>checking out cars in the 5-7,000 dollar range >see a few

depends where are u from

In the US, you have like a 50-50 chance of getting one that has no problems and you'll probably love it in that case.
If you're unlucky enough for that to not be the case, you'll have problem after problem after problem and you'll end up hating the fucking thing.

mine has been fine, except the weird electrical quirks (doors lock multiple times)

>>16498599
The US
>>16498603
Thats pretty horrifying t b h
Also
>all these 100,000+ mile salvage/rebuilt titles going for 5,000 plus

What the fuck is wrong with these people?

>>16498584
Mexican built ones are the problem children. If you get one of the German built ones you should be fine. It's just a matter of quality control, really.

My 2009 GTI hasn't had any issues aside from age stuff so far. Only had to redo the headliner because it was sagging, and change one factory part that had the potential to give me trouble. It obviously hadn't given either of the previous owners trouble.

>>16498584

If you're US - stay away from 'local' Mexico lines like the plague or import from Europe.

If you're Europe - they are great unless you care about emissions.

>>16498584
Put the vin in a decoder, if it say Germany buy it.

fuck