Volkswagen Jetta 2005 and earlier

protege_fan

There's a difference because the seats are generating heat. In the winter, the outside (ambient) temperature is much lower than the heat that the seat heaters generate, therefore, you feel the heat from the seats.

I'm guessing that the seat heaters work off some sort of temperature regulator. Therefore, for example, setting 1 would make the seat heat up to 15 C, setting 2 to 20 C, setting 3 to 25 C, etc, etc.

If the air temperature is already above the temperature that the seat is creating, you will likely not feel the difference.

galogvi

Straight from http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/central2.cfm

Year: 2002 Make: VOLKSWAGEN Model: JETTA Recall Date: 02/04/2002

 

Type of Report: Vehicle

Potential Number of Units Affected: 55000

Manufactured: 10/2000 - 09/2001

Defect Summary:

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SHORT CIRCUITS CAN OCCUR WITHIN THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS).

Consequence Summary:

THIS CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Corrective Summary:

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS CONTROL UNIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 8, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

blackjetta18t1

my heated seats are the same, only on 5 as are my cousins. It's crap I know but I also told VW, and they said, "operating per manufactueres specs....) I don't mind that much cause I have it on 5 anyway but it gets hot and I'd like it a lil more subtle, but my friend yearns for my seats, his Saab's heated seats got nothing on the Jetta... Anyway, I have more serious problems with my car(knocking sound, warped rotors, electrical issues, etc)

fish8

What is the resiviour (sp) in between the windsheild washer fluid container and the coolant. It looks like the power steering fluid resiviour. I looked in my owners manual and can't seem to find it mentioned. I looked at the dip stick and it is at the minimum mark and want to raise it to full, but I'm not sure what it is. Please help!! By the way...I have the 2.0 engine. Thanks

cfilkins

Just picked up my 2002 GLS 1.8T the other night. Gotta keep the wife under control with the gas pedal - 2nd gear seems to be where the action is at and she's got a habit of laying on the gas pedal...anyhow, my salesperson as well as the head mechanic said 89 octane is totally acceptable to run, even though the label on the cap says 91 octane. Any experiences? I was told to never put in anything less than 89. Thanks!

heyowen1

What do you all recommend to clean and condition the leather interior? (I have a 2002) Thanks!

sarah233

i have just been using turtle wax emerald cleaner/conditioner, but i am planning on buying some lexol, cleaner and separate conditioner.

rlui1

I've been putting 87 into my 2002 1.8T GLS and it runs fine. Power feels the same as with the 91 octane but I lose 1-2 MPG but that's okay since 91 is too darn expensive.

Regarding the recall, thanks to all for the info.! My wife took our Jetta in but she didn't know what they did to it.

blackjetta18t1

lexol is good stuff for the leather

arupsarkar

Hi I actually own a passat however, I just stopped in at this forum and noticed the problem with the seat heaters. I think they're pretty much the same in the jetta and passat. I had the same problem. I had heat on 4 and 5 but nothing on 1, 2 and 3. In fact I had driven all day in the cold with the seat on 3 and didn't even know it. The dealer replaced the switch (5 min job but took 30 mins cause they washed the car) and now I have detectable heat on 1, warm on 2, very warm on 3, hot on 4 and way too hot on 5. The service manager told me that this is a common problem with vw's and that he changes several switches a week. There are numerous postings about this problem on vwvortex.com. I'll bet the switch is your problem.

dmgstewart

I just took a test drive in a Jetta GLS 1.8T with the stock suspension. I was quite surpised at how soft the suspension seemed - it felt like I was bobbing around somewhat, particularly when accelerating from a stop or braking at stop lights. Has anyone else noticed this?

Does the sports suspension clear that up, or at least greatly improve it???

Thanks,

Mike

fish8

Can someone please answer post 5356? I know it is not the most interesting question, but I really want to know what the resiviour between the washer fluid and coolant is.

Any assistance would be appreciated. Thanks

fish8

I contacted my dealer about this and they did not give me a very positive response. So, I am wanting further confirmation......

vocus

I think what you are talking about is either power steering fluid or brake fluid.

blueguydotcom

The stock suspension is horrendously Buick-like. The sports suspension with the 17s feels MUCH better. Add in a 28mm swaybar and the car feels excellent.

vocus

Those 17s don't feel good when they have to be replaced. The cheapest price I could find (on one of them that I split open on a curb) was $212 installed.

