97 VW Cabrio rough idle and cut off (long story but help a girl out please)

Why do want to save this car? How many miles are on it? I had a VW Rabbit and it was a maintenance nightmare, VWs are just not good cars. I had two VWs and they were problem cars. I thought I'd give them another chance after my 1970 VW, but, even though the Rabbit was a liquid cooled engine, it didn't make any difference. Now, your problem, it kind of sounds like a blown head gasket, did your car overheat? It's interesting that you said it didn't overheat from radiator problems, but, it could have still have overheated. Otherwise, why all the white smoke? And, how much are you willing to put into a 1997 car? Even if you repaired everything, you'd have to keep the car for several more years to get your money's worth from this. And, you might be in for a rough ride while it goes through some of these problems. It's just a thought, but, you need to consider a cracked block and damaged water jackets. These jackets are the circulatory system inside your engine and if they get clogged, it will not properly cool your engine. There's nothing worse than a hot and overheated engine. Honestly, if I were you I would consider getting a Honda, Toyota or Subaru, but not Nissan. Nissan makes terribly inconsistent cars, stay away from them. Good luck.

Most of us on here,are here because we have a car that we like and is kind of unique.Plus the fact they aren't made any more makes an even better reason some of us love our VW Cabrio's.For you to give advice to someone looking for help figuring out what is wrong with their car,advising them to get another car.Well to me you are defeating the purpose of this forum.Especially since most of us here have VW's because we Love VW's.Besides buying a rebuilt motor is still cheaper than anew car.And I for one would rather drive my MK III Cabrio with a rebuilt motor than a Honda,Toyota,Subaru,or even a Nissan.And the main reason is,I can't get into the "Bug Out" in Manassas VA.If I'm driving anything other than a Volkswagen.You may have a bad experience with your VW,but most of us that own them, Love our Volkswagens.

Also if she has the 2.0 in her car they are everywhere.Any Golf or Jetta engine will drop right in.You can find them on eBay for 3 or 4 hundred dollars.Or places like Crazy Ray's in MD.If I liked my car I wouldn't get rid of it just because I needed a motor.Not trying to be difficult or anything,just saying. (o\_I_/o)