I think you gonna get a variety of answers for your question. Some guys have had some bad luck, other have had very little bad luck... the important thing is you have come to the right place
I personaly dont think there is much differenec in maintenance costs between the golf and jetta 4's. Provided you look after your e46. Dont be stingy and service her regularly. Chat to the clever guys onthe forum and get an idea of when to service. Some guys dont wait for the service indicator to count all the way down.
There will obviously be some stuff that your car would need to make her sweet, but the guys on here will give you a good heads up.
Expansion tanks normally need replacing etc. tackle one thing at a time till your done, then its routine maintenance.
The yanks have a problem with the pre facelift rear subframe tearing out, i havent ben able to get and answer as to wether this applies to euro spec cars like ours. I do know that the problem was rectified with the facelift models ( 2003 onwards )
Where i would advise you to be patient is in looking for the right car. I would also recommend that you look to private sellers. Second hand stealers rip the poephol right out the chicken.
When i was looking the average price for a Facelift 318i 2003 model was between 95k and 103k and then the mielage was over 200k.
I found my car in joburg ( i am in PE ) a 2003 318i Facelift with 150k on the clock ( just had 150k service ) Full service history, black leather interior was like new, not a scratch on the seats ( even smelt like a new car/leather inside and still does ) steering wheel controls and all the trimmings, the engine bay was spotless. Car was bought by a gentleman for his wife to go to work and back on ( highway Km's )
The vehicle was/is in showroom condition, onl thing i did was replace one of the breather/vent pipes as it got squashed under one of the engine covers. ( R320 )
Owner wanted R79k offered him R75 and we shook hands. Car went to AA for a once over, just in case, and passed with flying colours ( guy at AA called me and wanted to know if i wanted to sell the car
lol )
If you dont have the cash on hand, go to FNB and go private to private finance, couple of my mates have used them and they are very happy.
When i called my broker to add the car to my policy he said that he cant insure it for what i paid, the book value is R109,770 :shocked:
So a car, better, newer, lower Km's and a single owner for about R20k less than a second hand dealer car.. and all it took was some patience and hunting. Worth it i think :thumbsup:
Maybe spend a Liiiiitle bit more now and get a Facelift 318i... the difference in motors and hence power is big. pre face is a 88kW/118bhp where the facelift is a 105kw/141bhp 2.0L
My best mate has a pre face 318i, hence my advice :thumbsup:
Go get yourself a BMW !! You will love the experience ! It truly is sheer driving pleasure :drool:
