Here's my dillema: I found 2 cars that have my interest, but I'm not sure on their quality or common problem history. Anyway, if I could just get some advice on whether to buy either or neither, that would be great. Here's the best deals that I found near me...

Volkswagon Jetta GLS (2000)
5 Spd, MT
94,712 milage

The guy's selling for roughly 6,000.
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Then theres the other option:
Mitsubish Eclipse GS (1998)
5 Spd, MT
The guy's selling for 5,500, and yet he doesnt show how much milage is on the car...
I also heard that these cars are known for self-destroying their camshafts, but I love the looks...

But anyway, if you have advice for either of those, or if you have a suggestion of a different car, feel free to tell me.

Well, I hate both with a passion, but Jetta is the better option IMO. Eclipse is kinda hit or miss but i see much more problems with those cars rather than Jettas.

Don't bother with the usually not so good reliability of the DSMs unless it's a GSX.