Volkswagen Jetta 2005 and earlier

anonymous02

"...I spend $25 to get the best oil for my TDI....it's stays there for 10k."

You mean 10,000 MILES??????

Or ten kilometers?

Assuming 10,000 MILES!!!! Are you nuts?

I'd rather use the cheapest walmart oil I could find and change it every 2,000 miles. You have clean, fresh oil without contamination. Do you think it stays free of contamination after even 3,000 miles which is the normal interval for most cars?

fish8

YES!! Oil lasts much longer than 3,000 miles. It is probably good for over 7-8K miles. Synthetic is easily good for over 10K miles. Consumer reports conducted a test with NYC cabs and it showed that the engines were not harmed by extended oil changes. Also, it pointed out that most all oils are the same as long as it had the star burst on the oil container.

Do you really believe that oil NEEDS to be changed every 3,000 miles. I truely believe that that is a come on that dealers, quick lube joints and oil companies use to increase profits. Follow the manufacturers recommendations and you will be safe. I do not know of many car companies that tell you to change at 3K. Unless you drive under bad conditions.

moparbad

1st oil change is at 5,000 miles and second is at 10,000 miles and then it is at 20K, 30K and every 10K beyond that. This is using synthetic which is required for TDI. VW recommended interval is as stated above every 10,000 miles after the initial 10,000 miles. It would be nuts to change the oil every 3,000 miles and using cheapest oil would not meet warranty requirements. Numerous oil analysis has proven that the oil is good for more than 10,000 miles. This is based on actual science and not opinion.

protege_fan

Does the TDI come factory filled with synth? If so, what kind?

What do the 1.8T and 2.0 come with and do they just require conventional "dino" oil?

fish8

I have not seen where it states to use synthetic for the 10K oil changes. Where did you read that?
BTW: this is for the 2.0 engine.

blueguydotcom

MB, Porsche and a host of other makes now have people driving 10-15-20k on an oil change and the CAR informs the driver when it's time to get another change.

vocus

I run dyno oil in my 1.8T, and change it every 5000 miles, as recommended by my owner's manual. Changing the oil every 3K is a waste of money and resources, as well as time. Just a gimmick by quick lube places to make money.

vocus

Moparbad is talking about the TDI engine. It requires synthetic, I think, because it's a diesel engine. You can run 10K+ on synthetic.

zalaly

i am planning to buy a car soon, i am seriously considering VW Jetta 1.8T,i wanna know if i should wait for the 2003 model, i really hate to buy it now and then in few months there is a new model ...does anybody know anything about the 2003 and is there a site where i can find ?
thanks

blueguydotcom

check vwvortex.com They have a full run down on the changes for the 2003 model. Basically the sunroof will come with the GLS and you can get a 1.8T with the GL in 2003. A few other minor changes...

8u6hfd

The recommended oil is 5w40. Try finding that viscometrics in conventional oil.

Anakin

I suppose you have a choice... a few more things come standard on the 2003's, but the Jetta will remain mostly the same. No new bodystyles or anything.

You might be able to get a decent discount on a 2002 since dealers will be wanting to make room for the new cars.

fish8

My wifes 2002 Chevy Tahoe has an on board computer that monitors when the oil needs to be changed. The owners manual states to change the oil every 12 months if the monitoring system does not tell you to change the oil within that time period. I am considering letting the car go until the computer tells us to change the oil, but I will have to wait and see what time frame that will be.

vocus

My dealer told me there was like $1200 dealer cash to move the 2002 VW models when I went there about 2 weeks ago. Worth a shot to get a 2002, since there will be no significant changes for the 2003 model year. One good thing though, ESP (electronic stability program) will become an option on all Jetta models. A really useful feature to have, I think.

afryar

I think the radio has been redesigned too. It's got a bigger display (possibly standard CD player?)... It fills up the center console a little more. Aside from that, no interior or exterior changes that I know of. Is the VR6 or 1.8 getting dual exhausts (like the new A4)? When I say dual exhaust, I mean different than the current side by side design.

chmeeee

The stereo change was a mid-year change for the 2002s, mine has the larger display with tape deck and CD player.

vocus

Yeah, the new larger radio was a mid-year 2002 change.

vocus

I started my car this morning to come to work, and the temperature light started flashing, complete with buzzer. Since the car was still cold, I thought it could be the coolant low. I wasn't sure, so I read the owner's manual. Turns out that's what it means. I learn something new every day with this car, it seems. The dealer really didn't go over the car with me as well as he should (he didn't even know the thing had an exterior trunk lock!). I guess that's why he isn't employed at the dealership any longer.

