5G Jetta GLS for my kid

[svtour]

I'm looking into vehicles for my kid. Trying to stay at or below 10k for a 4-door sedan with reasonable mileage.

Cars that I've been investigating are Civics, Mazda 3's, but I'm starting to see a few Jetta GLS's in the 2006-07 range for 11k-12k. It's a stretch, but I'd be willing to take a stab at haggling. These cars seem a bit nicer than the Civics and M3's I've looked at.

So could I get a quick schooling in what to look (or look out) for in 06-07 Jettas? I'm seeing a few local cars on AT with ~70k miles in the 12k area. But I also see a GLI or two at that price or lower (which seems odd). Haven't Carfax'd any of them yet tho. (note, these are manual transmission cars, which is my preference).

Anyway, any pointers on 5th gen Jetta shopping would be appreciated greatly. Thanks!

[Chiropractor JW]

Reliability with the Civic is goingto be much greater

[DCubed]

Sold VWs for 8 years, the MKV is a very reliable car and I have a few family members who are at 130K plus on their 05.5 models (the first build of the MKV) and only had the auto trans issues that popped up in them. The 2.5L may not win any stoplight wars or be the most fuel efficient but it is designed to run a very long time. The 2008 model got a slight power increase with a slightly beefed up 5-speed manual to handle the extra power (~20HP/~7TQ increase).

[stupakjim]

I would worry more about maintenance then milage.

[deagle]

i'd get him the civic, less to worry about

if he/she doesn't keep up w/ maintenance, the civic will still run

it has better reliability ... so they won't get stranded anywhere

and it has better fuel economy .... which means more booze, er.. ramen in their dorm room