selling a VW Jetta - stick shift - liklihood of success

Hi,

Just a suggestion, be as specific as you can... Is it a diesel or gasoline engine? Where is the car at?

I've seen more manual transmission cars in STX than in STT but, it is almost a draw... I wouldn't buy a diesel engine car in the VI's so, hopefully, yours is a gasoline engine powered vehicle... Probably, the biggest downside is that it is a VW, meaning parts and mechanics are far and few... Even when it is a great car...

I am a big fan of diesel engine vehicles... Awesome torque and fuel economy... The problem is that not all gas stations have diesel pumps and not all mechanics can work on a diesel engine...

Your best bet? Finding a VW "lover/ freak"... Your chances of success? IMHO, more difficult than average...

Thanks Rowdy.

It is gasoline and on STT. It has been given much love through the years and has about 90thousand miles on it (though only about 2 thousand island miles or so). Never had a problem with it and it gets good fuel economy. Brand new tires on the front and climbs hills like a champ.

Thanks again for the input. I checked to see cost of shipping to Ft. lauderdale, and it looks like it would be about $1000 when all is said and done. I may try my hand at selling it before we leave. Will clean her up, post some pics in the classified and island trader ASAP. Anyone who sees this that might be interested (or know someone who might be interested) please send a PM.

Many thanks.

Lots of people drive manual transmissions here due to the steep hills and prefer them to automatics. I do.
The Volkswagon used to be the car of choice here in the islands many years ago.

Ask your mechanic what he thinks.
I am sure parts are available and he may even know someone that may wish to buy it.

You can also try advertising in the Island Trader as well as on Craig's List where you can post a picture.
You can also post on the classifieds section here.

i sold a stick shift with no problem. they do suck on island though

Actually no, a lot of people prefer stick shift vehicles because of the steep hills and fuel economy. But that is as long as the buyer can drive a stick shift. It's surprising today how many people can't operate a stick shift car or truck because they have never tried. I got my first drivers license when I was 16 in St. Thomas driving a 1970 Ford F100 which was a stick shift with gear shift on the steering column. Boy was that fun............:S

i bought my first car, was a stick and at the time i did not know how to drive. had a total of 3 stcks shifts and never want another one. but you are right, everyone should know how to drive one

I learned on a stick and have always owned and operated vehicles with a stick shift.
If I had to drive long distances in traffic in the states, I would probably opt for an automatic but the stick shifts are better on our steep hillsides.

I actually learned on a VW which was the car of choice here in the 60's and 70's.
I had to drive an automatic for a couple weeks when I was getting my 1997 PU refurbished, just recently and had to remember not to use my left foot for anything. Glad to have my truck back!

...had to remember not to use my left foot for anything.

That brings back memories. I used to drive stick. One day I was driving an automatic, I had to brake suddenly, and my left foot lunged for the imaginary clutch.

Many years ago, stick cars did get better gas mileage and were slightly better driving up a hill... That is no longer the case... Now most automatic cars have 6 forward gears, some as many as 8 gears, and soon we will get 9 and 10 gear automatics... Add to that the CVT (Constantly Variable Transmission), the dual clutch automated transmission (aka PDK in german cars), and the stick cars do not stand a chance... With stick cars, and I mean affordable cars, the most you can get is 6 gears... Only 2 cars have 7 gear stick transmission: The new Porsche 911 and the new Stingray Corvette...

Look at the EPA ratings on most cars, and they have better millage ratings with the auto transmission... with as many gears or more, and with a computer doing the shifting, automatics do the trick...

Same with the power, more gears, better torque multiplication...

The locals love Hondas with a stick and they are much in demand. German cars with a stick...not so much.