix up the tc instead put it on the VW.

 

Actually I paid off the car I currently have and don't have any debt at all. I also like to keep things mostly stock using official VW or Toyota parts only to make it better.

 

oh i see, thats good.

i still say keep the car.

you said you "i enjoy the tc" -elaborate, so you drove one before?

 

Yeah I enjoy the feeling I get when i drive it. It feels like a nice machine, decent size backseat for a sportscar, like the sunroof too, pretty peppy motor. I know what Toyota is trying to do making a car whatever you want it to be straight from the dealer and it's a great idea. Everything just seems to be easier to work with inside the car in one way shape or form. I really can't describe what it is that attracts me to it, rides good and just feels nice, haha. I know the engine is bulletproof and so is the local dealership's service you don't even need an appointment for an oil change or anything. Service is countless times better than at the vw dealer and everything costs less as well. Gas mileage is better too and I wouldn't have to use premium anymore.

 

i dont consider the tC as a sports car.

i dont even know if they fix the stereo door squeak or the hatch squeak/rattle.

but for a sporty feel i would switch over to a impreza 2.5i or a lil bit more you can get the new mazdaspeed 3!

 

[quote}i dont consider the tC as a sports car.

i dont even know if they fix the stereo door squeak or the hatch squeak/rattle.

but for a sporty feel i would switch over to a impreza 2.5i or a lil bit more you can get the new mazdaspeed 3![/quote]

I know they fixed the hatch rattle that's what the dealer rep said. I looked at the impreza but I hate the dash, ug. Isn't that what everyone else drives anyway? Mazdaspeed 3 is kinda nice but i just don't like the lines and you can't replace the stock stereo without ripping apart like half the dash and re fabricating it yourself, haha. Nice thoughts though wouldn't mind any more if you have them.

 

the dealer will say anything for you to buy what they have.

my comments are a little biased since im guessing im one of the few still up right now to care to reply.

i dont hate my car, i just figure after it bieng out for almost 3 years theres something newer and better for 07 for you to consider.

 

My Mom's 2002 (<-I think) GTI is comparable IMO to the tC (with suspension upgrades). Her GTI feels about the same as the tC, maybe a bit slower. The tC is stylish and an RS3 will give you exclusivity.

 

Civic Si price is very close to RS3 price
(lets keep the honda hate comments off, because the 06 si is a good car for the price)

 

The Si is a great car but the tC has more of a 'European flavor' than the Honda.

 

ok ok ok ill let it end there


for the price range of 15-25k for coupes you can get

rsx
accord coupe
tiburon
cooper
eclipse
camry solara
vw gti

* from edmunds, i dint list american cars, ie g5, cobalt and such

 

If it were my money, it'd probably be between those two assuming an 'S' on both.

 

i like the cooper-s but sad to say im too tall for it. i need a boxy car with a load of head room and automatic please.

 

Another thing to note, none of those other cars would deliver the exclusivity the OP wants.

 

i think with exclusivity comes $

so pay more for a car that other people cant afford

 

I had a Jetta before i bought the tc and i had the same things run through my mind. Overall the tc is a nice car but comparing the two i'd choose VW.

 

I do like the other choices you guys are giving me as well. I mean the civic si is nice for the money. But you're just another Honda on the road. I drove the RSX and I really liked that one i must say but the backseat is pretty small compared to the tc. The mini suffers from the same thing. I will have 3 people total in the car pretty often so I need something pretty decent size.

 

I would never consider keeping a VW over a toyota.. or most other brands.. especially when the VW is about out of warranty. But it is your money and your car, so do what makes you happy. But saying a more reliable platform that looks awesome, runs great, pulls decent for a stock NA 4 banger and has a ton of features for a good price is beneath you is way off. The tC is a great car IMO.

 

best choice financially would probably be to keep the VW and get an extended warranty on it or something. it's already paid off, and trading in won't net you too much money since they devalue so quickly.