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  #1  
Old 10-14-2001, 12:35 PM
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Location: Austin, Tx
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What do you guys think... new car...

Well, for the past few months, ive been driving my dad's 92 300E. And well, its time to buy another car, so that we can all have our own cars. Well, my dad went out to look at some new ones, and he was leaning towards a new Daewoo... cause its cheap. And, well, I just couldn't let him do that, I mean, I would take the benz, and he would have to puddle around in a Daewoo. So we started looking for other cars. Now, I have the opportunity to buy a 97 Jetta VR6. What do you guys think about this car? Its almost identical engine specs as the 300E. I looked around, and I found a few mods that will put me at around 220 HP. And, on the plus side, its a stick. Beside not having an auto, the car is fully decked out, and has 43k miles. I know I will be giving up a Mercedes, but... I like driving fast, actually, I liking getting from 0-100 fast. Can't go much over that in Austin, because there are just too many lights. I would have liked a Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo, but, unfortunetaly, being 16, the insurance was going to be the price of the car, so... that basically removed all 2 doors. I was looking at a volvo 850 Turbo, but it turns out those have tranny problems, and you can't powerslide with frontwheeldrive. So yea, what do you guys think about a 97 Jetta VR6?

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  #2  
Old 10-14-2001, 12:55 PM
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Join Date: Feb 2001
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From your comments, if you drive the way you write, you will probably kill someone. I have friends in Austin and I shudder at the thought of you encountering them during one of your 0-100 mph runs or idiotic power slides.
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  #3  
Old 10-14-2001, 01:00 PM
smo0thride
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If you don't want another mercedes then I think you should get the new Subaru Impreza WRX. I test drove one of those cars and they're awesome to drive. They have 227 STOCK hp out of only a 4 cylinder, which mean fast but still good gas mileage. They have all time 4 wheel drive with a 5 spd tranny. A new one is about 25k and they just came out for 2002. If I didn't have my 190E then I would definitely want that car.
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  #4  
Old 10-14-2001, 01:39 PM
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Woa now, lets get something straight. I only powerslide on the track, and Ive gone 0-100 only about 5 times when on a 6 lane divided highway (Southwest Pkwy)... when all 6 lanes are empty. (12-3 in the morning) I would NEVER do anything that would recklessly endanger the lives of other road goers. Ive seen the consequences of street racing, and I NEVER go over the speed limit in areas where there are other people driving along. With that said, I still like going fast, and I wouldn't mind shaving a few seconds off my lap times, but im just not stupid. Now, as far as WRXs are concerned, I would really really like one, but I just don't have the money. I have around 11k to spend on this car. What do you guys think though? My dad hates 190s, so those are out... In a perfect world, I would just get another 300E or 400E from the same time period. However, all the cars I have seen so far have really high mileage, and though I know a Mercedes will last forver, I just don't wanna put down the money, well half of the car's price anyway, on a vehicle with 150K+ miles on it. So yea, anyone driven a Jetta 3? Do they feel like a benz?
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  #5  
Old 10-14-2001, 05:28 PM
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Well, if anyone is interested... I drove the jetta today. And... well.. I think its a keeper. The seats are a bit hard, but otherwise everything is really comfortable. The fit and finish is great, though not Mercedes wood grain. And, its a blast to drive. Im really liking this car...
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  #6  
Old 10-14-2001, 06:01 PM
roas
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Buy Benzmac's 16v if is still for sale, a real clean car and I think he is only asking $10k! Checkout the Shop Swap section.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=24658

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  #7  
Old 10-14-2001, 06:07 PM
SV
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Well at least you're considering another German car, the Jetta should be a fine choice. But if you're going to autocross the car once in a while, just remember that the jetta is a front wheel drive car. Have you considered a 1993 (latest generation) RX-7 twin-turbo? I know how everyone says they are not that reliable, but if you keep in in good condition, it should run. I think you can find a RX-7 for around 12K. These cars are so fast! 0-60 in 4.9 stock! And there are many options if you want to tune the car because its eaisier to mod a twin-turbo than a naturally aspirated engine.
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  #8  
Old 10-14-2001, 09:30 PM
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Hmm... well... I actually went and saw another car today, and, its a benz! Actually, a 93 300E with the 3.2 litre v6. Silver with black interior, and a 500 watt kenwood system installed! I really like that one too. So now... its just a matter of getting them both checked out with the mech, and I guess I will go from there. As far as the jetta is concerned, I had no idea it was FWD. And well, quite frankly, that sucks. So, now im hoping that there is nothing wrong with the benz.... Thanks for your help guys. And lebenz, im sorry if I caused you any undue greif with the whole driving fast thing, I just hope the fact that I go fast on the track makes you feel better...
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  #9  
Old 10-15-2001, 01:25 PM
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you know that the '93 300e has a "stay away" rating on consumer reports (check out my sig ). if i were your age, in that price range, i would look at Supras and MR2's from the mid 90's. rear drivers and both a blast to drive...
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  #10  
Old 10-15-2001, 04:22 PM
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Well when I was 16 (now 20) I had a nice 1987 Audi Special Build coupe GT Quattro. 2.3 hi-compression 5-cylinder with about 180hp stock. That beats the current 190E 2.6 I have now with a straight 6 2.6L. You want a blast, try 4wd, and a steal for $800 from an insurrance auction due to theft recovery. Had the engine, tranny, and all driveterrain, but engine seized up, and most interior parts where missing. Missing bumper, and rear hatch.

After 2 months, we had the engine swapped out for a V6 VW Corrado (only require Engine mount mods, and fuel injection, along with other normal wiring) and its 5-speed manual with little mods fit right in with the quattro driveline. The front brakes where swapped, as well as the hubs to fit a 5-bolt wheel pattern. Neuspeed was the only tuner back then I really knew off, and we used their suspension, roll bars, springs, Blistein shocks, struts, and a Borla Universal muffler, gutted exhaust, with a hi-flo catalytic.

After all that, we used lower compression rods, and got Twin Turbos mounted on. and had the car 0-60s in the low 6s. The best part of the entire car was its steering feel, and light and nimble handling. With less then $6000 put into the car (still needed interior work) it was a blast. All until one day, with summer tires and freezing rain, its 4wd just let go and rapped around a pole when my father drove it.

So now I have his 190E, and dad/mom have a new car. Now mom gets his, and dad's getting something newer.

I would say, one thing, I love MB's old Inline 6, only thing to beat them is the throtle response on BMW's. If you want a nice RWD car, look at a 92+ BMW 325 coupe or 4dr, in a stick. You will be surprised. the VW/Audi line is great, but something about FWD doesn't do it for me. The driving/handling quotient of German vehicles is trule unique.

Now being 20, the Benz is a short-stop, until my younger brother inherits it. Till then, My dad is getting something (hopefully the C32, but he wants the S500 Sport.) If you want something to modify easily, then German isn't the way. Your better off trying something else, like an 3rd Gen RX-7s. I agree, those are incredible. My friend has a 95 RX-7, a chip, and simple exhaust with free flowing air intakes. Hes just around 300 from 255hp.

Its quick, RWD, and a blast.

Good Luck, take care.
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  #11  
Old 10-15-2001, 04:50 PM
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I heard Daewoo bought the old 300e design, or parts of it. Anybody lnow if thats true?
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  #12  
Old 10-15-2001, 05:04 PM
SV
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What ? Nooooooo way.
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  #13  
Old 10-15-2001, 05:11 PM
hms59
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fi just want to say that "powersliding" actually doesnt shave time, but gains time in road racing, not to mention that it tears up tires.

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