I wanna add the stabilizer bar to my car this summer sometime. I will probably just get someone to do it, because I don't have the room at home (I live in the city) to do the work. I also am not very mechanically inclined either.

justin

my advice:

move on to the next car. the Jetta is probably not "up your alley" unless you want to spend cash on modifications. the Jetta has a very composed and comfortable ride with or without the sport suspension. if you are looking for flat cornering or want to "feel the road", i would suggest a WRX (if you can handle the looks of the exterior and the cheapness of the interior).

it really all depends on what your priorities are. but again, the Jetta is about safety, style, and substance. decent handling is part of the package, but sports car handling isn't in VW's vocab right now

vocus

If you get the car with the 17s and sport suspension, it's an excellent handler by just adding the ~$300 rear Neuspeed bar, as a couple people on this forum have. You can even get the sport suspension as a separate option, but then would have to either order the 17s from the dealer (and they are pretty expensive), or buy aftermarket wheels.

justin

yes, you and I think that the Jetta handles just fine for our needs. and for most people, it is considered a nimble and tight handling car. but you can pretty much bet that someone that test-drives a base Jetta, and complains about the handling of an already decent handling car, is looking for a car that handles exceptionally. and for now, VW doesn't play in that field. and that doesn't mean anything bad. it just means that this guy (or girl) wants more than the average VW consumer.

but yes, he could get a Jetta with the sport suspension and then spend more on an aftermarket accessory. depends on if he wants to buy the car "perfect" from the dealer, or if he enjoys "modding his ride"....;)

vocus

I got the car with the sport suspension and the 17s, and the car still has a little too much body lean when cornering for me. My Protege didn't lean as much, but also its grip wasn't as good either (it had smaller tires though). I wanna add the rear Neuspeed bar this summer sometime, to see the results of it.

vocus

I picked up my car after 5 WEEKS (4 which they worked on the car, 1 that it sat because I was out of town), and it still is NOT right! I am taking it back one more time, and they ordered 2 parts for it. I also have to get the lights behind my climate controls fixed, because they went out. So if they do not get it right this time, I might have to go through the whole choice of color thing again. Definitely going to be a wagon this time, for the simple reason that they are built in Germany and not Mexico.

justin

i like those wagons a lot!. they are nice looking. get it in that gold/beige color. that is sharp! i wish the sedan would have come in that color (mojave beige).

we will miss you! does the Jetta Wagon forum have lots of participants yet?

different topic - the interior of the Honda Pilot looks pretty nice for a truck

Anakin

The quality control standards are the same in Mexico as they are in Germany.

The base Jetta suspension is NOT "decent handling." My wife's 1995 Accord handles better. The base Jetta suspension gives Buick a run for their money. :^P

blueguydotcom

Go read the edmunds shootout (http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/comparison/articles/61394/page015.html). The Jetta with the 17s and sport suspension pulled 64.1 mph on the slalom. Not a huge number but right in the thick of things with most of the other competitor (excluding the MP3/SE-R). 0-60 (7.2) it won hands down. The quarter mile it took too 15.6@90. And nearly one for braking (122 ft). Compare that to the WRX's (http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadtests/roadtest/46122/page002.html) 64.5 slalom, 6.4 0-60, 14.9@90 1/4 mile and 115 ft braking.

Is the WRX a better performer? Sure, but it's more expensive and as you've pointed out far less luxurious. One simple $225 mod, a Neuspeed 28mm sway transforms the handling yet again.

I say if he wants luxury and some sport for about 22k, the Jetta 1.8T is great choice.

justin

You don't have to sell me on the Jetta. I have one and I love it. My expectations are that the car will handle. It does.

BTW, I have always thought the Jetta braked very well. The pedal can be tricky to "new" Jetta drivers though.

vocus

It seems that people have more problems with the Mexican built Jettas though. Am I alone in thinking this?

And even if I would go to a wagon Jetta, I would still participate in this forum as well as the Wagons forum.

I am sure they will fix the car right this time though, so I am not really worried about it.

justin

i think it is safe to say that Mexican built Jettas are just as well built as German built Jettas. yours just happens to be giving you problems

like i have always said, you (people in general) just end up trading one set of problems for a different type of problem. your next car might not rattle, but then again, it might stall on a railroad track. yikes!

vocus

Actually, my Cavalier (1996 coupe) used to stall for no reason at all. They never did find out what the problem was with the car. Turns out, I had a friend with the same exact car (only different color), and his did the same thing right before the fuel pump went. I never thought of that.

