Okay, here's the situation:
I'm looking for a daily driver for <$5k to keep miles of the WRX. Right now I have it narrowed down to two choices: 1998 Nissan 200SX SE-R w/77k miles and a 1998 VW Golf 3 GTI(8v 4-cylinder) w/65k miles. Both are in similar condition, and both are going for $4500. The VW has some paint oxidation and will probably need resprayed in a year or so, probably never waxed since new. From my driving experiences, I prefer the SE-R, but I had the owner of the VW sitting next to me in the GTI and we were in the middle of downtown San Diego, so I didn't really push it. The SE-R has a stiff clutch, not sure why. My wife really dislikes it and is trying to push me toward the VW. Reliability and performance are my two priorities. Which would you choose and why?

 

If you are concerned about reliablilty, do not get the VW.

 

vw

 

YES i agree. i sell cars for a living. . . and VW's are on my most HATED list.(if we have a VW on our lot-trade in- i refuse to try to sell it unless the customer specifically asks 4 it) everyone we had(no matter what mileage) was a "heat" car. VW has some silly philosophies when it comes to certain parts... like a plastic sleeve that connects the water pump to the engine... .
but das jus me.
i am a firm believer that japanese take more pride in making products that last.
but i must say that vdubs have the best "lines" other than audi...

aloha from the summit of Mauna Kea

 

^^^^
Ditto