1992 vw jetta need advice

Hi, I'm new to this forum and to VWs. I am looking to buy a 1992 jetta 5 speed with 142K miles on it. Is this a good buy? or should i avoid this year/others? your input is much appreciated!!!

-Philip

Phillip, If you are prepared to do reasonable maintenance and you have someone that knows Jettas safety check it, This can be a real solid car. Why safety inspection? Its 17 yrs old. A certified safety inspector checks a lot of hidden parts, and known weak points.Where I live the going rate is $100.00 Thats a lot less than a brake job.
With the inspection in hand you will be in better position to decide. Prices are all over the map. Look in craigslist locally
Allan

ok that sounds alright. so is maintenance and fixing a "simple" part expensive or hard to do on VWs? also i don't have much driving experience with a stick shift. all i've driven is my bothers shitty civic and Audi. is it hard to get the hang of VWs?

the car has no rust or tares in the seats and looks to be in really good condition cosmetically. i just need to know if it is reliable mechanically and what else i need to watch out for.
Thanks so much for your help.
-Philip
P.S. he is asking about $1500 for it what do you think i could get for it?

Phillip, First Easy to repair is a relative question. I have worked on some real stinkers.The worst was a butchered austin mini
with a internally cracked transmission. The easiest was a 1949 IHC. Vw's are common and if you shop parts are cheap.
$1500 for a 1992 5 speed. MMMMM first question is when was the timing belt last changed???? Second How tight is the shifter linkage??? Brakes can wear out very rapidly in any car. Apply the e brake. count the clicks. should be full lock up at around 3, pedal should travel about 1/2 inch and not much more before resistance felt. Use your little finger. Gently test the steering wheel side to side Max free play on any vehicle 1/2 inch is is the law. You need to know when the clutch was replaced , Its overdue for most drivers.

My advice stands. You need to beg borrow or however you can entice someone who knows cars to have a look at it. I suggest looking on craigslist in your area first. I would not pay more than a few hundred for a 1992. unless its something real special. Have a look at this sale-93brf-1207321484@craigslist.org? Allan

thanks for the info Allan i will definitely check all the stuff and ask the owner all those things you mentioned. i tried that link you put on your post but it didnt work. Im form Minnesota I tried to look for a safety inspection on craigslist but couldnt find anything. what did you mean when you said get a safety inspection? you can probably tell this is the first time that I am buying a car and a lot of this is new to me. thanks again for the info!!

-Philip

Phillip, Your state does not use safety inspection, or smog inspections sinse 1999. You might want to phone this number 651 380 1605 in Minnesota. Its much more realistically priced and a 1995. Allan

thank you for all of your help Allan. one more question, how much would insurance run me on a jetta? is it relatively cheep?
-Philip

Hello, I am 55/ with a clean driving record. I just put pink slip on my cars. If I break it I fix or junk it. I pay $50/month
including plates a bit more. One of the men I work with has received a number of fast tickets, the last being $1200 for excessive speed in a school zone. Then an drunk charge on top of that. To get his license back is about $2500. He has not bothered to. The cheapest insurance he could find is $2000 per month for pink slip. If he stays off the road for 5 years the licence will cost $75.00 and about $200/month insurance. He is 59
You need to ask some of your friends in your age bracket and shop. Allan

what type of insurance do you recommend? and also i have been looking at different vw repair and service books. which one is a good one to get?