Used Cars: 2000 volkswagen, volkswagen jetta, good cars

Question
Hi Jay
how are you doing
My name is Gabi and i'm looking for buying a used car and i found this car it's 2000 Volkswagen Jetta 198k mi it's in excellent shape out/in but what i'm worried about is the number of milage the car has been driven. 198k miles, also after I test drove it, it seems like the car is not very comfortable changing gears. I hear a loud sound for the engine when I drive only 60 mph. the rpm goes up to 3000 rpm.
comparing to other cars, honda '97 for example that I own, it seems much more comfortable on the highway with much lower sound of the engine.
what surprised me the most and made me hesitate buying it is the loud engine sound.
another minor problem I've faced is a slight vibration with the driving wheel soon as I hit the brakes.
I don't know if it's the abs system or not.
so please help me have better knowledge in that.
the dealer is asking for 2500 after negotiation.
he also provides me a warranty of 7 months for $99.00 from the Volkswagen itself covering the engine and the transmission only.
so what do you think?


Answer
Well I have always said, if you are not comfortable buying a used car...DONT!
And if this was a higher price car, i would tell you not to do it.
But when you are talking about cars that are $3000 and under, you get what you pay for.  Volkswagens are really, really, good cars, and have a reputation for going a long, long, time.  What you are feeling could be something wrong, but it could also be just how they are.  Volkswagens are in their own world as for the way they are built, and ultimately how they ride and drive, totally different from domestics, and even hondas and toyotas.  I would try to get a mechanics opinion, because, if i could drive it, I could tell you, but I cant from here, and you need somebody with knowledge to tell you if it is normal or not.  The warranty would give me a lot of piece of mind, but Powertrain warranties sometimes dont cover stuff like they appear.  Dont compare it to the Honda, cause they are totally different vehicles in every since of the meaning.  I would definetly get the warranty for that price.  Volkswagens are really good cars, but only if they are taking care of.  It sounds like there may be a transmission issue, but I would highly advise you to get a mechanic to drive it for you.  And even if he says it is ok, get the warranty.