A note: You have to use that "pink" Dexron (I think it's called) coolant. If you use the regular green stuff, it will "poison" the cooling system and you will have to have it flushed out.

chmeeee

Do you have a leak? You might want to take a look around under your car, that could be a pretty irritating problem if it persists.

anonymous02

"YES!! Oil lasts much longer than 3,000 miles. It is probably good for over 7-8K miles. Synthetic is easily good for over 10K miles."

Sure, the oil might be OK, but what about all the contaminants now in there? Particles which cause wear on your engine?

vocus

I never really check under the hood, I know I should. So I will have to keep a watch on the coolant level. Does the car use coolant normally though? Just wondering. It's been really hot here (like 90-100 for 2 weeks straight), and I have been using the AC all the time. Maybe this has something to do with it, not sure. I will have to keep an eye on it though. Thanks for the tip.

fish8

Oil can handle contaminants for well over 3K miles. Do you really think manufacturers would recommend oil changes at 5K or 7.5K miles if the oil was not still effective?

soupnazi

In deciding what to do with your oil changes, remember that dirt is far less of a consideration than the issue of an oil's characteristics as it ages in an engine. Clean oil is not necessarily good oil. The reason why longer intervals are being recommended now is directly linked to a more efficient combustion process and a increased ability of the piston rings to seal the chamber (closer tolerances, etc.) as compared to older engines. These two factors lead to less gasoline in the oil. The more gas that gets dissolved in the oil, the lower it's ability to protect the engine. Large amounts of gas in the oil lead to lowering boiling points and vaporization points. This is the essential argument between dino vs. synthetic oil. Synthetic won't volatilize like dino will, thus it's better equipped to protect your engine. 2000 mile change intervals with a bad oil is doing you no favors. Oil needs to resist vaporization to properly protect an engine. Dirt has virtually nothing to do with it.

nixer

Have been researching 02/03 Jetta 1.8 T and performance seems to be there. But, based on posts from this site and others (car research) I am beginning to have doubts about its reliability. Stories of the car stopping for no reason, warning lights coming on, window regulator failure, interior parts falling off, rattles, and a generally poor support from the dealers have made be wonder. Am I overreacting or just only seeing the relatively "few" problems that I may incur?

Thanks

fish8

I have had my Jetta for 2 months and almost 2300 miles. I have had no problems other than interior creaks (door) and some dash rattles. No mechanical failures. One comfort I have is VW's 4 yr/50,000 mile warranty. My dealer experience so far has been good.

chmeeee

I have had mine for a month and 3100 miles, and have had no problems whatsoever. The problem with this type of board is that everybody with any kind of problem is going to come here to complain and to ask for advice, whereas you won't so much see the people that are problem free every day. I think the Jetta is a great car, you should definitely go for it. If you are looking for performance, the 1.8T is great. Dont leave the TDI out though just because you see the low hp number. The torque in that is great, and 700 miles per tank makes the small loss in acceleration more than worth it. Before I drove the TDI, I was in the market for a 1.8T Jetta or a Ford SVT Focus, but I realized that the money savings was more than worth the small sacrifice. Good luck, whatever your decision!

anonymous02

"In deciding what to do with your oil changes, remember that dirt is far less of a consideration than the issue of an oil's characteristics as it ages in an engine."

BS! Dirt is what causes friction and wear!! It doesn't matter that your oil itself is fine and not broken down if it is carrying crud around with it.

"...Clean oil is not necessarily good oil."

But it is better than dirty oil.

"...won't volatilize like..."

"volatize"? Is that even a word?