I am pretty sure I want the wagon anyway, because it's cool to have the space when you need it, and the cars are about the same (exterior) size as well. Also, call me crazy, but I always wanted a car with a rear wiper on it.

My Jetta wagon will be a 1.8T with Sport Luxury, Monsoon, Tiptronic, and Leather Pkg. (same as my sedan). The only thing that will be different will be the color (tornado red, blue lagoon, or mojave beige) in that order. We shall see what happens though.

mseals

Come on guys, lets be real. The Jetta gives you a lot for the price, but reliability doesn't seem to be one of those things. Sure it is getting better, but in reality, it is suppose to get better, do you think that once engineers design a car that they can just sit on their hands until they are required to make the next model. NO!, the must continue to make that car better (i.e. reliable), find a way to make the car cheaper or more efficient manufacturing as the automakers would like to call it. The Jetta isn't the best in reliability. So what, there are tons of cars out there that aren't. In saying that, there has to be some cars that are better and some that are worse. The interesting thing is the JD Powers just came out with their survey numbers and GM, that is right folks from go old Motown, ranked 3rd in consumer initial quality behind, Toyota and Honda. Volkswagen was ranked pretty low if I remember correctly, but I think a large part of that was due to dealer service. Remember, that plays a role in this too. I think a large number of people still go to the dealership for maintenance and service. Heck, why pay $15 for an oil change when you can have the dealership do it for $25. They sell the cars, they must know how to service them. I guess the problem is, they don't, or they aren't doing a good job at doing it.

vocus

They actually have. The older Jettas used to have problems with window regulators (that pretty much stopped), the bodyside moldings used to fall off all the time (not now), and the MAF sensors used to go all the time. The MAF thing still happens, but the price of the part has been dramatically reduced now.

As far as service, VW is the best I have experienced. I never thought they would be as good as they have been to me since I bought the car. I was totally shocked.

Maybe I just got a bad car, I don't know. But we will find out. At least VW is trying to rectify my situation though, more than I can say with other manufacturers.

Also: Jeep Grand Cherokees are one of the worst vehicles on the road when it comes to reliability, and so are the Cherokees. You had both, right? So there you go.

mseals

Interesting that you pointed out that I had both a Cherokee and a Grand Cherokee. I didn't know that the Cherokee sports weren't good in the reliability department. There was really nothing new about them for a decade pretty much except for maybe updates to the 4x4 system, which I think is rock solid since it is probably the most simplest there is out on the market. Grand Cherokee is another story. I got my car first year, 99, and they were suppose to have tons of trouble. But guess what, 2 1/2 years and 61k plus miles later, I replaced two tires and pads on the fronts and rears and that was it. The truck always started, the engine never had a problem, and it averaged 19 mpg which to me is incredible for a SUV of that size. You are right though, the reliability on those things was suppose to be attrocious. I kept waiting for something to go wrong, especially since it was my ex-wifes car and she treats cars like crap. Hence the need to replace the front wheels which were bald since she failed to rotate them at all. How can you drive an SUV and not rotate the tires for 61k miles is beyond me, but she did. And then had the nerve to complain about the ride which had gotten bouncy since she was riding on two beach balls up front. Let settle down now and count to 10. Sorry about that tirade, she still gets to me sometimes. The Cherokee Sport was another story. Nothing mechanical really, it is just that the molding on the drivers door came loose and when I opened the door one time, it bent in the rear passenger door which had to be fixed. The molding was only held on by double sided tape, how cheap is that. It came loose again and after than I just made sure that it was always stuck on tightly. So yes, all cars that are rated bad aren't bad. And it doesn't mean that all jetta's will fall apart or even have trouble for that matter. You are right, I think that there are bad cars in every make and model. Man, I would be really mad for the guy who bought a M-B and had lots of problems. And who is to say that the guy with the Cavalier took it back to the dealer for rattles and they said that how it is, tough luck, get out of my face. I drive in my girl friends Cavalier and when we hit a bump, the entire dash bounces up and down. I take the same bump in my civic and all you hear is the change in my change drawer jingle. No rattle, no bounce, nothing. And they say the new Civic is tighter than mine. I can't imagine that, what do you hear when you hit a bump in one of those, the fillings in your teeth chatter?

dmgstewart

Thanks for all the posts about the suspension!

