I'm going to be checking out two cars today:
The first is a 2004 Toyota Echo, with just under 200K on it.
The other is a 2013 VW Jetta with 154K on it.
I've already done VIN checks, and they're both just 1 previous owner. What are some key things I should look for when checking out these cars (especially the Echo). I'm literally just looking for a good daily driver, I bought a new family car (a '16 Odyssey), I just need something that runs and will typically just be driving me the backroads to work (30 miles/day arguably). I've been diving in on VW Jetta's and obviously they're middle of the road compared to other counterparts, and the Echo's obviously didn't stick around for too long.
Do you have recommendations that are $5K or under? I’m trying to nab something with cash only, but I know in this economy it’s hard to come by.
It's tough to find anything in that price range unless you get lucky. Best bet would be an older Toyota or Honda product rather than a newer VW. I'd have concerns about the Echo's continued viability though at its current age and mileage despite being made by Toyota.
If you search the board here and Scotty's videos you'll find that VWs do not age well at all, they tend to become endless money pits.
The problem with the Echo is that it's a 20 year old economy car with high mileage that is very likely at or near the end of its service life. I'd hold out for a Corolla or Civic.
Do you have recommendations that are $5K or under? I’m trying to nab something with cash only, but I know in this economy it’s hard to come by.
You can watch Scotty's reviews and see what suits you in that price range
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/vid-review/vehicles-reviwed-by-scotty/
What engines?
Echo:
1.5 L 4-cylinder
Jetta:
2.0L 4 cylinder
It's probably 1NZ-FE. Perhaps this will interest you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgZv4ZLCm-8
https://www.motorreviewer.com/engine.php?engine_id=170
Regarding VW I agree with @chucktobias
Toyota is way better made than any modern Volkwagen. The Echo is a subcompact, washing machine type of car. As @chucktobias said, it's probably nearing the end of its life. The other is Jetta that's 11 years old, and very few people know how to work on them, which automatically jacks up a good mechanic's prices. They aren't "Folk's Wagons" (the literal translation from German) anymore. Go for a Toyota Corolla, they run forever and you don't have kids competing to drive them. Civics are a lot more "sporty" than Corollas.
Toyota Echo hands down!
Any Volkswagen product made within a 20 and/or 30 year range are junk and wouldn't advise anyone to have one.
Have a mechanic check out the Toyota first if you're still wanting to get that vehicle. I'd say it's a decent option despite how cheap the quality is on the rest of the vehicle.
Take a look at the answer of @justin-shepherd about Echo