"2000 mile change intervals with a bad oil is doing you no favors."

Sure it is. It is a lot less expensive. Where's the harm?

"Dirt has virtually nothing to do with it."

Virtually being a key word there. Dirt has a lot to do with it, just not everything.

Anakin

On a message board, you're going to hear a lot of complaints because misery loves company.

I've had my '02 1.8T since September of last year, with a little over 15000 miles, and no problems at all.

If you're really worried about reliability, go buy a Honda and worry no more. I used to own a Honda V6 Accord Coupe, and after test-driving the Jetta, there was no contest. I was a little worried about the risk of reliability too, but I decided that the 4/50k warranty would be my peace of mind. Haven't had any issues so far.

Good luck.

protege_fan

Sure you're gonna hear bad, but you'll also hear good. Or is there some universal equation I'm missing out on like:

"bad you'll hear"=2.5 x "the amount of good you'll hear"

soupnazi

I assure you that volatilize is a word, and there are dictionaries online if you're interested in learning what it means. You are correct though that dirt causes wear. Not as much as most people would think though. Where does dirt come from? The outside air. To get into the oil is has to go through the air filter, into the intake, through the valves, past the rings, into the oil. It then has to get past the oil filter or it gets stopped. 2 filters. Filter size is generally "microns", which means 1/100,000th of a meter. Pretty small. Engine tolerances are hundredths or thousanths of an inch. Much larger compared to filter pore size. Most "dirt" doesn't make it past the filters. If dirt was such a concern, why not just drain oil out of the car, put it through a filtration process and put it back in the same engine? Because gas is still in there, diluting the oil. Can't get it out with a filter. Most dirt is smaller in size than the manufacturing gaps in the engine, but I'm sure you knew that. Gas dissolved in the oil, diluting it, reducing the boiling/vaporizing point is far more important than dirt. If you sleep easier at night because you do 2000 miles on your Hy-Vee brand oil between changes, fine. Clean, crappy oil is not protecting your engine against the oil volatilizing.
What is the most damaging time for an engine? Start up, due to metal/metal contact. I suppose that your engine has never worn on startup because no dirt has managed to get to moving parts yet. When you put crappy oil in an engine and subject it to high heat and pressure, it will vaporize . When it does this between wear points, you're left with absolutely no protection at the point of metal to metal contact. That's bad. This is why I have said what I said. The word virtually was intentionally put in my post because the relationship of these two factors depends greatly on oil type, viscosity, temperature, pressure, driving style, etc. It's not BS but in fact, the truth. Just cause you can't see it don't mean it's not there. Smell the oil as it comes out of the engine and tell me there's not gas in it. Tell me it's as thick as it was when it went in. Just ain't true.
Finally, being an oil chemist for a number of years lends itself to learning this type of information. I only posted it to help those who want to know. Don't believe me, fine. Continue believing the world is flat if it makes you feel better. Lord knows if I posted everytime I thought something you said was BS I'd never get anything done.

vtripicchio

Has anyone experienced a "high-pitched squeak" when driving over bumps? I have an '02 gls and am experiencing this mentioned squeak when i hit certain bumps. It sounds like it is comming from the front of the car near the wheel wells....Any help/remedies would be appreciated...it goes to the dealer next week for this noise, but i am attempting to avoid the "Can't duplicate noise routing from the dealer"

hoodornament

Hey man,

Had the same EXACT problem in the same exact spot with my Passat right (not long after I bought it). Brought it to the dealer, and it turns out the some nut/bolt/something was loose up in the front of the car . They contend that when it was built, the technician simply did tighten it as much as it should have been. Who knows, maybe the tech was out drinking the night before. They tightened it at the dealer, havent heard a single squeak since, I am 90% sure you have the same problem because what the hell else could it be ??
Good luck man,
HO

justin

what is this window falling in the door nonsense? who does that to their own car? and why?

blueguydotcom

The 99 and 00 Jetta's had a MAJOR problem with window regulator failures. Essentially the windows would inexplicably fall into the doors. The frequency of 01 and 02 complaints about this issue is quite low. VW actually fixed a common problem area!

colorado_kid

Just wanted to thank you for the last post on the oil and the word "volatilize".