I have to agree that the base car with 15" (?) wheels felt like a Buick! I didn't want to say that in my first post for fear of getting badly singed I also realise that for others, it's just fine, and they're happy as clams with it. This is all very much personal impressions, so no offense intended.

I like the Jetta, and it's in the right price range. So a WRX, Audi, BMW, or the many other cars with top-notch suspension are all out of the question. For example, the cheapest - the WRX - is $5,000 more (Canadian) than a loaded Jetta 1.8T, including the sports suspension package!

So, if the 17" wheels and VW sports suspension improves things, I can probably live with it. Unfortunately, none of the local dealers has one available for test drives

While I'm not big into mods, a moderately priced swaybar sounds like a fairly easy solution if I'm not happy with it still.

Thanks again,

Mike

vocus

Whatever you do, do NOT buy the car without test driving it first. The sport suspension does firm up the ride noticeably, so be warned about that.

justin

where did that rant come from anyway?

is your Jetta giving you problems right now? what is going on with it? have you tried to get it fixed? what year/model Jetta do you have?

pat

The Town Hall is about to take on a new look in an effort to make content more easily searchable and accessible.

Have you seen the Letter from the Town Hall Manager on the Town Hall Welcome page? If not, you might want to follow that link to have a look.

And hang on to your seats. Change is never easy - for any of us - but resolving the Search problems we've had will be worth the pain.

Pat
Sedans Host

Anakin

I was here for the last Town Hall change... it took MONTHS to get it all straightened out.

*sigh*

pica1

After months of looking at wagons, small SUVs and crew cab pickups, I've narrowed my choice down to two wagons: a Jetta or a Subaru Legacy L.

(I know this is the sedan forum, but there doesn't seem to be much activity in the wagon forum and I may be buying in the next week or two.)

Here's where I need your help.

The family budget won't allow me to consider the 1.8 turbo, VR6 or TDI. That leaves the 2.0L. I've read mixed reviews about the engine. I test drove a wagon with it mated to a manual transmission. It's not stunning, but no worse than the 4 cylinder in my Chevy S10. Does this engine really have maintenance issues (burning oil, etc.)?

Speaking of maintenance, are Volkswagons more expensive to maintain than the average car? My wife's last car was a Toyota, which we didn't spend much to maintain and has become the benchmark for maintenance costs.

Thanks for the help!

Mark

vocus

If you are looking for low maintenance costs, you are shopping with the wrong brand. VWs are more expensive to maintain. Also, the 2.0L engine is a total dog in the lineup. It does have oil burning issues, so you heard right.

I hate to have to say it, but if you are between the Jetta and the Legacy wagon, I would definitely go for the Legacy. It gives you more power, more room, AWD, and probably a lower initial price as well.

mseals

I am not sure on the price of the Legacy or even cost of repairs for Sub's, but I believe Vocus is right. The Jetta or Jetta wagon in this instance doesn't seem to be the car for your needs. Repairs are higher but there are lots of cars with higher repairs. I believe from the input from this board, that maintenance is higher as well, and that might now be what you want with a tight budget. If money is an issue, take a look at some of the other cars that come in wagon form. There aren't many, but there are also some new one that have come out that are suprisingly roomy. Toyota Matrix comes to mind and it is much cheaper as well. I believe that the Protege also comes in a wagon of some sort which has gotten rave reviews.

vocus

My dad's family has always had Subaru wagons. They run forever and are very easy to work on. Also cheap to repair, and reliable as well. I would say to go for the Subie.

blackjetta18t1

you don't want the 2.0. It's not that it is a horrible performer because honestly, for 115hps it does pretty well. However it is not refined, burns oil, and loud.

blueguydotcom

Legacy's got more room, better resale, rock solid dependability and it's a darn nice car too.

tmal14

I recently test drove a Jetta and I enjoyed the ride and everything about the car. However from reading posts hear and elsewhere the Jettas seem to have there share of problems. I would like to know if they are as problematic as some people suggest or are most Jettas good cars.

Do the Passats have these problems too, or are they built better since they are from Germany?

As for the warranty I know its for 50,000 miles, but are there any hidden costs or repair the dealer won't honor with the warranty?

