Stop right there. First thing is not to select a car, but to select a price range. Pick a number that's financially acceptable to you and don't ever go above that number because that's all you can afford to spend. Provided these are cars within your price range, look at competing manufacturers' vehicles as well. Let's say that price limit is 5000 dollars, since that's about what Protege ES's are going for on Craigslist. For 5000 dollars, a few competing vehicles are 2002-2003 Dodge Neon ACR's (non-turbo, not SRT-4's with ACR performance package), Mitsubishi Lancers before the 2003 model year, Contour SVT, Focus SVT, Escort SVT, various Civics, VW Golfs of varying model years, Nissan 240SX, the occasional MR2 (if you don't mind a late 80's early 90's vehicle) and many others. Remember, run the VIN before considering a purchase, check the reciepts from service done on the vehicle so you can see what was replaced and what wasn't, and what problems are recurring and what you may be inheriting. Don't lock yourself into a vehicle choice because it limits options and exacerbates the situation. Flexability is important, and all of the cars just previously listed get good fuel economy, have adequate performance at least on par with your Protege ES choice (with the Contour having the largest engine of the group save that very rare MR2 going for cheap and the ACR probably having the best suspension of the group).
Jettas are relatively reliable. The horror stories are far and few between. I know 5 people off the top of my head with Jettas of varying model years with no problems, electrical or otherwise. They are also faster but have more expensive parts.
AHH !
So after all this bulls*** with me having to pay for my own car my parents got me a ******* brand new Volkswagen R32!!! as early graduation presents haha!
Ahh s*** my protege is in the dumps now
but thanks for suggestions