You beat me to the punch.... my friend! ;-)

vocus

The Golf loaner car that I drove had the window problem. I was driving, and the window just went down by itself, like I had pushed the button or something. It didn't fall, crash, or anything like that. Do the windows usually fall into the door quickly or something? Just wondering.

BTW, the Golf loaner was a 2001 with 10K miles on it.

mdaffron

You'd better check with VW. They may say going through a gallon of coolant every 1,000 miles is NORMAL ...

Meade

kyleknicks

it's so funny to hear about this window regulator failure problem on jettas.... my gf has a 01 wolvie so I been keeping tabs on this board for awhile now... the other day driving on the street, I saw a late model jetta, not sure what yr.. probably 01 or 02, and guess what I saw? The driver side front window had these 5 or 6 big gray strips of contractor tape on it.. taping it up to the doorframe... im not entirely sure it's the window regulator..but when I saw it.. that's the first thing that came to mine..and it sure looked like the tape was holding up the window.... just thought I would share...

protege_fan

Yeah I saw a guy driving his Jetta around with a big clear plastic bag taped around his window.

Not sure if it was from the window falling into the door, but I thought about it b/c of what I've read here.

justin

that is a really crappy window issue. how can it be that only certain people have the problem though? i have had TWO Jettas, no window issues.

Lucky I guess.

vocus

No window problems with my car yet, either. (fingers crossed).

When I had the Golf loaner, it was like 100 degrees outside. Damn straight, I got a trash bag from the kitchen at work and taped it around the passenger window for the 35-mile drive back to the dealership. I stopped at the gas station about 1/2 mile from the dealer and pulled off the bag, then told them what happend at the dealer when I got there. They were like, "oh yeah, that happens". All nonchalant about it. I love it. :0

vocus

You mean VW would say my car leaking coolant would be normal, like the Mazda rep told me they never heard of my transmission problem and could not fix it? Or like Mazda told me the radio in my car was defective, yes, and it made the battery drain, yes. But they could not replace it because THEY had to see the radio not working?

Just wondering if it's the same kinda thing going on. If so, then I guess Mazda taught me how to deal with that situation.

protege_fan

You guys have 2002's right? It sounds like the window clip problem occurs more frequently in Jettas that are 2001 and older.

protege_fan

Is your car leaking coolant now? I thought you said something to the effect that it was being "used."
Have you noticed leaks under your car?

vocus

Justin's other Jetta was a 1999 model, supposedly the worst year. He never had problems with it though, he said. Yeah, both our cars are 2002s now. And both the same, except I have 17" wheels and white/black, and he has 15s and silver/grey.

vocus

I didn't say it was leaking. I said the temp light flashed yesterday (VW's "low coolant" warning, according to the owner's manual). I had to put some in. I was wondering if the car "used" the coolant since 10K when it was (supposed to be) refilled during the oil change. I looked under the car the past day or so, and no leaks.

protege_fan

Oh...sorry. I read:
"You mean VW would say my car leaking coolant would be normal..."

And I took that to mean your car WAS leaking coolant. Sorry.

pat

This is NOT the "beat up a former Protege owner" topic. Give it a rest!

If you have genuinely helpful comments about Jettas to contribute to this discussion, you are welcome to do so.

Otherwise, you really need to find something more appropriate to do with your time here in the Town Hall.

Pat
Sedans Host

protege_fan

What do you mean? I know earlier that Vocus had said that he was low on coolant and I thought now he had found that it was leaking. I was seriously curious....I wasn't trying to "beat him up" as you may have thought.

pat

I'm not just talking to you -- we all know this has been going on for a long time, and I guess I am telling you all that I am at the end of my straw on this.

The subject here is the Jetta. Talk about the Jetta and stop talking about each other. The obvious pleasure that some of you are taking in picking on a certain Jetta owner is not appropriate and I am insisting that it stop now.

Take it off-line if you want to pursue it -- with him OR with me.

Thank you.

Pat
Sedans Host