Thanks

justin

if you have a family, definitely the Legacy. AWD, and it is a bigger car all around i believe.

of course, like VW, Sub is known for DURABILITY, not neccessarily relibility. just like old Volvo's and VW's, Sub's seem to run forever, but NOT without their time in the shop. hate to burst everyones bubble. that said, the VW could be worse. Ask Paul/Vocus or Mseals. They are having awful problems with their Jettas right now.

but, even being a VW fan myself, i would say, if you are a family man (or woman), go for the Legacy. probably sleep better at night that way too.

as far as the 2.0 liter engine. i would also say no thanks, unless you are getting it in a Cabrio.

pica1

I've driven both the Jetta and the Subaru Legacy. I like them both, in their own way.

Sure, the Legacy has AWD and a reputation for durability. But it's kind of dull, and is missing some of the features I'd like to have.

The Jetta...there's something about the car that makes it tough to ignore it's shortcomings.

When I mentioned the family budget, I was thinking in terms of a monthly payment (I'm not going into a dealership announcing I want to pay X per month). SWMBO and myself don't want to be breaking even every month because of a car payment.

Using Edmunds TMV, I think a Jetta with the 1.8T, cold weather and Monsoon (I don't care for either, but it seems that's what all the 1.8T's come with in my part of Ohio) would fall in the upper range of the budget.

My question: Does most everyone's reliabilty and maintenance concerns stem from the 2.0L engine, or the rest of the car? i.e., if I bought a Jetta wagon with the 1.8T, am I in better shape?

If it helps, the family is myself and the missus, a 3-year-old daugther and another girl who arrives in September.

Thanks, and sorry for the long post.

protege_fan

Try using the Edmunds "True Cost of Ownership" (TCO) that they now have. I believe there's a link off of the main page. See how the different models you are looking at compare. I'm not too sure how accurate they are, but it may help to shape your picture.

blueguydotcom

...A Jetta with a four person brood. My Jetta is fine room-wise when it's just me with friends on the weekend. But daily? No way would I want to deal with the hassle of trying to fit a carseat in the Jetta's cramped interior or forcing my wife to sit in the back of that thing (can you even turn off the front passenger airbag?) while one of the carseats rides shotgun. Putting two babies in the back? Talk about child abuse...

pica1

Michael -- Thanks for the tip on the true cost page. I'll check it out.

Karl -- I don't think I'd EXACTLY call it child abuse. During our test drive, my wife and I took turns driving. The salesman sat in front, and our daughter (in her car seat) sat behind the driver.

The Jetta is a small car, and certainly none of us walked away from the dealership thinking anyone in the back seat would squeeze in a game of handball during a trip. But I don't think putting two car seats in the rear equals child abuse (I see enough actual abuse cases through work to think otherwise).

But you raise a good point about the front passenger seat airbag, although at the moment I can't think of a reason why I'd have my older daughter in the front seat. If the Jetta is still in the running, I'll find out if the bag can be disabled.

vocus

The passenger air bag cannot be disabled.

My best friend has 2 kids, 2 and 3 years old. It's hell when we go out, because I have to squeeze in the two child seats in the back of the Jetta. I am 6'3 though, and like the driver's seat pretty far back when I drive. I have to always move it up one notch from comfortable to accommodate the child seat in the back. Also, the back seat room really stinks. Even my smaller friends complain about it when they ride in my car. Of course, I bought the car because I like it, not to carry people around in it.

With the budget thing, I would say to get the 1.8T engine with no other options if you want. Tell your dealer what you want and if he can't find it for you, then start compromising. I am sure they will be able to locate something to make you happy though. But don't figure the price of the car based on options you might HAVE to buy, figure it on ones you wanna buy.

Lastly, Edmunds' said themselves that their TMV can be off sometimes. You can get a Jetta for about $2-500 over invoice, so work the price up based on that and that alone. Also, deal with dealers through email before even going through the dealership. The internet salesman is apt to give you a better deal than a dealer at the showroom. And email several dealers in your area, go to the one with the best price. Also, don't be afraid to make them compete for your business either.

vocus

The only problems I have had with my car since new (it's 7 months old now, 14.5K- and it's a 2002 1.8T Tiptronic) are workmanship issues. When the dash was installed, it wasn't done right and the clips were broken. The rest of the stuff (pretty much) was a result of the service guys not doing the work right. I did have a dead radio (fuse replaced), and burned out lights behind the climate controls (don't know yet), but nothing really major.

I have a Golf loaner right now (a 2001 with less than 10K on it) because my car's in the shop one last time for them to fix their stupid mistakes. The doors creak pretty badly when hitting bumps in the road, or when the body twists (like going into a parking lot not quite parallel). I was really surprised, and glad I did not get a Golf.