Questions and Answers

Volkswagen Jetta, Time To Retire It Q. Vince: I currently own a 1991 Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Diesel with 194,000 miles. I'm at a boiling point in terms of blood pressure because the costs are escalating rapidly. For example: second Diesel injection pump, third water pump, third timing belt, third Heater core etc. I use this as my daily driver, 16 miles round trip, and like the fuel mileage, but the costs are killing me.

I'm planning on replacing this with an early 90's midsize SUV with a slim budget, $2,500.00 to $3,000.00 and I've been looking at the following choices: Jeep Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota 4Runner.

What do you suggest? I tend to keep my car's until they die, so longevity is important. I have three growing kids and a dog that I transport everywhere on weekends.

Thanks,
David

A. WOW! Two injection pumps at $2,300.00 each, I think I would have considered getting rid of it before the second pump. But, be that as it may.

I don't like to recommend one vehicle over another. If I say "Buy this one, it's good" and you do. Then three weeks later the engine blows up and you come back to me and say "You told me to buy it". Now you're mad and I feel lower than a snakes belly.

All three of your choices are good ones and any one will give you a few years of dependable service with proper care and maintenance.

My personal preference would be the Nissan Pathfinder. They are well built, have a strong engine and are easy to work on. Plus I like the way they look and the feel when driving.