1997 MB E230 or 2001 VW new Beetle

[edl100]

I already own the Mercedes. Is it a good idea to trade this car to a slightly used new VW Beetle 2.0?? Or just keep the E-Class??

Why trade the benz?

1) it is kinda difficult to park in tight spaces.
2) looks old already compared with the new E-Class
3) I travel alone most of the time.
4) With the influx of those SUBIC Mercedes, the prestige of the brand suffered.
5) Robbers and Kidnap gangs are attracted to this car.

Why the Beetle?

1) I feel it would not age too much within this century.
2) Not too common on our streets.
3) I think no one will carnap this car.


Thanks for any feedback good or bad.

[Bogeyman]

I'm a Beetle fan myself, but the fact that the New Beetle is not too common in our streets could mean that you won't find too many mechanics who are familiar with its workings, in case it breaks down. Don't get me wrong; it might be no problem if you have money to burn for genuine VW parts and service, but if that were the case, then you'd be looking at something more than a slightly-used Beetle by now, right?

Some other complaints I came across:

- insufficient headroom/legroom in rear seats
- expensive parts replacement
- trim parts falling off
- windshield too wide, dashboard too long
- body rattles on bumpy roads
- worse-than-advertised (read: disappointing) gas mileage

A test drive of the Beetle you're eyeing, if it's at all possible, might help you decide on the matter. If you'll be using the car by yourself most of the time, then I suppose the Beetle is a better alternative.

[OTEP]

I'd stick with the Benz. They take a beatin' but just keep on tickin'.

If you want a Beetle, get the 'old' one. I'm not a fan of the 'VW-Golf-in-different-clothes' that the New Beetle is.

[Hero]

medyo pang girlie yung beetle eh..halos lahat ng nakikita kong may new beetle eh mga motherly..

kahit anong car naman kung target ng masasamang loob titirahin ka talaga..

kaya stick with the benz..

[mazdamazda]

from what I've read from local New Beetle owners here are some of their complaints:

> underpowered engine
> ground clearance is too low

[KCboy]

stick with the 97 e class. it wont look old, just keep it clean, wax n shiney, it'll still be a good car. a benz is and will always be a benz.

[Altis6453]

Make mine Mercedes!

[edl100]

Thanks for your replies. It made me think twice of my car swap.

I did test drive the beetle and I found it ok. The 2 beetles being sold had very low mileage. (I wouldnt buy this car Brand new. I am not a sucker)

I did notice that both have low quality and easily scratched plastics.
Driving it takes getting used to since you cannot see the hood as compared with the Benz.

Anyway, this car would be used by my retired mom and dad who just goes to Malls.

If I can just haggle a good price for it. I think P840,000 is a very good price for it.

[Elroi]

Sorry if this is out of the equation.. if you don't intend to push thru with the swap and balak mo na lang bilhin yung VW at 840k, di kaya mas mainam na brandnew japanese car na lang bilhin mo.. less sakit ng ulo at cheaper pa ang maintenance compared to a used '01 Beetle.. there are so many choices for 840k..

[edl100]

Originally Posted by raikonen

Sorry if this is out of the equation.. if you don't intend to push thru with the swap and balak mo na lang bilhin yung VW at 840k, di kaya mas mainam na brandnew japanese car na lang bilhin mo.. less sakit ng ulo at cheaper pa ang maintenance compared to a used '01 Beetle.. there are so many choices for 840k..

Thanks for the inputs.... I won't trade the Benz anymore. I'll just sell my other car to buy this Beetle.

Anyway, I have tried almost all car brands and only found real satisfaction in European cars. Of all cars I have owned, the HONDA brand is still the best in reliability and performance. But it does not mean I will stick to honda. I still prefer Euro cars even though maintenance is crazy.
I would drive a new shape beetle ANYTIME than a Civic, corolla, lancer.