Im looking for a first car for about 3500€ which can hopefully last a few years daily commuting During my apprenticeship

Now, I come from a Toyota family, since they are reliable af in the engine Department, even if they (at least the yaris and prius from the 00s) drive pretty badly

But the aygos sold here for that price have extremely high mileage (as in 160k+), and even if they have been treated for Rust, which they have probably not knowing the people who drive a 2006 aygo base model without aircon), it tends to be very noticeable on the inside of the car and all the nice to have stuff

Now, I've been looking at the VW golf 3 door from about 03, they go for about 2800€ Max for like 100k, but from what I've heard VW, Audi and the likes tend to die around 100k, but they are just so great in every other aspect

So now I'm looking for comments from the car gods.

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[–] 2 points 11 hours ago* (1 child)

Parts availability starts to get weird. Wear items are usually available regardless of year like filters. After 20+ years, big vehicle specificitems like axles tend to be less common but still usually available as aftermarket parts, but not from OEM like suppliers for normal prices. Anything older than that, it gets dry if it's a normal car. Enthusiast cars have a better aftermarket but that's not always the case.

I do agree on repairability but repairability is moot when you can't get good parts.

I also agree on the DIY aspect.

Also it really depends on the gearbox. VW sources either common Aisin automatics or makes their own (manual and DSG). The aisin gearboxes can be treated like Toyota gearboxes and can use their fluid. My Passat has a Aisin TF60SN gearbox. I can use the same fluid for that as my Toyota Sienna (it's an 08 so it takes the same WS fluid instead of the dex iii or T-IV).

The TF60sn is bad for other reasons but not entirely VWs fault.

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  • [–] 1 point 9 hours ago

    My car is 2007. I have no problem with parts nor troubles with repairs. I found most primitive car with things i need: A/C, cruise control, silent cabin and pretty nice audio. No chain, no egr, no turbo, no dsg. I think it'll run next 5 years without big problems. 2500€ car, on maintenance and repairs i spent less than 1000€. Only thing i need is cool sticker for bonus horse powers 😎

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