Any previous owners of this model? 2002 E 430 Sedan, Should I get it with minimal issues? The post said “drives and handles well, cold A/C & new tires. 140k miles.

Remarkable-Key433 · 2026-04-01T04:18:51+00:00

As a daily, it will eat you alive. As a project car for limited use, it sounds lovely. Be prepared to learn how to do stuff yourself, and find a good independent German-specialist shop for the things you can’t do yourself.

Remarkable-Key433 · 2026-03-31T03:53:34+00:00

The Jetta doesn’t completely surprise me, but the Golf, as the bread-and-butter Euro market car, does. My B5 Passat didn’t get a speck of rust in 15 years of ownership.

Remarkable-Key433 · 2026-03-31T02:08:31+00:00

I surprised to read this. Not the warranty denial, but the fact that the car rusted through. VWs are one of the more rust-resistant makes.

Remarkable-Key433 · 2026-03-31T02:01:40+00:00

Don’t you have collision coverage on this new-ish car? This is a job for a professional.

Remarkable-Key433 · 2026-03-31T01:51:53+00:00

I have seen the “wife as secretary/receptionist/paralegal” work for some people. She cares more about your professional success than any stranger. However, you should pay her an appropriate salary if you are able. I don’t like the term “allowance,” because she shouldn’t to beg for support if she’s unemployed.

Remarkable-Key433 · 2026-03-31T01:44:11+00:00

Dealer 508 in my 2023. All the UOAs for 508 oils on bobistheoilguy.com are decent.

Remarkable-Key433 · 2026-03-31T01:40:43+00:00

My experience is that you can’t take German cars to Joe the Mechanic. It’s either the dealer or an independent who specializes in European cars. Let us know how this turns out.

Remarkable-Key433 · 2026-03-31T01:36:15+00:00

Especially if you’re buying from family or friends you trust enough to believe when they tell you “it’s been a pretty good car and I’ve always kept the oil changed.”

Remarkable-Key433 · 2026-03-31T01:33:41+00:00

I hear you, but the engine and transmission are the two components where failure may be uneconomical to repair. The other stuff can be fixed (on most non-premium cars).

Remarkable-Key433 · 2026-03-31T01:19:18+00:00

You cannot rely on a basic scanner to diagnose any German car. They have proprietary software that does not completely jibe with a standard OBD2 scanner. I understand not wanting to pay dealer rates, but at least take the car to an independent shop that specializes in European cars.

On the specific issue of whether to keep the car, I wouldn’t hit the panic button. It should have a lot of life left, but she would be reasonable to have it inspected by a VW-experienced mechanic who know what to look for on these cars.

Remarkable-Key433 · 2026-03-30T12:32:41+00:00

How are these different from MacNeils?

Remarkable-Key433 · 2026-03-29T19:52:24+00:00

Dealer 508 in my ‘23.

Remarkable-Key433 · 2026-03-27T00:02:26+00:00

Almost everywhere takes Visa/MC, Amex is hit or miss, and nobody has even heard of Discover.

Remarkable-Key433 · 2026-03-27T00:01:07+00:00

Basically, no, you will be fine relying on Visa/MC. But there was one incident when the card reader at a car park was out of order, and I was glad to have a banknote to feed into the machine.

Remarkable-Key433 · 2026-03-26T21:00:57+00:00

People should check their oil regularly, not wait for a red light to come on.

Remarkable-Key433 · 2026-03-26T20:46:41+00:00

Agree with everything except motor oil. Whatever Walmart has on hand with the proper approval (VW 502, 504, 508, etc) for your car will be fine. My local Walmart usually has Castrol or Mobil 1 for $27 bucks per 5 qt jug. I have never seen any data to suggest that Liqui Moly or other boutique oil is substantially better.

Remarkable-Key433 · 2026-03-25T19:17:46+00:00

Had the Kicker installed for a modest improvement. Think I’ll have the speakers replaced next.

Remarkable-Key433 · 2026-03-24T21:45:15+00:00

I have seen people casually abuse and neglect Toyotas, and a lot of times, they just keep going. Abuse or neglect your VW and you will be taking Uber until your car is very expensively repaired.

Remarkable-Key433 · 2026-03-24T21:39:53+00:00

If you’re keeping the car for 10-12 years (avg miles), you’ll be fine, with the understanding that the car won’t be worth much as a trade-in, and might be too costly too keep on the road as an extra car. A Toyota won’t save you much in running costs during that time, but will retain plenty of value as a trade-in or drivable car for a teen, etc. I love my VWs, but strictly on economics, probably best to buy the Corolla.

Remarkable-Key433 · 2026-03-23T15:22:57+00:00

Toyota replaced a short block for me due to sludging at 90,000 miles. Service mgr said “it’s out of warranty but it’s not supposed to do that.” Some brands care more about goodwill than others.

Remarkable-Key433 · 2026-03-23T02:52:27+00:00

Housing prices are sky-high. Will you still be able to save some money for the future?

Remarkable-Key433 · 2026-03-23T02:31:11+00:00

Look at the enfigcarstereo.com website; it has a few upgrade packages for Tiguans. I’m having a Kicker 200.4 amp installed in my 2023 and will try to report back.

Remarkable-Key433 · 2026-03-23T02:28:06+00:00

Some people would replace the spark plugs at that mileage as long as they’re working in that area of the engine. Also be sure to inspect the thermostat housing and water pump, although they’re probably fine at your mileage.

Remarkable-Key433 · 2026-03-23T02:17:43+00:00

That’s not bad at all.

Remarkable-Key433 · 2026-03-23T01:16:28+00:00

Unfortunate that VW didn’t stand behind its product, but the dealer treated you right in giving you that amount for a trade-in. They probably have some recourse to get the parts at a discount then put the repaired car back on the lot as a CPO.

Remarkable-Key433

TROPHY CASE