well my little sister just turned 16 and she's got her eyes set for a new beetle or a new saturn. the beetle is a 2001 with 40k miles asking $9,500 and they'll split a 3 year warranty. other option is a 2002 saturn ion...nice little car btw...with 12k miles asking $9,500 as well. the saturn has a lot left on the warranty and is a few years newer, but the girl really likes the beetle. so the question is....given how many miles are on the car i don't expect too much to go wrong so soon, but i've heard the foreign cars are more expensive to repair than domestic. that and i've been told volkswagen engines are built good and built to last. (side note: i got spanked by a golf one time, man that was embarassing). so is there any truth to this? i mean, granted the beetle has 40k on it, but with an extended warranty and the rumor of vw's having well built engines...is it beetle the way to go or the ion. personally i liked the ion and would go that route. what's your .02?

 

I would think the Saturn would be the better choice when you look at the numbers. Longer warranty, less miles, easier and cheaper to have serviced, good reputation. The Saturn could carry her through college (especially with an extended warranty), then she could buy whatever vehicle she wants when she gets her new job.

 

if it were me....I'd buy the Bug

I've owned 4 VW's...(all of which were outstanding vehicles....I sold one to buy the next)...a '76 Rabbit Diesel, an '83 Rabbit VR6 conversion, a 92 Corrado, and a '98 Passat Wagon, in all the time I owned them I NEVER had ANY problems with them that were not directly attributable to something I did (I had a couple of burned clutches on the VR6 conversion and the Corrado)

Buy the Bug.......

 

My fiance had a Saturn when we first met. It was the biggest peice of crap Ive ever seen. It totally died after 3 years with a perfect service record and $200- $400 in additional repair/ troubleshooting expeneses per month for the last 6 months of its life. I wouldnt drive one if it was given to me. They dont hold their value for **** either.

 

Those Volks are cute for girl to drive. That would not be my choice fi I intend to keep past the warranty though.

 

My parents had a 5 speed '00 beatle. it had 44,000 on it when they traded it in on their suburban. The clutch on the beatle was on it;s way out and the electrical system was all screwed up. Sometimes when you would turn on the a/c the cd player would cut out. Also sometimes when you would turn on the Cd player it would cut out the dash lights. i could keep going but i think you get the idea.
Go with the saturn

 

My friend has had her Bug for 2 years and absolutely loves it. The dealer tried to talk her into the turbo but she said the regualr version had all the power she would ever need. Goes up this huge hill here in San Diego in 3rd gear, no problems at all for the last 2 years. I'd get the Bug.

 

She will be 16 only once. Let her pick the one, At least she hasen't ask for
a Vette!

 

so both suck? I guess tell her to get a fullsize Chevy.

 

I've been a certified VW journeyman tech for 5 years so I can give you a good deal of help and info if ever needed. VW engines are VERY long lasting but their transmissions are not. That shouldn't be a concern if it is covered under the ext. warranty though. They do have many electrical problems and several recalls depending on the engine. All in all, with a good proper warranty, it's not a bad deal. If you need any specific questions answered let me know. Good luck with either car.