My first car--Volkswagen Beetle or Toyota Corolla?

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I am 22. A poor college student and finally can get my first car. I don't know which car I should buy. I really like small cars; especially VW Beetle. But I google a lot and have asked many people, they all think I should get a Toyota Corolla.

I really LOVE VW Beetle; is VW Beetle really that bad?
Now I find one is 2001 Beetle--80K, $5,500. Do you think it's worth to buy?

And another one is Toyota Corolla--92K, 1993, $2,550.

Which one should I buy? Or any suggestions would be great. Oh, when I go to buy the car, what things should I check? (ex, Timing belt...etc).
 
The first car is a tough pick for anyone.

The Toyota Corolla doesn't have the style of the Volkswagen Beetle, but it does have much better reliability (the Beetle ranked at the very bottom of all compact cars in reliability, and second to last for all cars period). The Corolla gets better gas mileage when compared with a gas-powered Beetle, and it has more useful space in it. Also, I've been told that it's hard to get used to the Beetle's curved windshield and massive dashboard, plus the incredibly short hood (it's like driving in an upside fish bowl with a metal roof). There's also a wagon available for even more space.

The Volkswagen Beetle, on the other hand, performs better and has retro styling that the Corolla can't match. If you opt for the diesel engine, it also gets better mileage and is nearly as reliable. The interior is also nicer, more luxurious, and roomier (except the back seat).

If you don't mind paying big for repair bills or driving a diesel-powered car, the Beetle is a good choice. Parts for either car are insanely expensive when compared with an American car (both companies have to get the parts shipped overseas), but at least the Toyota won't break down nearly as much.

Here are some other cars you may want to look at in this category under $6,000:

Acura Integra
BMW 318I
Chevrolet Cavalier
Chevrolet Prizm
Dodge Neon
Dodge Shadow
Eagle Summit
Ford Escort
Ford Focus
Geo Prizm
Honda Civic
Hyundai Elantra
Kia Spectra
Mazda 3
Mazda Protege
Mercury Tracer
Mitsubishi Mirage
Nissan Sentra
Plymouth Neon
Plymouth Sundance
Pontiac Sunbird
Pontiac Sunfire
Saturn Ion
Saturn SL
Subaru Impreza
Suzuki Esteem
Suzuki Forenza
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Jetta

Out of the above models, only the Dodges, Nissan, Plymouths, and gas-powered Volkswagens have reliability issues. The rest all scored average or higher, including diesel-powered versions of the two Volkswagens. Several models offer wagon versions, and the Chevrolet Cavalier, both Pontiacs, and the Volkswagen Golf are even available as convertibles.

You can search for them on this website:

http://www.autotrader.com

It's easy to use and covers the entire United States, so you should be able to find a car wherever you're at.

I hope this has answered your question. If you have any more, please feel free to ask.
 
the Toyota is much more reliable and parts are much cheaper.

VW's are becoming collectors items, selling for sky high prices.

avoid the new beetle at all cost.

if you like that small car feel look at the mazda miata.
 
Get a Corolla.

VW Beetles are expensive to own. People think they look cute but most don't understand how very unreliable they are.

Toyota Corollas are much cheaper to own and way more reliable. The Corolla has always been a good first car.
 
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